Relax on the beach or engage in water activities such as kayaking--many family-friendly Gulf Coast hotels offer a variety of activities.
Choosing a beach hotel can be tricky when you're taking a family vacation. Luckily, there are several family-friendly hotels and resorts along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Look for hotels that offer activities for children of varying ages. Before booking your trip, check the hotel's website to see whether there are any special packages or seasonal rates.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort
The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort is located on 10 acres of land that stretch along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater, Florida. The resort's motto is "funology"--a motto that the resort's Kids Club lives up to with a variety of fun activities. The club is led by staff members who are certified in CPR and first aid. The club offers hands-on activities for children ages four and older. There are also babysitting options for younger children. Additional hotel amenities include several restaurants, a fitness center, two beach-side swimming pools, bicycle rentals, and water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. There is a general store on-site that sells essentials such as sunscreen.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort
400 Mandalay Ave.
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
727-461-3222
clearwaterbeachresort.com
South Seas Island Resort
Bring the whole family to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. Accommodations range from one-bedroom guest rooms to six-bedroom vacation homes, making the resort ideal for parties of all sizes. The whole family will enjoy amenities such as H2Whoa Family Water Park, two swimming pools, a "Go Fish" catch-and-release fishing program, and "Skully's Family Interactive Center," which includes a kid's camp and a lounge. Additional activities include croquet and volleyball at Manatee Park, jet skiing, parasailing, guided kayak tours, and outdoor entertainment. Parents will appreciate amenities such as the fitness center, tennis courts, full-service spa, and a par-three golf course. South Seas Island Resort features several eateries on the premises including several beach and poolside bars, an ice cream shop, and several restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The "Resort Fee" is $12.50 per day for each adult and includes local telephone calls, beach towels, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, pool towels and chairs, trolley service, fitness center access, wireless Internet service, and parking.
South Seas Island Resort
5400 Plantation Rd.
Captiva Island, FL 33924
866-565-5089
southseas.com
Grande Beach Resort
Naples Grand Beach Resort is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Naples, Florida. Spend the day on the pristine beach or take a dip in one of the resort's three swimming pools. Beach activities include kayaking, snorkeling, aqua biking, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing. Sign your children up for Naples Grande Kids Club. The club is open to children between the ages of four and 12 with activities such as arts and crafts, movies, sports, and educational programs. The club offers "Kid's Night Out" on Friday and Saturday evenings, allowing time for parents to enjoy a romantic evening. The resort has several restaurants on the premises, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments by the pool. Parents can relax in the full-service spa or on the 18-hole golf course. Enjoy discounted rates when you visit during the fall.
Grande Beach Resort
475 Seagate Dr.
Naples, FL 34103
888-722-1267
naplesgranderesort.com
Tags: Beach Resort, Clearwater Beach, Island Resort, Seas Island, Seas Island Resort