10 Best Vacation Spots in Florida For Families and Couples

Not every Florida getaway is built the same. Some spots are made for sandcastle-building and snack breaks, others for sunset cocktails and sleeping in. These are the best vacation spots in Florida for families and couples—tailored to who’s tagging along.

Florida has no shortage of vacation spots, but not all of them are worth the hype. Some places are packed with crowds and overpriced souvenirs, while others actually deliver what they promise, meaning great trips for families and couples who want more than just a beach and a hotel.

This guide cuts through the noise. You’ll find the best vacation spots in Florida for families, where kids have plenty to do and parents aren’t just on lifeguard duty. If you’re traveling as a couple, you’ll also get destinations that strike the perfect balance—places that are effortlessly cool, packed with things to do, and just the right amount of romantic. Plus, for each location, you’ll get exactly what matters: what’s actually worth doing, and where to stay, no matter your budget.

We’ve split the list into two sections: five for families, five for couples. And if you’re traveling with both your kids and your partner? Don’t worry, some destinations cater to both.

• Read More: 10 All-Inclusive Vacations With No Passport Needed

1. Orlando

Orlando sits in the heart of Central Florida, far from the beaches but packed with attractions that pull in millions every year. It’s a place built for spectacle, with massive theme parks and sprawling resorts at every turn. But it’s not just for kids. While families flock to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, the city itself has a growing food scene, outdoor escapes, and even cultural spots worth checking out.

What to Do

Orlando is designed for big family adventures, and while the theme parks steal the spotlight, there’s more to explore beyond roller coasters.

• Walt Disney World – Four theme parks, two water parks, and enough attractions to keep kids and parents busy for days. Magic Kingdom is the classic Disney experience, while Hollywood Studios delivers big with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• Universal Orlando Resort – Two action-packed theme parks and a water park. Islands of Adventure is home to Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Legoland Florida – Located about 45 minutes outside Orlando, this is the spot for kids under 10 who love to build and explore.
• Kennedy Space Center – A little over an hour east, this NASA facility lets kids get up close with real rockets, astronaut experiences, and even a space shuttle.
• ICON Park – A great break from the high-energy parks, featuring The Wheel, an aquarium, and casual attractions like the Museum of Illusions.

Where to Stay

For a solid mid-range option, Floridays Resort Orlando offers spacious family suites with full kitchens, pools, and a shuttle service to theme parks. Another affordable choice is Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, which keeps costs down with free breakfast, evening snacks, and reliable park transportation. On the luxury side, Loews Royal Pacific Resort places you inside Universal with early access to the parks, while the Four Seasons Resort Orlando delivers with a lazy river, kids’ clubs, and some of the best fine dining in the area.

2. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where the water is warm, the sand is blindingly white, and the vibe is pure family-friendly relaxation. Unlike the Atlantic side, the Gulf’s waters stay calm, making it one of the safest places for kids to swim. There’s enough to do here to keep everyone happy, including boat tours, aquariums, and sunset celebrations.

What to Do

Clearwater Beach is all about laid-back family fun, with plenty of activities that don’t require running around a theme park.

• Clearwater Beach itself – The main attraction. Soft, white sand, calm waves, and a long shoreline that’s perfect for sandcastle-building and swimming.
• Pier 60 Sunset Celebration – Every evening, the pier transforms into an open-air festival with street performers, musicians, and vendors. A perfect way to end the day.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and otters. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise – A fun two-hour boat ride where kids get pirate hats, play games, and go on a “treasure hunt” while parents enjoy the views.
• Caladesi Island State Park – A short ferry ride takes you to this untouched island with nature trails and quiet, unspoiled beaches. A nice break from the main tourist spots.
• Dolphin Watching Tours – The calm Gulf waters make it easy to spot dolphins year-round, and plenty of local operators run family-friendly tours.

