The 16 Best Luxury Family Resorts in Florida for an Unforgettable Vacation

1. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

This dreamy property is the largest beachfront resort on Florida’s Panhandle and tops our list of best Destin area resorts. It sits on some of the softest, whitest sand and is one of the Panhandle’s premier full-service beachfront resorts with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. There’s no need to pack up your beach toys and walk a long way to get to the water.

The super large rooms include our favorite family resort feature: bunk beds for the kids!

Water sports on the Gulf at the Hilton Sandestin include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, shelling and dolphin-watching cruises. Or just book a lounge chair on the beach and while away the day enjoying the warm ocean breezes.

Family Amenities at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa:

• Tower guestrooms and suites with bunk beds or sleeper sofas
• Multiple outdoor pools, indoor pool, and dedicated children’s pool areas
• Seven onsite dining venues plus kid-friendly menus
• Beachfront access with seasonal water sports and rentals
• Complimentary resort programming and seasonal family activities
• Onsite parking available (subject to resort policy and fees)

2. Club Wyndham at Majestic Sun

Located on Florida’s gorgeous Emerald Coast, Club Wyndham at Majestic Sun offers fully outfitted one- and two-bedroom condos that can sleep up to eight people. All of the units have a kitchenette or full kitchen and washer/dryer. One-bedroom units have a king bed and queen sleeper sofa. Two-bedroom deluxe units have private bedrooms with a king bed in one room, two full beds in the other and a queen sleeper sofa in the living area, plus a whirlpool tub, dining room, and TVs throughout.

Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, fitness center, activities program, eight tennis courts, bike rentals and gift shop. Parking is available at the on-site garage for a fee.

Family Amenities at Club Wyndham:

• One- and two-bedroom condo-style units with full kitchens and laundry
• Multiple pools and hot tubs
• Fitness center, tennis courts, and bike rentals
• Family-friendly activity programming on select days
• Beach access across Scenic Gulf Drive

3. The Breakers Palm Beach

This Italian Renaissance-style hotel on 140 acres of oceanfront property was built in 1896, so it has withstood the test of time! Located in the heart of Palm Beach, The Breakers delivers luxury at every turn.

In a review of The Breakers, SheBuysTravel contributor R.C. Staab notes that the resort’s Family Entertainment Center is a wildly popular amenity for kids. Other favorite family amenities include childcare, activities for tweens and teens, a family pool and beach.

The Breakers is known for its extensive holiday decor, which makes it a popular family resort for celebrating the holidays.

Family Amenities at The Breakers:

• Four oceanfront pools, including family and adults-only options
• Private beach with watersports including paddleboarding and snorkeling
• Family Entertainment Center with arcade, playground, and mini golf
• Multiple onsite restaurants and seasonal dining experiences
• Bicycle rentals and curated resort activities
• Complimentary local transportation service

4. The Boca Raton

The Boca Raton is stretched across 200 waterfront acres on the Atlantic Ocean just north of Fort Lauderdale. The recently renovated resort has reimagined rooms and suites, new restaurants and an adults-only all-suites hotel in the Yacht Club. There are 7 pools, oceanfront cabanas with butler service, golf, tennis and pickleball. Water sports include surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and banana boat rides.

The Bungalows work great for large families, says SheBuysTravel contributor Maria Smith, mom of four. The 58 two-bedroom suites in the Bungalows have terraces or balconies and a private pool. Some units have washers and dryers.

Family Amenities at The Boca Raton:

• Five distinct hotel experiences including Bungalows and Beach Club
• Harborside Pool Club with lazy river, waterslides, and splash areas
• Banyan Bunch kids program with structured activities
• Teen-focused programming at The Break
• Marina access with water sports and excursions
• Resort-wide transportation including water taxi

5. The Palms Hotel & Spa

Take eco-conscious teens to The Palms Hotel & Spa, which is Florida Green Lodging accredited. This resort “employs a unique emphasis on total wellness, with environmental awareness and health-consciousness at the center of each guest experience.”

The hotel’s 251 newly renovated guest rooms include 141 City View rooms, 28 Partial Ocean View rooms, 78 Oceanfront rooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows overlooking The Palms’ tropical gardens, expansive shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean. SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards has this to say about The Palms Hotel & Spa: “This oceanfront hotel on Collins Avenue has a traditional Florida resort feel with a strong eco twist.”

There’s a heated outdoor swimming pool, expansive pool deck with lounge chairs and sun umbrellas and a Zen Garden with an outdoor Aveda Spa treatment cabana, a meditation circle and a trellis area with rope swings and hammocks.

