Dreaming of a carefree Florida Keys escape? Traditional family-friendly all-inclusive resorts are rare here, but these waterfront hotels come close with beaches, pools, activities and convenient on-site dining. From Key Largo to Key West, we found the best resorts for families who want maximum vacation fun with minimal planning.
Highlights
- Best for nonstop family activities: Hawks Cay Resort
- Best for a private-island splurge: Sunset Key Cottages
- Best for exploring Key West on foot: Southernmost Beach Resort
Read More: Best Things to Do on Is
Reefhouse Resort and Marina
103800 Overseas Highway Mm 103.8
Key Largo, FL
(305) 453-0000
Located right on Key Largo Bay, the Reefhouse Resort and Marina (formerly Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort) is packed with amenities to give it the feel of an all-inclusive resort in Key West.
SheBuysTravel contributor Gwen Kleist traveled to the resort with her kids and felt there was more than enough to keep the whole family busy. In her words, “This family-friendly Florida Keys hotel had everything my family needs: lots of things to do, great dining options, spacious rooms and waterfront views.”
In addition to its private beach, the resort has a heated outdoor pool as well as its own marina/dive shop where you can rent a boat, kayak or paddleboard. You can also sign up for parasailing, glass-bottom boat tours, diving tours and snorkel or scuba excursions. According to Gwen, “The beach is calm and lovely – perfect for kids – and we especially loved the swim-up floating docks.”
Outside of the water you can rent a bike to take a stroll around the property, play a game of volleyball work up a sweat at the fitness center or get a relaxing massage at the spa. There’s also live entertainment with incredible views at the Tiki Bar. Or, just kick back and take in the breeze from one of the relaxing hammocks or lounge chairs.
Why Reefhouse Resort and Marina is great for families:
- Beachfront location with calm, swimmable waters
- Spacious, comfortable, recently renovated rooms with beautiful views and free wifi
- A wealth of onsite activities keeps kids happy and busy
- Complimentary beach chairs for hotel guests
- Dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry family member
Islander Resort
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 664-2031
Fresh from a major update, Islander Resort pairs a relaxed setting with plenty of ways to keep the family busy. Cool off in the pools, play basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, bocce or PuttTek golf, or borrow bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards.
Many of the activities are bundled into the daily $60 resort fee. It includes one hour of bicycle, kayak and paddleboard use per room for up to two guests, along with self-parking, beach and pool chairs, towels, fishing-pier access and local transportation within 1.5 miles.
The resort also has several places to eat, including beachfront options, plus an on-site Florida Keys History and Discovery Center. Families needing more space can investigate the separate Bayside Villas property, where villas accommodate up to six guests.
Why Islander Resort is great for families:
- Pools and a long oceanfront setting
- Kayaks, paddleboards and bikes included for limited daily use
- Basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, bocce and PuttTek golf
- Local resort transportation and on-site dining
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 664-4651
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Key West that will keep your family active from sun-up ‘till sundown, the Cheeca Lodge and Spa is the place to be.
Located right on the beachfront,Cheeca Lodge and Spa, the Islamorada resort offers a fishing pier, watersports, a nine-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball, pools, a fitness center and a full-service spa.
The seasonal Camp Cheeca for children ages 5–12 includes counselor-led arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, environmental activities, games and outdoor play. On select evenings, the resort offers a fee-based Kids Night Out program that includes dinner, giving parents some alone time to enjoy one of Cheeca’s restaurants.
Accommodations range from standard rooms and suites to larger casitas, making Cheeca a flexible choice for both smaller families and multigenerational trips.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Not all equipment and experiences are included with a stay, so if there’s something you simply must do, confirm with the hotel before you book.
Why Cheeca Lodge and Spa is great for families:
- Seasonal supervised program for ages 5–12
- Golf, racquet sports, fishing and watersports
- Family and adults-only pool areas
- Rooms, suites and spacious casitas availablel
Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd
Duck Key, FL 33050
(866) 347-2675
Hawks Cay Resort occupies 60 acres on Duck Key, roughly midway between Key Largo and Key West. One of our favorite Florida resorts, Hawks Cay is home to a saltwater lagoon, resort pools, marina, fishing charters and the on-site Dolphin Connection, the place to book a dolphin enounter or just watch the animsals from the designated viewing area.
The family experience is getting a major upgrade. Coral Cay Adventure Park is adding waterslides, a splash zone, an arcade, sports areas, creative programming and poolside dining, with new elements scheduled to open in late 2026. Because construction and opening dates can change, check which facilities will be available before you book.
