In many ways, Florida is the perfect holiday destination, as it has a vibrant nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of fun activities for kids. Unfortunately, it can get a little annoying come March, sidestepping all the rowdy co-eds out on spring break. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still escape the crowds.
The places you can stay in Florida to avoid spring breakers include luxury hotels catering to families, such as the Casa Marina, Key West, and the Naples Grand, Naples. Premium boutique hotels, such as The Surf Club, Miami Beach and Nautilus by Arlo, South Beach are other great options.
This article includes many options that you may or may not have considered when coming to Florida. So, read on to discover 10 great hotels and resorts in Florida where you can avoid spring break crowds.
1. The Surf Club, Miami Beach
The Surf Club is an exclusive social club with sumptuous residences, a state-of-the-art spa, and excellent in-house fine dining options spread over a 9-acre (36,422 square meters) beachfront property. Over a hundred years old today, everyone from Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill has walked its cobblestone paths.
Besides a serene beachside setting and gorgeous views, you’ll particularly enjoy the Cuban-inspired decor, high ceilings, and a jazz-era bar straight out of The Great Gatsby.
2. Nautilus by Arlo, South Beach
Nautilus by Arlo is another Miami boutique hotel oozing old-world charm. It is a great option if you’re looking for a fun time in a luxurious setting.
With the usual cocktails, spas, pools, and beachside cabanas, don’t forget to check out its barbershop-cum-speakeasy.
And while South Beach itself is likely to get quite busy through March and April, you can always escape to a quiet boutique or restaurant to get away from the hustle and bustle when you want to.
3. Casa Marina, Key West
Located less than a mile away from Duval Street, the Casa Marina, Key West is a luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here, you can enjoy cocktails and excellent seafood on the largest private beach in Key West and partake in fun activities like watersports and parasailing. Of course, it also offers spa treatments, fine dining, and any other resort amenities you can think of.
4. Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples
Florida has plenty of great destinations besides Miami. Take Naples, for instance. It has a great location on the Gulf of Mexico, with easy access to everything from shopping to beaches and other outdoor experiences, such as visiting national parks.
If you’re in Naples in March, the Naples Grande Beach Resort is a fine option to consider. Besides everything you’d expect at a luxury resort, the Naples Grande also boasts golf and tennis courts.
It has separate pools for adults and kids, and its kid-friendly pool has a 100-foot (30.48 meters) slide that your kids will love. You’ll also appreciate the coastal cuisine at The Catch of the Pelican restaurant and enjoy specialty cocktails at the beachfront Rhode’s End bar.
5. The Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood Beach
Accessible from both the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami International Airports, The Diplomat Beach Resort has been voted among the best resorts in Florida by Condé Nast magazine readers.
Relax at The Diplomat’s 15,000-square-foot (0.34 acres) award-winning spa or enjoy a host of complimentary benefits, including bike rentals, fitness classes, and watersports.
If you’re traveling with a pet, the famous Dog Beach is also worth a visit.
6. The Don CeSar, Fort De Soto Park

The newly renovated Don CeSar at Fort De Soto Park is another one of those iconic jazz-era resorts that you’ll find all over Florida. Thankfully the shiny new Don has retained its iconic pink facade and beautiful interior detailing, so you’ll get to enjoy it just as it’s always been.
Its West Keys location offers access to fantastic beaches and miles of trails. The best part is that no vehicles are allowed, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to spot some of the hundreds of bird species the area is famous for.
The beaches around the West Keys are also famed for their rich marine life. So, if you’re a family of wildlife enthusiasts, be sure to visit the Loggerhead Turtle refuge nearby.
7. Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach
If you’re looking for some quiet in Florida, you can’t do much better than the Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota.
This beautiful upscale resort is located on a secluded island off the Sarasota coast and boasts access to some of the most beautiful quartz beaches you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Amenities include spacious condo-style rooms with views of the gulf from private patios. What’s more, all facilities are designed to be accessible to everyone. Older visitors and guests with disabilities will feel particularly welcome.
8. WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa is another great resort town for families to visit. Although much newer than some of the grandees on this list, the area was built in the manner of a quaint, old-fashioned American beach town. It also retains its charm today.
At the WaterColor Inn, you’ll have exclusive access to a beautiful private white sand beach. You can enjoy activities like surfing, canoeing, hiking, and biking. Afterward, unwind at the spa while the kids hang out at the onsite kid’s camp.
9. Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
The Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is located in a fashionable neighborhood, providing easy access to many nearby attractions, including West Palm Beach, MacArthur Park, and Ocean Reef Park.
If the action there gets too heavy for you, you can always head out for a fishing or snorkeling trip. There are also loads of fun watersports activities to try, such as renting jet skis, kayaks, and even hydro-flying jetpacks.
You can also opt to stay in and enjoy treatments at the SiSpa. They’re so well regarded that they’ve found their way into the hotel’s name and are a key attraction for prospective guests.
10. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort, Marathon
The final recommendation on this list is the Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort in Marathon. Less than an hour north of Key West, you’ll find it offers plenty of privacy.
Accommodations include beautiful private beach houses with separate entrances, and reservations come with access to a beautiful private white sand beach.
Of course, you can also expect to find everything else you’d associate with a Gulf Coast location and luxury hospitality, including great food and drinks and plenty of fun activities, such as watersports.
Sources
- The Surf Club: Home
- Arlo Hotels: Nautilus
- Casa Marina Resort: Home
- Naples Grande Beach Resort: Home
- The Diplomat Beach Resort: Home
- The Don Cesar: Home
- World of Hyatt: Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach
- WaterColor Resort: Home
- Marriott: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
- Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort: Home
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