More than a thousand miles of gorgeous white sand beaches and playful ocean waves greet visitors to Florida, and it’s not hard to see why so many Americans decide to retire to The Sunshine State. But what if you’re just looking to frolic in the waves and enjoy daily spa treatments for a few days or a few weeks?
Well, you’re in luck because Florida boasts some of the most incredible beach resorts in the entire country and maybe the entire world.
What makes a great beach resort? Is it the view of the ocean? Is it world-class dining? How about oceanfront swimming pools, or private beach access? Let’s take a look at some of the best beach resorts in Florida and what makes visitors rave about vacationing in Florida.
TL;DR
Best Beach Resorts in Florida
1. Little Palm Island Resort
Address: 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, FL 33042-5544
Little Palm Island Resort is a true island paradise located on Little Torch Key, one of the famous Florida Keys. The beautiful resort has earned loads of accolades over the years as one of the most beautiful Florida beach resorts from publications like Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Zagat.
Little Palm Island is so exclusive that most visitors arrive by yacht or seaplane, even though it’s possible to make the drive along the highway that connects the Keys to the southern tip of Florida. You’ll find no televisions, telephones, or children at Little Palm Island Resort, and the whole experience feels luxurious and exclusive from the moment you arrive.
It doesn’t take much to imagine you’re in Tahiti rather than the continental United States, but the resort is much easier to reach, for Americans anyway. No passports or crossing the International Dateline are required. Simply arrive and allow the exceptionally well-trained staff to pamper you and take care of your every wish during your luxurious stay.
The resort regularly offers package deals that feature excursions like snorkeling trips and backcountry adventures. If you visit during a holiday, you might select a package that celebrates the day. For example, the resort’s on-site dining options often feature a tasting menu for Valentine’s Day and the most romantic accommodations in the resort.
Pros
- Gorgeous and immaculately maintained property
- Offers vegetarian meal options
- Exclusive and remote feel for peaceful getaways
Cons
- No televisions or phones
- On the expensive side
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Hollywood, Florida
2. Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Address: 0 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040
Key West is one of the most spectacular island destinations in the world, and it’s home to Ocean Key Resort & Spa, which feels magical at twilight when the sun sets into the Gulf and the property comes alive with golden lights and illumination.
The resort possesses a quirky combination of luxury and charming island life, and it’s not hard to see why equally quirky Ernest Hemingway had a home in Key West. The entire island is incredibly walkable, and it’s easy to reach all of the famous houses and tourist spots on Key West when you stay at Ocean Key Resort.
If you’re looking for one of the most welcoming beach resorts in Florida that offers a true island vibe with character and charm, Ocean Key Resort & Spa is an excellent choice. The resort was recently renovated but retained its beautifully inviting environment. The resort is a great stop whether you’re visiting as a couple or with children.
Pros
- Located in a friendly, walkable area
- Exceptionally helpful staff
- Some of the best sunsets in Florida
Cons
- The property is starting to show its age
3. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Address: 100 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, FL 33462-3368
If you look at the façade of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa from the ocean, you’ll see an exceptionally beautiful resort complex that blends in perfectly with the palm trees, sandy beach, and ocean waves. The resort is very “Palm Beach,” with its towering palm trees that wave under the bright sun. The property is idyllic and effortlessly luxurious.
Visitors give Eau Palm Beach high marks for its restaurants, the spa, and the private beach. The Eau Spa won the 2022 Forbes Travel Guide Award for Five-Star Spa, and it’s only one of 49 five-star spas in the entire country. Spa services include facials, massages, body treatments, and salon services, as well as nail appointments, a brow bar, and makeup.
If you want to experience a head-to-toe spa treatment, the Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort is quite possibly the best option in the entire state of Florida. After your appointment, eat lunch at Breeze Ocean Kitchen with its view of the water, or relax in one of the resort’s private beach cabanas.
Pros
- Creative activities for kids like face painting
- Award-winning spa
- Several restaurants on-site
Cons
- The beach is a little short
See Related: Best Islands in the US to Visit
4. The Breakers Palm Beach
Address: 1 South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480-4023
If you’re looking for an incredibly picturesque and historic resort, The Breakers Palm Beach should sit at the top of your list of Florida beach resorts. The resort was built in the 1800s and is an iconic hotel for newcomers and veteran tourists and one of the best beach resorts in Florida. The original property was known as the Palm Beach Inn, but the owner changed the name to The Breakers in 1901 during a major expansion.
