What to expect: Guests drive into a pavestone parking lot on tropically landscaped grounds and pass between colorful, balcony-topped towers into the resort’s lobby. An inner courtyard with meandering paths and park benches has a central fountain and numerous waterfalls. Fronting the beach is a boardwalk and the Sunset Beach Bar; a walkway traverses a swath of foliage down to the sands below.

Amenity highlights: The resort has a large freeform pool with spa tub and sundeck. A separate gated children’s pool has fountains and a spa tub for parents to relax in while keeping watch. The Sunset Café, with balcony seating overlooking the courtyard, serves breakfast and lunch, while the Sunset Beach Bar serves tropical drinks and offers views of the sun setting over the Gulf. Wireless Internet access is complimentary in the business center, lobby, and café.

What to expect: The lobby is decorated with aquatic-themed murals and bright-blue tiles on the reception desk. The resort is a favorite of families because of its convenience to the beach, and business travelers who use the conference facilities.

Amenity highlights: Guests can enjoy two lap swimming pools, a spa tub, nightly entertainment during the high season, poolside and gulf-view dining options, and a fitness center.

Insider tip: Fort De Soto, 12 miles south of the beach resort, encompasses 1,136 acres on five interconnected islands. The park has picnic shelters, a canoe trail, nature trails, fishing piers with food and bait concessions, 3 miles of white-sand beach, swim centers, a historic fort, and a museum.