Plaza Beach Hotel - Beachfront Resort

Within a 14 minute-drive of 2 natural parks, this laid-back, waterside hotel is 12 miles from the botanical Sunken Gardens and Great Explorations Children's Museum.

Colorful rooms feature full kitchens with cooktops, pull-out sofas, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Suites add separate bedrooms, and private balconies overlooking the Gulf.

Parking is free (1 car per room), and a beach trolley stops at the resort (fee). There's a heated pool, a beach cafe, and mini-golf. Activities include watersports and games; equipment rental is available. There's a BBQ area and a playground, and 2 affiliated properties offer fishing piers and a gym.