Florida natives (like myself) know that you’ll find some of the best beaches in the Sunshine State on the sparkling Gulf Coast. After traveling from coast to coast my entire life, I know how truly incredible these beachfront hotel settings are.
With direct access to white, sugary sand, emerald waters, and palm-tree-studded landscapes, the best beachfront hotels on Florida’s Gulf Coast offer perks like oceanfront suites, outdoor pools, lavish spas, and on-site restaurants serving succulent seafood. Whether you’re looking for a family getaway near kid-friendly attractions, a romantic retreat for two, or snorkeling, parasailing, and dolphin-watching adventures, these postcard-worthy destinations have it all.
Check out our top picks for the best beachfront hotels along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
The Don CeSar, St Pete Beach
One of Florida’s most iconic pink hotels, The Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach is set on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico. You can soak up the ocean views and enjoy Gatsby-era vibes at this historic hotel, which dates back to 1928. Known as Florida’s “Pink Palace” for its gorgeous Mediterranean and Moorish architectural motifs, it offers chic rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views. Unwind in a heated pool or book a massage at the on-site spa, then indulge in seafood cuisine at Maritana, cocktails at the beachside Rowe Bar or sweet treats at the Ice Cream Parlor.
Key Amenities:
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Chic rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views
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Private beach and pool
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On-site wellness retreat and fitness center
3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA— +1 727-360-1881
TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, St Pete Beach
A 25-acre beachfront playground in St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort boasts a range of spacious rooms and suites. One of the largest hotels in the area, accommodation ranges from Standard Rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges to Suites with kitchenettes, pull-out sofa beds and balconies, some are even pet-friendly. Guests love the resort’s array of water sports available and beach cabanas, while the highlight of the property for many families is the floating water park with a 200-foot-long water slide. In addition to seven swimming pools and multiple on-site restaurants, the hotel boasts tennis courts, beach volleyball and mini-golf.
Key Amenities:
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Rooms and suites with kitchenettes
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Floating water park with water slide
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Seven pools and multiple on-site restaurants
5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA— +1 800-249-1667
Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater
Just a few blocks from the lively Pier 60, Sandpearl Resort Clearwater Beach is consistently rated as one of the best beachfront hotels in Florida. Take a dip in the sparkling pool or browse the menu of ocean-inspired treatments at the on-site spa, then visit Caretta on the Gulf for fresh seafood and Gulf views. Alternatively, you can opt for colorful cocktails at Tate Island Grill. Retreat to the luxurious Gulf Front Junior King Suite to enjoy a king-size bed and Roman-style tub, or stretch out with enough room to accommodate six guests in the Gulf View Two Bedroom King Suite.
Key Amenities:
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Suites with full kitchens and furnished balconies
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On-site spa and private beach
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Zero-entry pool
500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA— +1 727-441-2425
Portofino Island Resort, Pensacola Beach
Located in Pensacola Beach, Portofino Island Resort is one of the best beachfront hotels in Florida’s Panhandle, home to two and three-bedroom condos with water views. Twice as wide as a typical beach condo, these family-friendly abodes boast private balconies, full kitchens, outdoor grills and washer/dryers. Each of the towers has its own outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, while added luxuries include private chefs and massage therapists. Take advantage of the hotel’s on-site restaurants and luxe spa, then hit the beach for water sports and a floating playground.
Key Amenities:
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Luxury condos with private balconies and full kitchens
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Outdoor pool and whirlpool spa for each tower
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Floating playground and beach
10 Portofino Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA— +1 877-523-2016
South Seas, Captiva
A popular hotel in Florida for couples, South Seas is a sprawling oceanfront property on Captiva Island that offers a long list of amenities perfect for a romantic getaway. In addition to access to Sunset Beach, a private stretch of natural sand with excellent shelling opportunities, the 330-acre family-friendly property boasts a fire pit for s’mores and family games and activities on its Marina lawn. The Yacht Club Marina has short and long-term dockage, while renowned fishing and boating charters are available, as well as eco-cruises and nature tours. Post-hurricane Ian, the hotel now has refurbished accommodations of varying types, each steps from the pristine Gulf of Mexico, including beach villas and beach homes. Future plans include a new 12-hole Beau Welling re-designed golf course and three family-friendly pools with waterslides, chaise lounges, private cabanas, and a poolside bar. On-site dining will include a redesigned market with to-go options, food trucks, and a new Redfish Grille with outdoor seating and Florida Gulf Coast specialties.
