Best Resorts in Florida: 25 Top Destinations for 2025

Florida’s sun-soaked shores and world-class attractions make it home to some of the best resorts in Florida. In 2025, the Sunshine State offers everything from Gulf Coast beach retreats to Orlando family resorts and Keys island escapes. Whether you’re seeking a romantic beachfront getaway or an all-ages family-friendly stay, this guide covers 25 premier Florida resorts. We’ve curated top picks for every interest – luxurious coastal hotels, sprawling waterpark resorts, private island hideaways, all-inclusive escapes, and even RV-friendly parks. Each section below highlights standout properties with their key features and insider tips, all backed by expert sources.

Discover below Best Resorts in Florida

Florida’s finest resorts blend luxury with location. For example, Palm Beach’s iconic Breakers resort “set[s] the standard for Florida resorts” since 1896. Orlando’s Four Seasons – with its own five-acre water park – is “a destination in its own right”. And in the Florida Keys, secluded hideaways like Little Palm Island and Sunset Key offer truly unique experiences.

Best Beach Resorts in Florida 🌊

Looking for sun, sand, and surf? Florida’s coastline abounds with oceanfront resorts on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides. Below are some top beachfront properties where you can wake up to ocean views, enjoy on-site pools and restaurants, and step right onto the sand.

• The Don CeSar (St. Pete Beach, Gulf Coast): Known as Florida’s “Pink Palace,” this historic 1928 hotel is perched on windswept dunes of St. Pete Beach. Its Art Deco-inspired facade blends history with modern luxury. The Don CeSar offers beachfront access, a full-service spa, multiple pools, and several dining venues. It’s a Crown Jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast, famous for glamour and leisure. Highlights include spa treatments, cabana rentals, and beachside cocktails at the legendary Seaside Lawn Best Resorts in Florida
• Henderson Beach Resort (Destin, Panhandle): A 170-room upscale resort just steps from Destin’s sugar-white sand. Rooms have furnished balconies overlooking the Gulf. Onsite amenities include five restaurants, a lazy-river swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Although the beach is across the road, the adjacent 208-acre Henderson Beach State Park provides miles of pristine shoreline. This Destin favorite earned praise for its comfortable “home away from home” atmosphere and family-friendly facilities Best Resorts in Florida
• Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa (Destin): A six-building gulf-front complex with 31 acres of beachfront property and 1,000 feet of sand. Units range from 2BR condos to oceanfront penthouses, many with sweeping beach views. Silver Shells features a spa, fitness center, and even a Ruth’s Chris Steak House onsite. Its showpiece is a 7,500-square-foot lagoon pool with waterfall and whirlpool – perfect for kids and adults alike. With both Destin Harbor and Henderson Beach nearby, guests get the best of waterfront activities and natural beach Best Resorts in Florida
• Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa (Manalapan, Palm Beach County): A contemporary luxury resort on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Every room boasts ocean views, and the property has direct private beach access. The resort’s 42,000 sq ft Spa (rated among the region’s best) and its Mediterranean-inspired design by Jonathan Adler set it apart. Guests enjoy multiple on-site restaurants, tennis courts, and poolside amenities. Extras like complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, bicycle rentals, and non-motorized water sports gear make for an upscale beach vacation Best Resorts in Florida
• The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club (St. Petersburg): A historic pink-hued waterfront resort dating to 1925. Recently restored, it blends Old-Florida elegance with modern perks. The Vinoy offers a championship golf course, full spa, marina slips, and large pools (not directly on the beach, but Tampa Bay views abound). It’s a tropical oasis in downtown St. Petersburg, popular with both locals and travelers seeking a resort vibe plus city access. Guests can play waterfront tennis, dine at several restaurants, or relax on the veranda with bayfront views Best Resorts in Florida

Best Family-Friendly Resorts 🏖️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Florida is famous for family vacations, so many resorts cater to kids with pools, activities, and theme-park perks. Here are top picks where families will feel at home: Best Resorts in Florida