The gorgeous building you see today was built in 1926 after a disastrous fire the year before. The new resort was built in the Italian Renaissance style and covers 140 pristine acres. The property has remained in the hands of the same family ever since it first opened its doors.
The gorgeous hotel is an incredible venue for weddings, so if you’re thinking about walking down the aisle, you might want to do so at The Breakers Palm Beach. You’ll think you’ve arrived at a palace in Italy as you walk into the lobby, but a look out at the ocean and the resort’s private beach will remind you that you’re on one of the most beautiful islands in Florida.
Pros
- Iconic and opulent resort experience
- Has a private beach
- Offers a world-famous brunch for guests and non-guests
Cons
5. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
Address: 2800 South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach, FL 33480-6234
One of the best activities at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is trying the food from three Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco. The staff at the Four Seasons is incredibly professional and will go out of their way to accommodate guests, whatever their need, interest, or want.
From off-menu dining to special, intimate events, your experience at the Four Seasons is both personal and luxurious. You can enjoy daily and weekly foodie activities like mixology and culinary tastings. The resort offers guests a pair of oceanfront pools with friendly poolside services and an expansive beach just a few steps away.
The hotel offers a distinctly retro vibe, and you might feel like listening to Frank Sinatra after checking into your room or relaxing at the outdoor pool. You’ll find that the wicker chairs in the lobby fit wonderfully with the oversized potted plants that line the hallways. The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach looks and feels like a classically luxurious Florida resort.
Pros
- One of the best five-star experiences in Florida
- Awesome cocktail bar
- Great poolside service
Cons
- Some of the rooms are kinda small
See Related: Best Beaches on the East Coast
6. Palm Island Resort
Address: 7092 Placida Rd, Cape Haze, FL 33946-2501
Not to be confused with Little Palm Island Resort, Palm Island Resort is a secluded and remote resort in Cape Haze. The island resort property doesn’t have a bridge or causeway from the mainland, so the only way to reach it is by car ferry. That said, the resort itself doesn’t allow vehicles on the property, so you’ll drop your car off at the island parking area and spend the rest of your time at Palm Island Resort car-free.
If your goal is to find a place to chill where the staff is friendly, the pace is relaxed, and the days are effortless, Palm Island Resort is an excellent resort to consider. Cape Haze is located north of Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast side of Florida, so you’ll witness some incredible sunsets when you look out at the water from your hotel room.
You’ll love walking the weather-beaten bridge that takes you toward the water, and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in a secluded paradise with every step. One bonus is that the resort offers reasonable prices, which means a sublime and secluded vacation is accessible to virtually every traveler.
Pros
- Relaxing property for getting away from it all
- Great beach for searching for shells
- Pet-friendly establishment
Cons
- Requires a ferry from the mainland to reach the property
7. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Address: 275 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931-2012
Many of the most beautiful resorts in Florida offer ultra-luxurious experiences, but what if you’re traveling with kids who want to enjoy some adventures on the water? Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is the ideal destination for families with family rooms available that feature extra kid-friendly amenities. Not only will the kids have fun, but the parents should also find the gorgeous location a wonderful place to stay.
Activities that the resort regularly offers include exploratory kayaking tours, wildlife viewing trips, and buffet breakfasts with a great variety of dishes for all sorts of picky palates. If you try the kayaking tour during high tide, you’ll get to explore the mangrove forest, which is fun for all ages.
Visitors to the resort reveal that the service at Pink Shell Beach Resort is impeccable and that the staff is super friendly to all guests. You’ll probably be on a first-name basis with several staff members by the end of your stay.
Pros
- Kid-centric activities like kayak tours
- Great breakfast buffet
- Rooms with full kitchen, washer, and dryer available
Cons
- The property is showing its age
See Related: Best Cheap Places to Travel in the US
8. Boca Raton Beach Club
Address: 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432-6127
If you’re looking for a vacation where the only decision you need to make is what fruity drink you’ll try next while luxuriating next to the oceanfront pool, the Boca Raton Beach Club is waiting for you. The club is one part stylish jet-setter and two parts laidback island life, and it’s easy to spend an entire day in a cabana next to the outdoor pool.
If you love cocktails, you’ll want to visit the exclusive lounge, which is an amazing experience at twilight. You’ll find that each of the hotel’s 212 rooms is extra spacious and luxurious, especially the three-bedroom suites that offer floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the private beach.
The staff goes above and beyond to secure the comfort of guests, and their hard work is evident in every interaction and the sparkling condition of the property. The resort also gets high marks from travelers for the quality of the food, so you’ll want to indulge at the property’s restaurant or splurge on room service.
