Florida, the Sunshine State, is synonymous with family fun, and for good reason. With miles of stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and world-class theme parks, it’s the perfect destination for creating unforgettable family memories. If your family dreams of sun-kissed days spent on pristine sands and the soothing sounds of ocean waves, then Florida’s beachfront family resorts are your ideal escape. These havens offer the quintessential blend of relaxation and recreation, providing direct access to the beautiful beaches Florida is famous for, alongside a wealth of amenities and activities designed to cater to every age group. From luxurious escapes in Palm Beach to action-packed adventures on St. Pete Beach, we’ve curated a list of the best Beachfront Family Resorts In Florida for 2024, ensuring your next family getaway is nothing short of spectacular.
Editor’s Top Beachfront Family Resort Picks:
Best Beachfront Family Resort in Florida Overall: The Breakers
Alt text: Zero-entry family pool and oceanfront at The Breakers Palm Beach, a top beachfront family resort in Florida.
The Breakers
Ideal For: Families seeking a blend of historical charm, modern luxury, and direct beach access.
Exceptional Amenities: Private beachfront access; oceanfront family pool with zero-entry; Family Entertainment Center; “Spa Petite” for kids; childproofing services and baby equipment.
Unmissable Family Moment: Enjoying a relaxed family dinner at The Italian Restaurant within the Family Entertainment Center, where kids can play while parents unwind.
Location: Palm Beach
For over a century, The Breakers Palm Beach has stood as an iconic beachfront destination, captivating families with its timeless elegance and dedication to creating memorable experiences. This high-end resort seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern family-friendly amenities. Guest rooms and suites are elegantly appointed and can be childproofed upon request. Essential baby equipment, such as cribs, bottle warmers, and strollers, are readily available. Dining is a breeze with ten on-site restaurants, all but one offering dedicated kids’ menus, coloring books, and crayons. The resort’s private beach is a major highlight, complemented by four oceanfront pools, including a zero-entry family pool perfect for little ones. The Breakers ensures boredom is never an option, with a wide array of activities ranging from bike riding and kayaking to junior golf and tennis programs. The indoor-outdoor Family Entertainment Center is a hub of fun, featuring arcade games, mini-golf, a playground, and organized family activities like arts and crafts, trivia, and movie nights.
Best Beachfront Family Resort in Fort Lauderdale: Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Alt text: Family enjoying the lazy river at Pelican Grand Beach Resort, a beachfront resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Ideal For: Families wanting a tranquil beachfront retreat close to Fort Lauderdale’s attractions.
Exceptional Amenities: Private beach with beach games and amenities; zero-entry beachfront pool; lazy river; kids’ camp; paddleboard rentals; daily activity calendar.
Unmissable Family Moment: Floating down Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river and indulging in ice cream at The Emporium.
Location: Fort Lauderdale
The Pelican Grand Beach Resort exudes coastal chic, offering families a relaxed yet refined beachfront experience in Fort Lauderdale. Each guest room and suite boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or the city skyline. The resort’s private beach is fully equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and beach games, all included in the resort fee. Paddleboard rentals are readily available for ocean adventures. Cool off in the beachfront zero-entry pool or drift along Fort Lauderdale’s unique lazy river. For a sweet treat, visit The Emporium, the resort’s charming ice cream parlor. Kids can participate in the Funky Fish Ocean Camp, engaging in activities like snorkeling, boogie boarding, and crafts. A daily calendar is packed with family-friendly events, from scavenger hunts to sandcastle contests, ensuring endless entertainment. While providing a peaceful beachfront setting, the resort’s location allows easy access to Fort Lauderdale’s diverse attractions.
Best Beachfront Family Resort in Palm Beach: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Alt text: Children interacting with the Sketch Aquarium interactive display in the kids club at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, a beachfront resort in Palm Beach.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Ideal For: Stylish families seeking a glamorous Palm Beach beachfront getaway.
Exceptional Amenities: Private beachfront; two pools; kids’ and teen clubs; complimentary watersports; free dining for kids under five.
Unmissable Family Moment: Exploring the Atlantic Ocean with complimentary kayaks or paddleboards and relaxing in a private beach or poolside cabana.
Location: Palm Beach
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa offers a dreamy and stylish beachfront escape for families in Palm Beach. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the bright and cheerful guest rooms feature private balconies with hanging chairs, while suites offer ample space for families. Even your family dog is welcome! A standout perk is that children five and under eat free throughout the resort with an adult entrée purchase. The Family Pool and turtle-themed splash pad provide hours of aquatic fun. The resort’s private beach offers complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and non-motorized watersports. The reimagined Loggers kids’ club is an innovative space where children can create glowing art on a Lite-Zilla or design underwater worlds on a Sketch Aquarium. Complimentary bike rentals encourage exploration of the Palm Beach area, capped off perfectly with ice cream from Melt.
