10 Family-Friendly Florida Hotels with Water Parks and Water Features – Worth the Drive from Orlando
Orlando is home to some of the best water park-equipped resorts. But when you want to get away, without going too far, you’re in luck. Our beautiful Sunshine State has plenty of hotels with water parks, and water features, within reasonable driving distance from Orlando. Here are our picks for Florida resorts with water parks (beyond Orlando).
And if you want to stay in Orlando then explore our favorite hotels with water parks right here in Central Florida.
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Florida Hotels with Water Parks (Beyond Orlando)
1. Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
200 Ocean Crest Dr., Palm Coast, FL 32137 (Atlantic Coast)
1.5 hours from Orlando
Just one-and-a-half hours from Orlando, Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle our metropolis. Central Floridians may consider taking advantage of either Hammock’s Endless Summer or Florida Resident deals.
Just off the shoreline, you’re sure to make a splash at the Fantasy Pool Complex. This huge water park area features pools, a twisting waterslide, lazy river and a poolside bar. And since Hammock Beach also has an indoor pool, afternoon rain showers won’t wash away family fun!
2. The Boca Raton
501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (Atlantic Coast)
3 hours from Orlando
Less than three hours drive time from Orlando, The Boca Raton is an award-winning resort continually praised by industry experts, including Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes Travel Guide. Its diverse amenities are appealing for families, as well as couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Recently renovated, The Boca Raton features its uber impressive Harborside Pool Club. This water wonderland boasts multiple swimming pools, a 450-foot floating river, water slides, luxury cabanas with butler service, and a pool bar. Little mates will love the Banyan Bunch kids club and Kids Splash Zone, complete with pirate ships.
Those looking to brave the waves can conquer the FlowRider. This fun, yet controlled setting simulates a continuous wave, allowing riders to boogie board or “flowboard.” This is sort of like surfing but on a smaller board.
3. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
19999 W. Country Club Dr., Aventura, FL 33180 (Atlantic Coast)
3.5 hours from Orlando
Comparable to our hometown JW Marriott (with its own impressive water park), the JW Marriott in Miami features a world-class water park called Tidal Cove. Adrenaline seekers will appreciate the 60-foot tower that features seven waterslides. Tidal Cove also makes a big splash with a grand aquatic playground.
Additionally, test your balance on the FlowRider, the property’s stationary surfing attraction. Then, rest up floating down the lazy river. When you’re ready to recharge, win that snack attack at Surf House Bar & Grill, conveniently located within Tidal Cove.
4. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
1111 N Ocean Dr, Hollywood, FL 33019 (Atlantic Coast)
3.5 hours from Orlando
Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean in Hollywood, the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is sandwiched between a plethora of activities. Between the back of the hotel and the beach is a 2.5 mile promenade perfect for walks, bike rides and rollerblading. There also are tons of shops and restaurants located along the promenade.
Just steps south of the resort is a public stage where live music is performed most nights. But best of all are the water features! Although there is not a full water park here, there is a water slide, a tropical themed pool, and a wave surf machine that faces the beach itself!
5. Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach, S-Harbourside
401 2nd St., Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 (Gulf Coast)
2 hours from Orlando
Adjacent to the hotel property, Splash Harbour Water Park offers exclusive discounts to guests staying at the Holiday Inn & Suites. This includes Florida Resident deals and/or two ticket or four ticket packages.
Splash Harbour features a lazy river, body slides, tube slides and a kids splash zone. Perhaps more affordable than other Florida hotels with water parks, note that similar options are offered at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort in Cape Canaveral Beach and Holiday Inn Resort in Panama City Beach.
6. TradeWinds Island Resorts
Two resorts on the Gulf Coast “Stay at one, play at both”
Island Grand Beach Resort: 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
RumFish Beach Resort: 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Two hours from Orlando
There are few things better than going on vacation with the family and have the ability to explore more than one resort. The TradeWinds Island Resorts are two resorts next to each other where guests can enjoy the amenities at both.
There’s a 3-story inflatable waterslide on the beach! Change it up each day by sitting by a different pool – there are five pools to splash in. Dive into the waves and have fun on the inflated water park in the Gulf waters. Simply put, the beach becomes a water park, making it the best of both worlds for your family.
7. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort And Spa
5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (Gulf Coast)
3.5 hours from Orlando
Do not hesitate to make the 3.5-hour trek to Southwest Florida… because it might just be the trip of a lifetime. You see, it’s super easy to make lasting family memories at this resort thanks to its epic water park.
Fun awaits with five waterslides, plus a lazy river, four swimming pools, a hot tub and a refreshing waterfall. To tap into that sibling rivalry, test out the dueling speed slides. Alos coast on the inner-tube slide for 900 feet of winding thrills.
Littles ones aren’t left out. There’s a tot slide and smaller 140-foot corkscrew waterslide. And Fido won’t be completely left out either! This Hyatt Regency is a pet-friendly property so your furry friend can snuggle up in your resort room with the fam once everyone’s had enough fun in the sun.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
2600 Tiburon Dr., Naples, FL 34109 (Gulf Coast)
3.5 hours from Orlando
When vacationing in Naples, you’ll of course soak up the beach on the gorgeous Gulf coast. But since the Ritz knows how to do it right, plan for a pool day too.
We’re not talking about a basic pool experience. Rather, three cool water slides, a lengthy lazy river, kid-approved splash pad and parent-approved luxe cabanas. Remember, even if you’re not staying on property, Ritz-Carlton offers resort day passes that are worth every penny!
9. Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort
13646 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (Gulf Coast)
6 hours from Orlando
Sure, there’s an Margaritaville in Orlando but, when you’re ready to road trip, consider visiting one of its sister sites. There’s a Margaritaville in Fort Myers, Hollywood Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Key West and Panama City Beach.
To sink your toes in the Panhandle’s sugary white sand, Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort in Panama City Beach is among the best Florida hotels with water parks. Aside from private beach access, the resort features the H2O Water Park.
And just like the one in Orlando, this Florida hotel water park invites guests to literally take the plunge into vacay days via water slides, a splash zone and more.
10. Portofino Island Resort
10 Portofino Dr., Pensacola Beach FL 32561 (Gulf Coast)
7.5 hours from Orlando
Portofino Island Resort recently got a nod from South Living Magazine for being among the best family-friendly Florida hotels. And we agree that this Emerald Coast hotel is a true gem. That’s thanks, in part, to its Adventure Cove.
If you’ve been to Nona Adventure Park in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Portofino’s water park is more so like that. It features bouncy water fun rather than traditional water park slides. Splish, splash, jump and bump about on water trampolines, blow-up slides and more.
Also Try
- Hawks Cay in Duck Key (Florida Keys)
- Trade Winds Resort in St. Pete Beach
- Waterscape Resort in Fort Walton Beach
- Embassy Suites in Deerfield Beach with outdoor dining, relaxing pool, and beach access
Featured image, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort from Michelle Spitzer
