Where should your family go in Florida for spring break? Comparing the top Gulf Coast destinations
Want to plan a trip to Florida for Spring Break or even just for a family vacation? We have you covered! In this post we will be breaking down how to choose the right destination and which is right for your family.
Planning the perfect family beach vacation in Florida can feel a little overwhelming — especially when so many gorgeous coastal towns promise beautiful sand, calm waters, and unforgettable memories. The truth is, while Florida’s beaches may all look dreamy in photos, each destination offers a very different experience once you arrive.
We have been to all of these beaches and most of them multiple times. I actually met my late husband on Siesta Key almost 20 years ago. We believe the best beach trip isn’t about choosing the most popular spot — it’s about finding the destination that truly fits your family’s travel style. Are you dreaming of shell-filled morning walks and quiet bike rides? A lively beach with easy dining and activities for kids and teens? Or a peaceful stretch of sand where slowing down is the whole point? All of these destinations have gorgeous beaches and we have loved all of our trips to them, but I can honestly say every town is very different.
In this guide, we’re breaking down four of Florida’s most beloved beach towns — Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Sanibel Island, & Marco Island— with a clear, honest look at the pros and cons of each for a family beach vacation. By the end, you’ll have a much better sense of which destination matches your family’s pace, priorities, and vacation goals.
1.) Longboat Key
Overview: An elongated, quieter key near Sarasota; very peaceful and upscale.
Why we love it: This was truly the most luxurious of them all as everything was taken care of for you (at the resort we stayed at). They have fancier restaurants, it is close to Mote Marine Aquarium, and by St. Armand’s circle to shop and dine at also. We loved this place although it is on the pricier side, I would still say it was 100% worth it!
Do you need a car? Yes. Absolutely.
Pros
✔ Tranquil & Relaxed
Less crowded and quieter than Siesta Key or Marco Island — ideal for families seeking calm and relaxation.
✔ Proximity to Sarasota Area Attractions
Close to St. Armands Circle, Lido & Siesta Keys for easy trips to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
✔ Beautiful, Undeveloped Beaches
Miles of sandy shoreline with plenty of space for building sandcastles, sunset walks, and beach games.
Cons
✘ Fewer Dining/Entertainment Options On-Site
Quieter means fewer restaurants and activities right on the island itself
✘ More Mature / Low-Key
The island itself is not as lively for anyone wanting nightlife or bustling beach scenes.
Accommodations
🛌 Longboat Key Club : Luxury resort located on a gorgeous beach with lots of outdoor and water activities for kids, plenty of relaxing amenities for adults, and a convenient location. This hotel has something for everyone with pickleball courts, kayaking, paddleboards, complimentary beach chairs, a spa, and an amazing pool suitable for kids of all ages.
2.) Siesta Key
Overview: Vibrant barrier island near Sarasota, famous for its absolutely gorgeous sand and family-friendly beach experience. The village has everything you could need from shops, restaurants, bars, activities etc.
Why we love it: It’s one of our favorites because of the beautiful white sand beaches, the convenience of being able to bike or drive a golf cart on the main road and the town has a variety of restaurants (casual and a little more upscale) you can go to without needing to be dressed up. Instead of it being built up with a lot of private beaches, its got an amazing public beach accessible to everyone with lots of houses available rent for large groups, extended families or multiple families. We feel this is a great place for all ages with so much to do without it being too built up and touristy.
Do you need a car? No, you don’t need one. We prefer to rent a golf cart and bikes because you can use these to get all around the island.
Pros
✔ World-Renowned Beach
Siesta Beach is repeatedly ranked among the best in the U.S. and world for its soft, cool, white quartz sand. It is cooling and I can honestly say it’s the most beautiful sand I have seen in the U.S.
✔ Lively & Convenient
More restaurants, shops, and nightlife close to the beach; easy access from Sarasota.
Free trolley service and village areas are walkable.
✔ Activities for All Ages
Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, and occasional festivals/events
Cons
✘ Can Get Busy / Touristy
Popular status means more crowds in peak season compared with quieter islands.
✘ Slightly More Commercial
More built-up feel than Sanibel or Longboat Key, though still beach-oriented.
Accommodations
🛌 Siesta Key Luxury Rentals - we stayed at the property “Dry Dock”. It was gorgeous, spacious and only a 5 minute walk from “The Village” (the strip of restaurants, bars and shops). It was one block from the beach and we walked there for sunset almost every night because they were absolutely breathtaking. The house itself had an inground pool, ping pong table and a dock off the back of the house on a canal to fish off of. This was a great place for a multi generational trip. We stayed here with 16 people very comfortably.
3.) Sanibel Island
Overview: Classic nature-focused island known worldwide for shells, calm vibes, and low-key charm.
Why we love it: We feel in love with Sanibel for it’s relaxed pace, old-school beach feel and its shelling. It is ideal for families who want a mix of beach time, nature, and low-key adventure without crowds, noise, or stress. This is my children’s favorite of all of these destinations. They loved it because we were right on the beach, the hotel had so many activities and when we stayed at the Casa Ybel Resort. They loved that everything was walkable!
Do you need a car? We have done this trip both with and without a car. If only going for a couple days and staying at a resort you may not need one. But, we did enjoy having a car and being able to explore more of the island like the nature preserves. When we stayed at a rental it felt more needed to be able to get groceries easily.
Pros
✔ Best Shelling in the U.S.
Sanibel’s unique east-west orientation makes its beaches exceptional for seashell collecting — perfect for kids and adults!
Many beaches with shell-rich shores, including Bowman’s, Lighthouse and Tarpon beaches.
✔ Nature & Outdoor Activities
Lots of biking paths, kayaking, birdwatching
✔ Quiet, Conservation-Focused Vibe
Less crowded, fewer high-rises, lots of protected parks and nature preserves. Feels very calm and quiet.
