Rising up on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Coast, Florida, Hammock Beach Resort stands tall in this quiet enclave approximately 30 minutes south of St. Augustine. With a range of accommodations available in the towers, as well as the low-key villas and lodge, families are sure to find something that suits both their needs and their budget. Throw in an onsite water park, plenty of activities, several onsite dining options and, of course, the 2-plus-mile-long beach, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything lacking at Hammock Beach Resort. No wonder it boasts a AAA Four-Diamond rating.

Originally opened in 2004, Hammock Beach Resort joined Salamander Hotels & Resorts in 2011 as part of its Grand Golf Resorts collection. As such, it provides the luxury and high-quality service found throughout all Salamander properties. The result? A vacation destination ideal for any type of family getaway.

Hammock Beach Resort contains 330 spacious accommodations ranging from boutique-style hotel rooms to four-bedroom condominiums spread throughout the resort and just offsite from the main resort property. All come with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, TVs with DVD players and balconies.

Main Tower Suites
In the main towers, you'll find one-, three- and four-bedroom units that feature an ocean or resort view. Averaging 900 square feet, one-bedroom units come with a king bed and sofa bed, hideaway kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker, and balcony with table and chairs.

In the exceptionally large three- and four-bedroom condos (averaging 2,200 square feet for a three-bedroom unit), guests will find full-sized kitchens with built-in appliances, fully equipped laundry rooms, and large living rooms. Bedrooms feature king, queen and/or twin beds, and up to four full bathrooms. Like the one-bedroom units, these include balconies with tables and chairs.

Ocean Tower Suites
For extra luxury, book a three-bedroom condo in the Ocean Towers. While these units feature many of the same elements as the rooms in the Main Towers, they also include such upgrades as private elevators, Viking appliances, granite countertops and fireplaces in the living room.

The Villas
If you want more privacy, consider a two- or three-bedroom condo in The Villas, which feature many of the same amenities as the tower accommodations.

The Lodge
If you don't need that much space, book a room at The Lodge, which overlooks the beach and ocean. Along the lines of a boutique hotel, The Lodge has 20 rooms with either king or queen beds, mini-fridges and private balconies.

Sister Properties
More accommodations are found just minutes away from Hammock Beach Resort's main property. The Yacht Harbor Village overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and contains multi-bedroom condominiums with many of the same amenities found in the tower units. Finally, right down from the main resort, you'll find Cinnamon Beach, an oceanfront condominium complex. Here you'll find three-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,600 square feet up to 2,300 square feet. Features and furnishings are similar to those in the tower units, and there are two pool pavilions. At the Lakeside Pool, there is a zero-entry pool and splash zone. The complex also has a kids' activity room. The second pool, the Oceanside Pool, is geared more toward adults.

Fantasy Pool Complex
The most popular family activity at Hammock Beach Resort is the Fantasy Pool Complex. On the lower level, there is a pool with zero-entry access and waterfalls. The lazy river is nearby, complete with tubes and sporadic water sprayers. On the upper level, there is a waterslide that drops you in the pool on the lower level. It's safe to say these aspects of the pool complex are the kids' favorites. Also on the upper level, there is a U-shaped pool and a whirlpool spa. In addition, there's a pool featuring zero-entry access and a sandy "beach" on the side. The resort even provides beach toys for kids to use when playing in the sand. If you have children ages 3 and younger, this is a great pool simply because it's not quite as crowded as other pool areas.

The pool complex features two sets of bathrooms, one at the upper-level pool with the zero-entry and another on the lower level near the main pool. It's important to note that you are not allowed to bring food or beverages into the pool complex. However, you can grab something to eat on the upper level at the Ocean Bar. On the lower level, you'll find an ice cream bar. (Please note there are cold-water stations at all the pools and on the beach to keep you hydrated.)

Towels are available poolside and on the beach, so you don't have to bring your own. Make sure you have your room key though, to enter the pool complex and to get a towel. Also, chairs go fast at the pool, especially by the water park, so get there early if that's important to you. There are complimentary chairs and umbrellas on the beach as well; however, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.

For rainy days, take the kids to the inside heated pool. Or, if the kids are participating in the kids' program or off to the beach with friends, consider the pools by the Lodge or the South Tower for quiet lounging. These are also great if you have babies or toddlers because they are generally less crowded than the pool complex.

Kids' Program and Activities
Speaking of the kids' program, Hammock Beach Resort's Kids Crew, for ages 4 through 12, includes a half-day of activities revolving around a central theme. Possible activities include arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, beach games, and playing in the pool. Themes and activities change regularly, so check with the resort upon arrival for the most current schedule. All programs run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include lunch. Reservations are required, and must be made by 5 p.m. on the day before the requested date.

Kids Crew also hosts an evening program from 6 to 10 p.m. that includes dinner. Like the morning program, the theme and activities change daily, so the kids can experience something different each time. Reservations for the evening program are also required at least 24 hours in advance.

In addition to Kids Crew, Hammock Beach Resort hosts kids activities throughout the property, such as tie-dying clothing, games, arts and crafts, and dance parties. Most require a small fee, but some are complimentary.

