I love the beach, and there’s nothing more convenient for a beach lover than a beach resort located right on the waterfront. The ability to step right from my hotel room to the ocean is something that I look for when choosing the best hotel at a beach destination.
Here are my favorite family beach resorts on the East Coast and the Caribbean. Did I miss your favorite?
I’ve stayed at some of these resorts at no cost for purposes of review. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Best Family Beach Resorts on the East Coast and the Caribbean
Caribbean Beach Resorts
Beaches Turks and Caicos
This is probably my favorite overall family beach resort because it offers so much more than just beach access. Beaches Turks and Caicos is an all-inclusive family resort located right on the beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
In addition to the gorgeous beach, it also offers a world-class kids’ club, teen clubs, a waterpark, Sesame Street shows and parades, delicious food, pools, and so much more.
It’s definitely one of the top Caribbean resorts for families and should be on any family travel bucket list.
Westin Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is my favorite of the Caribbean islands (and also feels like one of the safest Caribbean islands), due to its beautiful beaches, abundant activities, and delicious food. I’ve stayed at the Westin Grand Cayman three times, including a day stay during our cruise on the Disney Fantasy.
The hotel offers all of the amenities and room features that the Westin is known for, including the Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath. In addition, there’s a beautiful pool as well as kids’ programming, a pool bar, water sports, and so much more.
The hotel also has an activities desk where you can book some local excursions. A car is definitely not necessary.
West Bay Club, Turks and Caicos
We were invited to check out this suite hotel, located in the West Bay area of Providenciales, several years ago. It’s a luxurious resort, with gorgeous family-friendly suites and a perfect beachfront location. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful in setting you up with chairs and umbrellas for a beach day.
The hotel also has a pool and offers special weekly programming, including a beach BBQ. It’s within walking distance of the popular island Fish Fry.
Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
I didn’t stay at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, but I did have the opportunity to visit and tour during my press trip to the Cayman Islands. This luxurious beachfront resort offers a fabulous kids’ club with many programs that kids will love.
There’s also a spa, the Starfish Cay water attraction, and delicious restaurants. If you are looking to stay at a luxurious beach resort that isn’t all-inclusive, this is probably the hotel I would recommend.
See more reviews here.
Atlantis Bahamas
Although it’s most popular for the Aquaventure water park on the property, Atlantis Bahamas also sits on several beaches on Paradise Island. It’s one of my favorite resorts, one of the best Caribbean resorts for families, and it is extremely popular with families who are looking for fun activities in the Caribbean.
Atlantis Bahamas features rooms in several different towers (in various price ranges), a casino, entertainment, animal encounters, pools, a water park, and an aquarium. My son and I visited during a press trip to Nassau/Paradise Island several years ago, and we loved our stay. My son especially loved seeing all of the sea turtles near the aquarium.
Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort
The Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort located in the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatan Peninsula. This hotel offers a large pool, several smaller pools, fitness activities, and beach access. My kids loved snorkeling in Akumal Bay, where they saw lots of fish and a gorgeous sea turtle.
Best East Coast Beach Resorts on the Gulf Coast of Florida
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
My most recent beach vacation was to the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, which is located right on the world-famous (and top-rated) Clearwater Beach in Florida. This beach resort offers several restaurants and bars, beach games (like cornhole and giant chess), a beach bar, a pool, a spa, and much more.
The biggest benefit to this resort is its location right on Clearwater Beach. You’ll be within walking distance of so many different activities, shops, and restaurants. We walked to every restaurant that we visited.
We were also adjacent to the Clearwater Beach Sugar Sand Festival, which takes place in the spring. Clearwater Beach is my favorite East Coast beach, and it’s definitely worth visiting.
Lido Beach Resort
I was so impressed with my stay at the Lido Beach Resort, which is located on the Gulf Coast barrier island Lido Key (near Sarasota). The hotel offers two beachfront pools (one is adult-only), a small fitness center, and a jacuzzi.
There are also several restaurants. It’s a few steps down to the private beach, and there’s also a beach bar.
The resort offers several different room types, including suites. If you’d like to eat some of your meals in your room, it’s a great idea to get a suite and stop at a grocery store during your stay.
Longboat Key Club
Also located in the Sarasota area is the Longboat Key Club, located on the Gulf barrier island of Longboat Key. This resort offers so much for guests, including a golf club, tennis courts, fitness center (also offering yoga on the beach) a full-service spa, restaurants, and pools.