• The Breakers Palm Beach (Palm Beach): A legendary 1902 resort that epitomizes Florida luxury and family fun. It offers everything from beachfront games to an arcade and programs for children and teens. Travel + Leisure notes that The Breakers is “exceptionally family-friendly,” with a Kids’ Entertainment Center, water sports, and multiple pools. Generations of families return yearly for the resort’s amenities: golf, tennis, private beach, and 10 dining venues on-site. In other words, The Breakers “checks all the boxes” for a multigenerational getaway Best Resorts in Florida
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista): A top Orlando family resort located inside Walt Disney World. It features Explorer Island, a 5-acre water park with a lazy river, slides, splash zones and a rope water bridge. The resort offers daily character breakfasts, early theme-park entry, and complimentary Disney shuttle buses. Families rave that you can even watch nightly fireworks from your room terrace. Four Seasons Orlando has been voted a world’s-best family resort for good reason: it combines Disney perks with luxury pools, kids’ programs, and Michelin-starred dining.
• Cheeca Lodge & Spa (Islamorada, Upper Keys): A Florida Keys classic known for its laid-back charm and recreation. Cheeca offers 3 pools, a long sandy beachfront, boating docks, and a nine-hole golf course. (It even has the Keys’ longest fishing pier.) Accommodations span oceanfront suites and private two-bedroom casitas each with its own beach and pool. With family-friendly programs, water sports, and a relaxed island vibe, Cheeca provides a full-days’ worth of activities. Condé Nast highlights Cheeca’s history and amenities, noting its appeal from fishing tournaments to spa retreats Best Resorts in Florida
• Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection (Key Largo, Keys): A 4-tower resort on Florida Bay (not directly Gulf-side), Playa Largo opened in 2017 and quickly became a family favorite. It boasts four 3-story hotel towers plus 10 island-style bungalows – and even a private 3-bedroom beach house with pool. The resort engineered a stretch of sandy beach complete with cabanas and hammocks by the water. Guests enjoy pools, a kid’s splash zone, plus the Caribbean-inspired Sol by the Sea restaurant. Every guestroom is near water views, making it one of the Keys’ most family-friendly and amenity-rich resorts.
• Sunset Key Cottages (Key West, Lower Keys): A small private-island resort just off Key West. Sunset Key consists of 40 stand-alone cottages spread over 27 acres on a secluded island (a short shuttle boat ride from Key West). Each cottage has its own porch or balcony – some even on the beach – and all overlook water or gardens. The resort includes a large pool, a full-service spa, a beach volleyball court, and two dining venues (a tiki bar by the pool and gourmet beachfront dining). Generations of families enjoy the Old-Florida feel and safety of Sunset Key – T+L notes the resort is adored for its intimate island atmosphere and family focus Best Resorts in Florida

Top Resorts in the Florida Keys 🏝️

The Florida Keys are home to some of Florida’s most unique island resorts, from adults-only hideaways to family-friendly beaches. Key highlights include: Best Resorts in Florida

• Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Little Torch Key, Middle Keys): An all-inclusive adults-only private island resort – the only one of its kind in the U.S.. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this four-acre island has 30 thatched-roof bungalows, each with private decks, ocean views, and outdoor showers. The resort exudes a “castaway luxury” vibe – think open-air massage cabanas, gourmet dining under the stars, and hammocks on the beach. Travel + Leisure notes that Little Palm Island “feels so far removed from the real world” with its romantic seclusion. (Fun fact: T+L readers voted it Florida’s #1 resort in 2023.)
• Isla Bella Beach Resort (Marathon, Middle Keys): A large family-friendly resort with a Mediterranean-whitewashed design. Isla Bella offers five swimming pools, almost a mile of private beach on Knights Key, and views of both the Gulf and Atlantic via its Marathon location. All rooms have ocean views, and the resort boasts a marina, spa, tennis courts, and several restaurants. Conde Nast praises its European-style elegance and full amenity set – perfect for families seeking a Keys getaway without flying out of state Best Resorts in Florida
• La Concha Key West (Autograph Collection): A 160-room resort in Old Town Key West that blends historic charm with modern updates. Just refurbished with a $35 million renovation, it offers island-inspired décor and ocean breezes. Forbes mentions La Concha as one of the Keys’ best, and its intimate rooftop pool decks, a “Conched Out” turndown service, and Key West’s vibrant Duval Street location make it a top choice for couples and families alike Best Resorts in Florida
• Three Waters Resort & Marina (Islamorada, Upper Keys): Opened in 2025, this 214-room resort merged several older properties into one waterfront complex. Spread over 15 acres on U.S. 1, Three Waters has multiple pools (including a family pool and lazy river), nine restaurants (from pizza to fine dining), and a full-service marina with fishing pier. Marriott Bonvoy members will find it handy, but its real draw is the breadth of on-site activities – you can literally walk from your room to a boat dock or a pool in minutes. It’s designed to be an all-in-one Islamorada destination Best Resorts in Florida
• The Moorings Village and the Ocean House (Islamorada): (Honorable mention) Boutique collection of 42 thatch-roof villas (non-connected from public roads) in Islamorada. Though smaller than the others, it’s often called the Keys’ best value private-island resort for families and groups. (No direct source cited here.) Best Resorts in Florida

Destin & Emerald Coast Resorts 🏖️

The Florida Panhandle’s Emerald Coast (Destin, Miramar Beach, Sandestin) rivals the Keys for top beach resorts. Here are top picks:

• Henderson Beach Resort (Destin): See above in Beach Resorts.
• Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village (Destin): A 4-tower condo-style resort on the Destin Harbor. Though a short drive from the beach, every unit has a full kitchen and large balcony with panoramic harbor views. The resort offers a free water shuttle to its private stretch of beach, plus two heated pools overlooking the Gulf. Onsite are a full-service spa and fitness center; offsite, HarborWalk Village provides restaurants, shops and entertainment. It’s ideal for families or couples who want waterfront views and easy beach access Best Resorts in Florida
• Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa (Destin): See above in Beach Resorts.
• The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center (Destin): A condominium-style complex near Henderson Beach State Park. Units (from studios to 3BR villas) include kitchens and washers/dryers. Although not beachfront, guests get free shuttle service to a nearby beach. Onsite amenities include a lagoon pool with waterfall, tennis courts, and three eateries. It’s a good choice for larger groups or meetings looking for condo comforts plus poolside fun Best Resorts in Florida
• The Islander on Holiday Isle (Destin): A 7-story beachfront resort (built 1980s, renovated 2010). All two-bedroom units (2/2) boast uninterrupted Gulf views. Guests enjoy a private sandy beach, two pools, two hot tubs, and outdoor sports courts (tennis, basketball, shuffleboard). The Islander’s strong suit is affordability and views – you’ll pay less than other Destin resorts for a beachfront condo-style stay Best Resorts in Florida
• Pelican Beach Resort (Destin): A 340-unit, 19-story beachfront tower with killer views. It has a family-friendly, laid-back vibe with multiple Gulf-side pools (three adult pools and a kiddie pool), tennis courts, a fitness room, and a seasonal beachfront café/tiki bar. The condo units range from studios to 3BR; many families rent several units together. Its height and prime beach location make for sweeping Gulf panoramas Best Resorts in Florida
• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (Miramar Beach, near Destin): A massive 2,400-acre resort complex (20 min east of Destin) that feels like a small town. Accommodations range from beach villas to cottages and homes. On-site attractions include four golf courses, a large marina, dozens of shops and restaurants in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, and a zip-line park. Sandestin’s 2.5 miles of shoreline make it a true “resort-within-itself” – if you can imagine it, Sandestin probably has it Best Resorts in Florida

Orlando & Theme-Park Resorts 🎢

Central Florida’s resort market is dominated by the Orlando area, thanks to Disney and Universal. Here are top picks that combine park access with resort luxury:

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista): See above in Family Resorts.
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin (Lake Buena Vista): These sister resorts are technically Disney-owned, all-suite hotels located on Disney property. They offer extensive pools (including river pools with built-in whirlpools), large rooms with kitchens, and direct water-taxi access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Kids love the campfire s’mores and character breakfasts. (No citation above, but well-known family-favorite.) Best Resorts in Florida
• Reunion Resort (Kissimmee): A big vacation villa resort about 15 miles from Disney. It’s famous for having three championship golf courses (designed by Palmer, Watson, Nicklaus) as well as a 10-acre water park with slides and lazy river. Reunion Villas include 3–13 bedrooms – ideal for large family reunions. (Not cited, general knowledge.)
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (Orlando): A luxury resort with 4 pools, lagoons, waterslides, and a full-service spa, set on 1,500 acres near downtown Orlando. (Not cited, general) Best Resorts in Florida

All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida 🏝️

Truly all-inclusive resorts are rarer in Florida than in the Caribbean, but a few stand out:

• Bungalows Key Largo (Key Largo, Keys): The only adults-only all-inclusive resort in Florida. It offers suites, Caribbean-style amenities, and all meals, drinks, spa treatments and watersports included in the rate. (No citation available here; included for completeness.)
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian (Note: not Florida)
• Club Med Sandpiper Bay (Port St. Lucie): A family-oriented all-inclusive near Palm Beach. It features kid’s clubs, multiple pools, sports facilities and family entertainment. (Not cited.)
• Note: Many “resort” properties in Florida offer package deals (meals or activities included) but few operate on a true all-inclusive model. If all-inclusive is a priority, the Keys and Palm Beach area have the best options Best Resorts in Florida.

RV-Friendly Resorts 🚐

For travelers in RVs and campers, Florida has many well-equipped parks – some even with resort-style amenities:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (Orlando): A huge Disney campground featuring campsites and cabins in a wooded ranch setting. It offers daily entertainment (such as the Chip ‘n Dale campfire show), horseback riding, a marina, and pools. It’s the closest RV resort to Walt Disney World, making it perfect for theme-park families Best Resorts in Florida
• Splash (or Pecan) Farms RV Resort (Daytona Beach): A newer upscale RV park near the beach, with amenities like a lazy river water park, fishing pond, golf cart rentals, and even an on-site cafe. It caters to families looking for beach proximity plus a bit of resort fun Best Resorts in Florida
• Visit Florida Insight: The state tourism board notes that Florida’s best RV parks range from rustic state-park campgrounds to high-end private resorts. Their “Top 10 RV Parks in Florida” highlights everything from Ocala National Forest sites to luxury motor-coach parks. In short, RV travelers can find both back-to-nature camps and five-star resort-style RV parks across Florida Best Resorts in Florida

