Ultimate Guide to Resorts in Florida
Florida is a premier destination for vacationers seeking luxurious and relaxing resort experiences. From beachfront escapes to family-friendly getaways and spa retreats, the Sunshine State offers an incredible array of resorts. This guide provides comprehensive details on Florida’s top resorts, organized by region, along with nearby attractions to help you plan the perfect stay.
Northwest Florida (Panhandle)
- Location: Santa Rosa Beach
- Highlights: This beachfront resort features cozy accommodations, a private beach club, and extensive outdoor activities such as paddleboarding and biking.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Grayton Beach State Park: Stunning trails and coastal dune lakes.
- 30A Scenic Highway: Quaint beach towns with shops and dining.
2. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort 
- Location: Miramar Beach
- Highlights: A sprawling resort with golf courses, a marina, and a vibrant village with dining and shopping options.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk: Dining, entertainment, and water sports.
- Big Kahuna’s Water Park: Family-friendly fun.
- Location: Destin
- Highlights: Luxurious beachfront accommodations, a world-class spa, and fine dining.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Henderson Beach State Park: White sand beaches and nature trails.
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk: A vibrant waterfront area with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Location: Rosemary Beach
- Highlights: Boutique resort with elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and beachfront access.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Rosemary Beach: Walkable community with shops and cafes.
- Camp Helen State Park: Hiking and kayaking.
5. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
- Location: Miramar Beach
- Highlights: Family-friendly with a kids’ club, beachfront pools, and championship golf courses.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk: The “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: Hiking and wildlife viewing.
6. Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
- Location: Panama City Beach
- Highlights: Full-service beachfront resort with golf, tennis, and water sports.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Pier Park: Shopping and dining hub.
- St. Andrews State Park: Beaches and snorkeling.
- Location: Pensacola Beach
- Highlights: Island-inspired decor, beachfront access, and laid-back luxury.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: Stunning beaches and wildlife.
- Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum: Historical exhibits.
8. The Lodge at Gulf State Park
- Location: Gulf Shores (near Florida border)
- Highlights: Eco-friendly resort with nature trails, pristine beaches, and educational programs.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Perdido Key: Perdido Key Beach, otherwise known as the Lost Key.
- Port St Joe: Water sports and seafood dining.
Northeast Florida
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
- Location: Amelia Island
- Highlights: Luxurious accommodations, a world-class spa, and oceanfront dining make this a top choice for relaxation and indulgence.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Fort Clinch State Park: Beachfront park at a circa-1864 fort with guided tours.
- Amelia Island Historic District: Quaint shops and local history.
- Location: Amelia Island
- Highlights: Expansive resort with multiple pools, championship golf, and beach access.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Fort Clinch State Park: Beachfront park at a circa-1864 fort with guided tours.
- Fernandina Beach, Florida: The extraordinary beauty of Fernandina Beach is breathtaking.
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach
- Highlights: Known for its golf courses, tennis facilities, and elegant accommodations.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Jacksonville Beach Pier: Fishing and ocean views.
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve: Wildlife and hiking trails.
- Location: Atlantic Beach
- Highlights: Oceanfront boutique resort with personalized spa services and upscale dining.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: Beaches and bike trails.
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Family-friendly attraction.
5. Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach
- Highlights: Renowned for its golf courses, including TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players Championship.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Bird Island Park: Nature trails and scenic views.
- Beaches Town Center: Shopping and dining.
Central Florida
1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World®
- Location: Lake Buena Vista
- Highlights: This luxury resort offers Disney concierge services, a golf course, and a family-friendly water park.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and more.
- Disney Springs: Dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Location: Kissimmee
- Highlights: A family-oriented resort featuring multi-bedroom villas, water parks, and three championship golf courses.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Universal Studios Florida: Themed rides and shows.
- SeaWorld Orlando: Marine life exhibits and roller coasters.
3. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
- Location: Orlando
- Highlights: Tropical-themed resort with a private lake, rock climbing, and multiple pools.
- Nearby Attractions:
- ICON Park: Dining, shopping, and The Wheel observation ride.
- Lake Eola Park: Paddle boats and scenic walking trails.
4. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
- Location: Kissimmee
- Highlights: Atrium-themed resort with seasonal events, water parks, and fine dining.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Old Town Kissimmee: Entertainment and car shows.
- Celebration Town Center: Quaint shops and lakeside views.