When you’ve had your fill of relaxing at the outdoor pool, you may want to venture outside the property and enjoy the private beach where you can swim in the ocean, enjoy beachfront dining, or participate in different water sports. You can also enjoy more relaxation on the beach on one of the comfortable beachfront daybeds.
Pros
- Features a members-only private beach
- A great price point for a luxury resort & hotel
- Fun poolside cocktails and a party vibe
Cons
- Pre-arrival reservations are often needed for restaurants
9. Omni Amelia Island Resort
Address: 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL 32034
When you want to spend your days golfing and your nights dining, the Omni Amelia Island Resort is the best golf resort destination for your Florida getaway. There are three championship golf courses on the property, with one 10-hole short golf course. You can also work up a sweat on one of the 23 tennis courts and seven pickleball courts at the resort.
This Fernandina Beach resort caters to all types of travelers, from families to couples to business travelers. When you walk around the property, you might think you’re at an all-inclusive resort on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The beautiful beach and the wonderfully kept grounds offer a beautiful environment for your vacation.
You’ll probably want to bring a pair of good walking shoes because the property is rather extensive, and there are a lot of things to do and see during your stay. Although golfing is definitely one of the resort’s most impressive draws, you’ll also find all sorts of activities like nature tours, Segway rentals, and tennis.
Pros
- Large resort with many activities and things to see
- The pools are heated for comfort during winter visits
- Excellent resort option for business travelers
Cons
- Some of the rooms are dated
- The villas are more like condos than separate bungalows
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Miami, Florida
10. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Address: 6801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141-3243
Vacations on the beach often include lazy days and frequent trips to the poolside bar, but you’ll find some different options at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort on the Atlantic Coast. The resort describes itself as a hybrid that’s half vacation destination and half resort spa, featuring a high-tech wellness facility.
Many of the accommodations are apartment-sized, and guests can expect their wellness package to include a mixture of Eastern and Western approaches to health and wellness. The property offers guests access to the largest spa on the East Coast, with more than 70,000 square feet dedicated to fitness, health, and spa treatments.
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is the ideal destination for anyone interested in a vacation that will refresh the mind and reward the body. Some of the services offered by the spa include electromagnetic therapy, sleep therapy, and wellness activities to improve respiratory and immune health.
You can choose to stay at the Carillon as a guest and partake of all the wonderful wellness amenities offered at the property, or you can book a spa treatment or an appointment at the property during a day visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try the thermal hydrotherapy circuit that features hot and cold experiences.
Pros
- Spa treatments available to guests and non-guests
- Staff wonderfully focused on the well-being of guests
- Great for solo travelers seeking mental wellness
Cons
- Narrow resort focus on spa treatments
11. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Address: 9703 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154-2243
Every one of the 214 rooms at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is beautiful, and you’ll appreciate the immaculately kept grounds and the caring staff. The beach is a wonderful place to relax, but you’ll also enjoy easy access to the Bal Harbour Shops, which feature more than 100 designer boutiques.
Spend an afternoon wandering around the shops and then return to the resort to spend some time luxuriating at the oceanfront pools or enjoying a drink. The charming exterior will delight travelers of all types, whether the visit is for business or pleasure. If you’re thinking about a weekender with the girls, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is a wonderful choice.
If you’re one of those travelers who enjoy getting up early to enjoy the dawn, you’ll definitely like what you see from your hotel balcony. The sunrise over the Atlantic couldn’t feel any more perfect than from your comfortable balcony chair.
Pros
- Spacious rooms overlooking the ocean
- Beautifully maintained and clean resort
- The beachfront pool & cabanas offer an excellent party atmosphere
Cons
- Some of the resort features, like one of the pools being adults-only
See Related: Best Day Trips From Tampa, Florida
12. Opal Sands Resort
Address: 430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767-2507
Every one- and two-bedroom vacation suite at Opal Sands Resort features a view of the Gulf of Mexico, and the casual luxury of the resort will certainly appeal to travelers of all sorts. The resort is a popular destination for couples, business travelers, and for an awesome family vacation. This giant among Florida resorts offers more than 25,000 feet of space for special events like birthdays, business meetings, and parties.
Unlike some of the other venerated oceanfront resorts in Florida, Opal Sands Resort was built rather recently, so everything in the resort is new and fresh. You’ll find that the hotel is effortlessly luxurious but not pretentious or stuffy. The rooms are plush, inviting, and comfortable, and it’s hard not to spend all your time just gazing out of the windows at the Gulf.