For ages 13 to 17, the resort offers a variety of junior programs that keep tweens and teens on the move. Past programs have included fitness classes, tennis clinics, golf clinics, stand-up paddleboard lessons and surf camp. Please note these programs usually require a minimum number of participants in order to take place.

Boating
For fun on the water, the resort staff can assist you with kayak or boat rentals, as well as help you charter sport fishing boats or excursions, sunset cruises and more.

Biking
To explore the resort and surrounding community, consider a bike rental or bring your own. For really young bikers, take a spin around the adjacent neighborhood to the resort; for more experienced bikers, head outside the resort and hit the bike trails along the main roads. The nice thing about these trails? They are several feet off the road behind foliage and trees. In fact, if you don't look for them, you may not even see them.

Family Golf
Of course, the resort also boasts two championship golf courses: the Ocean Course and the Conservatory Course. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, the Ocean Course lives up to its name with six holes played directly along the Atlantic Ocean. The Conservatory Course, located a short distance from the resort, is Florida's longest Tom Watson Signature Design course. The resort offers a Family Fairways Golf Program for the entire family, including special rates and U.S. Kids Golf club rentals for kids ages 5 to 16. If that seems too intimidating, trade the clubs for putters and head to the nine-hole putting course. There is an additional fee for the putting course.

Tennis
Tennis aficionados can practice their backhand or play a few sets at the Tennis Center at the resort or in the Yacht Harbor Village just a few minutes from the resort. The Center features eight lighted Hydro-Grid clay courts, and offers both personal instruction and group clinics. Ask the resort for a full schedule of programs and rates.

More Fun
At the Kids Crew center, kids can check out a soccer ball, volleyball, football, bocce ball or croquet equipment. DVDs are also available. Ping Pong and foosball tables are located near the indoor pool. If you just want to let the kids run amuck, head to the Grand Event Lawn or the Lodge Event Lawn.

Ocean Bar & Cafe
The Ocean Bar & Cafe at the pool complex is the best place to grab something to eat while swimming or catching some rays. Menu items include wings, quesadillas, burgers and sandwiches. There's also a separate kids' menu featuring grilled cheese, PB&J sandwiches and chicken fingers with fries. The Ocean Bar & Cafe is open daily (weather permitting) at 11 a.m.

Delfino's
For dinner, consider Delfino's Italian Restaurant in the main tower, which offers pizza, pasta and entrees like lasagna, seafood and steak. Delfino's is open on select evenings from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Atlantic Grille
At Atlantic Grille, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed between lunch and dinner from 3 to 5:30 p.m.).

All three of these restaurants provide highchairs along with kids' menus.

Sushi Bar
For sushi rolls, sashimi, temaki and more, head to the Sushi Bar, located above Delfino's. It is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on select evenings each week.

Coffee Bar
Grab a hot cup of coffee or tea every morning at the Coffee Bar in the main lobby. It is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to noon, with muffins, pastries and other morning snacks on the menu.

Loggerheads Lounge and Cigar Bar
While the kids are otherwise occupied, mom and dad may enjoy an adult beverage at the Loggerheads Lounge. Cigar enthusiasts can also indulge their passion at the Cigar Bar. Of course, if you prefer, you can always call room service.

All about the Extras
Special Events and Activities
The staff at Hammock Beach Resort is extremely friendly, especially to children. Throughout the year, the resort hosts special activities, even more so around holidays. To find out what's going on during your visit, check with the front desk. There generally are brochures outlining all ongoing activities.

Onsite Spa
At The Spa at Hammock Beach, children of all ages can partake in the nail services while teens ages 12 and older can enjoy a facial. The spa even offers mother/daughter facials in the couples rooms.

Fitness Center
The resort's fitness center is open to guests ages 16 years and older, with classes, machines and hand weights on offer.

The Art of Smart Timing
Like all beach destinations, Hammock Beach Resort is crowded throughout Florida's warmer months, generally March through August. The least crowded months to visit are December and January exclusive of the holidays. For the best bargains, plan a visit in October, November or December, excluding holidays. For the best weather, head to the resort in September or October when the temperatures are still warm but the humidity has dissipated. All resort facilities remain open year-round albeit with seasonal hours.

Getting There
Hammock Beach Resort is easy to reach, both by air and by car. Guests can fly into Jacksonville International Airport, which is about 75 miles to the north, or into Daytona Beach International Airport, a short 30-minute drive south. If traveling by car, the resort is a brief drive from exit 289 (Palm Coast and Beaches) off of Interstate 95. Note: If taking this route, plan to pay a minimum toll of $2 (cash only!) to cross the toll bridge.

Getting Around
The resort really has so much for families right onsite that there really is no need to leave! Walking to the various restaurants, bars, pools and beach areas at the resort is easy. If looking to explore the surrounding area, rent a bicycle and take a ride with the kids. Otherwise, a rental car will be needed to see area attractions.

For Mom and Dad
For those moments when parents find themselves alone, consider booking a couple's treatment at The Spa at Hammock Beach or enjoy a picnic on the beach followed by a walk along the shore. Or, for a romantic night out, spend an evening on The Sundancer, a 117-foot yacht commissioned by Hammock Beach Resort; with a selection of two-hour cruises, you're sure to find something.