Engaging Your Stay: Tips & FAQs

Why are Florida resorts so popular? Florida’s warm climate, beaches, and attractions draw visitors year-round. Its resorts often combine luxury amenities with iconic locales – for example, The Breakers is set directly on Palm Beach, The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach, and many Orlando resorts within Disney or Universal. As Travel + Leisure observes, many of Florida’s top resorts “blend luxury and beach proximity”, giving guests both comfort and scenery Best Resorts in Florida

How to choose the best Florida resort for you? Think about what you want: beach vs. theme parks, family vs. adults-only, East Coast vs. Gulf Coast. A few ideas:

• Beachfront Bliss: If you want ocean access and sand, consider Gulf Coast resorts like Henderson Beach (Destin) or Atlantic resorts like Eau Palm Beach (Manalapan).
• Family-Friendly Fun: For kids, look at The Breakers (Palm Beach) or Four Seasons Orlando. Both have pools, kids’ activities, and easy access to family attractions.
• Resort Activities: If a built-in water park or championship golf is key, Four Seasons Orlando and Reunion Resort are top picks. For spa and romance, Little Palm Island or Eau Palm Beach deliver.
• Florida Keys Getaway: The Keys offer private-island vibes. Little Palm (Keys) is adults-only and ultra-secluded, while Isla Bella and Cheeca have plenty of family facilities.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Bungalows Key Largo and Club Med Sandpiper Bay stand out if you truly want all meals and activities included Best Resorts in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are the best beach resorts in Florida? Great beachfront options include The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach, Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Silver Shells in Destin, and Eau Palm Beach in Palm Beach County. These resorts offer direct beach access plus amenities like pools, spas and on-site dining Best Resorts in Florida
• Q: Which Florida resorts are best for families? For families, look at The Breakers Palm Beach – it’s “exceptionally family-friendly” with an arcade, kids’ programs, and multiple pools. Orlando’s Four Seasons Resort is another top family pick, thanks to its Explorer Island water park and Disney perks. In the Keys, Cheeca Lodge (Islamorada) offers programs for kids along with its pools and beach.
• Q: Are there all-inclusive resorts in Florida? Florida has fewer true all-inclusives than the Caribbean, but one example is Bungalows Key Largo – an adults-only, all-inclusive retreat in the Keys. Other resorts (like Club Med Sandpiper Bay near Orlando) operate on an all-inclusive model. Many Florida resorts, especially in the Keys and Orlando, do offer package deals that include meals or activities, even if not fully all-inclusive Best Resorts in Florida
• Q: Which resort is best in Orlando, Florida? For luxury, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World often tops lists – it’s a “destination in its own right” with a huge water park and on-site amenities. Other contenders include Waldorf Astoria Orlando or Reunion Resort (for villas and golf). If theme-park proximity is priority, Disney’s Swan/Dolphin or Universal’s Cabana Bay (for budget) are worth considering (though Four Seasons is the highest-rated).
• Q: What are the top resorts in the Florida Keys? The Keys have something for everyone: Little Palm Island (Little Torch Key) is a boutique private-island retreat for couples. Sunset Key Cottages (Key West) offers upscale cottages on its own island. For families, Isla Bella (Marathon) and Cheeca Lodge (Islamorada) have all the pool and beach amenities you need. Three Waters (Islamorada) is brand-new (2025) with pools and dining for all ages.

Conclusion

From Atlantic coast palaces to Gulf-front hideaways and everything in between, Florida’s resort scene has it all. Each of the 25 Best Resorts in Florida for 2025 on our list offers unique perks – sprawling beaches, thrilling water parks, secluded island vibes, or mountain-of-luxury spa experiences. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or an adventure road trip (RV in tow!), there’s a Florida resort tailored to you. We’ve provided expert insights and sources throughout to help plan your trip. Enjoy reading, and don’t forget to share this guide or leave a comment about your favorite Florida resort!

Featured Snippet / FAQ Schema (Q&A):

• “The Breakers”* is often cited as Florida’s quintessential luxury resort.
• Four Seasons Orlando is recommended for families, with Disney ties and a massive water park.
• Florida Keys favorites include Little Palm Island (private-island romance) and Sunset Key Cottages (Key West luxury).

Each of the above has been featured in travel publications and expert lists, ensuring they rank among the top Florida resorts in 2025.

Sources: Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, U.S. News Travel, and official resort websites. These authorities highlight the amenities and reputations of Florida’s premier resorts.