Best Oceanfront Hotels and Waterfront Views in Florida
Updated: October 25, 2023
AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
AAA can help you narrow down the best beach hotels and waterfront places to stay — not only off the Gulf Coast and Atlantic but also adjacent to rivers and other waterways. It’s hard to choose, but this year's favorite locales range from the Florida Panhandle to Southwest Florida and Miami on the southern tip. Most are AAA Three and Four Diamond establishments, with one notable Diamond Approved property in Jupiter. According to AAA Inspector 593, who advised on luxurious beachfront hotels in South Florida, these hotel and resort picks are “really well-maintained and in great locations.”
Obviously, some places to stay are better than others; booking a AAA Diamond hotel or resort can guarantee the perfect combination of comfort, cleanliness and convenience. You can rest assured that properties undergo rigorous routine evaluations by anonymous AAA inspectors to ensure that they consistently meet member needs and expectations.
So whether you're looking for Florida beach vacations for couples, last-minute weekend getaways or family beach resorts in Florida, there’s something right for you, especially if you do a little advance planning. Breathtaking vistas and unforgettable recreation await!
Note: Always be sure to check conditions when you plan a beach vacation to ensure the best experience possible. Hurricane season in Florida runs June 1 through November 30. Florida Healthy Beaches Program routinely documents beach water quality, while additional key quality and public health considerations can be found at Protecting Florida Together. Most beachfront municipalities also provide daily surf and safety reports online, which will tell you everything from water temperature to wave type.
Hollywood
The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton
3555 S. Ocean Dr.
This resort offers luxurious accommodations with plush bedding, marble bathrooms and views of the Atlantic or city. The pool and beach area, with 1,000-plus chairs, can be accessed from the expansive lobby. In addition to standard hotel features, this one offers an infinity pool, two outdoor bars, private cabanas and water activities.
Marco Island
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
400 S. Collier Blvd.
This beach resort, awarded AAA’s Best of Recreational Facilities in 2022, is a two-tower complex with a tranquil location on the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of things to do. Think golf, private beaches and water sports for starters. Each accommodation features a balcony or patio, a luxurious bathroom and the latest in entertainment technology. Additionally, there’s a tower for adults called Paradise by Sirene Suites — perfect for a romantic Florida beach getaway — complete with its own adults-only pool, breakfast and beach butler service.
Miami Beach
1677 Collins Ave.
The adults-only hotel offers chic spaces. The original terrazzo floors make the lobby a great place to relax and unwind with a frosty libation. All of the rooms, regardless of size, are furnished not only with luxurious linens and plenty of plush velvet furniture but also decorated with eye-catching art and decorative touches like animal prints. The well-appointed outdoor area features a 205-foot infinity pool with lounge chairs and cabanas — perfect for relaxation.
Naples
1500 5th Ave. S.
Admittedly, this is more of a waterfront than a beachside spot, with the marina and Naples Bay visible from balconies of the Tuscan-inspired resort’s guest rooms. Designated as Best of Inspected Clean, the resort is well-maintained and notable for its recreational opportunities. The pool's stunning waterfall cascade is the cherry on top of an already magnificent 5,000 square feet of swimming space. Additional amenities include a lazy river, an adults-only pool, and a lap pool with an infinity edge. Another perk: It’s within walking distance to the chic boutiques and restaurants of 5th Avenue.
900 Broad Ave. S.
Naples Bay is where to find this inn that’s practically a home-away-from-home, especially for long vacations. Choose from hotel- or studio-style to one-bedroom, or penthouse with two bedrooms and living and dining space. All things considered, accommodations are large and include private balconies with stunning waterfront views. Also available are an outdoor pool and several places to eat and drink both on-site and nearby; upscale 5th Avenue is less than a mile away.
1901 Gulf Shore Blvd. N.
This beachfront hotel has a prime location on the Gulf of Mexico. Its restaurant and pool area offer spectacular panoramas. Guest rooms come complete with a kitchenette and a bathroom with a spa-like ambience. Courtyard options protrude from the tower and extend perpendicular to the shoreline. Two- and three-bedroom units with full kitchens also are available.
Palm Beach County
Delray Beach
Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa
10 N. Ocean Blvd.
This upscale resort is convenient — close to the beach and downtown. There are plenty of places to shop and eat and an indoor-outdoor spa. Its foyer is welcoming with greenery and detailed flooring. Outdoor dining is next to the pool, but for those occasions you want to eat inside, breakfast and dinner options can be found indoors. Accommodations feature coastal accents. Two-bedroom, three-bedroom and studio-style options all are in the mix.
Jupiter
18903 S.E. Federal Hwy.
Just off the Intracoastal Waterway, overlooking Jupiter Island's nature preserve, you'll find this welcoming property — designated AAA Diamond Approved. The rooms are large, with many that come with their own private balconies. There’s a refrigerator, and if caffeine is a must, the lobby serves complimentary coffee until late. For a little R&R, the pool is a great place to relax and enjoy water views.
Pensacola
Hampton Inn by Hilton Pensacola Beach
2 Via De Luna Dr.
Guest rooms at this Pensacola Beach hotel are sizeable and offer views of the Gulf of Mexico or Pensacola Sound. Gulf-facing accommodations provide balconies where you may bask in the salt air and listen to the waves. Attractions include a Tiki bar by the pool, hammocks and a fire pit. Should you have an electric vehicle, the parking lot is equipped with charging facilities.
Sarasota
Longboat Key
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
220 Sands Point Rd.
The expansive resort features a marina, private beach and other outdoor recreation, including tennis courts and championship golf courses. Unwind in one of the spa’s treatment rooms, work out at the fitness center, swim laps in the outdoor pool, or lounge in a beach chair. Guest rooms provide private, furnished balconies overlooking the ocean or lush landscaping. Numerous on-site dining options make meals a breeze. Planning a special occasion like a wedding or get-together? There are five event venues on-site in addition to meeting rooms.
Tampa Bay
Clearwater
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
301 S. Gulfview Blvd.
On-site amenities at this beachfront hotel impress and range from bicycles and beach cabanas to full-service spa. The rooftop deck offers an ideal spot to take a dip or enjoy the scenery. While some guest rooms feature a kitchenette, others are much larger and feature a dining area, a living room and separate bedrooms with views of the marina and the Gulf of Mexico. If you have a special occasion coming up, their indoor and outdoor spaces are perfect for hosting huge gatherings.
Treasure Island
10800 Gulf Blvd.
At this resort on the Gulf of Mexico, you can watch the sunset from the comfort of your room. Though they range in size, they’re tastefully designed with bathrooms featuring sea-themed accessories and art. On Saturday and Sunday, you can pay a small fee to do yoga on the beach.
St. Pete Beach
3400 Gulf Blvd.
The renowned "pink palace," which overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, is a beachfront landmark. The Don, as some call it, exudes beach-themed elegance — from cotton candy-pink façade to high ceilings, marble fountains and potted plants. Guest rooms vary, both in size and views. Ask for one with breathtaking vistas of the Gulf for sunset viewing. As for outdoor spaces, the fire pits are a great focal point and one of the many gathering places throughout the property. Other highlights include a beautiful pool and spa area, as well as a beautifully appointed event space.
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AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.