Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 8 best family resorts in the Florida keys for some playful downtime this year. When planning a family getaway to the sun-soaked Florida Keys, you’ll find a rich array of resorts that cater to both the young and the young at heart.
The archipelago is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, which makes it a perfect backdrop for family adventures. Whether you seek spacious accommodation, kid-friendly activities, or simply a picturesque beach to build sandcastles, the Keys hold a resort that fits the bill.
- Isla Bella Beach Resort
- Hawks Cay Resort
- Tranquility Bay Resort
- Southernmost Beach Resort
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- Islander Resort
- Sunset Key Cottages
- Santa Maria Suites Hotel
Map of the Best Family Resorts in the Florida Keys
Use the map below to identify the location of the best family resorts listed in the post below:
Best Family Resorts in the Florida Keys
Your experience in the Florida Keys can be heightened by staying at resorts that cater to family needs. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive packages, specific children’s programs, or just a serene beachfront, the Keys have options that stand out for their amenities and services.
Let’s check them out:
1. Isla Bella Beach Resort
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, the Isla Bella Beach Resort emerges as a stunning 24-acre oceanfront destination. This modern luxury resort sets a new standard in the region, boasting over a mile of waterfront property. Each room and suite at Isla Bella offers breathtaking ocean views and expansive outdoor terraces, ensuring a serene and picturesque experience for every guest.
Accommodation: The resort’s accommodation is a blend of contemporary glamour and comfort. The rooms and suites feature a crisp palette of blue and white, connecting guests to the sea, along with modern furniture, contemporary ar, and luxury bathrooms.
Emphasizing indoor/outdoor living, each room is equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and spacious private terraces, perfect for lounging, dining, or simply enjoying the ocean views.
Dining: Isla Bella Beach Resort offers a variety of dining experiences. Guests can relax with a cocktail under palm trees at the Beach Bar, indulge in the Polynesian-inspired restaurant with spectacular views, or enjoy the al fresco Sushi Cabana. Each dining option provides a unique setting and menu, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.
Activities for Families: The resort is a haven for family-friendly activities. From fishing charters at the marina to biking at sunrise, there’s something for everyone. Families can embark on kayak expeditions through mangrove tunnels, explore the coastline or simply enjoy the five fantastic pools available.
The Isla Bella Marketplace and the Spa at Isla Bella also offer additional leisure and relaxation opportunities as well.
Isla Bella Beach Resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination that offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a memorable Florida Keys experience.
Check out these: Best Family Vacation Spots in Florida
2. Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort, located on the secluded island of Duck Key in the Florida Keys, offers a unique blend of seaside dining, coastal living and aquatic adventures. This resort is a haven for those seeking the quintessential Florida Keys experience, where sparkling aquamarine waters and friendly bottlenose dolphins create a backdrop for an unforgettable vacation.
Accommodation: Hawks Cay Resort caters to both romantic getaways and family vacations with a variety of resort rooms and villa rentals. Each accommodation option is designed with classic Caribbean décor, complemented by modern amenities and complimentary Internet access. T
he resort’s rooms and villas are tailored to provide comfort and luxury, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.
Dining: The resort boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in the Florida Keys, offering authentic island flavors. Guests can enjoy fresh, local ingredients prepared by renowned chefs in a tropical island atmosphere. The dining establishments at Hawks Cay range from casual to fine dining, providing a diverse culinary experience for every palate.
Activities for Families: Hawks Cay Resort is a playground for family fun, offering a wide range of activities. Families can enjoy swimming with dolphins, engaging in various watersports and participating in special events like Kids Night Out.
The resort also organizes tennis round robins, tropical sunset cruises with live music and other family-friendly activities, ensuring that guests of all ages have an enjoyable and memorable stay.
Hawks Cay Resort stands out as a multifaceted destination, perfect for families looking to experience the beauty and adventure of the Florida Keys. With its luxurious accommodations, diverse dining options and great array of activity options, it’s an ideal choice for a family vacation that combines relaxation and excitement.
Check out these: Things to Do in the Florida Keys
3. Tranquility Bay Resort
Tranquility Bay Resort offers a unique beachfront haven in the Florida Keys, blending the allure of a tropical paradise with the comforts of a luxury resort. It’s a place where guests can engage in a variety of activities or choose to relax and enjoy the serene environment. Whether it’s kayaking, reading or sipping a second piña colada, Tranquility Bay provides an idyllic setting for a perfect getaway.