Family Amenities at The Palms:

• Oceanfront location with direct beach access
• Heated outdoor pool and shaded lounge areas
• Garden pathways leading to private beach setup
• Onsite spa and wellness programming
• Beachfront yoga and seasonal activities
• Eco-conscious design and sustainability initiatives

6. Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort

Located on Florida’s east coast, the 4 Diamond Diplomat Beach Resort has a retro, laid-back luxury feel that’s so welcoming, you won’t want to leave the resort. The property, one of Hilton’s Curio Collection, features two large beachfront pools, plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxing, and direct access to the beach so you can take advantage of all the ocean activities. With six on-site restaurants and a private beach, anything is possible in this beautiful oasis!

SheBuysTravel contributor Lucee Santini notes in her full review of Diplomat Beach Resort that families will really love the two (!) beachfront pools and splash zone.

Family Amenities at The Diplomat:

• Multiple pools including family and infinity-style pools
• Dedicated splash and recreation areas for children
• Seasonal kids’ programming and activity schedules
• Beach access with cabana rentals and watersports
• Onsite dining across multiple restaurants
• Close proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

7. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach

The Acqualina Resort made our list of the best luxury spring break destinations for families. We’re not the only ones who have been impressed by this resort. In fact, it was named the #1 Best Resort in the U.S.A. and the #1 Best Hotel in the U.S.A. in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels rankings.

The resort amenities are focused on luxury and convenience for the entire family. That includes the complimentary Aquamarine program that teaches kids ages 4-12 a new appreciation, love and respect for the sea through educational hands-on activities.

Each of the 54 guest rooms and 44 suites at this 5-diamond resort is 600 square feet or larger and comes with a private terrace with a view of the ocean or the Intracoastal Bay. There are four resort restaurants as well as special dinners on the beach and in-room dining.

Family Amenities at Acqualina Resort:

• Three oceanfront pools including family and adults-only areas
• Direct beach access with full-service beach attendants
• Marine-focused children’s programming (seasonal scheduling)
• Spacious residential-style rooms and suites with terraces
• Spa and wellness programming for adults and teens
• Curated seasonal family activities

8. Hilton Cabana Miami Beach

 The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach is situated in the prestigious Millionaire’s Row of Mid-Beach Miami by the stunning Atlantic Ocean.

Julie Diebolt Price, contributing SheBuysTravel writer, recently visited this hotel and loved all the amenities and her ocean-view room.  According to Julie, the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation and boasts two outdoor pools overlooking the ocean, complete with poolside cabanas, a private beach, and complimentary bike rentals. The nine-mile Miami Beachwalk, which separates the hotel from the sandy shoreline, is a great place to walk, skateboard, and people-watch. With its amenities and idyllic setting, the hotel provides an exceptional experience for unwinding, dining, and indulging in outdoor recreation.

Family Amenities at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach:

• Two ocean-facing pools
• Beachwalk access for walking, biking, and skating
• Complimentary bike rentals
• Rotating outdoor lawn games and recreation
• Beach services via resort or third-party providers
• Casual dining and breakfast options

10. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

I’m a huge fan of the JW Marriott luxury resorts and I consider the Marco Island property to be one of the best Florida resorts for families. With its luxurious Balinese-inspired design and its prime location on 3 miles of private beaches, the JW Marco Island has all the amenities and activities you crave.

Whether you’re looking for a suite for bigger families or a room with a private balcony and an ocean view, this resort has it!

Activities range from water sports to golf on the two private championship golf courses.

If you can get away without the kids, the JW Marco Island offers the adults-only Paradise by Sirene. The hotel within the JW offers elevated dining, a private rooftop pool and stylish rooms and suites to guests ages 21+.

Family Amenities at JW Marriott Marco Island:

• Multiple outdoor pools including family and adults-only areas
• Beachfront access with cabana rentals
• Access to nearby championship golf courses
• Tiki Time children’s programming
• Water sports including kayaking and paddleboarding
• Onsite spa and fitness programming

11. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

This luxury resort with private oceanfront guest rooms recently reopened after a full renovation following a direct hit from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Accommodations at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort are located in three different buildings – the Gulf and Bay Towers and the waterfront Beach House. The resort offers babysitting services through licensed and bonded childcare agencies so parents can book tee times at the La Playa Golf Club or spa treatments at Spaterre.

Family Amenities at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort:

• Beachfront guest rooms and suites
• Poolside service and beach cabanas
• Children’s amenities including beach toys and cribs
• Babysitting referrals through licensed providers
• Concierge support for family activities and dining
• Upscale dining and spa services

12. Tradewinds Island Resorts

Located on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast in St. Pete Beach, Tradewinds Island Resorts is comprised of two fabulous hotels: Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort. The resorts are set on 31 acres of beachfront property and are jam-packed with pools, restaurants and family-friendly activities.