Where to Stay

For an affordable beachfront stay, Shephard’s Beach Resort offers live music, a private stretch of sand, and a poolside bar that keeps things lively. Another solid choice is SpringHill Suites Clearwater Beach, where families get modern suites with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and a prime location near the water. If you’re looking for a more upscale stay, Opal Sands Resort stands out with floor-to-ceiling Gulf views, a full-service spa, and one of the best restaurants in Clearwater.

3. St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., but it hasn’t turned into a relic. The Spanish fort still stands, the streets are still paved in brick, and the pirate stories haven’t faded. Walk anywhere, and you’ll find something that predates your entire family tree. But history isn’t the only draw here: there’s a solid beach, a gator park, and just enough kitschy stops to keep things from getting too serious.

What to Do

It’s easy to get stuck in the history, but St. Augustine has plenty else to work with:

• Castillo de San Marcos – A Spanish-built fort that’s taken hits from cannons, pirates, and time. You can walk the walls, see the cannons, and watch live weapon demonstrations.
• St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum – A surprisingly good collection of real pirate artifacts, plus some well-done theatrics to keep kids entertained.
• St. George Street – No cars, no rush, just old buildings, independent shops, and solid people-watching.
• Anastasia State Park – Four miles of quiet beaches, nature trails, and kayak rentals. A good way to break up the sightseeing.
• Alligator Farm Zoological Park – This place has been around since 1893 and still manages to be one of the best spots to see Florida’s unofficial mascot up close.

Where to Stay

For a budget-friendly stay, TRYP by Wyndham St. Augustine offers modern rooms just outside the historic district. On the higher end, Casa Monica Resort & Spa is located in a prime downtown location. For something quieter, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens offers boutique-style suites, lush courtyards, and a more intimate take on St. Augustine.

4. Destin

Destin sits on Florida’s Emerald Coast, where the sand looks like sugar and the water could pass for the Caribbean. It’s a fishing town that got popular and never looked back. The beaches are the main draw, but there’s plenty to do when the kids need a break from the water, like boat tours, a massive water park, and one of the best marine adventure parks in the state.

What to Do

Destin is built for families who like their beach vacations with a side of action.

• Henderson Beach State Park – The public beaches can get packed, but this state park gives you the same white sand without the crowds.
• Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – If the kids need a break from the beach, this place has slides, lazy rivers, and a wave pool big enough to feel like an ocean.
• Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park – A solid mix of dolphin and sea lion shows, hands-on animal encounters, and exhibits that actually make it educational..
• Crab Island – Not actually an island, but a giant sandbar where boats anchor for the day. The water stays waist-deep, so kids can splash around while parents relax.
• The Track Family Fun Park – A good backup for rainy days, with go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games.

Where to Stay

Home2 Suites by Hilton Destin offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and a short walk to the beach. Another family-friendly choice is The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach, which has multiple pools, direct beach access, and a relaxed atmosphere. On the luxury end, Henderson Beach Resort delivers beachfront views, a full-service spa, and a quieter, more upscale experience. 

5. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island feels like Florida before the high-rises took over. No big hotels, no neon lights, just quiet streets, wildlife refuges, and miles of shell-covered beaches. It’s the kind of place where families bike more than they drive and spend the day spotting dolphins instead of waiting in line for rides. If you’re looking for a good vacation spot in Florida that doesn’t involve any sort of theme park, this is it.

What to Do

This is one of the best vacation spots in Florida for families who prefer nature and outdoor activities over attractions.

• Bowman’s Beach – One of the most famous shelling beaches in the world. Bring a bucket, because the variety of shells here is ridiculous.
• J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – A massive refuge with trails, birdwatching, and kayak tours through mangrove forests. A great way to see Florida’s wildlife up close.
• Tarpon Bay Explorers – Kayak, paddleboard, or take a guided boat tour through the bay, where manatees and dolphins make regular appearances.
• Cayo Costa State Park – A short ferry ride gets you to this untouched barrier island with hiking trails, beaches, and zero crowds.