The beach location is absolutely beautiful. You’ll enjoy the white sand of the Gulf coast beaches, and the resort offers complimentary beach lounge chairs (lounge “beds” and other beach products can be rented by the day).
There are several different room types offered, including junior suites that have mini kitchens, washers, and dryers.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort
We absolutely loved our stay at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort, located on Marco Island on the Gulf Coast. This resort offers valet parking, a pool, several restaurants, and an absolutely gorgeous beach.
The resort includes all suites, as well as patios or balconies. We loved spending some time on our patio as we sipped coffee and looked at the beach.
If you haven’t been to Marco Island, it’s definitely somewhere I would recommend for a family vacation. It’s a pretty quiet spot but with lots of delicious food options. Marco Island is located south of Fort Myers and near Naples.
Atlantic Coast of Florida
Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood
I haven’t had the pleasure of staying at the Diplomat Beach Resort yet, but I have visited for a reception during a conference. It’s a beautiful hotel, located in Hollywood Florida near Fort Lauderdale.
The Diplomat offers a gorgeous pool, a spa, kids’ club, and has beachfront access. You can see more reviews of the Diplomat here.
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
During a blog conference, I had the opportunity to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, which is located near Miami. The pool offers a tennis center, kids club, a zero-entry family pool, shops, and restaurants. It’s a beautiful luxury resort, one of the top resorts on the East Coast, and is a great option for families visiting Miami.
See reviews of the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne here.
Ritz-Carlton South Beach
The second of two Ritz-Carlton’s in Miami is the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, located along Miami Beach. This resort has access to the public beach (it’s located along the beach, but not right on the beach). Guests are able to use chairs and umbrellas on the beach.
In addition, there’s a beautiful pool with chairs and cabanas. The resort also offers restaurants, bars, a spa, and much more.
I stayed here recently before a cruise out of Port Miami, and I absolutely loved my stay. I’d love to return for a longer trip.
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Before visiting the Omni Amelia Island Resort, I wasn’t familiar at all with Amelia Island. This barrier island is located on the coast of Northeast Florida, about 35 minutes from the Jacksonville airport.
The resort is huge, and offers 400 ocean-front guest rooms and suites, many with beach views. There’s also the largest poolscape in northern Florida, including an adult-only infinity swimming pool, a 10,000 square-foot family pool, a small splash area, and two hot tubs.
There’s also a nature center, shops, miniature golf, tennis courts, a spa, and other activities for families. The Omni Amelia Island Resort is one of the best family resorts in the US – especially for families looking for some beach and nature time.
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort
I recently stayed at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort before a cruise on the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas. This hotel offers beachfront access, a pool, a small splash pad, several restaurants, and more.
While we were just at the hotel overnight before our cruise, this resort is also a great option for a Cocoa Beach stay. If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, and want to get some beach time, this is a good choice. It’s located about an hour from the Orlando International Airport.
Mid-Atlantic Beach Hotels
Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Bethany Beach Delaware
This oceanfront hotel right on the Bethany Beach boardwalk is a great family hotel. It’s a Residence Inn, with spacious rooms and the perfect location. Rooms offer mini kitchens, which are a great way to save some money on vacation.
Free breakfast is offered, and there’s a rooftop pool, as well as a delicious restaurant. You’ll be right in the center of the action.
New England Beach Hotels
Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Falmouth, MA
New England is home to a number of fabulous beach resorts, but my favorite is the Sea Crest Beach Hotel, located on Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, MA. Besides the beachfront access, which is definitely a huge benefit, the hotel has other amenities for families. These include an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and game room. There are also several restaurants.
The hotel has several different room types. If a suite isn’t in your budget, keep in mind that you probably won’t be spending much time in the room so you could stick with a regular room.
Ocean Edge Resort, Brewster, MA
Ocean Edge is a quintessential beach resort, located in the summer community of Cape Cod. It’s so big that it has multiple buildings on two both sides of Main Street in Brewster, and offers hotel rooms, villas, suites, and other family accommodations.
Guests at Ocean Edge have access to several pools and family activities. A private beach is available to guests of specific areas of the resort (other guests can take a shuttle to a nearby town beach). In season, some amazing family activities take place.
What is your favorite beach resort on the East Coast and the Caribbean?
