Best Lazy Rivers in Florida

Floating down a cool lazy river with a refreshing drink in your hand is our favorite way to beat the heat in Florida. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beachside lazy river, a rejuvenating way to spend your Disney day off, or a full-tilt water park with fun for the whole family, you’ll want to check out our guide to the Top 17 Best Lazy Rivers in Florida. Happy floating!

Top 17 Best Lazy Rivers in Florida

1. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center – Kissimmee, FL

The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in the greater Orlando area of Central Florida has a fantastic lazy river in the recently updated pool complex. The lazy river is a perfect mix between relaxing with a nice current and comfortable tubes and exciting with fountains and waterfalls. Other features of the water park that is heated and open year-round include multiple pools, 3 speed water slides (including one free fall drop slide!), and a 3-story tall tree house-themed water fort with fountains and slides. When you’re tired of the pool (like that could happen) there are a ton of family-friendly activities in the climate-controlled Atrium inside the resort to keep you and your family entertained during your stay. Our favorite thing was seeing the live fish, turtles, and alligators! The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center is especially spectacular during Christmas time with the ICE! exhibit that you have to see to believe. Another perk of the resort is a complimentary shuttle to the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs!

What we Love:

  • Lazy River with cascading waterfalls and fountains
  • 3-story tall tree house water playground with slides, water cannons, and fountains
  • Racing slides and the Florida free fall drop slide

Read our full resort review: Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center

📍 Gaylord Palms Resort and Convestion Center – 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746



2. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – Orlando, FL

The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes resort in Orlando, Florida has a lazy river over 1,300 feet long! Float past cascading waterfalls, bridges, and lush tropical landscaping while you soak up the sun on this lazy river. Other features at the resort water park include 3 water slides, multiple “cove” pools that connect to the lazy river, two hot tubs, and the AquaVenture water obstacle course. When you’re done exploring the water park, don’t forget to explore Grande Lake. With guided kayak tours, fishing, sunrise safaris, and falconry experiences, there’s truly something for everyone at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes.

The The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes is located just next door and the two resorts share their amenities including the water park and spa. Of the two resorts, we found that The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes is a bit more upscale and quiet and the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is a bit more affordable with more families – choose your own adventure!

What we Love:

  • 1300-Foot Long Lazy River
  • AquaVenture Water Obstacle Course
  • Sunrise Safari on Grande Lake

Read our full resort reviews: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes & The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

📍JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – 4040 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837



3. Hyatt Regency Coconut Pointe Resort & Spa – Bonita Springs, FL (Naples Area)

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is located in Bonita Springs, close to Naples in Southwest Florida. The resort water park includes a lazy river, 7 water slides, multiple pools, and poolside dining. An added bonus of this resort is Camp Coconut, a supervised childcare program for kids aged 3-12 that can be booked in morning, afternoon, full day, or evening sessions.

What we Love:

  • Seven water slides
  • Camp Coconut supervised child care program
  • Poolside dining

Read our full resort review: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa

📍Hyatt Regency Coconut Pointe Resort & Spa – 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134



4. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – Orlando, FL

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a newly renovated resort located in Orlando, Florida that has an option for rooms with a Disney view to watch the nightly fireworks show. There is a temperature-controlled lazy river with lush landscaping, bridges, and splashy fountains. Guests can also enjoy multiple pools (connected to the lazy river), two hot tubs, a water slide, and poolside dining. They have a convenient poolside flag system to order food and drinks from a QR code and have it delivered straight to your lounger. As an official Walt Disney World Hotel, the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort provides daily shuttle service and early entry to all the Disney World theme parks.

What we Love:

  • Water Slides
  • Temperature Controlled Pools
  • Shuttle Service and early entry to Disney World theme parks

Read our full resort review: Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

📍 Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821



5. Discovery Cove – Orlando, Florida

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort (no overnight accommodations on property) in Orlando, Florida. Park admission includes access to amenities such as the lazy river and serenity cove, snorkeling a coral reef with tropical fish, an immersive bird aviary, and face-to-face animal encounters. The temperature-controlled, fresh water lazy river winds through different habitats such as a rain forest, sandy beaches, rocky structures, cascading waterfalls, and even an underwater cave. Also included in the day rate is parking, family lockers, towel service, wifi, and unlimited food and drinks – including select beer and wine with an option to upgrade to a premium drink package. Don’t sleep on the flatbread pizzas! Make reservations in advance for the best deals, guests 2 and under are free.

