Traveling is one of those activities that instantly sparks joy in my soul. It is actually one of the main reasons why I started this blog! JB and I moved to Switzerland a month after we married and I wanted to document all of our fun travels and my new life as a wife. Fast-forward to the present day, and I still love traveling, possibly even more now that we have our boys to bring along! We’ve had the privilege of traveling to so many beautiful places – Budapest, San Sebastián, Turks and Caicos, Machu Picchu and tons of other fun destinations. But, one of my absolute favorite places to explore is our beautiful home state of Florida! Today I’m going to share my top recommendations for where to stay in Florida, covering some of my favorite Florida resorts for both families and couples. And if you’re looking for a wardrobe for one of these trips, I’ve got that post for you – right here (:
Where to Visit in Florida
I’m so blessed to call this beautiful state my home. I do my very best to never take our surroundings for granted – the stunning beaches, fun resorts, warm weather, and of course, Disney World. As much as I love exploring all over the world, I also enjoy adventures right here in Florida. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is “Where should I stay in Florida?” So, I decided to compile this list of my favorite Florida resorts in hopes that it is helpful to others who are planning a fun Florida vacation!
A Local’s Guide to Florida Resorts
Over the years we’ve visited all sorts of Florida resorts including family beach resorts, romantic resorts, and Orlando family resorts. When deciding where to stay in Florida, I think it’s important to take into consideration what type of trip you’re planning. If you’re planning for a romantic getaway, you’re probably not going to want a Florida resort full of children. On the other hand, if you’re traveling with kids, I always recommend a Florida resort that provides some type of kids club or fun children’s activities. Of course, there are also Florida resorts that are appropriate for both types of vacations. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Florida – each resort is one that I’ve visited and loved!
Best Places to Stay in Florida
1. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
The Vinoy, aka Barbie’s Dream Mansion, is a beautiful pink palace in the heart of St. Petersburg. This resort is the perfect mixture of old and new. It was built back in 1925 and was actually in ruins in the 1970s, but later restored to the glamorous hotel it is today. The beds are comfy, the rooms are beautiful, and the activities are endless at the Vinoy!
St. Pete is such a wonderful place to visit – it’s active, beautiful, cultured, not pretentious, and has some really great restaurants! I’ve visited this Florida resort for a variety of trips including a family staycation, a girls’ trip, and a romantic trip with JB. We actually took our pregnancy announcement photo at the Vinoy, so it will always hold a special place in my heart! Check out this previous post on the Vinoy in St. Petersburg to dive deeper into kids’ activities and restaurants we love near the resort.
2. Four Seasons Orlando: Best Orlando Resort for Families
The Four Seasons Resort in Orlando is truly incredible. There’s no denying it is on the pricier side, but, from all of my experiences, it is well worth it! This Florida resort has a ton of perks and incredible details that make it truly magical. Without a doubt, this is the best Orlando resort for families, in my opinion!
We traveled to the Four Seasons Orlando when the boys were in preschool, as toddlers, and as a multigenerational Florida vacation with grandparents. Over the years this resort has become our favorite way to kick off summer. I’ve previously shared some of the amazing perks and amenities at the Four Seasons Orlando. A few of my favorites include their incredible kids clubs for younger and older kids (both are free starting at age 4), endless activities for the whole family, incredible food, weekly character breakfasts, a complimentary luxury shuttle to Disney World, and so much more! Honestly, we have enjoyed our stays at this Orlando resort so much that sometimes it’s hard even to leave to go to the parks!
3. Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa
This Florida Resort is truly a stunner! Every time I visit, I instantly feel as if I’ve been transported from Florida to the Caribbean islands (minus the headache and flight). The views are incredible and the resort was recently redesigned with Jonathan Adler, resulting in rooms that are equally as beautiful.
I have visited this Florida resort with girlfriends and with the boys and it’s wonderful for both types of vacations. Eau Palm Beach has tons of activities for kids including complimentary beach toys, a complimentary kids club, and a kid’s night out program (so you can sneak away for a date night!) They also have an incredible award-winning spa, an adults-only pool, and fun cocktail rooms, along with some other wonderful perks for adults. This Florida resort could easily be categorized as a great family resort and also a romantic resort!
4. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
In my opinion, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets! I visited this resort with JB last year after his executive physical with Mayo Clinic and I also previously took a trip here with the boys. Both visits to this Florida resort were wonderful! It also has an excellent golf course that JB loved and would make for a great golf trip.
One of my favorite aspects of the Ponte Vedra Inn is the terrace that opens right up to the ocean. We took daily beach walks here and the views of the beachside homes were incredible. I’ve visited their spa multiple times and I’ve been impressed each time. Similarly, my boys have had wonderful experiences at this resort’s kids club. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club also has daily craft hours for kids and a huge racquet club for adults. Be sure to check out this list of favorite activities for kids and adults at Ponte Vedra Inn along with recommendations I received from others on what to do and where to eat in Ponte Verde.
5. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
This Florida resort is another beautiful getaway that will have you thinking you just stepped off a plane in the Caribbean. It’s a truly great spot for both family vacations and adult-only vacations! We traveled to the JW Marriott Marco Island in 2019 and 2020 as a family and had a wonderful time on both trips.
