Apalachicola

This old-fashioned clapboard hotel has sweeping wraparound porches and an excellent seafood restaurant, Avenue Sea. 51 Ave. C, 850-653-2191, from $95 for a double.

                    

Palm Beach

This sprawling Italian Renaissance–style resort is set on 140 palm tree–studded acres. It also has a 24,000-bottle wine cellar, Friday-night bonfires on the beach, and unusual kids' activities, like fossil digs. 1 S. County Rd., (888) BREAKERS, from $360 for a double.

                        

Rosemary Beach

This beachy community has brand-new, beautiful apartments and cottages close to the beach clustered around a number of swimming pools, ice cream and candy shops, and restaurants. Supercomfortable for families, it's best navigated leisurely by bicycle. County Rd. 30-A, (800) 736-0877, from $212 for a one-bedroom cottage.

                    

Seaside

The original village along the stretch of County Road 30-A between Panama City and Port St. Joe, Seaside was made to be the idyllic beach town. Once the set of The Truman Show, the houses and shops have taken on a bit of patina to truly convey that relaxed, kick-your-shoes-off summer atmosphere. County Rd. 30-A, (800) 277-8696, from $250 for a one-bedroom cottage.

                    

Santa Rosa Beach

Looking like a picturesque village, Watercolor Inn has rooms and cottages hugging Florida's Emerald Coast. Right on the beach, it's a perfect place for families to slow down for a few days. Also be sure to check out the spa and kids club. 34 Goldenrod Circle, (850) 534-5000, from $230 for a one-bedroom cottage.

                    

Sunny Isles

Just north of Miami, the Acqualina, a Rosewood resort, offers families an easy, warm getaway that's removed from the clubby South Beach scene. The Mediterranean-style hotel sprawls across a secluded beachfront, with 54 rooms and 43 suites. For parents, there's the excellent Il Mulino New York restaurant and a spa on-site. Young guests can snorkel and learn about reefs, or head out on a guided fishing trip. 17875 Collins Ave., (305) 918-8000, from $475 for a standard.