Florida Gulf Coast Family Resorts: The Top Picks For Your Next Vacation

My family and I always enjoy visiting the Florida Gulf Coast, especially the family resorts.

Florida's Gulf Coast is a popular destination for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. The area boasts a variety of family-friendly resorts that offer something for everyone, from luxurious amenities to outdoor activities. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which resort is the best fit for your family's needs.

One of the top family resorts on the Gulf Coast is the South Seas Island Resort, located on Captiva Island. This resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities, including a private beach, multiple pools, tennis courts, and a marina. Families can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as nature walks and wildlife encounters. With a variety of dining options and accommodations ranging from standard rooms to private villas, the South Seas Island Resort is a great choice for families of all sizes and budgets.

Another popular family resort on the Gulf Coast is the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Naples. This resort offers spacious suites with full kitchens, making it easy for families to prepare meals and snacks. The hotel also has a private beach, two pools, and a fitness center. Kids can participate in activities such as scavenger hunts and sandcastle building contests, while parents can relax at the spa or enjoy a round of golf. The Edgewater Beach Hotel is a great option for families who want a relaxing beach vacation with plenty of on-site amenities.

Overview of Florida Gulf Coast Family Resorts

Florida Gulf Coast is known for its world-class theme parks, beautiful beaches, sunshine, and spectacular views, making it a great family destination. With a wide range of family-friendly resorts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to pick. This section provides an overview of the best Florida Gulf Coast family resorts to help you make an informed decision.

Most of the Florida Gulf Coast family resorts are beachfront properties that offer a plethora of amenities and activities for families to enjoy. From water parks and lazy rivers to mini-golf courses and kids' clubs, these resorts cater to families of all ages.

Some of the most popular Florida Gulf Coast family resorts include the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Resort at Longboat Key Club, and Edgewater Beach Hotel. These resorts offer spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a variety of recreational activities for families.

The Sandpearl Resort and Sunset Key Cottages are also great options for families looking for a luxurious beachfront experience. These resorts offer private beaches, world-class spas, and upscale dining options.

For families looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort and the Perdido Beach Resort are excellent choices. These resorts offer affordable rates without compromising on quality and amenities.

In summary, Florida Gulf Coast family resorts offer something for everyone, from luxurious beachfront properties to budget-friendly options. With a wide range of amenities and activities, these resorts provide the perfect setting for a fun-filled family vacation.

Top Family-Friendly Resorts

When it comes to planning a family vacation, choosing the right resort is crucial. Luckily, the Florida Gulf Coast offers a wide range of family-friendly resorts that cater to the needs of parents and kids alike. Here are some of the top picks:

South Seas Island Resort

Located on Captiva Island, South Seas Island Resort is a paradise for families. With 2.5 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, this resort offers endless opportunities for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Kids will love the Sanibel Sea School, where they can learn about marine life and conservation. Parents can enjoy a round of golf on the resort's championship course or relax at the spa.

Sandpearl Resort

Clearwater Beach's Sandpearl Resort is another fantastic option for families. The resort's zero-entry pool and private beach are perfect for young children, while older kids can enjoy the water slide and beach volleyball. The Camp Ridley kids' club offers supervised activities such as scavenger hunts and crafts, giving parents some much-needed alone time.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is an excellent choice for families who want a luxury experience. The resort's Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp offers a range of activities such as nature walks and pirate adventures for kids aged 5-12. Parents can indulge in a spa treatment or a round of golf while the kids are occupied.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort

Clearwater Beach's Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort that offers something for everyone. Kids will love the resort's water slide and splash pad, while parents can relax at the spa or enjoy a drink at the poolside bar. The resort's location on the beach means that families can easily spend a day in the sun and sand.

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton in Naples is a luxurious resort that caters to families. The resort's Nature's Wonders program offers educational activities such as nature walks and stargazing for kids, while parents can enjoy a round of golf or a spa treatment. The resort's location on the beach means that families can easily spend a day in the sun and surf.

Edgewater Beach Hotel

Naples' Edgewater Beach Hotel is a beachfront resort that offers spacious suites with full kitchens, making it an excellent choice for families. The resort's pool and beach are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the kids' club offers supervised activities such as arts and crafts. Parents can enjoy a drink at the poolside bar or a meal at the resort's restaurant.

Longboat Key Club

Longboat Key Club is a family-friendly resort that offers a range of activities for all ages. Kids will love the resort's Camp Loggerhead, which offers supervised activities such as beach games and crafts. Parents can enjoy a round of golf on one of the resort's championship courses or relax at the spa. The resort's location on the beach means that families can easily spend a day in the sun and surf.

Location and Accessibility

Florida Gulf Coast is a popular destination for families looking for a fun-filled vacation. The area is easily accessible by air, land, and sea, making it an ideal choice for families traveling from different parts of the country.

The Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers and the Tampa International Airport are the two major airports serving the Gulf Coast area. Both airports have several airlines connecting to major cities in the United States. From the airport, families can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to get to their resort.

Most of the family resorts in the Gulf Coast area are located near popular attractions and activities. For instance, the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island is located close to Sanibel Island, which is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. The resort is also a short drive from Fort Myers Beach, where families can enjoy water sports, fishing, and other beach activities.

Naples is another popular destination for families, with several family resorts located in the area. The Edgewater Beach Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton are both located on the beach, offering families easy access to the water and other beach activities. The Naples area is also home to several museums and parks, making it a great destination for families looking for a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences.

Clearwater Beach is another popular destination for families, with several family resorts located in the area. The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort and the Sandpearl Resort are both located on the beach, offering families easy access to the water and other beach activities. The area is also home to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where families can see rescued marine animals up close.

Overall, the Florida Gulf Coast is a great destination for families looking for a fun-filled vacation. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and numerous attractions, families are sure to have a great time in this area.

Accommodations and Amenities

Florida Gulf Coast is home to some of the best family resorts in the country. These resorts offer a range of accommodations and amenities that cater to the needs of families. From spacious suites to villas, these resorts have it all.

The hotels and suites are designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience to families. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with all the necessary amenities. Families can choose from a range of accommodation options, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites.

The villas are perfect for larger families or groups traveling together. These villas offer a home-like feel and come equipped with a full kitchen, living room, and multiple bedrooms. They are perfect for families who want to spend more time together and have their own space.

The amenities at these resorts are second to none. Families can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, golfing, and tennis. Some resorts also offer kids' clubs, where children can participate in fun activities while parents relax.

The two-bedroom suites are perfect for families with older children or those who want more space. These suites come equipped with a separate living area and kitchenette, providing families with all the necessary amenities to make their stay comfortable.

Overall, the accommodations and amenities at Florida Gulf Coast family resorts are designed to cater to the needs of families. From spacious rooms to fun activities, these resorts have everything families need to make their vacation memorable.

Activities and Attractions

Florida's Gulf Coast is a hub of family-friendly activities and attractions. From theme parks to aquariums, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:

Theme Parks

Orlando, known as the "theme park capital of the world," is only a few hours' drive from the Gulf Coast. Families can spend a day at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld. These parks offer rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.

Aquariums

The Gulf Coast is home to several aquariums, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Visitors can see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Everglades

The Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem that families can explore through airboat tours, hiking, and kayaking. Visitors can see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Pier 60

Located in Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 is a popular spot for families. It offers fishing, a playground, and nightly sunset celebrations with street performers and vendors.

There are also plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy, such as biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Families can take a break from the beach and explore the Gulf Coast's many parks and nature reserves. With so much to see and do, the Gulf Coast is the perfect destination for a family vacation.

Beach and Water Sports

Florida's Gulf Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy some fun in the sun. Many family resorts in the area offer private beach access, allowing guests to enjoy the sand and surf without the crowds.

In addition to swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, many resorts also offer swimming pools for guests to enjoy. Some even have water parks with waterslides, perfect for kids and adults alike.

For families looking to enjoy some water sports, there are plenty of options available. Many resorts offer kayaks, rafts, and paddleboards for guests to use, allowing them to explore the local waterways at their own pace. Some resorts even offer guided kayak tours, giving guests the opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, parasailing and dolphin tours are also available. These guided tours offer a unique perspective on the Gulf of Mexico and allow families to see some of the local wildlife up close.

Overall, Florida's Gulf Coast offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the beach and water sports. With private beach access, swimming pools, and a variety of water sports available, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor and Recreational Facilities

Florida Gulf Coast family resorts offer a wide range of outdoor and recreational facilities for guests of all ages. From outdoor pools to golf courses, fitness centers, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Many of these resorts feature outdoor pool complexes with multiple pools, including lazy rivers, octopools, and children's play areas. Guests can relax in the sun or take a dip in the pool to cool off from the Florida heat. Some resorts also offer paddle bikes and other water sports equipment for guests to use.

For those who enjoy golf, many of these resorts have golf courses on-site or nearby. These courses offer challenging holes and beautiful views of the Gulf Coast. Guests can also rent bikes to explore the surrounding area or take part in a game of tennis on the resort's courts.

For families with young children, many resorts have playgrounds and other activities to keep them entertained. Parents can also take advantage of the fitness center to stay active during their stay.

Overall, Florida Gulf Coast family resorts offer a variety of outdoor and recreational facilities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Whether you want to relax by the pool or stay active with golf and other activities, there is something for everyone.

Family and Children's Activities

Florida Gulf Coast family resorts offer a wide range of activities for families and children. From beach activities to arts and crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Many resorts have kids' clubs, which offer a variety of supervised activities for children. For example, the Ritz-Carlton in Naples has a program called Camp Ridley, which offers activities such as arts and crafts, nature walks, and beach games. The program is available for children ages 5-12 and is a great way for kids to make new friends while participating in fun activities.

In addition to kids' clubs, many resorts offer a variety of family activities. For example, the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. The resort also has a kids' club called Camp Ridley, which offers a variety of supervised activities for children.

For families looking for a more laid-back vacation, the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Naples offers a variety of beach activities, including beach volleyball, sandcastle building, and beach yoga. The resort also has a kids' club called the Turtle Club, which offers a variety of supervised activities for children.

Overall, Florida Gulf Coast family resorts offer a variety of activities for families and children, from beach activities to arts and crafts. Whether you're looking for a high-energy vacation or a more laid-back experience, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

My daughter and her 2 little boys will be visiting Floridas Gulf Coast next month, and will choose one of these family resorts.