- Location: Orlando
- Highlights: Elegant resort with a championship golf course, luxurious spa, and four swimming pools.
- Nearby Attractions:
- The Mall at Millenia: Upscale shopping.
- Universal CityWalk: Dining and nightlife.
Southwest Florida
- Location: Naples
- Highlights: Offers beachfront luxury, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Naples Botanical Garden: Stunning plant collections.
- Fifth Avenue South: Upscale shopping and dining.
2. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
- Location: Naples
- Highlights: Luxurious accommodations, beachfront views, and a private golf course.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Naples Pier: Fishing and sunset views.
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Pristine beaches and nature trails.
- Location: Naples
- Highlights: Spacious rooms, a world-class spa, and a private beach.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Wildlife and hiking trails.
- Tin City: Waterfront shopping and dining.
4. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
- Location: Bonita Springs
- Highlights: Family-friendly resort with water slides, lazy rivers, and eco-tours.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Lovers Key State Park: Kayaking and beach picnics.
- Koreshan State Park: Historic site with scenic trails.
Southeast Florida
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
- Location: Sunny Isles Beach
- Highlights: Renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired design, spa services, and oceanfront dining.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Oleta River State Park: Kayaking and biking trails.
- Bal Harbour Shops: High-end shopping.
- Location: Miami Beach
- Highlights: Iconic for its vibrant nightlife, upscale dining options, luxurious pools, and historic architecture. This legendary resort combines elegance and excitement, offering world-class amenities and access to Miami Beach’s vibrant culture.
- Nearby Attractions:
- South Beach: Trendy beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Art Deco Historic District: Walking tours to explore iconic architecture.
- Location: Palm Beach
- Highlights: Historic oceanfront resort offering timeless luxury, fine dining, and family-friendly activities.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Worth Avenue: Upscale shopping and dining.
- Henry Morrison Flagler Museum: Gilded Age history and architecture.
- Location: Miami Beach
- Highlights: Chic, modern resort with oceanfront views, luxury suites, and a vibrant pool scene.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Art Deco Historic District: Architectural walking tours.
- Lincoln Road Mall: Outdoor shopping and dining.
5. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
- Location: Manalapan
- Highlights: Award-winning spa, oceanfront dining, and sophisticated design perfect for couples and relaxation.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Lake Worth Beach: Relaxed beach town with shops and cafes.
- Palm Beach Zoo: Family-friendly wildlife experience.
- Location: Hollywood Beach
- Highlights: Oceanfront resort with multiple pools, upscale dining, and a spa.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Hollywood Broadwalk: Scenic walking and dining along the beach.
- Anne Kolb Nature Center: Mangrove trails and kayak rentals.
- Location: Miami Beach
- Highlights: A blend of luxury and Japanese minimalism, with exclusive Nobu dining and oceanfront rooms.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Miami Beach Boardwalk: Biking and jogging along the coast.
- Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Contemporary art exhibitions.
8. Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Location: Boca Raton
- Highlights: Iconic pink resort featuring luxury amenities, golf courses, and a private beach club.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Mizner Park: Shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: Sea turtle rehabilitation and nature trails.
Florida Keys
1. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
- Location: Little Torch Key
- Highlights: Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this exclusive resort is ideal for romantic getaways.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Bahia Honda State Park: Stunning beaches and snorkeling.
- Key West: Iconic attractions like Mallory Square and Duval Street.
- Location: Duck Key
- Highlights: A family-friendly resort offering dolphin encounters, a kids’ club, and water sports.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters: Interactive marine experiences.
- Seven Mile Bridge: Scenic drives and photo ops.
- Location: Islamorada
- Highlights: Known for fishing, fine dining, and luxury accommodations.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Theater of the Sea: Marine life shows and swimming with dolphins.
- Islamorada Sandbar: Popular boating destination.
- Location: Marathon
- Highlights: Modern resort with spacious suites, multiple pools, and beachfront views.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Pigeon Key: Historic island accessible by ferry.
- Crane Point Hammock: Nature trails and museum.
5. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort
- Location: Marathon
- Highlights: Spacious villas, white-sand beaches, and a laid-back vibe.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Dolphin Research Center: Educational marine programs.
- Sombrero Beach: Family-friendly public beach.
Plan Your Dream Florida Resort Vacation
This extensive guide showcases the best Florida resorts for every type of traveler, from romantic retreats to family-friendly havens. Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, or relaxation, these resorts and their nearby attractions promise unforgettable memories.