Families rate the outdoor pools very highly at Opal Sands Resort, so if you have kids that love the water, this resort should please the entire family. The property also hosts weddings, so if you’re looking for a place to get married with a view of the ocean, you might want to consider Opal Sands Resort.
Pros
- An affordable price point for a beachfront resort
- Modern and recently built resort with a luxury feel
- Close to shopping and restaurants in Clearwater
Cons
- The beach is somewhat narrow
13. Sandpearl Resort
Address: 500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767-1738
The Sandpearl Resort is an incredible place to visit with your significant other, with large guest rooms and generous balconies. Many of the rooms feature beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, and the vacation suites even feature amenities like washer/dryer units and full kitchens.
It’s easy to enjoy yourself at the Sandpearl with the nice, attentive staff who will always try to accommodate your needs, even if you have to make changes or special requests. Visitors to the Sandpearl often remark on its absolutely beautiful location, which is such a welcome sight when all you want to do is luxuriate and enjoy your time with your significant other while enjoying an amazing view.
If you really want to enjoy the afternoon, head to the pool and take a seat. You’ll find that the attentive servers are always available to bring you food and drinks. Follow up your relaxing poolside session with an appointment at the spa for a facial.
Pros
- Spacious rooms with huge balconies
- Excellent water pressure in the bathrooms
- Wonderful location for a wedding or family vacation
Cons
- The restaurants are often quite busy
See Related: Best Vacations for a Group of Friends
14. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Address: 4750 Amelia Island Parkway Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL 32034
You may have already heard of the Ritz Carlton brand of hotels, and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island certainly lives up to expectations for a luxury beach resort. Amelia Island offers its guests 13 miles of glowing sandy beaches, and the Ritz-Carlton makes it easy to forget all the rules and responsibilities you might have at home or work.
The hotel offers guests the opportunity to select huge oceanfront suites, and the property is loaded with luxurious amenities and a well-liked spa. The property faces east, so if you choose a room with an ocean view, you’ll witness one of the most beautiful sunrises Florida has to offer.
Part of the reason the Ritz-Carlton is a 5-star resort is its staff, who excel in treating every guest as if they’re the only person that matters. Friendly and incredibly helpful, the staff go out of their way to ensure that guests are happy and have everything they need for the best experience.
Pros
- Excellent poolside service
- The resourceful hotel staff make for memorable stays
- True luxury resort experience
Cons
- The resort occasionally overbooks its available rooms
15. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Address: 97450 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037-2209
Playa Largo Resort & Spa is located on Key Largo in the Florida Keys. The beautiful resort is luxurious from top to bottom. You’ll always have something beautiful to gaze upon, whether it’s your room or the incredible views on the beach or poolside.
The resort features 178 luxury rooms, and guests may choose from bungalows, beach houses, or suites. After waking up refreshed, guests can take part in all sorts of outdoor activities like diving, jet skiing, snorkeling, and fishing. The resort also offers equipment for watersports and offers regular eco-tours.
There are so many options for entertainment at Playa Largo that you may not need to worry about finding things to do away from the property. When you’ve had your fill of activities, the ocean is always there waiting, and you’ll love how easy it is to jump into the water for an impromptu snorkeling session.
Pros
- The private beach is always beautiful and never too crowded
- Spectacular sunsets from many vantage points at the resort
- The island ambiance feels like a Caribbean resort
Cons
- The pool can get quite crowded in the summer
- Check-in time is 4 PM, which is later than average
See Related: Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
16. The Betsy Hotel
Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139-4108
The Betsy Hotel is known by its fans as a resort with an amazing location at the end of an iconic road in Miami Beach. The resort features 130 rooms with spacious suites and lovely interiors with a tropical theme. Enjoy amenities like yoga at sunrise on the skyline deck and an updated spa and fitness center with bikes from Peloton.
Miami Beach is one of the most famous beach destinations in the world, and many of the resorts that line the beach have near iconic status. The Betsy Hotel is one of those resorts, but it doesn’t soar into the sky like some of the other grand resorts in Miami. Instead, The Betsy Hotel is a classy, calm oasis in the midst of busy Miami Beach and offers the ideal location within reach of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Betsy Hotel offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere, and it’s easy to feel like you’re at home as you interact with the friendly staff. The staff members are also an excellent resource for local eateries and hotspots in the area, and The Betsy’s ideal location makes it easy to enjoy everything Miami Beach has to offer.
