11 of the Best Family Beach Vacations in Florida

Are you looking for the best family beach vacations in Florida?

The Sunshine State is home to 663 miles of beaches and the all-year-round warm weather makes it the perfect destination for a family trip.

And whilst many families choose to hit the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s theme parks or stay in one of the state’s many waterpark resorts, others prefer to base themselves by one of Florida’s family friendly beaches.

Stay right by one of Florida’s beautiful beaches

With some of the US’ best family beaches situated in the state, it’s this is no surprise and Florida’s Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast offer stunning options for all ages, with everything from luxury resorts and to family-friendly hotels on offer.

To inspire your next memorable family vacation in Florida with kids, we’ve rounded up our recommendations of the best beach resorts to hit up as a family.

Here are our top choices, including where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and where to fly into for each of these fantastic spots.

1. Clearwater Beach

Set just west of Tampa along the gorgeous western coast, Clearwater Beach offers soft white sand and stands out as a uniquely incredible location in a state known for fantastic family beaches.

Where to stay…

As one of the best family beach vacations in Florida, Clearwater Beach has plenty of places to enjoy. Families looking for luxury should check out the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, which has over 340 smoke-free rooms, three restaurants, a full-service spa, and free cribs and infant beds for guests. It’s also just three minutes away from Clearwater Beach itself.

Families looking to travel on a budget may want to consider the Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina. It’s a little simple for the area, but it’s comfortably relaxed with 16 rooms, has an outdoor pool, and it’s more affordable than many competitors. The Sandpearl Resort is noticeably more expensive but has a private beach area to help you dodge the crowds.

Where to eat…

For fine dining, make sure to stop at Sea-Guini, which offers a mixture of Italian and American meals, focusing on seafood. Poke Havana offers entirely different flavors with its mix of Cuban and Hawaiian meals, while the Clear Sky Cafe is a kid-friendly area that’s great for breakfast.

What to do…

Clearwater Beach is a great spot to enjoy water sports like parasailing, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing. You don’t need to go into the water to have fun, though, as biking and rollerblading are also great options here. Don’t burn off all your energy during the day, though, because the Pier 60 area hosts performers and vendors practically every night. If you’re travelling with young kids, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must-visit attraction.

The closest airport to Clearwater Beach

While there’s a local airpark near Clearwater Beach, that’s not an easy-travel option for most people. A better choice is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which is about 20 minutes away in regular traffic. Tampa International Airport is a little further away but has a straight drive into Clearwater.

Looking for accommodation close to the airport? Our guide to the best hotels near St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport for families should help you plan your trip.

2. Siesta Key Beach

Set almost directly south of Tampa, Siesta Key Beach offers wide beaches and excellent accommodations.

Where to stay…

The simply-named Tropical Beach Resorts offers 70 comfortably large apartments with two outdoor pools and a full kitchenette. It’s also just three minutes from the beach. The resort has numerous luxurious upgrade areas, too, helping it fit almost any need. The Capri at Siesta is an excellent alternative featuring ten rooms, a private beach area, and available beach towels.

Where to eat…

Florida is justly famous for its heat, so Made in Rome Organic Gelato offers some delicious, cold retreats. The Summer House Steak & Seafood restaurant sells what you’d expect, with great food and pricing to match. The Sun Garden Cafe offers American-style fare, while the Isan Thai Restaurant offers spicier Asian meals.

What to do…

Siesta Key Beach has white quartz sand, and it’s kid-friendly, thanks to the available playground area. Year-round lifeguards help make swimming safe during regular hours, while tennis courts offer more fun on the shore. For more room, Turtle Beach is just to the south, although you may want to drive rather than walk.

The closest airport to Siesta Key Beach

The closest airport for this destination is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, which is about 30 minutes away on a decent day. Tampa International Airport to the north and Punta Gorda Airport to the southeast also service the area, though these are better as backup choices.

3. Marco Island

Marco Island is set on the southwestern side of Florida, just before the southernmost tip of the state. 

Where to stay…

The Boat House is an excellent option for smaller families, with affordable rates in a safe and quiet area. Families looking for luxury may prefer Marriott’s Crystal Shores, which has over 200 condo-style residences with plenty of sleeping spots, supervised childcare, three outdoor pools, and quick access to the beach.

