Florida is one of the most popular destinations for a beach vacation in the United States, especially in the winter. While so many of us want to escape to sunny skies and warm breezes, the Sunshine State has upped its game to make us feel superWelcome.
A multitude of fantastic accommodations line the sandy shores, enticing visitors to dine in their first-class restaurants, indulge in their luxurious spas and rest peacefully in comfortable rooms. Now for the hard part: deciding which of these epic resorts to stay at during your vacation.
That's where we come in. We'll help you choose the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the sun on your next beach vacation in Florida.Star resort, or intimate boutique accommodation, you'll find it in our list of the best beach resorts in Florida.
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami
A lot of glamour awaits visitors to Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach. Located on the golden sands of Miami's Sunny Isles Beach, this chic wonderland is a treat for all your senses. Brilliant turquoise water glistens from the Atlantic coastline, which is backed by towering palm trees leading guests to a perfectly sized resort so glamorous they won't want to leave.
Winner of the 2020 AAA Five Diamond Award and often voted the best resort in the United States, this gorgeous property has everything you need for a Florida vacation. Four and a half miles of pristine sand, 54 lavish rooms and 44 impeccable suites invite guests to truly relax. Add a treatment or three at the remarkable spa, and you'll be left wondering how to extend your stay.
Choose from three oceanfront pools because one wouldn't be enough in this sunny location; rent a cabana for more shade and privacy; or park yourself on a comfy, red-upholstered lounge chair. Kids are welcome here, with a children's program designed to ensure they have plenty of fun activities and educational opportunities to keep them occupied.
Il Mulino New York, the resort's acclaimed Italian restaurant, offers spectacular views and even better food, while Ke-uH offers an incredible example of Japanese fusion at its best. Looking for something more casual? Check out the Costa Grill waterfront.
Address: 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
2. Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach
It's hard not to fall in love with the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. Like all hotels in this luxury chain, you'll find the best of the best when it comes to service - we're talking sunglass cleaning while you soak up the sun on the private beach and ice water delivery on your lounge chair. Would you expect anything less from a five star, five diamond hotel?
There's plenty of fun to be had on site, with poolside movies, cooking classes and a full water sports team at your disposal. They help guests arrange beach activities like paddle boarding, snorkeling and surfing, while those who prefer to have fun on land can enjoy tennis, basketball, volleyball or croquet on this beautiful barrier island.
While the Four Seasons presents the perfect backdrop for a romantic stay - there's even a five-star spa, perfume shop and boutiques - children are more than welcome to enjoy the extensive facilities. The free All Seasons Kids Program keeps them happily entertained, and those four and under eat free. Older kids should check out the Teenage Playroom.
The 194 rooms and 14 spacious suites are impeccably designed with a modern yet glamorous atmosphere and bright colors that enhance the picturesque view. When it comes to dining, you'll find many interesting options, including Florie's, Seaway and poolside snacks.
Address: 2800 South Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, Florida
3. Boca Beach Club, Boca Raton
With such a magnificent location in chic Boca Raton it's no surprise that the Boca Beach Club revolves around its shining star: a pristine, private golden beach. Blessed with 356 acres of waterfront on both the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca, this lush Waldorf Astoria Resort is a paradise for vacationers looking to relax while soaking up the luxury offered by a five-star hotel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the ocean view, while rain showers allow guests to lounge a little longer while washing away the grit from their day spent frolicking in the waves. Choose from a 420-square-foot room or bedroom- to a three-bedroom suite, or spend a few nights in an oceanfront terrace-a 250-square-foot room with its own veranda.
Part of the historic Boca Raton Resort & Club, the Beach Club offers access to a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, fitness studios and three oceanfront pools with cabanas. A meal at the fantastic SeaGrille restaurant offers impeccable dishes in a postcard setting.
Kids can enjoy time at the Quest Kids' Club or join us for a game of giant Jenga or kayaking, surfing or paddleboarding at the beach.