Where to Stay

Sanibel Island Beach Resort offers a beachfront location, a pool, and easy access to the island’s best attractions. Another family-friendly choice is Seaside Inn, where rooms come with kitchenettes and free bike rentals. On the luxury side, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has spacious condo-style accommodations, multiple pools, and family-friendly amenities. For a more secluded, high-end experience, South Seas Island Resort on nearby Captiva Island delivers with private beaches and a marina.

6. Key West

Key West has always had its own rhythm. It’s closer to Cuba than Miami, and it feels like it—laid-back, a little eccentric, and built for slowing down. It’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida for couples who want ocean views, fresh seafood, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t try too hard.

What to Do

Key West moves at its own pace, and most of its best experiences involve being on the water, at a bar, or both.

• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration – A nightly ritual with live music, street performers, and some of the best sunset views in Florida.
• Duval Street – The heart of Key West’s nightlife, lined with historic bars, restaurants, and more than a few places to grab a rum punch.
• Dry Tortugas National Park – A 70-mile boat ride gets you to this remote island, home to a 19th-century fort and some of the best snorkeling in the state.
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – One of the few Key West beaches that isn’t man-made. Bring snorkel gear—the water here is clearer than most spots in the Keys.
• Hemingway Home & Museum – Tour the house where Hemingway lived, meet the famous six-toed cats, and learn how Key West shaped some of his best writing.

Where to Stay

The Marquesa Hotel blends boutique charm with a great location just off Duval Street. Another good option is The Almond Tree Inn, offering a quieter atmosphere with tropical gardens and a relaxed vibe. On the higher end, The Gardens Hotel is an intimate adults-only property known for its lush courtyards and personalized service. For something right on the water, Ocean Key Resort & Spa delivers with oceanfront suites, a top-tier restaurant, and one of the best sunset views in town.

7. Miami Beach

Miami Beach runs on energy. It’s loud, fast, and built to impress. But if you know where to go, it’s also one of the best vacation spots in Florida for couples. South Beach is the headliner, but the real Miami Beach experience happens in the details: the right hotel, the right restaurant, the right stretch of sand.

What to Do

Miami Beach isn’t about cramming in activities, but rather about curating the experience. Pick the right spots, and you’re good.

• South Beach – The stretch of sand that made Miami famous. The water’s warm, the scenery is A-list, and the people-watching in the beach clubs is elite. Head to Strawberry Moon for a scene, or Nikki Beach for something more classic.
• Ocean Drive – A mix of historic Art Deco hotels, open-air cafés, and a nightlife scene that kicks off before sundown.
• Rubell Museum – A contemporary art collection in a repurposed warehouse, stacked with work from Basquiat, Haring, and Kusama.
• Boat or Jet Ski Rental – Miami looks better from the water. Cruise past Star Island’s ridiculous mansions or take a jet ski for something faster.
• The Restaurant Scene – Miami is having a food moment. MILA blends Mediterranean and Japanese with rooftop views, Carbone is the place for red sauce and celebrities, Casadonna is where people go when they want to be seen, and Joe’s Stone Crab is still an institution for a reason.

Where to Stay

For a mid-range stay with style, The Plymouth Hotel blends Art Deco charm with a quieter location near Collins Park. Another solid choice is The Goodtime Hotel, designed by Pharrell Williams, where pastel colors meet a buzzy pool scene. If budget isn’t an issue, The Setai Miami Beach delivers a five-star experience with oceanfront villas, a spa that actually lives up to the hype, and service that doesn’t miss. For something with more of a statement, Faena Hotel Miami Beach goes big on design and experience.

• Read More: 10 Artworks To See at the Rubell Museum in Miami

8. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is where Florida slows down. No high-rises, no crowds, just quiet beaches, historic inns, and enough Southern charm to remind you that you’re closer to Georgia than Miami. The downtown has cobblestone streets, the restaurants serve more seafood than salads, and the beaches feel like they belong to you.