Where to eat…

DaVinci’s is a great mist of American and Italian fare, with an unsurprising focus on seafood. This is a great restaurant with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. The Boulevard offers high-class, contemporary American fare, while Doreen’s Cup of Joe serves great breakfasts.

What to do…

Aside from enjoying water sports along the beach, the Marco Island Historical Museum offers entertainment and attractions for kids. The Otter Mound Preserve is a more relaxed waterfront area, with a trail going through a tropical hardwood area. The Marco Island Center for the Arts offers an ever-changing selection of art, too, so you can go back each time you visit. 

The closest airport to Marco Island

Marco Island has several options for flight, including the Marco Island Executive Airport and the Naples Airport. These will cover most needs, but if you can’t get a flight there, Southwest Florida International Airport to the north is a good (if slightly distant) backup.

4. Cocoa Beach

Our first option on the eastern seaboard, Cocoa Beach, is set east and south of Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast.

Where to stay…

The Coco Sands Beachside Cottages are a surprisingly great choice for apartments if you’re staying for a few days. The mixture of quality and affordability makes it an excellent choice for many families. If you’re looking for luxury, Courtyard Cocoa Beach – Cape Canaveral offers a bar, a restaurant, free cribs, infant beds, and reasonably quick access to entertainment.

Where to eat…

Florida’s Fresh Grill is an excellent mix of steak and seafood, with reasonable pricing to match. For something a little fancier, check out Fat Kahuna’s Beach Side Grille, which offers similar fare. If you’re looking for something cheap, the similarly-named Beachside Grill & Deli offers solid meals at affordable rates.

What to do…

Great activities in Cocoa Beach include exploring the long boardwalk, riding through the skate park, or renting sporting equipment. If you like space, you can go a relatively short distance north to visit Cape Canaveral, which has numerous themed entertainments to enjoy.

The closest airport to Cocoa Beach

The best airport for reaching Cocoa Beach is Melbourne Orlando International Airport, which is just south of the beach area. The Space Coast Regional Airport also services the area, but it may be hard to get flights there. As a backup, you can go to the Orlando International Airport, which you shouldn’t confuse with the closer Melbourne airport.

5. Daytona Beach

Easily one of the most famous locations on this list, Daytona Beach offers an impressive 23 miles of soft sand beaches on Florida’s East coast.

Where to stay…

If you’re in the mood to see some racing, the Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport is a family-friendly area with a free airport shuttle, over 120 rooms, and free cribs and infant beds set just one mile away from the speedway. For a smaller location, The Riverview Hotel offers a luxurious indoor pool and a full-service spa.

Where to eat…

Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant is an excellent choice for pizza and general Italian fare, available in family-friendly sizes. Chucherias Restaurant offers a Spanish twist on things, while Crabby’s Oceanside offers American and seafood dishes. If you’re feeling especially fancy, make sure you check out The Cellar for European dishes.

What to do…

Daytona Beach has plenty of activities, from many miles of shore to hiking, biking, golfing, and dining. Consider taking a scenic boat tour, visiting the Halifax Historical Museum, or checking out the action at the Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona Lagoon theme park is excellent for families.

The closest airport to Daytona Beach

The best option for flying in is the aptly named Daytona Beach International Airport. While not especially large, it offers immediate access and generally gets the job done. Backup options include the Spruce Creek Airport or, if you need to go further away, the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

6. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach stands out from many other options here since it’s set on the western side of Florida’s panhandle and far from the more popular areas to the south.

Where to stay…

Towneplace Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach Pier Park offers an excellent balance of price and comfort, making it one of the top choices for family trips. For a slightly more luxurious vacation, consider the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach, an IHG Hotel, which has a private beach area, four restaurants, a children’s pool, and breakfast.

Where to eat…

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is a top stop for American food, offering great food and fast service. David’s Sno-Balls is a much more affordable location, offering a surprisingly long list of American cafe fare despite the dessert-themed name. The British Eatery is an excellent choice for non-American meals, while Muy Wayne O’s offers southwestern and Mexican treats.

What to do…

Notable activities in Panama City Beach include Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, and the Cobra Adventure Park. For families who like animals, the ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory is a pleasantly interactive area with over 260 animals to see.