Key Amenities:
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Set on a private beach
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World-renowned fishing, boating, and yachting
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Beachfront accommodation, including beach villas and beach homes
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Offering a sun-soaked location in Naples, Florida, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is one of the most luxurious hotels in Florida, offering a range of 5-star facilities. From posh spa treatments inspired by the sea to 36 holes of championship golf, you’ll be spoiled for choice with activities. Enjoy Gulf of Mexico views from one of the chic rooms or suites, then enjoy a frozen drink poolside at one of the outdoor pools or savor fresh seafood at Gumbo Limbo. Families will love the Vue, a high-tech entertainment lounge featuring video games, while little ones can make a splash in the children’s pool or see interactive environmental exhibits in the on-site Nature’s Wonders.
Key Amenities:
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36-hole championship golf course
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Outdoor pools and on-site nature center
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High-tech entertainment lounge
Lido Beach Resort, Sarasota
Lido Beach Resort offers a prime beachside location near Siesta Key and is an ideal spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Along with a 300-foot white sand beach, you’ll have access to outdoor pools, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, beach volleyball and a shuttle service to nearby St. Armands Circle. Spacious rooms and condo-style suites boast Florida-inspired decor and flat-screen TVs, and most include kitchenettes and/or private balconies with beach views. Don’t miss the famous tiki bar, which is the perfect spot to enjoy southwest Florida’s beautiful sunsets.
Key Amenities:
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300-foot white sand beach with tiki bar
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Outdoor pools
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Shuttle service to nearby St. Armands Circle
700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA— +1 941-388-2161
Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, Pensacola Beach
One of Florida’s top budget beachfront hotels, Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front is located on the tranquil shores of the Gulf of Mexico. All of its cozy rooms boast water views, either of the white sand beach or the Santa Rosa Sound. You can unwind at the pool area, which features a lazy river and waterfalls, then cozy up by the poolside fire pits. Offering beachfront views, Riptides Sports Grill has a patio and tiki bar as well as high-definition flat-screen TVs streaming live games. Stylish rooms feature free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs, while Kids Suites add bunk beds for little ones and Family Suites can accommodate up to eight guests.
Key Amenities:
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Waterfront views on all rooms
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Outdoor pool with lazy river and waterfalls
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Kids stay and eat free at on-site restaurant
14 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA— +1 850-932-5331
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Naples
Located right between the Gulf of Mexico and Vanderbilt Bay, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has chic rooms and suites. There’s a luxurious spa on-site as well as countless activities, while BALEEN Naples offers award-winning cuisine and unbeatable sunset views. You have the choice of bay or gulf views at this hotel, with luxe touches in spacious suites that include sprawling patios. Golf lovers can play a round at the 18-hole, Robert Cupp-designed course, while sun-seekers can throw a towel on one of the best beaches in Florida.
Key Amenities:
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On-site spa
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18-hole golf course
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Private beach
Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach/Destin Hotel, Fort Walton Beach
Experience the best of Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast at Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach/Destin Hotel. Located in Fort Walton Beach, it offers oceanfront accommodations and easy access to snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing. Perks of staying here include free loaner bikes, as well as sunbeds and an umbrella. Kids will love the $0.25 arcade games, ping pong and beach toys, while the Crab Island Cafe offers casual dining the whole family can enjoy. Further, adults can enjoy poolside tropical beverages at Manatee’s Bar & Grill.