Cons
✘ More Laid-Back / Slow Pace
If your family wants nightlife or big entertainment options, Sanibel is quieter and more nature-centric. The island tends to go to bed early and wake up early.
✘ Parking & Access Can Be Tough
Parking near beaches is often limited in high season, so arrive early.
Accommodations
🛌 Casa Ybel Resort: Beachfront suites with kitchens, on-site activities, and a laid-back island feel for a comfortable, fun vacation. Calmer and more authentic than big resorts, with lush grounds, quiet trails, and safe places for kids to explore. Private balconies or lanais often face the Gulf, so parents can relax while kids nap or rest after the beach. On-site tennis, pools, and watersports keep kids and teens busy without leaving the property.
🛌 Sundial Beach Resort: Condo-style units have full kitchens and living areas, from studios to multi-bedroom suites, fitting families comfortably. Heated outdoor pools (some with slides) and beaches give kids places to swim. On-site activities include golf, tennis/pickleball, kayaks, paddleboards, and family events. Plenty of space, pools, recreation, and multiple on-site restaurants and casual beachside eateries keep everyone entertained without leaving the resort.
Our view from our balcony
The balcony we had was so nice for extra space and to watch the sunrise or sunsets.
Sanibel island at sunset
Our favorite the place to watch the sunset and these sunsets were absolutely breathtaking
4.) Marco Island
Overview: Larger, developed island in Southwest Florida with beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and upscale amenities.
Why we love it: Private beach feels on a more secluded island. The beaches are calm, kid friendly and the Gulf waters are warm, shallow, and gentle—perfect for toddlers who want to splash and bigger kids learning to swim. The sand is soft and beautiful so you can set up camp for the whole day without battling rough waves or crowded boardwalks. Read our full review of staying on Marco Island.
Do you need a car? Yes. It is a little bit of. drive from the airport. Once you get on the island, you don’t technically need a car. Unless you are staying at the properties right on the beach, i. would suggest having a car.
Pros
✔ Great beaches & parks
Tigertail Beach offers expansive white sand, calm shallow waters, tidal lagoons, and nature exploration — great for kids of all ages.
South Marco Beach is ideal for swimming and shelling with family-friendly amenities (playgrounds, picnic spots).
✔ Family Activities Beyond the Beach
Dolphin-watching boat tours, kayaking, ecology & wildlife tours
Mini-golf, historical sites, shops, and lots of restaurant options
✔ Easy Access to Naples & Nature
Close drive to Naples for shopping, dining, and further beach options.
Cons
✘ Limited Public Beach Access
Only a couple of public beach access points (Tigertail & South Beach); some desirable shores are private or within resort properties — plan early access especially in peak season.
✘ More Developed / Upscale
More commercial and resort-oriented than quiet beach towns; Also can be on the expensive side
Accommodations
🛌 JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort : This resort is one of our favorite places we’ve stayed in the U.S. There is everything you could possibly want for a family beach stay. They have multiple pools, supervised kids’ programs, beach games, and family activities - like dive-in movies, dolphin watching tours, and beach volleyball. This resort has 10+ options for dining - both casual and fine dining and multiple bars and coffee shops. There is a nightly fire dancer performance held at sunset on the beach and 10K alley - a gaming arcade, (The biggest we have ever seen inside of a hotel) bowling alley and mini-golf inside the hotel.
🛌 Rental House near Tigertail Beach: This house was the perfect place for a week long stay in Marco Island. We loved the backyard for the heated pool, hot tub, & dock off the back for watching sunrises and fishing. There was 5 bedrooms and lots of space for a the kids to hang out. It is located a short bike ride away from the public beach access (you can also drive but parking is limited). We loved being able to walk to some restaurants for dinner and being able to bike around the island like to the grocery store.
What we recommend by Family Style:
Active Beach Days + Variety:
Siesta Key — gorgeous sand, water sports, lively scene.
Nature & Shelling Lovers:
Sanibel Island — unspoiled nature and peaceful vibes.
Balanced Beach + Activities:
Marco Island — beaches + tours + outings.
Ultimate Relaxation:
Longboat Key — quiet, serene, luxury & shopping.
FAQ
Q: What is the best spring break destinations for families with older kids (10+)?
A: Siesta Key would be the best for kids of all ages because of the amount of things to do, including kayaking, fishing, boating, tennis courts, etc. The village also has lots of shopping and social spots.
Q: What is the most expensive of the Florida Gulf Coast destinations?
A: The most expensive would be Longboat Key then Marco Island.
Q: Should families choose Siesta Key or Marco Island for spring break beach vacations?
A: Siesta Key’s famous white quartz sand and vibrant village contrast with Marco Island’s quieter, more relaxed beaches and greater range of nature tours and water activities.
Q: What’s the most affordable Gulf Coast destination for families?
A: Siesta Key would be our recommendation because beach access is free and it is more accessible overall cost for accommodations and meals.
Q: What Florida Gulf Coast destinations do you actually need a car?
A: Marco Island & Sanibel Island
Q: What’s the best Florida destination for toddlers?
A: Sanibel Island is the best overall because of calm, shallow Gulf waters, stroller & bike friendly paths, fewer crowds and less noise than more active beach towns and condo-style accommodations with kitchens and more space.
Q: What time of year is best for a family spring break on Florida’s Gulf Coast?
A: Spring (March–May) offers warm weather, calm Gulf waters, and long beach days perfect for family activities — and it’s ideal before summer crowds and high heat arrive.
Q: Which Gulf Coast destinations are best if we want fewer crowds?
A: Sanibel Island and Longboat Key are calmer and less touristy during peak spring periods.