What we Love:

  • Lazy River with changing realistic habitats
  • Snorkeling a coral reef with tropical fish
  • Unlimited food and beverages – including select beer and wine!

📍Discovery Cove – 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821



6. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa– Aventura, FL (Miami Area)

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa is located just north of Miami in Aventura, Florida. The resort has a lazy river that’s on the smaller side but has lush landscaping to make it a relaxing float. The lazy river is part of a water park that also includes 7 water slides (yes, you read that correctly), and a 4,000 square foot kid’s pool with an emoji-themed aquatic play structure, multiple pools, and a Flow Rider Triple with simulated surfing for 3 guests at a time. When you’re done with the pool activities, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort also has golf, a spa, great dining, and close proximity to the beach! The poolside restaurant is fantastic – be sure to try the Salmon BLT (YUM!).

What we Love:

  • Emoji-themed aquatic playscape for the kiddos
  • SEVEN water slides
  • Simulated surfing

Read our full resort review: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa

📍 JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa – 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL 33180



7. Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate– Orlando, FL

The Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate is located in Orlando, Florida. The resort water park has an impressive 850-foot long lazy river, multiple water slides, a wave pool, a kids pool, and and adults-only pool. Another fun family activity to do at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate is to rent a surrey bicycle! The resort also offers complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park and Disney’s Epcot theme park with multiple departure and arrival times daily.

What we Love:

  • Wave Pool
  • Surrey Bike Rental for the Family
  • Complimentary Shuttle to Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Read our full resort review: Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate

📍Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate – 1500 Masters Blvd, ChampionsGate, FL 33896-5312



8. Pelican Grand Beach Resort – Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida boasts the only lazy river in town! Enjoy a float around the small but lush lazy river while you take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Resort also provides guests with a zero-entry pool and beach access with beach chairs with dining and drink service included. We see you, Fort Lauderdale… and we like it!

What we Love:

  • Lush landscaping around the lazy river
  • Poolside and Beachside dining and drink service
  • Beach chairs included with resort fee

Read our full resort review: Pelican Grand Beach Resort

📍Pelican Grand Beach Resort – 2000 North Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305



9. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort – Orlando, FL

The Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort is located in Orlando, FL. The sprawling resort features seven pools, a lazy river, water slides, splash pads, and a sandy beach area – just to name a few amenities (yes, seriously)! When you’re ready to get out of the pool, enjoy family time playing mini golf, sand volleyball, in one of the arcades, or enjoying water sports on the lake. There are also 4 gold courses to choose from, including a lighted course in the evening. With spacious accommodations up to a 4-bedroom villa and a complimentary shuttle around the resort, we think it’s a perfect place for a family reunion vacation!

What we Love:

  • Lazy River, Water Slide, Splash Pad, and Sandy Beach area
  • Multiple restaurants within the sprawling resort
  • Complimentary shuttle around the resort grounds to take advantage of all the amenities

Read our full resort review: Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort

📍 Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort – 8505 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Orlando, FL 34747



10. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, FL

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, Florida. The Explorer Island water park on the property offers guests a choice between a relaxing lazy river, exhilarating water slides, splashy kids’ pools, or tranquil adult-only pools. The resort offers a complimentary kids club for children aged 4-12-years old, a perfect chance for adults to check out the spa! As an official Walt Disney World hotel, guests enjoy early entry to the parks, complimentary transportation, and a view of the Disney theme park fireworks!

What we Love:

  • Complimentary Kids Club
  • View of the Disney Fireworks show from Dinner
  • Early entry and transportation to Disney World theme parks

Read our full resort review: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

📍 Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World Resort – 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836



11. The Grove Resort & Water Park – Orlando, FL  

The Grove Resort and Water Park is located in Orlando, Florida about 6 miles from the Disney World theme parks. The water park at The Grove Resort provides guests with ample opportunity for fun in the sun on the lazy river (695′ long), the FlowRider surfing simulator, two water slides, a zero-grade entry pool, and a kids’ activity pool. There is a complimentary shuttle from the resort to Walt Disney World parks, Universal, and SeaWorld daily.

What we Love:

  • 695-foot Lazy River
  • Water Slides
  • Shuttle to nearby theme parks

Read our full resort review: Grove Resort and Water Park

📍The Grove Resort and Water Park – 14501 Grove Resort Ave, Orlando, FL 34787-9475



12. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs – Orlando, FL

The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located on Lake Buenva Vista just south of Orlando, Florida. It is accessible via pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences for the whole family to enjoy. The Resort has a pool and a lazy river with zero-grade entry for guests to enjoy. Other perks to staying at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace include early entry (30 minutes) and complimentary shuttle service to the 4 Disney theme parks nearby!