Accommodation: The resort features exclusive Beach Houses that provide unmatched privacy and stunning water and beachfront views. These houses come in two- and three-bedroom configurations, each beautifully designed with a large private porch. This setup is ideal for guests with families who wish to enjoy the fresh sea air and the picturesque surroundings in their own secluded space.
Dining: Tranquility Bay is a paradise for food lovers offering a rich culinary experience in the heart of the Florida Keys. The resort’s dining options focus on seasonal menus that incorporate fresh-caught fish, tropical fruits and locally grown vegetables. Guests can indulge in these mouthwatering dishes while enjoying the resort’s tropical ambiance.
Activities for Families Families staying at Tranquility Bay can enjoy a range of activities. The resort boasts three sparkling pools, on-site water sports and a private 2.5-acre white-sand beach. Additionally, the resort offers private spa services, including in-suite treatments like facials, massages and herbal scrubs, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation as well.
Tranquility Bay Resort is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that offers relaxation, adventure and culinary delights in one of the most beautiful settings in the Florida Keys. It’s an ideal choice for families seeking a peaceful yet engaging vacation.
Book your trip to Florida here!
4. Southernmost Beach Resort
The Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West, Florida, is a newly renovated gem located in the historic Old Town along the serene Atlantic Coast. This oasis offers a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional charm, set amidst lush gardens with endless sea views and sandy beaches.
The resort provides two distinct accommodation options: The Southernmost Beach Resort and The Guest Houses at Southernmost Beach Resort, both within walking distance of Duval Street’s vibrant shops, nightlife and signature architecture.
Accommodation: The resort’s accommodations are a fusion of modern design and romantic settings. Guests can choose from palm-fringed pool views to intimate seaside retreats. The Southernmost Beach Resort offers luxurious rooms with premier guest services, while The Guest Houses, including The Avalon and Duval Gardens, offer a blend of history and contemporary coastal décor in a turn-of-the-century Victorian setting.
La Mer and Dewey House provide an elegant bed and breakfast experience with Victorian luxury.
Dining: Southernmost Beach Resort is a culinary delight, serving up fresh island cuisine with unique twists. Just 90 miles from Cuba, the resort’s dining options are inspired by Caribbean neighbors as well as classic Americana and Asian-fusion. Guests can enjoy romantic beachside dinners, cocktails and bar bites with live music, catering to every mood and occasion.
Activities for Families: The resort is ideal for family adventure, offering two white sand beaches and three heated pools. Guests can explore Key West’s living reef system or discover the heart of the island from Historic Old Town. The resort provides curated onsite entertainment and concierge-booked excursions, ensuring a variety of activities for guests of all ages.
All in all, Southernmost Beach Resort is a place where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty and excitement of Key West while enjoying the comforts and luxuries of a top-tier resort. It’s perfect for families seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation and culinary excellence.
5. Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Cheeca Lodge & Spa, located in the heart of Islamorada in the Florida Keys, offers a unique blend of barefoot luxury and a laid-back lifestyle. Set on 27 acres of oceanfront property, this resort is a haven for those seeking thrilling activities, unparalleled relaxation and luxurious accommodations.
The turquoise waters, towering palms and calm breezes at Cheeca Lodge & Spa set the stage for an extraordinary vacation experience.
Accommodation The resort offers a wide variety of accommodation types to suit every travel style. From the Oceanfront Two Bedroom Casita to the Lagoon View One Bedroom Suite, each room provides exceptional comfort and stunning views. The accommodations range in size and style, including options like the Premier Oceanfront King Suite and the Resort View Double Queen Guestroom, ensuring a perfect fit for every guest’s needs.
Dining Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a culinary destination, offering a range of dining experiences. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and prime-aged steaks at Atlantic’s Edge, handcrafted sushi at Nikai and Neapolitan-style pizza at Mia Cucina. Each restaurant provides a unique atmosphere, whether it’s indoor or outdoor dining with panoramic ocean views or a vibrant, eclectic space for Italian cuisine.
Activities for Families The resort is an adventure playground for families. Guests can explore North America’s only living coral barrier reef through snorkeling, embark on kayaking adventures along the coast or dive into the depths with scuba excursions.