The closest airport to Panama City Beach

There are several airports in the area, but the city itself mainly uses the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which has daily flights from several major airports and thus plenty of connectivity. That’s easily the best option, but Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport serves as a backup to the west.

7. South Beach, Miami

Miami’s South Beach area is on the very tip of the Miami Beach island area, with comfortable and easy access to hotels and entertainment on the mainland.

Where to stay…

Casa Victoria Orchid is an Art Deco-style hotel with 22 rooms, outdoor pool access, and free cribs/infant beds. Daily housekeeping and an on-site restaurant, plus affordable rates, make it a great family choice. South Beach has incredibly luxurious options, too, particularly in the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club and Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach.

Where to eat…

Macchialina is an excellent choice for pasta and Italian fare. Abbale Telavivian Kitchen offers Israeli food, especially for lunch, while La Sandwicherie is a good choice for walk-up sandwiches. Expect high prices everywhere; South Beach, in particular, doesn’t do cheap food.

What to do…

South Beach has activities all day and most of the night. Enjoy a walk along the beach or head inland a little to enjoy the architecture. If you’re in the mood for a little more activity, stop by Haulover Park for biking, golfing, or tennis. 

The closest airport to South Beach

The best airport for accessing the South Beach area is, naturally, the massive Miami International Airport. You shouldn’t need another option in anything but the most extreme circumstances. If you absolutely must go somewhere else, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport can serve as a backup choice.

8. Fort Walton Beach

Set along the western side of the panhandle not too far from Panama City Beach, Fort Walton Beach features a long stretch of sandy shores easily accessible from the highway.

Where to stay…

Fort Walton Beach is an impressively luxurious area, despite not being as known as some other areas. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach is a comfortable and affordable family hotel with rapid access to the entire area. For luxury, Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach and Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin are great options.

Where to eat…

Rockin Tacos offers delicious Mexican meals with a bright, festive atmosphere. Angler’s Beachside Grill offers American seafood and drinks, while the Crab Trap is a beach bar with plenty of appetizers to enjoy.

What to do…

Fort Walton Beach is family-friendly, starting with the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park that has sea life shows and dolphin encounters. The hands-on exhibits at the Emerald Coast Science Center provide an entirely different sort of fun. The nearby Indian Temple Mound Museum offers some thought-provoking ceramic artifacts and exhibits.

The closest airport to Fort Walton Beach

The best airport for this area is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which is set just north of the city and offers reasonably quick access. Unfortunately, it’s a relatively small airport, so finding a flight can be challenging. The same goes for the nearby Valparaiso and Pensacola airports.

You may need to go to the Mobile Regional Airport in Alabama, which is about an hour and a half away from Fort Walton Beach.

9. Delray Beach

Delray Beach is set on the eastern side of Florida’s southernmost region and part of the greater urban area stretching north from Miami.

Where to stay…

The Hyatt Place Delray Beach is a comfortable and affordable hotel with rapid access to dozens of restaurants. Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas is a bit more expensive but features a fantastic pool area and plenty of luxuries. The Seagate Hotel & Spa is a little more expensive than other areas, but it’s pet-friendly and has extra amenities.

Where to eat…

Caffe Luna Rosa offers Italian fare, and especially Tuscan meals, with fresh pasta and a comfortable environment. Cabana El Rey is a little more Caribbean in its offerings, while El Camino offers Mexican and southwestern dishes. Cut 432 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for steak or more traditional American meals.

What to do…

Activities in Delray Beach include visiting the Wakodahatchee wetlands, browsing the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, and strolling down Atlantic Avenue to go shopping or browsing through galleries and boutiques. If your family likes to golf, Putt’n Around is a mini-golf course with some quirky, unique designs for the family to enjoy.

The closest airport to Delray Beach

The closest airport to Delray Beach is Palm Beach International Airport. This airport has reasonably decent coverage from many major hubs, so it’s easy to get to. As a backup, consider the For Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is significantly larger. If neither works for you, Miami International Airport is a little distant but tolerable.

Looking for accommodation not too far from Palm Beach airport? Our list of the best hotels near Palm Beach International Airport for families should take the weight off your shoulders when planning your trip.