Pros
- Regular live music performances
- Responsive staff and front desk crew
- Awesome rooftop pool area for drinks and relaxing
Cons
- Walking around the hotel sometimes feels like walking through a maze!
17. Anna Maria Beach Resort
Address: 6306 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, FL 34217-1619
Many of the beautiful resorts in Florida feature a beautiful style that looks and fields like classic Florida, but the Anna Maria Beach Resort actually offers a distinctly California vibe in its 31 suites and deluxe rooms. The resort was built as a replacement for the Blue Water Beach Resort, which stood on the property previously.
All of the upper-story rooms feature private balconies and offer amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll notice that the property is beautifully maintained, and it’s easy to walk near the beach and enjoy the gorgeous blue Gulf waters. When you’ve completed your stroll on the beach, you’ll enjoy returning to your room to relax, where you’ll find a spacious and well-appointed space waiting for you.
The resort doesn’t have the huge number of activities and amenities of other resorts, but it is easy to relax and chill at Anna Maria Beach Resort. The goal of the property seems to be to offer guests a quiet and easily enjoyable experience with all the hustle of a resort in a larger city.
Pros
- Beautiful grounds and landscaping
- The property was recently fully renovated
- Excellent Gulf location south of St. Petersburg
Cons
- The resort could offer more activities
See Related: Best All-Inclusive Resorts Without a Passport
18. One Ocean Resort & Spa
Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
One Ocean Resort & Spa is a classic Florida resort that has a very retro feel to it. You might feel like you’re traveling in a different century when you visit. The resort offers all the expected amenities, like a luxury on-site spa, fitness center, and easy access to the beach.
One of the popular events at the resort is high tea, where guests can sample different types of tea as well as delicious finger food. High tea is an event that you can attend whether you’re staying at the resort or you’re simply visiting for a few hours. Either way, I’d highly recommend the experience.
Since it’s one of the older resorts in Florida, One Ocean Resort & Spa is one of the more affordable options for vacationing in Florida. If you’re searching for a fun place to stay that’s unpretentious and fun, you might want to consider One Ocean Resort & Spa. You can even bring your cat or dog since the property is pet friendly.
Pros
- Impeccable customer service and attentive staff
- An extraordinarily clean and well-maintained property
- Great location for business or corporate events
Cons
- The portions are small at the restaurant
19. Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
Address: 3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963-1956
One of the most entertaining ways to enjoy a beach vacation is with your favorite person by your side and your favorite drink in your hand. The Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa has the ideal combination of beachfront rooms and a great bar with happy hour specials. This oceanfront resort also boasts an excellent restaurant called Wave, which is definitely worth a visit for dinner.
The resort is also one of the best resorts in Florida for ultimate relaxation, whether you have a fun, fruity drink in your hand while sitting by the swimming pools or you’re enjoying the sun and surfing at the beach. The landscaping around the resort is sublime, and the rooms are spacious and easy to relax in while you enjoy the sunset.
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is another option to consider if you’re getting married since the resort will help you plan a wedding ceremony that takes place on the beach, just steps away from the water. The property also has space for a reception, should you choose to have a wedding with lots of guests who want to enjoy a fun evening after watching you tie the knot.
Pros
- Lovely spa services for facials and massages
- Cabana rooms with beach access are sublime
- Complimentary bottles of Evian in the room
Cons
- The facility can get quite busy
See Related: Best Places to Travel in Your 20s in the US
20. Bungalow Beach Resort
Address: 2000 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
The bungalows at the Bungalow Beach Resort in Bradenton Beach come close with helpful and convenient amenities like kitchens. Traveling to a resort that offers its guests kitchens is a great idea for families with children who are picky eaters or for anyone who has significant dietary restrictions and needs the freedom of their own kitchen for food safety.
The Bungalow Beach Resort is a beautiful resort, enjoying an excellent location and top amenities like private balconies with beach views, bicycle rentals, and a fitness center. The resort even allows pets, so you don’t need to leave the family dog at home when you travel on your Florida vacation.
The staff is very accommodating, and it’s often possible to score extras or make special arrangements. For example, you may have the opportunity to get into your room a little early if you arrive before the property’s traditional check-in time. Simply ask the staff for whatever it is you need, and they’ll do their best to accommodate.
Pros
- Gorgeous beach just steps away from the resort
- Many restaurants and shopping opportunities within walking distance
- The resort has an old-school charm to it
Cons
- Some rooms are a little on the small side
Related Resources