Choose bewteen hotel rooms, suites and larger villas, some with multiple bedrooms and kitchens. Dining includes waterfront Angler & Ale and several casual resort options, although meals and most premium activities are not included in the room rate.
Why Hawks Cay Resort is great for families:
- Pools, saltwater lagoon and full-service marina
- On-site dolphin experiences
- Expanding Coral Cay Adventure Park
- Multi-bedroom villas for larger families
Southernmost Beach Resort
1319 Duval St
Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040
(305) 296-6577
For families looking for an all-inclusive resort in Key West that puts them in the middle of all of the action, the Southernmost Beach Resort is the place to be.
This family-friendly resort has just about everything you need at your fingertips. When you want to splash around and soak up some sun, you can choose from two beaches, three heated pools or a private tanning pier with ocean access. Adults and kids alike will love the private man-made beach with hammocks, refreshments and games such as corn hole, ping pong, board games, coconut bowling and foosball. For the family yogi, there’s also beach yoga twice a week!
Outside of the water, you can keep up your exercise routine at the fitness center, or head to the spa for a massage. There are daily activities and live music to keep everyone on their toes. And when you want to get out and explore, you can have the concierge book you an exciting excursion or tour.
Situated at the end of Duval Street (also known as the island’s “main drag”), the resort is also near several popular attractions, nightlife, restaurants and bars. You can snap a family photo at America’s Southernmost Point, or join the classic Sunset Celebration from Mallory Square. The resort is also just a one minute walk from the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Why Southernmost Beach Resort is great for families:
- Conveniently located to the island’s most popular attractions
- Numerous games and activities for family members of all ages
- Spacious suites and multi-bedroom residences ideal for families
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort
601 Front St
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 809-1234
One of the top-ranked resorts by Conde Nast Traveler, the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort is a tranquil, boutique all-inclusive-style resort with plenty to do for the whole family.
Located right on the water, you can soak up all the sun and sand you want from the hotel’s private beach, dock or waterside deck. There you can also rent a jet ski or jet boat to explore the area by water. The resort also has a year-round swimming pool with aqua yoga classes, 24-hour fitness center and a spa with a nail salon.
My son LOVES turtles and could easily spend part of the day at the hotel’s turtle sanctuary or roasting s’mores at the beach firepit. For the older kids and teens, there’s a 24-hour recreation area with games such as chess, checkers, cards and foosball. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of the resort’s craft-cocktail tastings.
The resort is a short walk from the lively Duval Street, packed with fun shops, restaurants, live music, historic museums and popular island attractions. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of the hotel’s two-hour bike service to tour the island. Or, you can book a charter boat from the hotel dock and explore the breathtaking Key West scenery from the water.
Why Hyatt Centric Key West Resort is great for families:
- Walkable Old Town location
- Heated waterfront pool
- Small beach and waterside deck
- Private balconies in every room
Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel and Resort
2600 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
(844) 209-6758
Located in the town of Marathon, Tranquility Bay Beach House resort is a tropical Florida Keys resort that has something for all family members and ages to enjoy. Marathon is known to be a world-class destination for family vacations, so if you’re looking for the feel of an all-inclusive resort in Key West without sacrificing the fun for the adults or the kids, this is one of the best hotels to choose.
This resort has a 2.5-acre private beach, three sparkling swimming pools. To keep you active, there are a number of on-site water sports to choose from including kayaking, jet skiing, diving, snorkeling or sailing on a Hobie Cat.
The biggest advantage formultigenerational stays is option to stay in a two- or three-bedroom villa. These have separate living areas, full kitchens, washers and dryers and private porches.
Two restaurants and a beachfront bar are available when nobody wants to cook.
Why Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel and Resort is great for families:
- Private 2.5-acre beach
- Three pools, including an adults-only option
- Two- and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens
- Close to Marathon’s top family attractions
Sunset Key Cottages
245 Front St
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 292-5300
Located on an exclusive 27-acre private island reachable via a ferry ride from Key West, Sunset Key Cottages is an all-inclusive-style resort excellent for those looking for a tranquil, family getaway in the Caribbean.
In addition to a pristine and spacious white-sand beach with tropical panoramic views, the resort offers a sparkling zero-entry swimming pool, two whirlpools with waterfall, two tennis courts and spa. Adventurers can give water activities such as scuba diving, parasailing and kayaking a try. Or, rent a private charter to do some deep-sea fishing.
Every morning you’ll wake up to a basket of freshly baked breads and fruit delivered right to your door. Kids and adults alike will have their ears open every afternoon for the bell of “Sweets Served Daily,” where a colorful “conch cruiser” pulls up to serve ice cream and treats.
