You don’t have to go far to find family fun in a tropical setting—in fact, you don’t even need to leave the country. Florida boasts beaches, idyllic towns, historic charm, and plenty of activities to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. In towns like Delray Beach or Naples, kids can romp on the shoreline and hunt for seashells while parents kickback and unplug, and everyone can appreciate the abundance of great seafood. Or, opt for a bustling metropolis like Miami that allows you to switch it up between beach lounging and cultural exploration. Pro-tip: while summer brings the heat, it also means fewer crowds at beaches and restaurants.
Many of these towns also provide educational opportunities, whether its witnessing turtles laying eggs on the beach or a winding through 17th-century fort. There’s plenty to discover in Florida—read on for seven family-friendly destinations in the Sunshine State.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is made up of three charming cities—Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach—each offering great dining, shopping, and laid-back coastal vibes. Families will love sunrise at Bridge Street Pier, meandering through mangroves on the Coquina Baywalk, or just relaxing on the beach. Bali Hai Beach Resort is ideal for longer stays with full kitchens in some suites and a spa for parents. In Holmes Beach, the boutique Anna Maria Beach Resort has just 31 rooms, golf cart rentals, and poolside cabanas. Traveling with a pup? Waterline Villas and Marina invites them to join with condo-style lodging with bay views and easy beach access. Dining is a highlight: The Ugly Grouper serves up fresh seafood in a casual, alfresco setting, while Salt Bar presents a more artistic spin on coastal fare that still welcomes kids. Don’t miss a morning stop at The Donut Experiment for sweet treats.
Palm Beach
Known for its glitz, it’s hard not to fall in love with Palm Beach’s palm tree-lined streets and historic architecture found at places like the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Even the glamorous Breakers hotel invites kids to have fun in the family entertainment center with an arcade and playground. Everyone can partake in the resort’s amenities which include an oceanfront pool and golf course. If you prefer to stay in walking distance of restaurants and shopping, hop over the bridge where the Ben‘s rooftop pool gives guests stunning views of the bay and Palm Beach. Nearby, Ann Norton Sculpture Garden’s lush landscape invites kids to wander. Restaurants like Lynora’s Kitchen, known for pizza, and Hive Bakery & Cafe with scrumptious breakfast and pastries, can feed the crew.
Delray Beach
In Delray Beach, an artsy town between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, most of the action centers around Atlantic Avenue making it easy for families to get around. The stretch boasts restaurant like Elisabetta’s, a lively joint known for house-made pasta, and Deck 84, located on the intracoastal. Just off the main drag, Dada’s tree-filled outdoor seating sets a fun tone for all ages. Standout hotels in the area include The Seagate, with a serene pool and shuttle access to its private beach club, and Opal Grand Resort with a prime oceanfront location. While there’s plenty to enjoy on Atlantic Avenue, including boutiques and ice cream shops, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a few minutes inland, intrigues kids and adults alike with its strolling paths and expansive gardens. A quick drive south in Boca Raton, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center houses a butterfly garden and animal exhibits.
Tallahassee
Found in the Panhandle, Tallahassee isn’t what most people imagine a Florida town to look like. Here, you’ll find a southern-meets-tropical vibe where oak trees draped in Spanish moss and magnolias mingle with sable palms. It’s also a college town and state capital so there’s plenty for family travelers to see and do, from outdoor fun to dining in quirky restaurants. Florida State University sits at the heart of the town and it’s worth taking a self-guided tour to see its iconic Westcott Fountain and Gothic buildings. Other interesting stops include the Florida Capitol, the 24-acre Cascades Park, and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park with its brick walkway and “secret” garden. About an hour away, St. Mark’s Lighthouse gives a glimpse of the coast and the St. Mark’s River. In between sightseeing, restaurants like Bada Bean (known for its pancakes) and Bella Bella (Italian) make great spots to refuel. Catch some zzz’s at Hotel Duval and Aloft (which has a pool), both locate downtown.
Miami
Visiting Miami with kids is a totally different way to experience the metropolis known as an adult playground, but no less awesome. For a beach stay in the heart of the action, the Loews Miami Beach has a kids club with daily activities and supervised care (even at night). Further north, the Four Seasons at the Surf Club in Surfside allows families to enjoy a quiet, charming beach town just a quick drive from the commotion of Miami. It also has a kids club and a can’t-miss coconut cracking demonstration on the lawn. It’s tempting to lounge on the beach all day, but Miami beckons. Kayakers enjoy paddling through the mangroves in Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, where dolphins sometime join in on the fun, while the vibrant Wynwood Walls and Frost Museum of Science provide a cultural and educational fix near downtown Miami. The historic Venetian Pool in Coral Gables lets kids cool off in a unique way thanks to pools fed by spring water. Miami’s exciting culinary scene welcomes kids to join in on the fun, whether its swanky mainstays like Macchialina or casual favorites like Blue Collar, known for its elevated comfort food. There are plenty of treat options, too, like pastries from Zak the Baker and Cuban-inspired scoops from Azucar Ice Cream in Little Havana.
Naples
Beloved for its high-end yet laidback vibe, Naples sits on the Gulf coast in southwest Florida. The heart of Naples, 5th Avenue South, is lovely for a stroll with boutiques and chic restaurants, but families are often happier staying at one of the beach resorts where there’s ample room to spread out. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, which reopened in July 2023 after a major renovation, appeals to families with its spacious rooms and ideal beach location. Beyond updated guest rooms, there’s kid-centered educational programming, a sparkling pool—and the poolside cabanas are pretty sweet. Of the dining options at the resort, Sofra stands out with its open-air setting and Mediterranean dishes. Gumbo Limbo, with its beach-front views, also sets a relaxed tone. Off property, Grouper & Chips is a no frills restaurant that excels at all things fried, while Coconut Jacks, a few minutes away in Bonita Springs, serves seafood dishes with serene estuary views. If a boutique hotel option is preferred, head to the recently opened Perry Hotel in north Naples by the Cocohatchee River. It has two pools (one just for adults) and a boat shuttle to the beach. While in town, the 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden is not to be missed with its tropical plants and a nature preserve to explore.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Although Ponte Vedra Beach is best known as the home of TPC Sawgrass (which hosts the Players Championship), you don’t have to be a family of golfers to appreciate the north Florida town. That said, golf fans may want to stay at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa which offers access to several golf courses, including the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course and Dye’s Valley Course. The hotel itself has four pools to splash in and a shuttle to the beach. If you want to stay on the beach, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s historic property makes a great backdrop for fun in the sun. Not far from either hotel, Palm Valley Fish camp serves up southern favorites and seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. About an hour south, St. Augustine can turn anyone into a history buff with places like Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress. While you’re in town, you may as well stop at the Hyppo for a bougie popsicle. On the drive back, consider stopping at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve for a stroll on the boardwalk for a glimpse of a Florida swamp.