What to Do

Amelia Island is about unplugging, but there’s still plenty to do when you’re not stretched out on the sand.

• Fernandina Beach Historic District – A 50-block downtown where Victorian buildings meet locally owned shops, bars, and restaurants.
• Fort Clinch State Park – A well-preserved 19th-century fort with hiking trails, bike paths, and beach access.
• Amelia Island Horseback Riding – One of the few places in Florida where you can ride horses directly on the beach.
• Kayaking in the Amelia River – Peaceful waters, easy paddling, and a high chance of spotting dolphins or manatees.
• Sunset at Omni’s Walker’s Landing – A locals’ secret, this quiet marshside spot has one of the best sunset views on the island.

Where to Stay

For a boutique stay with charm, Amelia Schoolhouse Inn delivers historic character with modern touches, plus a bar inside an old principal’s office. On the luxury side, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is the benchmark, offering oceanfront rooms, an award-winning spa, and some of the best dining in the area.

9. Naples

Naples does luxury without the noise, and is considered one of the most exclusive Florida destinations on the coast. It’s also one of the best places to visit for those looking for some style without any kind of stress, and for those who prefer their beaches quiet, their dining top-tier, and their evenings spent with a glass of wine. Beyond the luxury, Naples also offers nature preserves, remote islands, and some of the best shelling beaches in the state.

What to Do

Naples is built for slow mornings, long lunches, and Gulf-front sunsets.

• Naples Pier – The city’s best sunset spot, with front-row seats to dolphin sightings and the occasional pelican stealing a fisherman’s bait.
• Fifth Avenue South – The heart of downtown, lined with designer boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants that don’t believe in rushing the bill.
• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – A protected stretch of beach with no high-rises, no crowds, and some of the best shelling on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
• Keewaydin Island – A locals’ favorite, only accessible by boat. No roads, no noise—just white sand and turquoise water.
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – A 2.5-mile boardwalk through untouched cypress forest, where spotting alligators, egrets, and spoonbills is a given.

Where to Stay

For a boutique stay in the middle of downtown, The Inn on Fifth delivers modern luxury with a prime Fifth Avenue address. Another strong mid-range pick is Bellasera Resort, where condo-style suites give you space to stretch out while keeping you close to Naples’ best spots. On the high end, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is the city’s signature stay, with beachfront access, top-tier service, and a spa that sets the standard.

10. Vero Beach

Vero Beach flies under the radar, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a a laid-back coastal town with no theme parks, no massive resorts, ideal for couples who want oceanfront luxury without the crowds and great dining options. The beaches are quiet, the nature preserves are untouched, and the pace slows down.

What to Do

Vero Beach is all about ocean views, good food, and hidden gems that make it one of the most underrated places to visit in Florida.

• South Beach Park – The go-to beach in town, with soft sand, no high-rises, and enough space to feel like you have it to yourself.
• Vero Beach Museum of Art – A surprisingly solid museum for a small city, with contemporary exhibits and a sculpture garden.
• McKee Botanical Garden – A 1920s-era tropical garden packed with exotic plants, waterlilies, and old-world Florida charm.
• Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge – The first wildlife refuge in the U.S., offering peaceful hiking trails, birdwatching, and a glimpse of Florida before development took over.
• Paddleboarding on the Indian River Lagoon – Calm waters, mangrove tunnels, and a high chance of spotting dolphins or manatees.

Where to Stay

For a stylish yet affordable stay, Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa—owned by Gloria Estefan—offers oceanfront rooms, a sleek pool area, and one of the best restaurants in town. On the luxury side, Windsor Boutique Hotel sits inside a private residential community, offering an ultra-exclusive experience with golf, polo fields, and a members-only beach club. If you want something elegant but relaxed, The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel delivers with a hidden-gem vibe, lush gardens, and a classic Old Florida atmosphere.

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