10 Best Beach Hotels in Florida

Situated on seven sprawling acres that front the Atlantic Ocean, opulence awaits at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. Rooms and suites feature coastal chic furnishings and décor by designer Jonathan Adler. The resort’s infamous 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa features a tropical garden with hanging chairs, luxury cabanas, waterfalls, and Jacuzzis with whimsical rubber duckies, a scrub and polish bar, and a wishing well that is sure to make all your vacation dreams come true. 100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, FL 33462

Consistently voted as one of the most romantic places to stay in Florida, Henderson Park Inn overlooks a jaw-dropping white-sand beach—and one that feels like there isn’t anyone else for miles (thanks to the state park next door). This area of Florida is known as the Emerald Coast because of the crystal-clear, seafoam-colored water. And you’ll want to soak up those stunning views from one of the waterfront balconies or the spacious back deck. Featuring only 35 suites, the inn exudes an exclusive, bed and breakfast-style charm. All guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of wine and freshly cut flowers. 2700 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, FL 32541

While the rest of the beaches in Miami tend to attract crowds, the private beach at The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne feels like a world away from the bright lights of the Magic City. Families rave about the resort’s Ritz Kids program that features coastal activities from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. Adults will love the impressive tequila selection at RUMBAR, margaritas at the Mexican-style Cantina Beach, champagne and rosé at Dune, and classic cocktails with a Floridian twist at Lightkeepers. 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Located at the mouth of Ten Thousand Islands, the expansive beach at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort stretches as far as the eye can see. Every night at sunset, a fire dancer pays homage to Balinese culture, the inspiration behind the resort’s tropical design aesthetic. With more than 800 rooms (including an adults-only tower), four pools, two championship golf courses, a plethora of beachfront dining options, and a luxury spa, there’s plenty to keep you and the whole family entertained. 400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145

Reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style castle with its coral pink exterior and striking architecture, The Don CeSar towers over St. Pete Beach like a crown jewel. Known as Florida’s iconic “Pink Palace,” the hotel opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928. Go hunting for shells on the powdery white-sand beach, take a banana boat ride in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and then head to Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor where you’ll find nostalgic treats and homemade ice cream. 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

Featuring the largest beach on our list, Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort sports a three-and-a-half-mile private stretch of sand at the tip of Florida’s northernmost island. Famous for its Southern charm and natural beauty, Amelia Island is a playground for nature lovers, and this hotel showcases the best of the area. Go fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, shopping, golfing, and more. And make sure you score a golf cart because it’s the best and most scenic way to cruise around this expansive 1,350-acre resort. 39 Beach Lagoon Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

The Grande Dame of quintessential Florida charm, The Ritz-Carlton in Naples sits on a pristine, three-mile, white-sand beach. The resort truly has something for everyone: beach activities and water sports, two heated pools, a three-story spa, seven restaurants, and access to two championship golf courses. It’s also a hotspot for toes-in-the-sand weddings. Each of the 450 rooms and suites has drop-dead gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico, so you get a front row seat to sunset every single night. 60 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34108

Very few hotels in Fort Lauderdale are located directly on the sand, but Pelican Grand Beach Resort sits on a picture-perfect private beach. Float in the resort’s lazy river, swim in the zero-entry pool, sit in a rocking chair on the shaded veranda, and dine on the fresh catch of the day at beachfront OCEAN2000. Part of Noble House’s portfolio of resorts, this beauty exudes a sense of old Florida grandeur in a boutique hotel setting. 2000 North Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Surrounded by sugary white sand and located in the heart of all the action in Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort is exactly what a beachfront hotel should be. Nearly every one of the resort’s 250+ guest rooms has a water view of either the Gulf of Mexico or Mandalay Bay. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores on the beach, learn how to build a sandcastle like the pros with the hotel’s sand sculpture lessons, or kick back in a hammock and take a siesta while you listen to lapping waves. 500 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

A truly elegant resort with a stunning stretch of sand to match, Acqualina Resort & Spa is situated on 400 feet of shoreline directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring 98 rooms and suites, the family-owned and operated resort resembles a lavish seaside Mediterranean villa. Visitors and locals alike adore the Italian flavors and impeccable service at Il Mulino New York restaurant. The two-story, 20,000-square-foot Acqualina Spa by ESPA is a slice of heaven. And if you decide you never want to leave, you don’t have to—the resort also features 188 residences—all with breathtaking ocean views. 17975 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160