When it comes to planning a vacation this summer, the biggest factor can also be the most challenging: selecting the perfect backdrop for your summer getaway.
Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s for good reason. According to Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), the Sunshine State had a jaw dropping 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025. From the softest white-sand beaches and decadent gastronomy to family-friendly water activities and good old rest and relaxation, Florida has something for everyone.
With so many incredible vacation spots throughout the state, narrowing down where to stay can be tough as well – and that’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up four of the best Florida destinations and resorts below for an epic summer getaway, with options for families, luxury travelers, foodies, and spa and wellness enthusiasts.
4 Must-Visit Florida Destinations for an Epic Summer Vacation
- Evermore Orlando Resort | Orlando, Florida – Located next door to Disney World and the newly opened Epic Universe, Evermore Orlando Resort is a dream vacation destination for families ready to make unforgettable memories together. For extra-large groups, Evermore offers Houses that have up to 11 bedrooms (all with their own private bathroom!) and include luxe amenities such as a private heated pool, in-home theater room, outdoor summer kitchen, and more. When not enjoying their own private pool, families can head to Evermore Bay, the resort’s eight-acre lagoon, where kids can explore splash pads and beach games and parents and grandparents can unwind in shaded cabanas or take peaceful strolls along the crystal-clear waters.
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach | Northwest Florida – Set against a backdrop of white-sand beaches and clear Gulf waters, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is celebrated as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Renowned for its daily hauls of fresh Gulf seafood—including tuna, marlin, snapper, oysters, crab, and the invasive lionfish—the coastal destination blends natural beauty with a deep-rooted fishing culture. Innovative local chefs, such as Yoshi Eddings of Harbor Docks, are turning lionfish into culinary masterpieces—think poke bowls, nigiri, and tacos—helping to protect the Gulf’s ecosystem one delicious bite at a time. With its stunning beaches, endless sunshine, and vibrant food scene, Destin-Fort Walton Beach promises a summer to remember.
- Conrad Orlando at Evermore | Orlando, Florida – Situated on the expansive Evermore Orlando Resort, Conrad Orlando is the ultimate summer getaway for luxury travelers, offering upscale accommodations with breathtaking views, personalized amenities and spectacular experiences, world-class dining, and more. When not lounging by the peaceful, emerald waters of Evermore Bay, guests can visit Conrad Spa Orlando, the luxury hotel’s tranquil spa oasis providing comprehensive wellness treatments and amenities, such as a private outdoor Water Garden with immersive hydrotherapy treatments. After a day relaxing by at the beach or spa, guests can indulge in a multi-course dinner Ceiba, the hotel’s contemporary Mexican restaurant, and explore over 100 varieties of rare, agave-forward spirits as well as a curated selection of Mexican and South American wines.
- Carillon Miami Wellness Resort | Miami, Florida – For wellness and spa enthusiasts, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. This oceanfront haven boasts one of the largest spas on the East Coast, spanning 70,000 square feet, with cutting-edge treatments like cryotherapy, infrared saunas and touchless wellness therapies such as vibroacoustic sound healing. Guests can personalize their experience with holistic offerings, from mindfulness classes to nutrition consultations, all set against Miami’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re seeking stress relief or a full wellness reset, Carillon Miami delivers the ultimate wellness escape.
