10 Top-Rated Ranches in Florida

April 18, 2023 Enriqueta Cusson

Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
Things to do in Florida

1. Rock Pointe Ranch

8300 S Rock Pt At the end of a dirt road , take the entry by Savannah Dr, Floral City, FL 34436-5717
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 26 reviews

Rock Pointe Ranch

Rock Pointe Ranch is a Horse breeding farm (Gypsy Vanners) with 3 beautiful guestrooms which we rent on Bed and Breakfast base. Located in Central Florida you have easy access to the Gulf Coast, Tampa, Ocala, Orlando ... Or if you just want to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the horses , we offer a 40'x20' heated pool and jacuzzi, plenty of room to roam outside , horse back riding here on the property, Withlacochee bike trail is 1 mile away , air boat rides, swimming with the Manatees, golf, karting, kayaking, zip lines, all available in the area. Disney is 1.5 h away, Bush Gardens 1 h. Orlando airport is 1.5 h ride, Tampa airport 1.15 h. Breakfast is optional and is a very complete farmers breakfast. Don't forget to ask for the Gypsy Vanner tour ! We will take you for a meet and greet with our very special horses, they are very touchable and have a great disposition. Most of the time we have some babies around ! See you soon ! Peter and Nancy

PERFECT!

Reviewed By Donna W

BOOKING: We booked 3 nights through Airbnb, which we had never done before. All went smoothly, and we received detailed instructions as how to get to their ranch. Not only that, Peter asked early on if we wanted a gourmet breakfast and shared how much the additional cost was. Spoke with him also on the phone and he was very friendly. ARRIVAL: Follow Peter's detailed instructions and you will get there just fine. When you turn right off of Savannah Road, there is a little sign tacked up to something that says Rock Pointe Ranch. Also, the rough 2 lane dirt track road may seem forever to travel on, but you get used to it. Be aware the have two German Shepard dogs, but they seem friendly. CHECK-IN: We got a tour of the lovely home, and the areas that we could move around in, including the screened in pool area complete with a cooking island and refrigerator. The frig. was stocked with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The small fee was posted and you put the money in a bucket. Easier than driving all the way back into town. Peter offered us an opportunity to take a free carriage ride pulled by their world champion Varner stallion. Unfortunately, we had plans to drive to the coast and visit some old friends. ROOM: We had the Huntington Suite complete with a comfortable king bed, fireplace with a flat screen overhead, large bathroom, double sinks, linen closet, roomy shower, and a walk-in closet bigger than our main bath a home! Additionally there were two dressers, a small sofa, and French doors leading out to our private table and chairs on the front porch. The view was very soothing! BREAKFAST: Truly a gourmet one every morning. Peter was a chef in Belgium, so every morning was a culinary adventure! I particularly liked the little crisp pre-breakfast cookies and the dessert of Belgium Waffles. CHECK-OUT: We paid at check-out...very easy and receipt sent to our e-mail. Such wonderful hosts made this stay very comfortable. ABSOLUTELY YOU SHOULD STAY HERE!!!

2. Sandy Shores

314 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785-2538 1 (727) 853-6299
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 159 reviews

Sandy Shores

Please be our guest! Sandy Shores has been in the Hall family for over 60 years, and is currently owned and operated by Myrtle Hall. Myrtle is German-born and moved to Indian Rocks Beach in 2000 when she married her late husband, Ned. Ned’s grandmother bought the Indian Rocks Beach property in 1946. His father was the Golf Coach at Cornell University for over 40 years. Ned followed in his footsteps as a PGA Teaching Professional teaching in Newport, Albany, Lake Forest and Clearwater when Myrtle, in Florida on holiday from Germany, met him in 1998. Myrtle and Ned, of course, had their wedding right in front of beautiful Sandy Shores! Myrtle carries on the Hall family tradition of hospitality at Sandy Shores and adds her special brand of German warmth. Her attention to detail and cleanliness makes Sandy Shores a unique and charming retreat. Sandy Shores has three beautiful Cottages, the GULF, the PATIO and the GARDEN. Wireless internet is available for my guests.

