Best Beaches Near Orlando: 9 You Don’t Want to Miss
Did you know that some of the best beaches in Florida are near Orlando? You know what that means–white sand beaches, clear waters, and sunbathing during your Orlando vacation!
Searching for the best beaches near Orlando, Florida? Have you asked yourself, “where are the best beaches in Orlando?” While the City Beautiful is nestled amongst lakes in the center of the state, great beaches are within reach! Check out the best beaches near Orlando for families and discover the unique activities and attractions you can do for a day trip!
There are loads of activities you can add to your Orlando itinerary when you visit some of the best beaches nearby. Take the family to Flagler Beach, for instance. Let the kids explore on beautiful shores as they hunt for sea shells and shark tooths. If you’re a NASCAR fan, time your beach trip to Daytona Beach during Daytona 500!
Best Beaches Near Orlando Florida
Cocoa Beach
Distance from Orlando: 59.1 miles. 59 minutes via FL-528 E
Cocoa Beach nearby South Orlando Avenue is one of the closest beaches to Orlando, arguably making it the best beach to go to from Orlando. It’s one of the more popular Orlando Florida beaches making it a top tourist destination for visitors, especially those looking for serene scenery after the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s theme parks and attractions.
Related Post: 24 Best Places to Stay in Florida
One thing that makes Cocoa Beach unique is its location on the Space coast with easy access to the Kennedy Space Center. So, if you’re lucky, you might be able to see rockets lift off right from the beach. It’s a jaw-dropping experience, to say the least.
This barrier island is one of the best Atlantic Coast beaches in Florida, not just because of its clean beach and golden-hued sand. But, Cocoa Beach boasts tons of places and activities to explore, including the Cocoa Beach Pier. It stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic ocean and is brimming with shops, restaurants, and fishing.
Nearby is the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop and one of the top Cocoa Beach attractions. This 52,000-square feet shop has everything you could need for the Orlando beach lifestyle, including bikinis, surfboards, and sports gear. Be sure to grab a sticker!
Daytona Beach
Distance from Orlando: 55.8 miles, 53 minutes via I-4 E
Daytona Beach just across the South Beach Street Historic District is best known for its spring break crowds and racing fans. It’s home to the world-famous Daytona 500, a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series held annually at the heart of Daytona Beach.
Soccer fans also travel to Daytona Beach for the annual Daytona Soccer Fest. There’s world-class soccer, top music performers, and multi-sensory entertainment experiences for the entire family.
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Real Florida Adventures: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals
However, there is more to Daytona Beach than race cars, sports fests, and beach bars. Visitors also enjoy free concerts hosted by the Daytona Beach Bandshell during the summer. It features a variety of musical acts complemented by carnival-style games and rides on the boardwalk.
A day trip to Daytona Beach from Orlando is made up of family-friendly entertainment at any pace. Many choose to spend hours on the boardwalk. Many more engage in outdoor adventures like surfing, parasailing, and kayaking. This is a great option to add to your shortlist of beaches Orlando FL.
Canaveral National Seashore
Distance from Orlando: 71.1 miles, 1 hour and 18 minutes via I-4 E and FL-44 E
If you’re looking for a pristine underdeveloped shoreline and scenic views, Canaveral National Seashore at S Atlantic Ave is the best beach by Orlando for you!
The National Park Service (NPS) considers Canaveral National Seashore as ‘the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida.’ It’s the kind of place to stroll peacefully along. Feel the hard-packed sands on your feet and the wind gently blowing on your skin.
This immaculate beach is also home to many threatened and endangered species. Chances are you’ll be able to spot nesting sites for several thousand protected marine turtles.
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Kennedy Space Center: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals
Fun Fact: A portion of the Canaveral National Seashore is a dedicated area for nude sunbathing. The area costs $20 to enter. This is a separate fee on top of the national park’s admission.
Clearwater Beach
Distance from Orlando: 108 miles, 1 hour and 48 minutes via I-4 W
Searching for white sand beaches close to Orlando? With warm water, sugar soft sand, and an overload of attractions nearby. Clearwater Beach at Causeway Blvd is one of the best beaches in Florida near Orlando.
Clearwater Beach is located along the Gulf Coast. This means sunseekers can find bliss dipping in the gentle Gulf water and building sand castles on the finest, sugary sand. Since the seas are tame, the vibe is relaxed and inviting. It’s a blissful experience to stroll, cast a line, or watch pelicans diving into the surf. This coastal paradise is one of the best Orlando beaches.
Related Post: My Visit to The Florida Aquarium
While in the area, check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a state-of-the-art aquarium home to some of the world’s most famous dolphins. Meet rescued animals, explore the Dolphintopia exhibit, and take to the seas through the Aquarium’s on-water tours.
On your trip to Clearwater Beach, other excursions include Clearwater Beach Adventure with Lunch or Clearwater Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Lunch.
Flagler Beach
Distance from Orlando: 76.6 miles, 1 hour and 11 minutes via I-4 E and I-95 N
Looking for the best beach close to Orlando, shell-wise?
Flagler Beach at South 2nd Street is arguably the best beach near Orlando for shells. It’s no secret that this stretch of sand offers the best shelling near Cocoa Beach and shark tooth hunting. So get to searching and take advantage of this budget-friendly ocean activity that will keep the entire family entertained for hours!
