If you are searching for the best resorts in Florida, it can be challenging not to come across all the Disney resorts. Knowing that there is more to Florida than just Disney, we put together a list of the best non-Disney resorts in Florida!
10 Best Resorts in Florida
The difference between a resort and a hotel is all in what they offer. A resort is kind of like a little town where you sleep. With scenic surroundings, meals, recreational activities, and all kinds of things for you to do, resorts can make or break your vacation.
Below we have found the 10 best resorts in Florida for you to stay and find your family’s relaxation!
#1 Tradewinds Island Grand Resort
Located in St. Pete Beach, FL.
I highly recommend searching Tradewinds Island Grand Resort. Not only are the staff always friendly and helpful, but the resort is a 25-acre playground haven.
Tradewinds features: 10 onsite restaurants and bars, 5 pools and whopping 450 cabanas, a 3 story(!) waterslide
This resort lets you fly with a jetpack, master stand-up paddle-boarding, and party with a pirate. Offshore away is a waterpark for kids, or your kids can enjoy Konk camps where they do crafts and activities all day.
If you want to relax on your vacation, you can indulge in a massage, lay on a beachside hammock, or relax by one of the 5-heated pools. No matter what you want, this resort is sure to give it to you.
There is a resort amenity fee of $49 per room per night and it includes: Wi-Fi Internet access, daily beach cabana, campfire smores, beach hammocks, dive in movies, tennis, Yogafit, the fitness center, paddleboats, mini golf, touch tank experience and the unlimited use of the Zing Ray Zip, High Tide Slide and Surf WipeOut for each registered guest
#2 Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Located on the western end of Panama City Beach, FL
When you visit Beachside Resort Panama City Beach Hotel, you get an experience you won’t find at any other resort. With southern hospitality, old Florida, and some modern touches, you get the best of all worlds. The beaches are miles of crystal white sand and clear gulf waters for as far as your eyes can see. you are far away from the crowds, but close to all the resorts restaurants, attractions, and nightlife.
#3 B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
People from all over come to B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale to enjoy the history as well as modern oceanfront destination. With nods of the past, a private beach, and delicious food, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Head to the Wreck Bar to catch a glimpse of a mermaid, or get superior services at the beach-chic rooms.
There are 5 onsite restaurants and bars at the B Ocean Resort.
The B Ocean resort offers two pools, bike rentals for cruising around town, 24 hour fitness center and mermaid shows!
The Resort Fee at B Ocean Resort is $44.07
If you are looking for free things to do in Fort Lauderdale, check out our post!
#4 Islander Resort
Location: Florida Keys
The Islander Resort is a vacation haven in the sport fishing capital of the world.
Each room or suite has a private lanai with lounge furniture, but don’t just hang out there all day!
The Islander Resort is full of adventurous onsite water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boats. Or, you can enjoy the two oceanfront pools, hot tub, or take the kids to the splash pad.
If you need adventure gear to rent, they have the following available for rent:
- Bicycles
- Paddleboards
- Glass-Bottom Kayaks
- Single / Double Kayaks
- Snorkel Boards
- Water Carpet
- Paddle Boats
- Aqua Cycles / Hydro Bikes
The resort fee is $38 per room per night and covers:
- Premium WIFI
- Self-parking
- Two (2) in-room bottled waters
- On-site boat and trailer parking
- One-hour daily usage of bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards per room for up to two (2) people
- Pier Fishing access, license included. Fishing equipment not available on site. (Local bait and tackle stop offer rentals)
- Complimentary transportation locally within 1.5 miles of Islander Oceanside resort (available 12pm to 10pm), first come first serve
- $2.00 off admission to the on-site Florida Keys History and Discovery Center
- Pool/beach towel service
- Access to basketball court, volleyball court, ping-pong, corn hole, and shuffleboard
When you stay here, you won’t struggle trying to find something fun to do!
#5 Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Located in Miramar Beach, Florida.
Unlike a hotel, Sandestin Golf and Beach resort has a collection of over 1,200 vacation rentals which include: studios, 4-bedroom suites, condos, homes, villas, penthouses, and luxury rentals.
You can also choose from 4-different resort areas within the resort. Of course, you can also enjoy activities such as tennis, golf, the kids club, parasailing, kayaking, fishing, and so much more. When you stay here, you may never want to leave the resort!
The Resort Fee at Sandestin Gold and Beach Resort is $44 per day.
#6 The Grove Resort Orlando
Located in Orlando, Florida
Although Disney is only a few minutes away, Grove Resort Orlando is not a Disney hotel.
However, the Grove Resort is it is one of the best resorts if you have kiddos. Kids can enjoy numerous activities at the The Springs Pools such as the Surfari Water park. Or, they can head into the Family fun center for the newest and most immersive arcade games that everyone will love. Redeem your winnings for prizes or use them to play a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
There is a resort fee of $40 for two bedroom suites, and $50 for three bedroom suites per night and it covers:
- Daily Transportation to and from Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld
- Entrance to The Springs Pools
- Resort Wide Wi-Fi
- In-Suite Local and Toll-Free Calls
- In-Suite Coffee and Tea Setup
- Unlimited 24/7 Access to our Fitness Center
- Use of the Business Center
- Scheduled Family Activities
When you book a stay at The Grove you also receive complementary admission to the Surfari Waterpark which is onsite. The waterpark features, a FlowRider surf simulator, dual waterslides, a HUGE lazy river, a kids’ pool and a zero entry pool.
When you stay here, there is no need to go to Disney for the kids to have fun, but it isn’t far from Disney either if you need to see the mouse himself!
#7 Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo
Located in The Florida Keys
Nestled on 13-acres of Florida’s Bay, Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo is a resort that blends tropical fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
The Key Largo resorts has a playground fit for all ages/ Kids and adults alike can take a dip in the sparkling pools accented by beautiful flowing waterfalls, go parasailing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and more. Not to mention there are always resort activities happening along the shore.
The resort fee for Baker’s Cay Resort is $45 and from the website includes:
Overnight Self-Parking
WiFi In Guestrooms and Public Areas
Two (2) Refillable Bottles of PATH Water per Room, per Stay, with Refill Stations Located Throughout the Resort.
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In-Room Coffee and Tea Service
Nightly Sunset Champagne Toast
Bicycles, Kayaks and Paddle Boards
Pool and Beach Lounge Chairs, Umbrellas and Towels
Fishing Poles and Bait for Catch + Release Fishing from Resort Dock, 8am to 10am Daily
A Wide Variety of Family-Friendly Weekly Activities, Including:
Sing Along to Local Live Music on Friday and Saturday Nights in Dry Rocks
Catch Some Bubbles at our Friday Foam Parties
Enjoy the Beauty of the Night Sky with S’mores & Stars on Thursdays and Saturdays
Munch on Popcorn and Candy At our Outdoor Movie Night
Don’t Miss our Spicy Taco Tuesday + Trivia Night
Mix Up Some Margaritas on Tequila Thursdays
Test Your Skills at The Cay-1 Pineapple Scavenger Hunt
#8 Palm Beach Shores Resort and Villas
Located in Palm Beach Shores, Florida
If you are looking for a nice low key resort, Palm Beach Shores Resort and Villas is the place to be.
It’s like its own little Island. There are tons of activities you can do from taking a shuttle to a street party to going on beach walks and playing BINGO, there are tons of things to do that are included in your stay.
Don’t forget to enjoy the movie nights as well. If you need a relaxing day to yourselves, you can drop your kids off at the kids club or enjoy an in-house babysitter.
#9 Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina
Located in Key West, Florida
Located on the waterfront of Old Town Key West, Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina is your paradise destination.
It’s full of relaxation and luxury in the middle of all the excitement that Key West is famous for. Whether you want to enjoy the luxury of the resort with ocean views and pristine pools, or you want to head out on the town, there are tons of things to do. Enjoy museums, karaoke, or action-seeking water sports.
There is a nightly resort fee of $54 and it covers the following:
- Shuttle service to and from downtown and the Key West International Airport
- Daily parking for vehicles (boat, trailer, RV, or jet-ski parking is not permitted)
- Beach chairs and coolers available for complimentary checkout at our Island Gear Garage
- Welcome cocktail during check-in 1 pm – 7 pm
- Daily poolside refreshments including freshly blended fruit smoothies at noon and popsicles at 2 pm
- Daily lobby refreshments including fruit-infused water and lemonade, LavAzza brewed coffee from 7:30 am to 11 am, and fresh-baked cookies between 3-7 pm
- Pool towels for water-sports
- Wi-Fi
Adult Activities include:
- Rum Tastings Tuesdays at 5 pm
- Sip & Paint classes in our Tiki (bi-weekly)
Kids Activities include:
- Fireside s’mores
- Crayons and themed coloring pages
- Freshly baked lobby cookies
- Fruit-infused lemonade and water
- Poolside smoothies and popsicles
#10 Opal Sands Resort
Located in Clearwater, Florida
Opal Sands Resort is exactly what the name suggests.
Full of opal sanded beaches, crystal clear water, and luxury that can’t be beat this resort is one of a kind. When you book here, you can enjoy poolside dining, live entertainment, hot tubs, private cabanas, live music at the sandbar, beach sports, and more.
The Resort Fee is $35 per day and includes the following:
- In-room bottled water (2)
- Hi-Speed Wireless Internet
- In-room coffee
- Guest pantry on every floor featuring fresh fruit and freshly baked cookies daily
- Pool towel service at the resort pool
- Fitness Center
- Bicycles (2) per day
- Daily newspaper available Monday thru Friday
- Daily turndown service
- Guest computer and boarding pass kiosk
- Unlimited local calls and toll-free number access
Have you been to a resort in Florida that is list worthy? If you have, share it in the comments below! We would love to share it on our list for other readers.