Key Amenities:
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Free loaner bikes, sunbeds and umbrellas
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Beachfront hotel with access to water sports
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Arcade games, ping pong and beach toys
573 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, USA— +1 850-244-8686
WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach
Set in one of the Panhandle’s most underrated destinations, Santa Rosa Beach, WaterColor Inn is also a short drive from other captivating beach towns, including Seaside and Rosemary Beach. This family-friendly hotel is tucked between the Gulf of Mexico and a coastal dune lake and manages to seamlessly blend a laid-back setting with modern perks. Not only will you have access to a private beach and a luxe spa but also a range of Gulf-front restaurants with locally sourced menus. As a St. Joe Hospitality-managed property, guests also have access to other amenities including tennis and championship golf. After a long day in the sunshine, unwind on the Adirondack chairs on the patio or balcony of your luxury beachfront room. Alternatively, you can opt for a suite with panoramic Gulf of Mexico, sunset and sunrise views.
Key Amenities:
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Private beach
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On-site spa
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Three pools and lazy river
34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA— +1 850-534-5000
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Clearwater
A 17-story pink-hued beauty sitting on Clearwater Beach, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa towers over the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling waters. Unwind in a private cabana at the spacious pool deck that overlooks the beach or re-charge with a massage at the spa. Afterward, you can retreat to a One King Suite Gulf Front Terrace for a walk-out balcony with beachfront views and a spacious living room. Dine on fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant SHOR, then explore some of Clearwater’s top attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Busch Gardens.
Key Amenities:
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Property on Clearwater Beach
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Pool and kids pool on 8th floor
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On-site spa
301 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA— +1 727-373-1234
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is a tropical oasis in Marco Island, nestled on three miles of private white sand beach. Its beautiful decor is inspired by Bali, while spacious rooms and suites offer private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are multiple on-site dining options, including a modern steakhouse, gastro-pub and 5th-floor restaurant pairing Gulf of Mexico views with coastal, Mediterranean cuisines. Tee off at a championship golf course or relax by the pool, then enjoy the spa’s plunge pools, massages and therapy baths. Also, you’re less than an hour’s drive from wildlife watching in Everglades National Park.
Key Amenities:
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Three miles of private white sand beach
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Championship golf course
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Pool and on-site spa
400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA— +1 239-394-2511
Springhill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach, Navarre Beach
Set on Navarre Beach, Springhill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach is steps away from the emerald Gulf of Mexico waters. The all-suite hotel not only offers unobstructed views of the beach but also features resort-inspired amenities such as a lazy river, zero-entry pool and hot tub. The Gulf-front Beach House Bar & Grille pairs ocean views with Gulf-to-table seafood while the lobby bar serves tasty cocktails. Families and couples alike will appreciate the spacious suites, which offer residence-style comfort with stylish decor, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers and private balconies with ocean views.
Key Amenities:
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Lazy river, zero-entry pool and hot tub
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Residence-style suites with private balconies and ocean views
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Unobstructed views of beach
Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater
Head to Clearwater’s beachfront Opal Sands Resort for a sunny escape, where you’ll discover beach-chic rooms with plush beds, flat-screen TVs and Gulf views. One Bedroom Premium Suites add floor-to-ceiling windows and living rooms, while The Opal Suite is the epitome of luxury with an outdoor lounge area and wrap-around balcony, which boasts friendly pool attendants to ensure you have everything you need for a day in the sun. Get pampered at Opal Spa or enjoy a private cabana by the zero-entry Gulf-front pool. Hand-crafted cocktails are served at Reflections Poolside Bar, and Sea Guini boasts indoor and outdoor patio seating, live entertainment and a menu of Italian classics.
Key Amenities:
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Zero-entry, gulf-front pool with attendants
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On-site spa
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Live entertainment and outdoor patio seating
430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA— +1 727-450-0380