The resort also offers fishing charters, boat docking, watersports and aquatic activities or for those seeking land-based activities, there’s golf, tennis and a wellness & fitness center as well.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada is more than just a resort; it’s a destination where luxury meets adventure, making it an ideal choice for families and travelers seeking a memorable Florida Keys experience.
Check out these: Best Places to Snorkel in the Florida Keys
6. Islander Resort
Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida Keys, invites guests to discover a new way of being in a reimagined resort setting. This serene seaside getaway has been fully renovated, offering guests a unique blend of luxury, simplicity and connection with nature.
The resort’s eternal dials are tuned to nature’s rhythm, encouraging free-thinking and rejuvenation and with its lush tropical gardens, intimate hideaways, and expansive beaches, Islander Resort is a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.
Accommodation: Islander Resort’s accommodations offer a luxurious indoor-outdoor living experience where the rooms and suites are a blend of luxury and simplicity, providing sleek hideaways surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Guests can relax in private bungalows, ranging from Oceanfront Junior Suites to Bay View Two-Bedroom Villas, each offering unique views and amenities.
The accommodations are designed for comfort and serenity, with options suitable for both romantic getaways and family vacations.
Dining: The resort’s dining experience captures the magic of the Keys’ bounty. Guests can enjoy tropical-inspired culinary delights at the resort’s oceanside restaurants, including Tides Beachside Bar & Grill and Elements Restaurant. These dining venues offer fresh seafood dishes and a variety of flavors, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Florida Keys.
Activities for Families: Islander Resort is packed with activities for families seeking adventure and relaxation and offers a range of water sports including snorkeling, boating and kayaking. Guests can also enjoy resort activities like swimming in glimmering pools or exploring the Discovery Center as well.
For those interested in guided experiences, the resort’s partner, Clearly Unique Charters, offers incredible excursions and the resort’s location in Islamorada also provides easy access to local attractions, making it an ideal destination for families. too
Islander Resort is an ideal choice for families and travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure and culinary excellence.
7. Sunset Key Cottages
Sunset Key Cottages offers a luxurious and private island getaway just minutes from Key West, Florida. This exclusive resort features cottage rentals that perfectly capture the relaxed charm of a Key West vacation.
Nestled among vibrant bougainvillea and exotic orchids on a private island, the resort offers one, two, three and four-bedroom cottages with panoramic views and charming details. Each cottage boasts a wrap-around veranda with Adirondack chairs and many include kitchenettes for in house cooking as well.
Accommodation The accommodations at Sunset Key Cottages are designed to provide guests with a serene and luxurious experience. The cottages range from one to four bedrooms, each offering a unique blend of comfort and elegance. Guests can enjoy postcard-worthy sea views from their private bungalows, complete with all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. The cottages are perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a private and exclusive island experience.
Dining Sunset Key Cottages is home to the award-winning Latitudes Restaurant, where guests can work through a menu of fresh seafood and other culinary delights, complemented by panoramic ocean views. Guests can enjoy their meals in a relaxed and luxurious setting, making dining at Latitudes a memorable part of their stay.
Activities for Families Sunset Key Cottages provides a host of activities to keep families entertained throughout their stay. The resort features a tropical pool, a white sand beach, a luxury spa and tennis courts.
Guests can also indulge in various water sports, enjoy sunset cocktails at Flipper’s Pool Bar, or participate in the resort’s holiday offerings and festive activities. The private island setting offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation for guests of all ages.
With its beautiful cottages, exquisite dining and array of family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil yet exciting island escape.
Book your trip to Florida here!
8. Santa Maria Suites Hotel
Santa Maria Suites Hotel in Key West, Florida, offers a luxurious and private retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of Key West. This resort features residence-inspired two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and laundry rooms, providing the essence of a relaxed lifestyle amidst the serenity of nature.
Located just steps from Duval Street, the hotel combines privacy with convenience, allowing guests to enjoy a dream vacation with all desired amenities close at hand.
Accommodation: The Santa Maria Suites Hotel is known for its relaxed luxury and island sophistication. The two-bedroom suites are designed to provide guests with a comfortable and luxurious stay. Each suite is equipped with full kitchens, modern bathrooms and ample storage space, making them ideal for families or groups seeking a home-away-from-home experience.
