South Florida’s diverse coastline calls to families seeking more than just a typical beach vacation. From the energetic pulse of Miami to the laid-back charm of Fort Lauderdale, this region offers a spectrum of experiences, with accommodations playing a crucial role in shaping any family’s escape. Local insights highlight a range of resorts that cater specifically to younger travelers and their guardians, ensuring comfort and entertainment are paramount.
Focus on hotels with dedicated kids’ clubs, on-site water parks or extensive pool areas, and easy beach access. Proximity to local attractions that appeal to children, like aquariums or science museums, is also a significant plus, making the most of your time in the area.
Family-Favorite Resorts South Florida Coasts
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
Situated centrally between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, this resort in Aventura provides a relaxed family atmosphere for exploring South Florida. Its location offers convenient access to Aventura Mall, a 36-hole golf course, and a tennis center. A complimentary shuttle service to the beach enhances convenience for guests.
The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa features several well-regarded on-site restaurants to satisfy diverse palates. A significant benefit of staying here is the included admission to Tidal Cove, the resort’s water park, promising a full day of aquatic fun for all ages. Exploring potential deals for Florida Residents or AAA members can also offer cost savings.
Central Excursion Base
Golfers
Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
This beachfront resort is conveniently located near the airport, cruise port, and the lively Las Olas Boulevard. It offers a private beach equipped with water sports and activities, a lagoon-style swimming pool complete with cabanas, and a luxury spa. Accommodations feature recently updated rooms with impressive ocean views, often including sights of passing cruise ships.
The resort boasts friendly staff and a dedicated Kids’ Club, ensuring younger guests are well-catered for. The surrounding area enhances the experience with opportunities like bike rentals along the boardwalk, a mermaid show at The Wreck Bar, and exploration of Las Olas Boulevard’s shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Families with Young Children
Cruise Port Access
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
Embodying a relaxed luxury, this resort provides a beach vacation experience inspired by its namesake’s theme. Options range from guest rooms to suites, designed to accommodate various group sizes and budgets. The decor reflects a beachy aesthetic, emphasizing comfort and tranquility.
The property includes two swimming pools; one features a waterslide and simulated surfing, complemented by full-service cabanas. An adults-only rooftop pool is adjoined by the License to Chill Bar. The resort offers multiple dining venues, shops, a Kids’ Club, and a spa. Live weekend performances by numerous bands add to the entertainment options.
Families with Teens
Music Lovers
The Miami Beach EDITION
Boasting an opulent ambiance, The Miami Beach EDITION attracts a diverse clientele, including families. Its 294 rooms, plus 28 private bungalows, are uniquely decorated, presenting a minimalist yet luxurious feel. The hotel is centrally positioned, offering easy access to notable areas like Lincoln Road, South Beach, and the Art Deco District.
Family entertainment options on-site include a basement bowling alley and an ice skating rink. Guests can enjoy beachfront rooms, two distinct pools (one family-oriented, one adult-exclusive), and a basement nightclub for adult evenings. Additional amenities comprise a spa, direct beach access, and beachfront fitness activities like yoga and boxing. Nearby attractions are a short drive away.
Luxury Resort Goers
Art Deco District Visitors
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
Located a mile from Port Everglades and five miles from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club is designed for traveling families. Its spacious rooms and understated elegance cater to those desiring a relaxing beach vacation. The resort features over 500 feet of private beach and two ample swimming pools.
Amenities include a spa, six dining options, room service, a children’s playground, and various recreational facilities such as tennis courts, shuffleboard, basketball, and an oversized chessboard. The concierge can assist with booking local attractions like Flamingo Gardens or the Museum of Discovery and Science. This family-owned establishment has been a summer tradition for many local families.
Active Families
Generational Trips
B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale
“Just B yourself” is the invitation at B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, offering a range of curated spa experiences and shows suitable for both adults and families. It features its own private beach, two swimming pools, and bike rentals, along with four restaurants and three bars.
The Wreck Bar hosts mermaid shows, some of which are family-friendly, while others are designated for adults. The resort is situated minutes from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Downtown Las Olas Boulevard, placing guests at the center of local activity. Special offers are often available.
Conveniently Located Stays
Families and Adults
Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located in the Florida Keys, Baker’s Cay Resort offers bayfront views and numerous water activities alongside opportunities for relaxation. For active guests, options like parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving are available.
The resort’s “Dock to Dish” service allows guests to have their caught fish prepared by the on-site chefs. Private boat slips can be reserved for those bringing their own vessels. Relaxation options include exploring a hardwood hammock forest, enjoying sunset cruises, and intimate dining. Additional activities include seaplane tours, dolphin encounters, jet skiing, and various evening entertainment.
Nature Lovers
Fishing Families
Thesis Hotel Miami
The THesis Hotel Miami is a favored choice for exploring Coral Gables, known for its fine dining and shopping. Situated across from the University of Miami, it offers comfort and luxury in its 245 guest rooms, including a penthouse suite. The hotel is a short drive from popular shopping destinations like The Shops at Sunset Place and Dadeland Mall.
Guests can enjoy tropical drinks at the rooftop pool, which boasts views of Coral Gables, and dine at one of the two on-site restaurants. Additional features include spa services, bike rentals, a 24-hour fitness center, pet-friendly accommodations, and a shuttle service. The staff is noted for enhancing guest stays.
Diners
University Visitors
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale features a lazy river, a large zero-entry pool, and a 500-foot private beach. The guest rooms and suites have been recently remodeled, offering spacious accommodations. The resort provides complimentary chairs and umbrellas on its private beach, with staff available to cater to guests.
Dining is available at the on-site restaurant, OCEAN2000, which offers ocean views and diverse cuisine, or at the O2K Lounge. In-room dining is also an option for private meals. The resort partners with Funky Fish Ocean Camp to provide kids’ activities both in and out of the water. The Fort Lauderdale area offers further exploration opportunities.
Pool Enthusiasts
Beach Goers
Hawks Cay Resort
Located on Duck Key between Miami and Key West, Hawks Cay Resort spans 60 acres and offers 177 guest rooms and 250 villas. The resort is accessible by land, sea, and air, boasting a full-service marina.
Amenities include four pools, a saltwater lagoon, six restaurants and bars, tennis, pickleball, a spa, and watersport rentals. A standout feature is the Dolphin Connection facility, offering opportunities to swim with dolphins, feed them, or observe them. Coral Cay, the resort’s activity center for younger guests, includes basketball courts, a soccer field, putting greens, and a pirate ship-themed pool with slides and shallow areas for toddlers.
Large Families
Watersports Adventures
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a 22-acre beachfront hotel on Collins Avenue. It offers 11 distinct pool experiences, including small dipping pools and an interactive children’s poolscape. This pet-friendly hotel welcomes families, including their animal companions.
Beyond family-friendly aspects, the Fontainebleau provides a lively nightlife with on-site restaurants, bars, poolside concerts, and the popular nightclub LIV. Hotel amenities include a two-story spa and salon, a fitness center, beach and watersports equipment rentals, and poolside cabanas. Concierge services can assist with booking on-site and off-site experiences in Miami Beach. Checking hotel specials can present opportunities for savings.
Nightlife Enthusiasts
Beachfront Indulgence
These establishments offer a variety of amenities and experiences tailored to make family vacations in South Florida memorable. From dedicated water parks and kids’ clubs to unique entertainment and relaxing beachfronts, each resort provides a distinct setting for creating lasting family moments.
