Best Beach Resorts

Affectionately nicknamed the "Pink Palace," the Don CeSar has defined glamour on St. Pete Beach since it first opened in 1928. The resort’s Mediterranean-style architecture, pink facade, and storied past make it a cultural landmark. Designed by noted architect Henry H. DuPont, the hotel soon became a luxurious retreat for the rich and famous, hosting guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Babe Ruth and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Today, this grand hotel combines Gatsby-era glamour with modern luxury, offering direct access to St. Pete Beach, award-winning restaurants and Spa Oceana – an 11,000-square-foot sanctuary with stunning Gulf views. While it continues to be a favorite with celebrities and luxury travelers, the Don is also family-friendly and pet-friendly. 

With a prime location on beautiful Clearwater Beach, within walking distance of popular Pier 60 and its nightly sunset celebration, the Wyndham Grand offers a blend of comfort and coastal sophistication. Most rooms at this large, contemporary resort offer a terrace or balcony, and guests can choose from deluxe rooms and several suite types, including a presidential suite with stunning Gulf views. Those traveling with younger children may want to book a room with a king bed and a bunk bed. 

During your stay, enjoy premium amenities such as a heated outdoor pool, the tranquil full-service Pallavi Spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and Ocean Hai, a AAA four-diamond restaurant serving Asian-fusion dishes and fresh, locally sourced seafood. 

Set on 13 acres of private, powdery-white beach adjacent to Sand Key Park and Preserve, the Clearwater Beach Sheraton Resort on Sand Key offers a quieter, more secluded stretch of shoreline just a short trolley ride from the bustle of Clearwater Beach town center. Guest rooms and suites feature private balconies or patios overlooking the Gulf or the resort grounds, and guests can spend their days at the beachfront pool, on the tennis courts or renting watercraft right from the resort.

On-site dining ranges from casual to laid-back, with Mainstay Tavern serving up a gastropub menu and large-screen TVs for game day, plus poolside spots for tropical drinks under the Florida sun. With 24,000 square feet of event space, it's also a popular pick for beachfront weddings and gatherings.

With a fresh Caribbean look and a throwback 1960s beach vibe, Bilmar Beach Resort sits right on 550 feet of white sand on Treasure Island. Relaxed days here center around two pools, a whirlpool spa and easy access to the Gulf, with spacious studios, suites and penthouses that suit everyone from couples to families.

There's also a signature restaurant, Sloppy Joe's on the Beach, along with a beachside fitness trail and a rooftop terrace for sunset views. This hotel is a popular choice for beach weddings, with an oceanfront ballroom setup and complimentary valet parking for events.

Just steps from the sand and named "Best Resort in Florida" by Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites brings a residential feel to beachfront living. Spacious suites feature full kitchens and private balconies with beach or pool views, and the flamingo-pink exterior sets a vacation mood the moment you arrive.

Guests can spend the day at the heated eighth-floor pool with elevated Gulf views, unwind at Sandava Spa, or head up to Tropico Rooftop Cantina for Pan-Latino flavors and panoramic sunset views. It's all just steps from Pier 60, putting nightly sunset celebrations and Beach Walk's shops and restaurants within easy reach.