What we Love:

  • Zero-entry lazy river
  • Early entry and complimentary shuttle to Disney Theme Parks nearby
  • Pedestrian Skybridge to dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs

Read our full resort review: Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

📍Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs – 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830



13. The Henderson Beach Resort – Destin, Florida (Northwest Florida)

The Henderson Beach Resort is located on the Gulf Coast adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida. We love this resort for family vacations to Florida for its resort pools, lazy river, and splash pad. Other family-friendly things to do at the resort include playing lawn games, renting kayaks or bicycles, and lounging on the private white sandy beach. There is a kid’s club program with half or full day options and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines with either coastal, poolside, or rooftop views.

What We Love:

  • Renting SUP boards to explore the turquoise water of the Emerald Coast of Florida
  • Kid-friendly activities like the splash pad, lazy river, and kid’s club program
  • Private beach access… basically why you’re in Florida!

Read our full resort review: Henderson Beach Resort

📍The Henderson Beach Resort – 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL 32541



14. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Orlando, FL

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort in Orlando, Florida will transport you back in time with it’s retro-inspired 1950’s beach resort vibe. Along with the lazy river, there are 2 large pools with graded entry and a water slide. The resort offers family suites that can accommodate up to 6 people and include a kitchenette. Guests of the resort enjoy early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay (with valid admission ticket). The Universal theme parks are within walking distance or accessible by a complimentary shuttle.

What we Love:

  • Early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
  • Complimentary Shuttle to Universal theme parks
  • Retro beach resort vibes

Read our full resort review: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

📍Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819



15. Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa – Palm Coast, FL (Central East Coast)

Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa is located in Palm Coast, FL in the Central East part of the state with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The lazy river is part of an outdoor pool complex with multiple pools, a water slide (48″ minimum, single rider only), cascading waterfalls, a sandy beach pool with zero entry, an adult pool, a pool-sized spa, and a poolside bar. And if you get tired of all that (as if that’s possible), you’re steps away from the Atlantic coast! Chairs and towels are provided and beach chairs with umbrellas are available to rent!

What we Love:

  • Lazy River, Water Slide, and Sandy Beach Pool
  • Beachside with views of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Proximity to area attractions like Daytona International Raceway and Kennedy Space Center

Read our full resort review: Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa

📍Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa – 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137



16. Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front – Pensacola, FL (Northwest Florida)

The Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front property located in Pensacola, Florida in the Florida Panhandle has spectacular views of the gulf and direct beach access from the pool deck. The lazy river is on the smaller side but checks all the boxes and gets bonus points for the Gulf View! It is a 250-foot lazy river that is connected to a pool with a graded entry with cascading waterfalls, lush landscaping, and a bridge to float under. There are also hot tubs on the pool deck and poolside loungers with umbrellas. There is a Sports Grill and Tiki Bar with poolside dining, where kids under 11 years old dine for free with accompanying adults!

What we Love:

  • 250′ Lazy River with Gulf Views
  • Direct Beach Access from the Hotel
  • Kids eat free at on-site Sports Grill and Tiki Bar

Read our full resort review: Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front

📍Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front – 14 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561



17. Legoland Florida Water Park – Winter Haven, FL (Orlando Area)

Legoland Florida Water Park in Winter Haven, Florida in Central Florida has so many great attractions for your lego-loving kids (and parents too)! There is a lazy river with build-your-own floats made out of legos, water slides, a splash fort play structure, a Duplo splash pad, and a wave pool. The Legoland Hotel and the Legoland Pirate Island Hotel are located just steps from the Legoland Water Park and Legoland Theme Park. Legoland Beach Retreat is just across the way and offers a complimentary shuttle to the theme parks. The three hotels all offer fun lego-themed rooms with separate sleeping areas for the kids so the adults can… sleep!

What we Love:

  • Build-Your-Own Lego Floats in the Lazy River
  • Splash Pad Play Structure
  • Lego-themed hotels with a separate kids sleeping area

Read our full resort review: Legoland Florida Water Park

📍Legoland Florida Water Park – 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884



Check out more of the Best Resorts in Florida

Do you love lazy rivers as much as we do?

Please note that this page contains affiliate links. If you use a link to compare prices or make a reservation, we may be awarded a small commission at absolutely no cost to you.

“I like my drinks cold and my rivers lazy”

Family Resort Guide