Beachside Villas in Florida

Florida is famous for its near constant sunshine and miles of sandy beaches. One of the best ways to spend a Florida vacation is in a villa along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Not only do these locations offer beach activities such as swimming, shelling, fishing, parasailing and surfing, but they also provide some of the most spectacular ocean and sunset views in the state.

Beachcomber Resort & Villas--Ft. Lauderdale Beach

The Beachcomber sits oceanfront on popular Ft. Lauderdale Beach in south Florida. The property boasts accommodations ranging from hotel rooms with two double beds to villas with separate bedrooms and full kitchens. Some rooms have an ocean view, some are right on the ocean and many have private balconies. Wi-Fi access is available in all villas.

Amenities include two outdoor pools, beach volleyball and free passes to the World Gym 1.5 miles away for all resort guests. Parking is free and there are two restaurants on-site. This hotel is directly on the beach for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. Parasailing, fishing and boat excursions are available nearby.

1200 S. Ocean Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33062
(954) 941-7830
(800) 231-2423
beachcomberresort.com

Palm Tree Villas--Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island rests on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and visitors think it is a throwback to a bygone era before Florida's beaches became commercialized. The cottages at Palm Tree Villas bring back old Florida but with updated amenities and all the comforts of home. The property features just six units, from a studio to three bedrooms. All offer a full kitchen or kitchenette, outdoor and indoor showers, separate dining and living space, and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel has its own pool, and the beach is at the end of the street, a three-minute walk away. Anna Maria Island has opportunities for fishing, jet skiing, parasailing and diving, along with rental of bikes, mopeds and scooters.

207 66th St.
Anna Maria Island, FL 34217
(941) 778-0910
(888) 778-7256
palmtreevillas.com

Ron Jon Caribe Beach Resort--Cocoa Beach

Ron Jon became famous for its Cocoa Beach surf shop, but the resort villas offer star-quality studio, one- and two-bedroom villas on the water. All accommodations feature a kitchen or kitchenette, comfortable living space, whirlpool tub, and some have private balconies. Water sports abound at this beachside resort, with a heated pool, lazy river, water slide and convenient walkways to the beach.

Guests can rent beach chairs with umbrellas, bikes, kayaks and surfboards down by the beach. Hiking and jogging trails are within a few miles, and Cocoa Beach has boat rentals, deep-sea fishing trips and fishing off the piers at Cocoa Beach or Jetty Park, parasailing, air boat rides and cruises on the Indian River.

1000 Shorewood Drive
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 799-4900
(888) 933-3030
ronjonresort.com

Article Written By Lisa Jay

Lisa Jay began writing professionally in 2002. She has written for "Focus" magazine and "The Orlando Sentinel" as well as travel websites in the Central Florida area. She served as executive editor of "The Valencia Source." Jay earned an Associate of Arts in journalism from Valencia Community College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in writing at Columbia University.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...