Address: 900 South Ocean Blvd. in Boca Raton
4. Circuit breakers, Palm Beach
There's no shortage of luxury at The Breakers, a Renaissance-style masterpiece located in upscale Palm Beach on Florida's east coast. Since 1896, this iconic hotel has graced the idyllic golden shores of the Atlantic Ocean, welcoming visitors who love their vacations served up.with a big side of opulence.
Children are invited to enjoy this affluent property with their parents. Special family rooms are offered, as well as a 6,100 square foot Family Entertainment Center with a playground, game room and many activities to keep the little ones and even teens and tweens occupied.
Enjoy a snorkeling trip on the resort's reef; borrow a kayak; or try surfing, paddleboarding or bodyboarding on the private beach. Back on land, you can borrow a bike to explore the property, indulge in a spa treatment, play tennis or golf, or store in the on-site boutiques. Afterwards, take a dip in one of the four pools.
Looking for privacy by the pool? Rent one of the 25 open-air bungalows, which are equipped with a bathroom, shower, sitting area and dining table. You'll also have a dedicated concierge and exclusive restaurants.
Speaking of food, The Breakers offers world-class dining in a number of restaurants, from an open-air gazebo near the beach to the more glamorous Circle, an architectural masterpiece with 20-foot frescoed ceilings.
Address: 1 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida
5. Le Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Few resorts can match the level of service offered at a Ritz-Carlton property. The Five Star, AAA Five Diamond luxury property gracing the pristine shores of Naples Beach is a prime example of the company's innate ability to pamper guests beyond their wildest dreams. Once you add in the breathtaking sunset views of the Gulf of Mexico, you'll be begging for an extended stay.
The 447 rooms are as lavish as you'd expect from a resort of this caliber, with suites featuring balconies, bathtubs and plenty of room to stretch out. Families are more than welcome, and the three-bedroom Royal Suite can accommodate everyone while offering four balconies to enjoy the spectacular views.
Children will enjoy the fun and educational programs offered at Ritz Kids®, while their adults can indulge in the 51,000-square-foot spa and reserve extra time to enjoy the serene private pool.
When they've had enough of playing in the sand or splashing in one of the two beautiful pools, guests can hop aboard the complimentary shuttle to The Ritz-Carlton Complex Golf Course Just three miles away, the immaculately manicured greens found on this luxury property's two 18-hole courses attract golfers who appreciate a high level of class served with their game.
Address: 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida
6. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach
What's a resort without a fantastic stretch of silky smooth sand? Less than stellar, that is. You won't have to worry about a rock-strewn base at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. A lavish resort popular with families and couples alike, this beautiful place is a must for those looking for an unforgettable stay.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or explore the sand on a beach bike. When you've had enough sun, leave the strand behind to spend time alone in your elegant oceanfront room. Each of the 262 rooms offers guests picturesque views and salty sea breezes that turn a simple vacation into a relaxing one.
Visiting Florida without golfing is like visiting Rome without tasting gelato. Fortunately, this charming resort offers two beautiful lagoon-laden courses - the Ocean Course and Lagoon Course - that provide golfers with a challenging 18-hole game dotted with breathtaking scenery.
Not a golfer? Head to the tennis courts, partake in retail therapy at the on-site stores or enjoy some treatments at the exceptional 30,000-square-foot spa. Kids will love the playground and four heated pools.
The food at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is as delicious as its setting is serene. Choose to dine waterfront at the Surf Deck Grill, have lunch at the Surf Club Patio, grab a bite to eat at the Golf Club Dining Room, nibble on an appetizer next to a giant aquarium at the Seahorse Grill or make a night of it in the sumptuous Seafoam Room - jackets are mandatory for men. There are plenty of options to tempt your palate.
Address: 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
7. The Lodge & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach
The Lodge & Club sits on a pristine stretch of dune-backed beach that spans the Atlantic coast between both St. Augustine and Jacksonville - the same one that houses its chic neighbor, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. This AAA Four Diamond resort is a boutique beauty offering first-class charm and unbeatable amenities, not to mention spectacular ocean views.