Between the two hotels, there are seven pools, including an adults-only pool at each of the resorts. Beach activities abound, from water sports, such as parasailing, paddle boards and snorkeling, to beach volleyball, mini golf, tennis courts, a game room and a variety of other beach activities.

The 14 onsite restaurants and bars between the two resorts mean that there is an option for every appetite.

Family Amenities at Tradewinds:

• Seven resort pools across two properties
• Seasonal inflatable water attractions
• Beach cabanas and paddleboat access
• Pirate shows and family entertainment programming
• Kitchenette suites for longer stays
• Multiple casual dining options across the resort

13. Hawks Cay Resort

Ready to sit poolside and relax with your favorite people? The Hawks Cay Resort is a short distance from Key West and located on a small secluded island called Duck Key with clear turquoise waters and endless sunshine.

This beautiful resort has 117 elegantly decorated guestrooms and suites with private lanais and views of the lush resort grounds. There are even rooms that comfortably fit a family of five.

SheBuysTravel contributor Heidi Gollub said this about her stay at the Hawks Cay Resort: “So much to do. So little time. That’s what you’ll say when arriving at this Florida Keys resort. From water adventures to winding down at the spa, the most difficult choice will be in deciding what to do first.”

Family Amenities at Hawks Cay:

• Rooms and suites designed for families of up to five
• Dolphin Connection marine education experiences
• Coral Cay kids program with structured activities
• Saltwater lagoon and multiple pools
• Kayak, paddleboard, and fishing access via marina
• Resort shuttle and recreation programming

14. The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes

This AAA 5-Diamond luxury resort in Orlando, Florida. is located only 10 miles from Walt Disney World, making it one of our top off-property Disney options. This is the Florida resort for active families, with a variety of onsite activities at The Ritz-Carlton such as kayaking, fishing, tennis courts and a championship golf course.

There are 582 luxury guest rooms and suites and 11 onsite restaurants, plus a 40,000-square-foot spa, 24-hour fitness center and 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. In addition to the resort pool, there’s a private lap pool at the spa and Ritz guests can use the Grande Lakes Waterpark at the adjacent JW Marriott featuring a lazy river, waterslides and Jacuzzis.

Grande Lakes Sports Experiences feature a fishing school and private guided Eco-Tours on Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades

SheBuysTravel contributor Maria Smith says The Ritz-Carlton brand has some of the best luxury hotels for families around the world. However, families are a special focus at the Orlando property. Oversized rooms, unsurpassed service by the staff and tons of activities mean you never have to leave the resort.

Family Amenities at Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes:

• Ritz Kids programming with structured activities
• Access to shared resort recreation including pools and splash areas (availability varies by package)
• Championship golf at adjacent Shingle Creek Golf Club
• Kayaking and fishing on Shingle Creek
• Extensive spa and dining offerings
• Close proximity to Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport

15. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Walt Disney World’s resort options are classified by price as Value, Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villas. The Grand Floridian is a top pick in the Deluxe category. Its Victorian architecture, heightened level of elegance, next-level service and easy access to Disney theme parks by walking path, monorail and boats make this resort worth the splurge.

The resort has one of the best Disney resort pools, the spa is unparalleled and there are a variety of room choices, from standard guestrooms to villas with full kitchens.

Family Amenities at Disney’s Grand Floridian:

• Monorail, boat, and walking access to Magic Kingdom
• Fireworks views from select resort locations
• Multiple pools including themed family areas
• Deluxe rooms and villa-style accommodations
• Signature dining and character dining experiences
• Ongoing phased enhancements typical of Disney resorts – check resort website for current info

16. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

We’ve visited Disney World many times and the Animal Kingdom Lodge is by far my family’s favorite Disney resort. Waking to a safari right outside your window each morning is as thrilling for my husband and me as it is for our kids. The savanna is home to 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. There are few things as exhilarating as walking out onto the balcony in the morning and being face-to-face with a giraffe!

The pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge are some of the best at Disney World resorts. And Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best dining at WDW.

Room choices range from standard hotel rooms that sleep four to villas at Kidani Village that come with full kitchens and can sleep up to 12, ideal for large families and multi-gen groups.

Family Amenities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Savanna-view rooms with giraffes, zebras, and more than 30 species of wildlife
• Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool with waterslides
• Award-winning African-inspired dining
• Kidani Village suites with full kitchens
• Daily safari-themed educational programming
• Animal viewing experiences remain fully operational year-round