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The Best Florida Family Vacations with Babies & Toddlers (That Aren’t Disney or Universal)

Florida makes a great family vacation destination, because some of Florida’s best family-friendly spots are the peaceful beach towns, scenic nature getaways, and laid-back coastal areas where families can unwind and truly enjoy their time together.


If you’re searching for:

  • the best Florida vacations for toddlers,

  • baby-friendly Florida beach destinations,

  • relaxing Florida family vacations,

  • Florida hidden gems for families,

  • Stroller-friendly family travel destinations


These places deserve a spot on your list!

Building Sand Castles

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The Best Florida Family Vacations with Babies & Toddlers

From the Florida Keys to crystal-clear springs and quiet Gulf Coast islands, here are the best Florida vacation destinations for families with babies and toddlers, including where to stay, the best things to do, and the top-rated family tours in each area.


1. Key Largo, Florida

One of the Best Florida Keys Family Vacations for Babies & Toddlers is Key Largo

If you’re looking for a relaxing Florida beach vacation for families, Key Largo is easily one of the best destinations in the state.


Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, Key Largo offers:

  • calm turquoise water,

  • family-friendly resorts,

  • outdoor adventures,

  • beautiful sunsets,

  • and a much slower pace that works incredibly well with young children.


It’s also one of the best babymoon destinations in Florida (it was our babymoon destination) and a great option for multigenerational family trips.


Our Pick for Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Key Largo

Families consistently rate Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton among the best resorts in the Florida Keys for families.


Why families love it:

  • private beach areas,

  • family pools,

  • hammocks,

  • calm kayaking areas,

  • and spacious resort grounds perfect for toddlers.


Checkout the reviews on TripAdvisor.

P.S: check out my full blog post dedicated to Key Largo here.


Best Things to Do in Key Largo with Toddlers


Best Family Tour in Key Largo

Glass-bottom boat tours are one of the best Florida Keys excursions for families because toddlers can safely see tropical fish and coral reefs without snorkeling.

2. Sanibel Island

One of the Best Florida Gulf Coast Vacations for Families


Sanibel Island is one of the most peaceful and family-friendly beach towns in Florida.

Known for its shell-covered beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this destination is perfect for families looking for:

  • calm beaches for toddlers,

  • stroller-friendly beach towns,

  • relaxing family vacations,

  • and nature-focused travel experiences.


Our Pick for Family-Friendly Hotel in Sanibel

Freshly reopened in 2025, Shalimar Beach Resort offers a charming Gulf-front escape on Sanibel Island with modern accommodations, a beachfront pool, and direct beach access. See what recent guests are saying and why this longtime island favorite is earning rave reviews.


Best Things to Do in Sanibel Island

  • Collect seashells on the beach

  • Ride bikes around the island

  • Visit the Sanibel Lighthouse area

  • Watch dolphins from shore

  • Explore nature preserves

  • Enjoy slow beach days


Best Family Tour in Sanibel

A dolphin and shelling cruise is one of the best family-friendly tours in Florida for young children because it combines wildlife viewing with a calm boat ride.

3. Anna Maria Island

One of Florida’s Best Hidden Gem Family Vacations


Anna Maria Island has become one of the most searched family beach destinations in Florida, and for good reason.


This charming Gulf Coast island is known for:

  • white sand beaches,

  • calm water,

  • golf cart transportation,

  • walkable beach towns,

  • and a slower “Old Florida” atmosphere.


Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Anna Maria Island

Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages is one of the top-rated Tripadvisor stays for families visiting Anna Maria Island.


Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island


Best Family Tour in Anna Maria Island

A dolphin sightseeing cruise is one of the most popular family excursions because it’s relaxing, scenic, and toddler friendly.

4. St. Augustine

The Best Historic Florida Vacation for Families

Woman in a yellow sweater and cap leans on a red balcony, gazing over a bay, boats, and ocean under a bright blue sky.
We visited St. Augustine before we had kids (2021) and we believe it is a great family-friendly destination, especially for those with little kids.

If your family enjoys history, walkable destinations, and unique cultural experiences, St. Augustine is one of the best family vacations in Florida outside of Orlando.


The city combines:

  • beautiful architecture,

  • stroller-friendly streets,

  • beaches,

  • museums,

  • and family-friendly attractions.


Best Family-Friendly Hotel in St. Augustine

Casa Monica Resort & Spa is one of the most popular luxury family stays in the historic district.


Best Things to Do in St. Augustine

  • Explore Castillo de San Marcos

  • Ride the Old Town Trolley

  • Visit the pirate museum

  • Walk St. George Street

  • Enjoy nearby beaches

  • Explore historic landmarks


Best Family Tour in St. Augustine

The Old Town Trolley Tour is one of the best things to do in St. Augustine with toddlers because families can comfortably explore the city without excessive walking.

5. Crystal River

One of the Best Nature Vacations in Florida for Families


Crystal River is one of the most unique family vacation destinations in Florida thanks to its freshwater springs and famous manatee encounters.


This is an incredible option for:

  • outdoor-loving families,

  • nature-focused vacations,

  • and families wanting something beyond beaches and theme parks.


Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Crystal River

Plantation Resort on Crystal River is one of the area’s top-rated family resorts.


Best Things to Do in Crystal River

  • See manatees

  • Explore freshwater springs

  • Go kayaking

  • Take gentle boat rides

  • Walk scenic nature trails

  • Visit nearby state parks


Best Family Tour in Crystal River

A guided manatee tour is one of the most unforgettable family-friendly activities in Florida.


6. Naples

Woman in a blue dress and straw hat walks across rippled white sand toward a calm blue ocean under a clear sky.
Florida sunsets get the attention, but Naples beaches deserve the spotlight.

One of the Best Luxury Family Beach Vacations in Florida

Naples is one of the cleanest, calmest, and most upscale family-friendly destinations in South Florida.

Families love it because it combines:

  • beautiful beaches,

  • walkability,

  • excellent restaurants,

  • and relaxing resort experiences.


Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Naples

Naples Grande Beach Resort is one of the top-rated family resorts in Naples.


Best Things to Do in Naples


Best Family Tour in Naples

A sunset dolphin cruise is one of the most popular family tours in Naples for babies, toddlers, and young children.


The Best Florida Family Vacations Beyond Theme Parks

While Disney and Universal may dominate Florida travel searches, many families with babies and toddlers are now searching for:

  • relaxing Florida vacations,

  • slow family travel,

  • hidden gem beach towns,

  • nature-focused family trips,

  • and calm destinations that work with young children.


These Florida destinations offer:

  • less stress,

  • fewer crowds,

  • more flexibility,

  • and more opportunities to genuinely enjoy family time.


For families traveling with babies or toddlers, that often ends up being the most memorable kind of vacation of all.


Ready to start planning your next Florida family adventure? Save this guide for later, share it with another parent, and explore more family travel tips here on D' Siesta Family. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for family-friendly destinations, travel hacks, and inspiration for making unforgettable memories with your little ones.


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