The resort has one oceanfront luxury restaurant as well as beach and poolside service via the pool bar. However, families who want to do their own cooking during their vacation can arrange for groceries to be pre-stocked with their favorite items before arrival. As a mom of a child with picky taste and multiple food allergies, this option is a lifesaver for me!
And just because you’re on an island doesn’t mean you have to stay there. The resort offers a regular ferry service back to Key West to enjoy all the festivities of Duval Street.
Why Sunset Key Cottages is great for families:
- Secluded private-island setting
- One- to four-bedroom cottages
- White-sand beach and zero-entry pool
- Easy ferry access to Key West
Isla Bella Beach Resort
1 Knights Key Boulevard MM 47
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 481-9451
Located in the family-friendly Marathon, Isla Bella Beach Resort is self-proclaimed as “the Ultimate Resort Destination in the Florida Keys.” With more than a mile of beachfront, tons of activities and spacious oceanfront rooms, you’ll enjoy your family vacation whether in your room or out and about in the resort.
The resortoffers an optional all-inclusive dining plan, a meaningful update for families who want more predictable food costs.
In additionh, this resort boasts several complimentary amenities: five oceanfront pools (including one massive 4,500 square foot pool), spam a state-of-the-art fitness center, bicycle rentals, sunset celebrations, beach yoga classes and mini-golf. The marina offers kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing, scuba diving and harbor cruises.
When you just want to relax, grab one of the complimentary hammocks to take in the ocean breeze. Or, use the Isla Bella telescope to admire the stars at night. You can also book a private charter from the marina for a fishing trip with internationally-renowned fishing expert Captain Jack Carlson.
Rooms include one- and two-bedroom configurations, while the resort’s restaurants range from casual poolside and grab-and-go choices to full-service dining. A current activities calendar lists family programming, which may vary by day and season.
Why Isla Bella Beach Resort is great for families:
- Optional all-inclusive dining plan
- Five oceanfront pools
- One- and two-bedroom accommodations
- Watersports and scheduled family activities
Parrot Key Hotel
2801 N. Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, Florida 33040
(888) 211-0348
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas feels secluded but sits just a few miles from Old Town Key West. Four pools wind through the landscaped property, and families can choose traditional rooms or spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations with private porches, patios or balconies.
The resort’s complimentary Beach Club shuttle runs to Smathers Beach at scheduled times. The service includes transportation, beach chairs and towels; umbrellas and watersports cost extra. Guests can receive discounted advance rates on select activities.
The Grove Kitchen & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and poolside drinks.
Why Parrot Key Resort is great for families:
- Four landscaped swimming pools
- Multi-bedroom family villas
- Scheduled complimentary shuttle to Smathers Beach
- Beach chairs and towels included with shuttle service
Casa Marina Key West
1500 Reynolds Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-3535
The Casa Marina luxury resort completed a full renovation in spring 2024, refreshing its 311 rooms and suites, lobby, dining venues and waterfront spaces. The historic resort now operates as part of
Its standout feature is a 1,100-foot private beachfront—the largest in Old Town Key West. Families can enjoy an oceanfront pool, beach activities and direct access to snorkeling trips, sunset sails, Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards. A second oceanfront pool is reserved for adults.
Dining includes the open-air Dorada restaurant, a lobby bar, grab-and-go items and in-room dining.
As a guest, you also get access to its sister resort, The Reach Key West, with access to even more amenities and activities. For example, you’ll have access to more water sports, a fitness center, life size chess and bocce. There’s also a sparkling pool and access to the only private natural sand beach. It’s like getting two vacations in one!
Why Casa Marina Key West is great for families:
- Renovated rooms and suites
- Key West’s largest private beachfront
- Family pool plus an adults-only pool
- Reciprocal privileges at The Reach Key West
Read More
- Key West with Teens: Adventure, Education and Relaxation
- Best Things to Do in Islamorada in the Florida Keys
- Unwind and Relax at the Perry Hotel & Marina in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in the traditional Caribbean-resort sense. Most Key West and Florida Keys hotels charge separately for meals, drinks and excursions. These resorts include activities through a resort fee or sell optional dining packages. Always check the precise inclusions before booking.
Hawks Cay is the strongest choice for families seeking lots of on-site recreation. Its pools, saltwater lagoon, marina, dolphin experiences and expanding Coral Cay Adventure Park can keep children and teens busy without leaving the property.
Tranquility Bay’s two- and three-bedroom villas have full kitchens, as do many larger villas and cottages at other resorts. Kitchen features vary by room category, so verify the exact unit description before booking.
