The Florida Keys and Key West region of Florida is the perfect family vacation spot to get that tropical island setting without leaving the US. The islands of the Florida Keys are known for a relaxed vibe, watercolor sunsets, and endless family-friendly water activities. The local Florida Keys resorts and hotels don't skimp on all that island charm either.
Read on to discover the top resorts and hotels in the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys/Key West.
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We've put together a list of a dozen Florida Keys resorts that we think are just right for families. Each offers an array of amenities onsite, including luxurious swimming pools, water sports, parasailing, bike rentals, and much more. One resort offers dolphin encounters in its own private lagoon. Be sure to read our list of the top 30 things to do with kids in the Florida Keys to help plan your getaway — and be sure to explore the unique characteristics of each island (such as the lovable Key deer that are only found on a few islands from Big Pine Key to Sugarloaf Key).
The bayfront Baker's Cay Resort offers plenty of water sports.
Best Florida Keys Hotels and Resorts in the Upper Keys
1. Baker’s Cay Resort – Key Largo
Baker’s Cay features 15 acres of bayfront adventures for the whole family. Cay kids can enjoy activities such as eco-classes, nature walks, pool games, scavenger hunts, movie nights, nerf battles, and foam parties. Other activities include a swimming pool, a "dock to dish" fishing program, parasailing, sunset cruises, snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and more. Accommodations include rooms and larger suites to accommodate families.
2. Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Islamorada
With over 200 rooms and suites (some with full kitchens), this 27-acre beachside resort offers lots of amenities for families. Visitors will find a private beachfront, two oceanfront family pools and one adults-only pool, several restaurants, kayaks, bicycles, paddleboards, water trikes, a fishing pier, a game room with xbox arcade, and a Camp Cheeca program for kids.
3. Hampton Inn – Key Largo
The popular John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a short 10 minute walk from this affordable Key Largo hotel. The Hampton Inn location offers 100 guest rooms with balconies or patios, mini fridges, microwaves, and free wired internet access. Additional hotel amenities include a private beach area, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, picnic area, and kayak rentals. Free breakfast is included daily, and there's also an onsite Starbucks.
Islander Resort & Islander Bayside
4. Islander Resort & Islander Bayside – Islamorada
The Islander offers 114 oceanside rooms and suites, as well as townhome-style villas overlooking the bay. Resort amenities include two saltwater pools, a kids splash pad, beach games, a butterfly garden, basketball, bicycles, paddleboards, a fishing pier, daily group activities, and more. There is also an onsite Florida Keys History and Discovery Center. Expect to be fully entertained and chilled out!
Enjoy the beach or the pool at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key.
Best Florida Keys Resorts and Hotels in the Middle Keys
5. Hawks Cay Resort – Duck Key
This luxury family-friendly resort is located on the secluded island of Duck Key. The main attraction is the resort’s private lagoon complete with dolphin encounters. It also features an abundance of kids activities, including a pirate ship splash pad, a children’s playground, daily supervised kids activities, and five swimming pools. Check out the resort's event calendar for an array of activities for all ages to enjoy, from pirate shows to improv comedy nights. Water sports are available on property as well. Roomy accommodations range from luxury guest rooms to tropical villas that can sleep up to eight guests.
6. Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort – Key Colony Beach
Choose from over 50 resort rooms, suites, and waterfront villas at this beachfront resort. It features two waterfront pools stocked with floats and beach toys, kayaks, paddleboards, beach cruiser bicycles, a waterfront fitness center, and beach games. There is also an onsite market, café, and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
7. Isla Bella Beach Resort – Marathon
With over 24 oceanfront acres, every room and suite in this middle Florida Keys resort is equipped with an outdoor terrace and ocean view. Onsite activities include a huge tropical pool, three smaller pools, a private beach area, sunset pier, complimentary bike rentals, yard games, and hammocks. Kayak rentals and jet ski tours are available as well. There’s also a packed resort calendar with fun activities such as digging for shark teeth, gelato happy hour, hermit crab races, and much more.
Stay in a private beach house at Tranquility Bay Beach Resort, so all the kids actually sleep.
8. Tranquility Bay Beach Resort – Marathon
This beachfront resort offers both guest rooms and private beach houses, as well as a 2.5 acre swimming beach located in a private bay. Other features include a zero-entry lagoon style pool, an adult-only pool, and a tropical garden pool. Onsite water sports are available such as snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, eco tours, and more. Located directly next to the resort is Marathon’s Turtle Hospital, a home for injured sea turtles dedicated to their rehab and release.
Swim at the private beach at the laid-back Parmer's Resort in Little Torch Key.
Best Florida Keys Hotels and Resorts in the Lower Keys & Key West
9. Parmer’s Resort – Little Torch Key
Families visiting this resort can enjoy a private beach area, swim in the outdoor heated pool, explore the waters on a paddleboard or kayak, relax in a hammock, or play mini golf. A daily breakfast buffet and afternoon coffee, cookies, and lemonade are also included for resort guests. Nearby, explore the beaches of the popular Bahia Honda State Park or go snorkeling at Looe Key Reef. Accommodations at Parmer’s Resort include cottages, suites, efficiencies and standard rooms.
10. Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa – Key West
The rooms at this gulf-side Key West hotel feature private balconies and large living spaces. Families can enjoy a large heated outdoor swimming pool, water activities like jet skis and snorkeling, bicycle rentals, and two onsite restaurants.
Relax in popular Key West at the Southernmost Beach Resort.
11. Southernmost Beach Resort – Key West
Situated at the end of Duval Street, this resort is located on one of the largest beaches in Key West. Amenities include three swimming pools (one for adults only), fitness center, bike rentals, lawn and beach games, parasailing, and jet skiing. The resort is within walking distance of many of the famous Key West attractions, including Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
The luxurious Sunset Key cottages reside on a private island.
12. Sunset Key Cottages – Key West
Sunset Key Cottages offers 40 luxury cottages on a private island, minutes from Key West. The resort features a white sand beach, large tropical pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, library, and game room. Water activities are also available, such as parasailing, snorkeling, and sailing excursions. Parents might enjoy ducking out to the spa one afternoon, too!
Getting a Babysitter To Go Out in the Keys
Chances are, you need a hotel in the Keys because you don't live here. And if you don't live here, your babysitter doesn't either. So we've partnered with Care.com to make it easy to find background-checked caregivers on our directory, or through Care.com directly, no matter where you are. Go ahead. Get a sitter so you can go out for a romantic walk or the beach, dinner, and an evening out!
All photos courtesy of the Florida Keys resorts and hotels