Hidden gem

Reviewed By L7943ZKcindya

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this beautiful location. We loved the “Old Florida” feel of the property. Myrtle is a gracious host and has created beautiful spaces around the property for guests. Everything you need for a vacation is here! Wonderful trip!!

3. Black Prong Equestrian Village

450 SE County Road 337 Levy County, Bronson, FL 32621-6915
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 21 reviews

Black Prong Equestrian Village

Every aspect of Black Prong Equestrian Village is designed with horses and nature enthusiasts in mind. From the moment you arrive, you will feel at home with access to a beautiful pool and spa, a fully equipped fitness center and an all access business center. Come experience the convenience, camaraderie and comfort of this one-of-a-kind private resort and equestrian riding and training facility with newly renovated cottages with attached stalls, and various full hook up RV spots. We strive to make the facility a destination that equestrian and outdoor enthusiasts could call “home”, whether it’s for a few months or year-round. Discover for yourself why our guests call Black Prong "A Horseman's Heaven".

Paved RV sites, you don't have to be into horses to stay there. Beautiful place, peaceful

Reviewed By tjwolfe3

Big Oak sites are quiet and excellent! Sites have pavers, keeps the RV much cleaner. Golf carts are available for rent. Pool is heated and there's a nice hot tub. Gym onsite and a reading room. Bicycles are free to use.

4. Cayo Hueso Resorts

513 United St, Key West, FL 33040-3144
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Cayo Hueso Resorts

Birthday Week

Reviewed By Medknight746

Six of us women went to Cayo Hueso Cottages Key West for my Birthday celebration. We stayed in the green house 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms which was perfect to accommodate all of us. That included a private pool and deck area. The location is perfect, with in one block was shopping, eateries, site seeing and the Deval loop (free bus transportation) that goes to Mallory Square and anywhere in between. you are 2 blocks from the most southern point of the U.S.A., ocean, and many more fabulous restaurants and spectacular sunrises. The owner was more than gracious and helpful in my planning for this trip. She even had the cottage decorated in a birthday theme. Communication with Joyce was prompt and informative. Her staff was great to work with as well very attentive and courteous. The beds were comfortable, there was a full kitchen and smaller studio kitchen in front. Plenty of room for all our food and belongings. I would highly recommend these cottages for a true Key West experience in all ways.

5. Barrett Beach Bungalows

19646 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785-2306
Excellent
72%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Barrett Beach Bungalows

Perfect Birthday Getaway

Reviewed By alexcsmoore

Brought my husband here for a birthday get away. I should have splurged and booked the entire week. This place is private, clean, and has a great beach and pool. Liz has been great answering all our questions and the Dolphin has so much space. Some nice local places to grab a bite right across the street! Highest praises for this place and we will be back. The sunsets are beautiful!

6. Beach Palms of Siesta Key Village

153 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242-2084
Excellent
77%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Beach Palms of Siesta Key Village

Island Cottages and a Beach View Suite on pristine Siesta Key Beach and Village. Beautiful views in tropical island setting, secluded patios with pergolas, gas grills, hammocks, swim spa to just relax or swim. Island life, sidewalk cafes with live music, day spas, fine dining, rent bikes or just listen to the surf on a hammock under sweeping palms. High emphasis on quality and cleanliness. Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. Please call for deals.

Great Stay! PERFECT location!

Reviewed By PetroExplores

We stayed in the Blue Dolphin Cottage with a family of 4. What a beautiful stay!! The cottage was so quaint. The bathroom is updated nicely and the beds were comfy and cozy! The couch pull-out was great for a younger child, but not ideal for an adult. We put our 8-year old on the pull-out and she loved it. We loved having separate rooms, the kitchen was fully-functioning, very organized and clean. Location is absolutely perfect! They had all of the beach conveniences (chairs, umbrella, towels) we needed. Michael was so very kind and helpful, and Yuergin is a great conversationist! I really can’t say enough amazing things about this stay. We felt very at home and were treated like family. We can’t wait to be back!