Best Beachfront Family Resort in Miami: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Alt text: Zero-entry beachfront pool and kids play area at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, a family-friendly beachfront resort in Miami’s Art Deco District.
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Ideal For: Families wanting to be in the heart of Miami Beach’s vibrant Art Deco District with beachfront access.
Exceptional Amenities: Beachfront with kids’ play area; zero-entry pool; SoBe Kids Club; family activity program.
Unmissable Family Moment: Dining at the new Miami Beach location of Rao’s and participating in weekend poolside games and kids’ cooking classes.
Location: Miami Beach
Loews Miami Beach Hotel extends a warm welcome to families, offering year-round amenities and programs in the exciting Miami Beach Art Deco District. The SoBe Kids Club, in partnership with the Miami Children’s Museum and Frost Museum of Science, provides enriching arts, STEM, and cooking activities for kids aged four to ten. The hotel’s beachfront and zero-entry pool offer refreshing escapes, complete with complimentary swim diapers, floaties, and sunscreen. Dining is family-friendly with kid-sized buffets and local ice cream options. For a taste of classic Italian, the new Miami Beach outpost of Rao’s offers delicious favorites. Sea Spa caters to both adults and children with specialized treatments, and guest rooms in the St. Moritz Tower provide convenient access to family amenities.
Best Beachfront Family Resort in the Florida Keys: Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Alt text: Private beachfront villas with personal pools at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, a luxurious beachfront family resort in the Florida Keys.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Ideal For: Outdoorsy families seeking a tropical beachfront island escape in the Florida Keys.
Exceptional Amenities: Private beach; family and adults-only pools; Camp Cheeca kids’ program; watersports facility; fishing pier.
Unmissable Family Moment: Enjoying a family pizza dinner at Mia Cucina with waterfront views and strolling on the resort’s fishing pier.
Location: Islamorada
Nestled on a 27-acre private estate in Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge & Spa has been a cherished beachfront retreat since 1946. Accommodations range from guest rooms to oceanfront suites and bungalows, with the new Casitas villas perfect for families, featuring kitchens, porches, and laundry facilities. Casitas guests enjoy butler service and exclusive access to a private beach and pool area. Located in the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” the resort offers a full-service watersports facility for fishing and snorkeling excursions. Camp Cheeca provides engaging activities for children, while adults can unwind at the spa or enjoy cocktails at the beachfront Tiki Bars.
Best Beachfront Family Resort on the Gulf Coast: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Alt text: Expansive white sand beach and emerald waters at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, a premier beachfront family resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Ideal For: Families seeking spacious beachfront accommodations with Gulf of Mexico views.
Exceptional Amenities: Beachfront access; watersports rentals; three pools; spa and fitness center; kids’ pool; tram service to Sandestin attractions.
Unmissable Family Moment: A special family dinner at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood and relaxing on the pristine white sand beach.
Location: Miramar Beach
The largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, has been a family favorite for 40 years. A recent renovation has enhanced its appeal, with updated pools, dining outlets, and beachfront areas. Rooms feature modern beach decor and balconies with Gulf views. Junior deluxe suites are ideal for families, offering bunk beds and sofa sleepers. The white sand beach is perfect for relaxation and watersports, with paddleboards and kayaks for rent. Kids will love the indoor and outdoor pools, toddler pool, and pizza oven at Sandcastles Restaurant. Tram service connects the resort to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for shopping and entertainment.
Best Beachfront Family Resort in Florida for Activities: TradeWinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand
Alt text: Thrilling beachfront zipline experience at TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, a top-rated activity-focused beachfront family resort in Florida.
TradeWinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand
Ideal For: Adventurous families seeking a beachfront vacation packed with excitement and activities.
Exceptional Amenities: Beachfront access; five pools; inflatable surf simulator; zipline; mini-golf; paddleboats; daily activities; beach cabana.
Unmissable Family Moment: Ziplining over the beach and splashing down the three-story inflatable waterslide.
Location: St. Pete Beach
TradeWinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand is a haven for active families seeking a beachfront adventure. The resort fee includes access to an incredible array of amenities: five pools, a 200-foot waterslide, a surf simulator, and a beachfront zipline. Sharing beachfront with RumFish Beach Resort, guests enjoy access to even more activities. Enjoy beach games, a touch tank, mini-golf, paddleboats, pirate shows, s’mores nights, and beach yoga. For an extra charge, families can enjoy watersports rentals, fishing charters, and a floating water park. Guest rooms and villas feature tropical decor, mini-fridges, and microwaves for family convenience.
Florida’s beachfront family resorts offer an unparalleled blend of sun, sand, and family fun. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, these top resorts promise unforgettable vacations for every family.
