The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in the Florida Keys

Southernmost Beach Resort sits at the end of the Keys, on the western edge of Key West | Courtesy of Southernmost Beach Resort / Expedia

Nick Dauk

4 November 2021

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The Florida Keys are a glorious world unto themselves – and a visit to this laid-back island chain will give you a Sunshine State vacation unlike any other. No theme parks, no metropolises; only warm, sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and plenty of time to make memories with your family. Between swimming with dolphins and cannonballing into pools, your kids will have so much fun they’ll hardly touch their shellphones. Book into one (or more) of these family-friendly hotels in the Florida Keys and vacation the right way in the Conch Republic. All the following are bookable with Culture Trip.

Islander Resort, for a mid-Keys respite

Upscale modern king bedroom with green tufted headboard, light tile floors and chandelier over seating area at Islander Resort

Courtesy of Islander Resort / Expedia

It’s a long drive from Miami to the tip of Key West, so take a break halfway and relax fully at Islander Resort – it’ll give you (and your kids) a real restorative break from the car. The resort takes up 24 acres (10ha) of Islamorada, and staying here you’ve got access to everything from snorkel gear to bicycles for exploring the area. Sound a little too active? Encourage the young ones to play in the kids’ splash pad while you get a jump on tanning those white ankles.

Oceans Edge, for eco-experiences

Oceans Edge Resort pool area with plush lounge chairs, blue umbrellas and row of palm trees in Key West, Florida

Courtesy of Oceans Edge Resort and Marina / Expedia

That ultimate family vacation you’ll remember every moment for decades to come? It’s just a typical Tuesday offering at Oceans Edge. Every day brings the promise of adventure, be it complimentary shuttles to downtown Key West, or an exclusive – and utterly free – eco-experience program led by marine scientists and their furred and feathered friends. What else is there? How about games and movies by the pool and catch-of-the-day tacos sent straight to your three-bed suite? Hang onto every second of the sunset watching your little ones having fun in the sun – is there more to life than this? Probably not.

Santa Maria Suites, for a hidden oasis

Overhead view of Santa Maria Suites' multi-pool area with lounger chairs and palm trees and other foliage

Courtesy of Santa Maria Suites / Expedia

With a room at Santa Maria Suites, you’ve got a veritable private oasis in the heart of Key West. Central, yes, but just far enough from the revelry of Duval Street to keep the kids calm and happy. French doors let in fresh ocean breezes, which should lure you down to Southernmost Beach, a block away – if, that is, aromas of locally baked muffins in the lobby don’t send you on a detour. The kids can get their on-site fun in the two heated swimming pools – meanwhile, you’ll get a different taste of Duval with free wine and snacks served poolside every night.

Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton, for included activities

Beachfront wooden deck area with swing seats at Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo

Courtesy of Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo / Expedia

Baker’s Cay Resort, on Key Largo, has some pretty awesome waterfront suites with ultra-comfortable bedding – not that you’re going to be spending much time on the mattress. Check in and make your first port of call the hammocks on the private beach – an alluring place to catch some winks. If the rum runners from the Tiki Bar don’t keep you in a preserved state of tipsy tiredness, take advantage of the paddleboards, fishing rods, kayaks and more – they’re all available to your family and included in the resort fee.

Faro Blanco Resort, for family game time

Resort

Courtesy of Faro Blanco Resort / Expedia

Break up the drive to Key West with an overnight bayside stay at Faro Blanco Resort. Daily resort activities include coconut painting and bingo – guaranteed to keep your kids’ days jam-packed with fun. Games of giant Connect Four and miniature golf fill the gaps when the sun is out; the moon’s arrival, however, signals time to grab a telescope from the front desk for prime stargazing. The little ones will be so knackered, you’ll hardly have time to pull out the sleeper sofa before they pass out on the cushions.

Southernmost Beach Resort, for photo ops

Southernmost Beach Resort's pool with fountains, lounge chairs and palm trees

Courtesy of Southernmost Beach Resort / Expedia

At the southernmost point of the continental US, you’ll find an essential Key West family photo op – it’s called the Southernmost Beach Resort, and it’s right around the corner from the aforementioned landmark, so you can take as many pictures as you desire. You’ll get many more photogenic scenes – check the ocean view from your room’s balcony. The kids won’t mind you dragging them around the historic Old Town for more photo posing, as long as you break up your walk to Mallory Square with some splash-time at Truman Waterfront Park.

Hawks Cay Resort, to swim with dolphins

Kayaks sitting on beach in front of Hawks Cay Resort at sunset, Duck Key, Florida

Courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort / Expedia

Set your family adrift of the main Keys and come to roost at Hawks Cay Resort. If the concierge doesn’t greet you first, the friendly family of bottlenose dolphins in the resort’s lagoon will. They’ll be ready to play after you check into your family-sized room, complete with a private lanai that leads right to the pool. You’re welcome to have lobster and lemon drops delivered to the aforementioned lanai – that way you can soak up the sun in peace while the kids drift over to the Coral Cay Activities & Adventure Club.

Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort

Courtesy of Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel and Resort / Expedia

While the upstate license plates follow the Overseas Highway down to Key West, you can be turning off of the road – and you so should. Little do they know that Key Colony is home to one perfect slice of barefoot luxury for the whole family: at Glunz Ocean Beach, cool days in one of the two waterfront pools are capped with warm nights by the fire pits. Don’t feel buoyed to your oceanfront villa – the resort has adult and children’s bikes with helmets so you can ride over to Sunset Park for a family picnic.

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