7. Siesta Key Beach Place

5605 Avenida Del Mare, Siesta Key, FL 34242-1916
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Siesta Key Beach Place

The Beach Place is a quiet oasis of cozy cottage apartments which offer all the comforts of home. These friendly one-bedroom units in a garden setting can sleep four and offer fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms and comfortable sitting rooms complete with cable TV.

BEST VACATION EVER

Reviewed By pepegeorge

My wife and I recently stayed in the Dolphin cottage and it was absolutely amazing! Perfect beach cottage for a couple! We come from a beach/coastal town so we knew what to expect from a beach cottage but this place absolutely blew us away! Leslie and Pam are fantastic and provide everything you need for you beach experience! The pool is perfect! It’s peaceful and quiet! The cottage itself is literally STEPS away from the beach!! I can not recommend this place enough! We’ll definitely be back soon!

8. The Smoakhouse Ranch

4321 SE County Road 500, Branford, FL 32008-5181
Excellent
82%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

The Smoakhouse Ranch

The Smoakhouse Ranch is a real working ranch, offering a relaxed introduction to the real Florida since 1994. Our accommodations range from two park models cabins, a two story historic cabin, or a full size 2/2 farmhouse---all country appointed, will full kitchens and bath. Feed our cows, goats, lambs, donkeys and chickens. 50+ acres and 8 area parks. The Ranch Experience! FBBI Palm award for many years.

Fun at the smoak house ranch

Reviewed By A1242JPdennisg

Spent four nights at The Smokehouse Ranch had a ball the pets the little horses they had a giant turtle and the people were great the rivers were nearby very clean very peaceful I would recommend it to my friend any day if want a peaceful getaway. Thanks again for the people at the SmokeHouse Ranch for making a great time for the children.

9. Arbors by the Sea

5441 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228-1901
Excellent
83%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Arbors by the Sea

Cute, Cozy & Clean

Reviewed By RCR94

I am so glad I found this place on TripAdvisor. The cottages are adorable, the property is nicely landscaped and well-kept, and it's in a great location -- we could drive to either Sarasota or Anna Maria Island with ease. There was a problem with our rental when we first arrived, and not only was it solved within 10 minutes, but two property managers called me to make sure I was all right with the solution. (I should add, this problem seemed like something rare that wouldn't happen again, so I would not hesitate to rent here in the future) There is a Publix market and a CVS just minutes away, so anything you need, you can get quickly. We loved the proximity to the beach, and we certainly took advantage of the hammocks and the beach chairs! We walked on the beach at all hours and appreciated the outdoor shower for rinsing off. Rose Cottage was perfect for us -- each child got their own room, the bathrooms were a good size, and the showers worked well, and we loved having the fully stocked kitchen at our disposal. The place was clean as a whistle and very comfortable. Having both cable TV and wi-fi were nice so we could keep up with the weather and use our devices to make plans on what to do and where to go.

10. Lake City RV Resort

3864 N US Highway 441, Lake City, FL 32055-5748
Excellent
40%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 72 reviews

Lake City RV Resort

Lake City RV Resort is the premier RV Resort in North Central Florida, near the intersection of I-75 and I-10. We are a beautifully landscaped resort that offers daily weekly and monthly guests a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Very Bad

Reviewed By pamelabQ5894BV

We wanted to stay long term but this place is bad, bad, bad. Showers and laundry room very dirty. Not good when you have to clean the washers and dryers before you can use them. I think the people parked next to us were the work campers ?? Only gone 15 minutes a day!! We were so glad to find another place to stay. October 2021 was enough for us !!Not sure where they got the pictures they advertise --not from this park!!

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