Can’t get enough of Flagler Beach and want to stay as close as possible? We recommend the Best Western Plus Flagler Beach Area Inn & Suites. It’s near top attractions for families like the Marineland Dolphin Adventure.
New Smyrna Beach
Distance from Orlando: 55.4 miles, 53 minutes via I-4 E and FL–44 E
Surfs up at New Smyrna Beach! Florida’s trending beach destination is just about an hour away from downtown Orlando.
New Smyrna Beach offers some of the finest opportunities to catch some waves on the east coast, thus drawing some of the country’s most passionate surfers. Every summer, the American Professional Surfing Association holds one of its premier contests here.
Related Post: Educational Summer Vacation with Kids – Orlando
The star of New Smyrna Beach is its 17-mile stretch of white sandy beaches, but it’s also one of the best beaches closest to Orlando. If you’re in town in June, catch the annual Seaside Fiesta!! The fiesta features live entertainment, carnival games, street food, and more. New Smyrna Beach is one of the best beaches in Central Florida!
St. Augustine Beach
Distance from Orlando: 104 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes via I-4 E and I-95 N
St. Augustine at Beach Boulevard is the epitome of small-town life, but it’s got big waves to share with all the tourists passing by!
Related Post: 23 Unforgettable Romantic Things to Do in Saint Augustine for Couples
The nation’s oldest city is home to glittering beach waters and a thriving beachfront community. It takes a bit longer (around 2 hours) to get to St. Augustine Beach, but it’s well worth the visit, and we recommend exploring the historic small town while you’re there.
St. Augustine Beach is truly among the best beach in Orlando aka the Sunshine State. There are sunny accommodations, tropical seaside restaurants, an impressive fishing pier, and a splash park.
If you need lodging, the Best Western St. Augustine Beach Inn is steps away from the pristine sandy beaches of this magical town. You also get a complimentary daily breakfast and access to all the amenities you’d need during your stay.
After lounging on the sand, you can explore the city’s historical past and hidden gems. We recommend booking the St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour so you can enjoy an authentic guided tour of the St. Augustine area at your own pace.
St Pete Beach
Distance from Orlando: 112 miles, 1 hour and 50 minutes via I-4 W
St. Pete Beach at 4700 Gulf Blvd is a quintessential beach town surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and white picket fences. Aerial photos of St. Pete Beach are gorgeous! It’s reminiscent of laid-back summer tide days spent with your favorite people at the beach.
Related Post: 13 Best Spring Break Locations in the United States
As per St. Pete Beach’s official website, it’s ‘part low-key haven for aspiring beach bums.’ A day at St. Pete Beach consists of perfecting your tan and exploring all the great spots to eat, drink, and shop. You can’t miss this on your search for “Orlando FL beaches” or “best beach from Orlando!”
Since St. Pete Beach is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, you’re treated to divine views of the sunrise and sunset each night. We think it’s the perfect place to cap off your Orlando vacation.
Vero Beach
Distance from Orlando: 105 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes via Florida’s Turnpike and E State Rd 60 E
Vero Beach at 3500 Ocean Dr. is one of those Florida beach towns with an irresistible old-school feel. The outdoor vibe and homey infrastructures are a throwback to the early days of coastal landscapes: palm trees, wooden chairs, and miles of open, sandy beaches. Searching for “nice beaches close to Orlando” or “best central Florida beaches”? This one’s got you covered!
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Busch Gardens® Tampa: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals
Being the second most populous city in Indian River County, Vero Beach has adjusted to diverse demands for dining, entertainment, and staycations. As a result, there are tons of beautiful beachside hotels to choose from. Driftwood Resort is an all-time favorite, partly because of its Golden-era look and feel, but mainly because of the rooms’ commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sandy beaches, accessible through a private boardwalk.
It’s a magical experience to witness baby sea turtles hatch. And Vero Beach is known for the vast sea turtle nests that pop up every summer along its shores and dunes. So with a bit of patience and a whole lot of luck, you’ll get treated to hatchlings making their way to the ocean. Day trips don’t get better than this!
Beaches Near Orlando FAQs
What Months Can You Swim in Orlando?
The question of when can you enjoy swimming in the sunny destination of Orlando, Florida often crops up among travelers. Primarily known for its pleasant, balmy climate, Orlando allows for year-round swimming. However, the optimal months for a perfect swim range from April to October, when the temperatures are most favorable and you experience warm sunshine without the harsh heat of peak summer.
Is Orlando Florida Close to Miami?
Ever found yourself asking, "Is Orlando, Florida close to Miami?" Despite both cities being in the Sunshine State, they are not exactly neighboring locales. However, Orlando is only 250 miles (400 kilometers) away from Miami, which equates to a driving time of roughly 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and your specific starting and ending points. Keep this in mind when planning your Florida itinerary.
Take Your Orlando Outing to the Next Level
There is no doubt that Orlando is a world-class destination for theme park adventures. Take your pick among the closest beach to Disney world. Of course, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are must-visits for families, but so is the nicest beach near Orlando!
Make it a wholesome vacation with a trip to Cocoa Beach and the world’s largest surf shop nearby. Or head to St. Augustine Beach for a relaxing beachside stroll and historical tours. There are many great beaches by Orlando to choose from on your search to get close to that Orlando Florida ocean!
Looking for more things to do in and around Orlando? Get inspiration from our extensive list of Orlando attractions! Rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy.
Which are Your Favorite Florida Beaches Near Orlando?
Leave us a comment below on your top beaches in Orlando Florida!