This Florida beach resort is huge, but not in a bad way! There is truly something for everyone and there’s really no reason to leave the resort (which is so nice when traveling with kids). There are lots of great restaurants on the property, multiple pools (some for adults, others for kids), and an enormous beach area with beautiful white sand. The boys went crazy for this beach and we spent hours there building sandcastles and searching for seashells. If you’re looking for a family beach resort in Florida, this would be a great option.
6. The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande
Located in Boca Grande, Florida, the Gasparilla Inn & Club is hands down my favorite place in the whole wide world! I’ve always loved the Beach Club at the Gasparilla Inn, but after Kemble interiors revamped it a few years ago, I love it even more. Every little detail is stunning and it is truly a feast for the eyes!
Whenever someone asks me where they should go in Florida, Boca Grande is always my first response! It is my favorite little beach island in Florida that is still hanging on to that old Florida charm – beautiful, quaint, and approachable. It is only an hour and a half from our home, but crossing the bridge makes me feel like I’m being transported to the tropics and I instantly feel more relaxed. Boca Grande is such a fun place for all ages to explore with tons of great kids’ activities. And the Gasparilla Inn & Club is definitely where you will want to stay during your adventure!
7. The Colony Palm Beach
Another favorite place to stay in Florida is the Colony Palm Beach Hotel. I think this resort is particularly great for a girls’ trip, as the shopping and dining on Worth Avenue are unparalleled! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this hotel with friends quite a few times and each and every visit is full of fun, laughter, good food, and lots of shopping.
The rooms at Colony Palm Beach were actually recently updated by the same designer who renovated the Beach Club at the Gasparilla Inn (Kemble interiors) and they are stunning! Touches of rattan, signature garden stools, beautiful colors – every room is different and each is a surprise and delight. If you’re looking for things to do on a girls’ trip, check out some of my favorite places to shop and eat in Palm Beach.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is another Florida resort that is wonderful for families, but also perfect for a couple’s trip or girls’ getaway. I traveled there a few years ago for a press trip with some friends and JB and the boys joined me. I had the best time hanging with the girls and experiencing all of the adult amenities, while JB and the boys hung out at the resort all day. They had so much fun they didn’t want to leave!
Some of the perks for adults at this resort include a wonderful spa (I had a Dermaflash treatment and hydrating mask), a beautiful outdoor saltwater pool, and top-notch restaurants and bars. Also, I don’t know what they do to their beds, but they are some of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on! Some of our favorite kids’ activities at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island include a kids club, a night out program, a “pirate tuck-in” (a bedtime story with a pirate and princess), and an indoor pirate camp out. The staff at this Florida resort truly go above and beyond to make families feel comfortable and “at home”. If you visit Amelia Island, be sure to also check out my recommendations for kids’ activities and other places to explore on the island.
9. The Ritz-Carlton Naples
Another Ritz-Carlton favorite is the Ritz in Naples. A few years back, I visited this resort with a group of girlfriends and we had such a fun time! The resort is absolutely stunning, instantly transporting you to an “island vibe”. And the activities are abundant – a huge and beautiful spa, multiple pools (one is adults-only, another is kid-friendly), a gorgeous beach with white powdery sand, and lots of delicious dining options. There are also some really fun activities to participate in including golf, tennis, and fitness classes.
If you’re traveling to Naples, I highly recommend shopping on 3rd Avenue – so many cute shops! My friend Grace shared a full roundup of our favorite Naples spots and activities that is worth checking out. Even though I visited this Florida resort for a girls’ trip, I think it would be a great choice for a family beach resort vacation as well!
10. Anna Maria Island, Florida
Okay, this last recommendation is a little different in the fact that I’m not naming a specific Florida resort, but rather a resort city. I grew up only 15 minutes away from Anna Maria Island and now we live a mere 30 minutes away from this slice of paradise. I’ve loved watching the island grow over the years and it remains to be one of my favorite places. Anna Maria Island is family-friendly, walkable, and has beautiful beaches with fantastic sunsets.
My favorite resort on the island is the Bali Hai Beach Resort, which is right on the beach and has a great pool and bar situation. For longer stays, I recommend checking out AMI Locals. Living so close to this Florida resort city for most of my life, I’ve explored many of the restaurants and shops. If you plan on visiting the area, be sure to check out my local’s guide to Anna Maria Island where I break down my favorite spots and things to do!
Favorite Resorts in Florida
With so many wonderful options, it can be overwhelming to decide exactly where to stay in Florida. My advice is to first try to narrow down the location and then focus on choosing the exact resort. Keep in mind that some resorts might be best suited for family vacations, while others are better as romantic resorts or girls’ trips. Yet, there are also a good number of Florida resorts that are great for any and all types of vacations!
I hope sharing my experiences as a Florida local can be helpful the next time you’re wondering where to stay in Florida. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in a comment below or shoot me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to help! Where should I visit next? Do you have a favorite Florida resort that didn’t make my top 10? I’d love to hear your recommendations as well!
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