Dining: Guests at Santa Maria Suites can indulge in a gourmet dining experience starting right at the hotel with The Milagro Restaurant. This opulent Latin dining venue offers artfully curated dishes that excite the senses. Additionally, guests can explore nearby restaurants in Key West for al fresco lunch or dinner, enjoying local and international cuisine and experiencing the famous Key West nightlife.
Activities for Families: Santa Maria Suites Hotel provides various activities to ensure a fun-filled stay for families. The hotel features two outdoor heated pools surrounded by lush gardens, offering a tranquil experience for relaxation. Guests can also take advantage of the concierge service to learn about important places and events in Key West.
Nearby attractions include Dry Tortugas National Park, Mallory Square’s sunset festival and the vibrant Duval Street, offering endless opportunities for adventure and exploration as well.
Amenities and Activities for Families
When selecting a resort in the Florida Keys, consider the array of amenities and activities tailored for family enjoyment. Resorts often feature kids’ clubs, water activities like snorkeling and educational programs that enrich your family’s travel experience.
Pools and Water Parks
Many family-friendly resorts in the Florida Keys offer extensive water features. Hawks Cay Resort, for instance, boasts a large pool and a separate pirate ship-themed water playground for children. At Cheeca Lodge & Spa, you can enjoy access to a lagoon-style pool and a saltwater lagoon, providing environments suitable for relaxation and playful adventure.
Adventure and Eco Tours
Nature-focused resorts often organize eco tours and adventure activities. For instance, guided kayak excursions and snorkeling trips allow you to explore the rich marine life. Resorts like Hawks Cay also provide dolphin encounter programs, giving you and your family the chance to learn about and interact with marine animals in a responsible setting.
Educational Activities
Educational programs are a key feature of many resorts in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, located on-site at some resorts, offers a deep dive into the local culture and ecosystem. Interactive exhibits and activities are designed to engage children’s curiosity about the islands’ unique history and aquatic environments.
Dining Options for Families
Exploring the variety of dining options is a highlight of any family vacation. In the Florida Keys, you’ll find numerous resorts and local eateries offering menus catered to young palates.
Resorts with Kid-Friendly Menus
- Isla Bella Beach Resort: Not only do they offer picturesque views and a range of family amenities, but they also provide a kids’ menu that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa: With a focus on fresh, local seafood, their menu includes child-friendly options that introduce young diners to the flavors of the Keys without overwhelming them.
Local Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Key West: You can step off the resort and into Key West’s bustling dining scene. Consider Blue Heaven, renowned for its outdoor dining and chickens roaming freely, which is sure to entertain the kids.
- Marathon: Sparky’s Landing offers a relaxed dockside environment with a simple yet diverse menu suitable for any age.
In both resort dining and local restaurants, look for options that balance a fun experience with a taste of the local cuisine.
Accommodation Types
When selecting a resort in the Florida Keys for your family vacation, you will find a variety of accommodating options designed to cater to your needs, such as spacious suites and villas, as well as convenient resort rooms offering kitchenettes.
Suites and Villas for Families
Resorts in the Florida Keys often provide suites and villas that are tailor-made for family stays. Suites typically offer separate living and sleeping areas, giving you and your family enough room to relax without feeling cramped. Villas go a step further, often featuring multiple bedrooms and sometimes even private pools to enhance your stay.
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa: Offers a 27-acre beachfront property with ample space.
- Isla Bella Beach Resort: Known for its large family units within a mile-long waterfront.
Resort Rooms with Kitchenettes
For families preferring the convenience of preparing their own meals, resort rooms with kitchenettes are a practical choice. These rooms are equipped with essential kitchen appliances, like a microwave, refrigerator, and sometimes a stovetop.
- Isla Bella Beach Resort: Among the newest in the Keys, it includes family-friendly rooms with kitchenettes for a comfortable stay.
- Santa Maria Suites Hotel: Known for traveler ratings and provides kitchenette-equipped rooms, allowing for in-room dining options.
FAQs
Which resorts in the Florida Keys offer the best amenities for children?
Resorts with specialized amenities for children include Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort and Cheeca Lodge & Spa, providing programs and activities designed to entertain younger guests.
conclusion
There you have it, 8 best family resorts in the Florida Keys. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anywhere you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul