Best beaches near Orlando

Best beaches near Orlando the heart of Florida, Orlando is renowned for its theme parks, entertainment, and vibrant attractions. However, just a short drive away lie some of the Sunshine State’s most beautiful beaches, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best beaches near Orlando, each offering its own unique charm, natural beauty, and array of recreational activities. From the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast, get ready to discover your perfect beach getaway within reach of Orlando.

1. Cocoa Beach:
   • Located just an hour’s drive from Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is a popular destination known for its wide sandy shore and consistent surf.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, while adventure-seekers can take surfing lessons or try their hand at kiteboarding.
   • Cocoa Beach Pier offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as opportunities for fishing and sightseeing.
   • Nearby attractions include the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where visitors can explore the wonders of space exploration through interactive exhibits and educational experiences.
2. New Smyrna Beach:
   • Situated just over an hour’s drive from Orlando on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, New Smyrna Beach is a charming coastal town known for its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, which stretches for miles and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
   • The nearby Canaveral National Seashore provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and hiking through unspoiled coastal habitats.
   • Downtown New Smyrna Beach features art galleries, boutique shops, and delicious dining options, making it the perfect place to explore after a day at the beach.
3. Daytona Beach:
   • Less than an hour’s drive from Orlando, Daytona Beach is a bustling coastal city known for its wide sandy shore, lively boardwalk, and iconic Daytona International Speedway.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s expansive shoreline, which is perfect for building sandcastles and playing beach games.
   • The Daytona Beach Boardwalk offers amusement rides, arcades, and souvenir shops, while the nearby Daytona Lagoon waterpark provides hours of fun for the whole family.
   • Motorsports enthusiasts can visit the Daytona International Speedway for guided tours of the track and behind-the-scenes access to NASCAR racing events.
4. Clearwater Beach:
   • Located just over two hours’ drive from Orlando on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is a pristine barrier island known for its sugar-white sands and clear blue waters.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s expansive shoreline, or take part in various water activities such as parasailing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
   • Pier 60 offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as nightly sunset celebrations featuring street performers and artisans.
   • Clearwater Marine Aquarium provides opportunities to learn about marine life conservation and see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and otters up close.
5. St. Pete Beach:
   • Just a short drive from Orlando on Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Pete Beach is a family-friendly destination known for its powdery white sands, clear Gulf waters, and lively beach scene.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and colorful sunsets.
   • The nearby St. Pete Beach Promenade features shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as outdoor art installations and cultural events throughout the year.
   • Families can also visit nearby attractions such as Gulf Beaches Historical Museum and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve for additional educational experiences and outdoor adventures.
6. Sebastian Inlet State Park:
   • Located about an hour and a half from Orlando on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a natural haven known for its pristine beaches, excellent fishing, and diverse wildlife.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the park’s sandy shoreline, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
   • The park is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, with two jetties extending into the ocean where anglers can catch a variety of fish, including snook, redfish, and tarpon.
   • Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails through coastal hammocks and mangrove forests, or take guided kayak tours to discover the park’s diverse ecosystems and birdwatching opportunities.
7. Melbourne Beach:
   • Situated just over an hour’s drive from Orlando on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Melbourne Beach is a tranquil seaside town known for its unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife, and laid-back atmosphere.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to spot nesting sea turtles during the summer months.
   • The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, located adjacent to Melbourne Beach, provides protected habitat for endangered sea turtles and offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.
   • Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Indian River Lagoon, home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, and enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching along its scenic waterways.
8. Ormond Beach:
   • Less than two hours’ drive from Orlando on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Ormond Beach is a charming coastal community known for its uncrowded beaches, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for shelling and beachside picnics.
   • The nearby Tomoka State Park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a natural coastal habitat, while the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail offers scenic drives and opportunities to explore historic sites and natural attractions.
   • Ormond Beach is also home to the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, which features rotating exhibits of contemporary art and beautifully landscaped gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll.
9. Flagler Beach:
   • Located about two hours from Orlando on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Flagler Beach is a charming seaside town known for its laid-back vibe, scenic beaches, and historic pier.
   • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s sandy shoreline, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for surfing and fishing.
   • The Flagler Beach Pier is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, offering panoramic views of the coastline and opportunities to spot dolphins and pelicans.
   • The nearby Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in a natural coastal setting, with scenic trails and observation platforms overlooking the ocean.
10. Daytona Beach Shores:
    • Situated adjacent to Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores is a family-friendly destination known for its pristine beaches, calm waters, and array of recreational activities.
    • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s wide sandy shoreline, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for beach volleyball and sandcastle building.
    • The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier offers dining options, shops, and entertainment venues, as well as opportunities for fishing and sightseeing.
    • The nearby Sunglow Fishing Pier is a popular spot for fishing and observing marine life, with a bait shop and observation deck offering panoramic views of the coastline.
11. Vero Beach:
    • Just over two hours from Orlando on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is a family-friendly destination known for its uncrowded beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
    • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s sandy shoreline, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for shell collecting.
    • The Vero Beach Museum of Art showcases a diverse range of art exhibits, while the Riverside Theatre provides live performances and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
    • Nature lovers can explore the McKee Botanical Garden, featuring lush tropical landscapes and walking trails, or visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
12. Jensen Beach:
    • Located about two hours from Orlando on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Jensen Beach is a serene coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere, riverfront parks, and scenic beaches.
    • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, which offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon.
    • Indian RiverSide Park provides opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with a nature center and playgrounds for children.
    • Jensen Beach Causeway Park offers fishing spots and boat ramps for those interested in exploring the waterways, while nearby Hutchinson Island provides additional opportunities for outdoor activities and beachside relaxation.
13. Satellite Beach:
    • Situated about an hour and a half from Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast, Satellite Beach is a coastal community known for its quiet beaches, oceanfront parks, and friendly atmosphere.
    • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s sandy shoreline, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for surfing and fishing.
    • Pelican Beach Park provides beach access, picnic areas, and a playground, making it an ideal spot for families to spend a day by the sea.
    • The nearby Thousand Islands Conservation Area offers opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing in a unique coastal habitat with mangrove islands and diverse bird species.
14. Indialantic Beach:
    • Located on Florida’s Space Coast, just over an hour from Orlando, Indialantic Beach is a quiet seaside town known for its uncrowded beaches, oceanfront parks, and friendly community.
    • Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the beach’s pristine shoreline, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
    • Nance Park provides beach access, playgrounds, and picnic areas, creating a family-friendly environment for a day of seaside relaxation.
    • The boardwalk along Indialantic’s beachfront is perfect for strolling, with opportunities to enjoy ocean breezes, spot surfers catching waves, and witness spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic.

best beaches near orlando From the bustling shores of Daytona Beach to the tranquil sands of New Smyrna Beach, the best beaches near Orlando offer something for every beach lover.