A relatively small hotel compared to its big brother, this charming lodge has 66 elegant rooms and suites. Because of its size, exceptional service and sumptuous setting, a stay at this lovely location is both intimate and luxurious. In addition, guests are free to enjoy the amenities of its sister site, including a complimentary shuttle to transport them between the resorts.
Boasting an adults-only beachfront pool, Jacuzzi and heated lap pool with a children's section including a waterslide and water park, this resort will be loved by children and adults of all ages. Spend your days at the sandcastle beach building, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to experience the ocean firsthand.
Then, grab a bite to eat by the ocean in the casual Oasis restaurant, relax in the Ocean View Lounge or savor the spectacular flavors offered in the spectacularly beautiful Sea View Grille - the views are as unbeatable as the tasty dishes!
Address: 607 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
8. Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater
You won't forget you're on the Gulf Coast when you stay at the chic Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach. This is one of the best resorts in Clearwater. Emerald waves can be seen glistening from nearly every corner of this sleek, modern hotel, including floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking each room.
Intriguing maritime-inspired art adorns the walls of each room, as well as the rest of the hotel, highlighting the main reason you're here: to enjoy the beach and the vast sea beyond. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy more space to relax, plus a queen-size sofa bed to accommodate an extra child or two.
The resort has four restaurants serving dishes so deliciously fresh you'll need seconds. The Pool Bar makes it easy to stay in a swimsuit all day, while Sea Guini's handmade pasta and seafood are as divine as its stunning view of the gulf.
Speaking of the Gulf, head to the beautiful beach to enjoy a multitude of fun activities including jet skiing. You can rent a cabin for more privacy.
Children and pets are welcome here. Kids will love the zero-entry pool and water sports, while parents will enjoy the Family Package resort, which offers larger rooms, kid-friendly meals and a daily resort credit.
And your four-legged family members will love Opal Paws' Sit, Stay & Play package. It offers furry friends a gift bag of treats, a plush dog mat and food and water bowls during their stay.
Address: 430 South Gulfview Blvd. in Clearwater, Florida
9. B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale
Visiting a private beach is the best way to experience Florida's soft, sandy shores, which means that guests at the B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale will be delighted. An exclusive stretch of caramel sand awaits travelers at this upscale Fort Lauderdale beach resort, beckoning them to enjoy the azure waves and all the water sports they can hold in a day.
Two pools welcome visitors looking to cool off without fighting the waves. Four restaurants featuring authentic South Florida fare are on hand to satisfy cravings and delight foodies, while the Wreck Bar Mermaid Show provides a backdrop you won't forget.
Tired of tossing and turning on uncomfortable hotel mattresses? You'll sleep soundly on their ultra-comfortable Blissful Bed®. Each of the 486 guest rooms and suites offers these dreamy beds, as well as bright ocean-themed décor.off your beach vacation.
Address: 1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
10. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key
Ever wonder what it's like to be treated like royalty? You'll find out when you stay at the exclusive Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. The only way to get to this secluded luxury resort is by boat or seaplane, and no children under 18 are allowed on the premises . So if you're looking to really relax, this is the place to do it.
The star attraction of this idyllic barrier island consists of four acres of sugar-white sand backed by tall, wavy palm trees. Set back from the turquoise waves are 30 thatched bungalows housing tastefully decorated suites.
One thing guests won't find here is technology. Each room is refreshingly free of TVs and phones, encouraging guests to enjoy the beautiful gifts nature has to offer in this picturesque location. Visit SpaTerre for a massage, facial or salt scrub; take a dip in the lagoon-like pool; or take in the view from your private porch.
When hunger calls, head to the on-site Dining Room Restaurant for a meal worthy of the celebrities and presidents who often visit this little piece of paradise.
Address: 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, Florida