10. Fort De Soto State Park

Fort De Soto Park is set on the western side of Florida’s extension, directly southwest of Tampa and relatively accessible by highways.

Where to stay…

There aren’t many hotel options in Fort De Soto State Park itself, which can be an issue when you’re looking for the best family beach vacations in Florida; however, there is the Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Tierra Verde, which is set in the city just north of the park itself.

Somewhat unusual, you can also reserve a spot for camping here, giving you rapid access to the beach at better rates than hotels usually charge. The campground has 238 single-family spots. It’s fairly popular, so try to reserve space as far ahead of time as possible.

If camping is your think, we’ve also rounded up the best family campgrounds in Florida.

Where to eat…

You won’t find many food options in the state park itself, so bring your meals if you’re planning to camp there. Otherwise, expect to head north into Tierra Verde for better dining opportunities, such as the American fare at The Island Grille and Raw Bar.

For European meals, the Good Times Continental Restaurant is classy and has an excellent selection of dishes, while Tony & Nello’s Southern Italian Cuisine and Grille provides more rustic fare. Tierra Verde is a bit small, so you’ll have to head further away to get many other dining options.

What to do…

Fort De Sato State Park offers many family-friendly activities, starting with a pirate-themed playground at the entrance to the area. Families with interest in history may enjoy the Historic Fort and Museum area, complete with cannons, while a seven-mile paved trail is good for walking and biking alike.

The closest airport to Fort De Soto State Park

Fort De Soto State Park is a little further from airports than many other beaches in Florida. The best domestic airport is the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, which is about 26 miles away. Slightly further is Tampa International Airport, which should serve every need. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport isn’t ideal as a backup but may work.

11. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is set right on the northeastern corner of Florida, placing it surprisingly far away from most of our other recommendations.

Where to stay…

Hampton Inn Amelia Island is reasonably comfortable and affordable for a typical family. It’s pet-friendly and has some connecting rooms if you need them. Home2 Suites by Hilton Fernandina Beach Amelia Island is quite a mouthful of a name, but it’s quite luxurious and competitively priced. Visitors looking for luxury can check out The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

Where to eat…

Espana Restaurant & Tapas offers excellent Mediterranean and seafood fare at reasonable prices. For a more American twist on these dishes, Burlingame Restaurant can seat even large families. Le Clos offers outstanding yet expensive French fare, while Arte Pizza is a good choice if you’re looking for Italian and kid-friendly food.

Finally, SALT at the Ritz-Carlton is objectively one of the best restaurants in Florida, as noted by its Five Diamond rating from the AAA. If you can afford the meal, it’s a must for the trip, particularly if you make a reservation to dine with the chefs. This is outside of many budgets, though, so don’t worry if you can’t make it.

What to do…

Amelia Island has a variety of golf courses, but the highlights are the numerous beaches along the island. It also has sand dunes and other entertainment at the Main Beach Park, while Amelia River Cruises & Charters offers guided excursions throughout the local waterways.

The closest airport to Amelia Island

The best airport for getting to Amelia Island is the Jacksonville International Airport, which is about thirty minutes away and has support from most hubs. If you can’t fly directly, one transfer should be all you need to get there.

Some visitors may also be able to get a flight to the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, which is located directly on Amelia Island. This airport mostly serves smaller planes, however, so don’t expect to see many major flights landing there.

Florida’s Beaches are the Perfect Family Vacation Spot

If you’re considering the state for your next family vacation but want a relaxing break away from the state’s theme parks, staying at one of the stunning beautiful beaches in Florida could be the perfect choice for all ages.

Young children through teens to adults can enjoy the beautiful soft sands and splashing in the sea, with a whole host of tourist attractions within driving distance, too.

Choosing a beach vacation doesn’t have to mean missing out on other things to do, but planning your trip carefully is essential to make sure you’re able to put together an itinerary that lets you do everything you want to.

The great news is that pretty much all of the best beaches in Florida ate family-friendly, and our recommendations mean you’ve a whole load of awesome options, from Clearwater to Miami. Whether you fancy South Florida (meaning you can head down to the Florida Keys), Central Florida or even the panhandle, there’s so many options available to you.

Choose Florida not just for fun but for stunning beaches, too and trust us when we say you’ll have an amazing memorable vacation when heading to The Sunshine State.