12 Southwest Florida resorts families will love for beach vacations
USA TODAY
These family-friendly Southwest Florida resorts offer beach access, pools, kids clubs and easy access to Gulf Coast adventures.
Over my two decades living in Southwest Florida, I’ve gotten familiar with the area’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks and preserves, and the many waterways that wind through the region. Those are just a few of the things that draw visitors to Southwest Florida, where you’ll also find spots showcasing everything from tropical plant life to Thomas Edison's inventions and restaurants known for fresh seafood and sky-high slices of cake.
My daughter grew up here, and my husband and I have taken her shelling on Sanibel Island, on sightseeing cruises in Pine Island Sound, and up and down the Gulf Coast in search of fun places to eat and interesting things to do. So I understand why people want to vacation here. And when they do, these are the 12 best family-friendly hotels and resorts in Southwest Florida I’d recommend.
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Captiva Island, Florida
This longtime go-to for multigenerational family vacations at the tip of Captiva Island is undergoing a rebirth following damage sustained during the 2022 and 2024 hurricane seasons. Recent additions at South Seas include the new Captiva Landing amenity, with waterslides, a lazy river, an arcade, and a kids’ club, and the Beach House restaurant, where you can take in the sunset during dinner.
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