15 Best Beaches Near Orlando, FL
The word “theme park” would immediately come to mind when you think about Orlando.
There are numerous options for fun days, including the popular Disney parks, the various Universal Studios worlds, and more.
However, you can also spend your vacation in the sun at some of the several surrounding lakes or ocean beaches.
Take a break from the amusement parks by visiting some of the most beautiful beaches close to Orlando, Florida
- Cocoa Beach
Driving from Orlando to Cocoa Beach in Brevard County takes around an hour.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Cocoa Beach in Orlando is perfect for a quick beach getaway.
You’ll appreciate the city’s four parks that have miles of breathtaking shoreline.
If you’re traveling with kids, Sidney Fisher Park has a playground and picnic area close to the lake and sands.
Expert Tip
Choose among Cocoa Beach’s four parks’ breathtaking ocean vistas based on what most appeals to you.
Lori Wilson Park offers a dog park, while Alan Shepard Park is close to shops.
- Clearwater Beach
The journey from Orlando to Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County takes roughly one hour and forty-six minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re taking young kids on an oceanside day trip, Clearwater Beach should be on your list of kid-friendly beaches.
You won’t have to be concerned about being run over by kayaks or surfboards because there is a full-time lifeguard on duty and a clear swim zone (approximately 300 feet wide).
Expert Tip
You and your children will love wading in the beautiful, clear, and clean waters of this beach, as suggested by its name.
If you want to remain dry, you can play on the white broad sand shoreline of the beach.
- Daytona Beach
It takes about an hour to get from Orlando to Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast.
In addition to motor racing, this city features one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There are a ton of entertaining things to do at Daytona Beach.
You can do more than just the typical beach activities like swimming and sunbathing.
The beachfront along this coastline is lined with amusing stores, snack places, and even an arcade.
Just look around to find something else to do when you want to take a break from the salty sea.
Expert Tip
From May to September, Daytona Beach is famous for its bandshell concerts.
If you go, take the time to enjoy entertainment.
You might even witness fireworks.
- New Smyrna Beach
The trip from Orlando to New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County takes only 58 minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
New Smyrna Beach, a major competitor, has the best swimming beach.
Even those who are not very experienced swimmers can appreciate its shallow waters.
The huge dunes are great for fun and exploration.
While you’re here, you may also rent kayaks and paddleboards.
Expert Tip
Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees because New Smyrna Beach is renowned for being a wonderful place to observe them.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to remain cautious (don’t worry, these aren’t vicious sharks; this isn’t JAWS).
- Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is a barrier island located in Titusville.
This is the nearest beach which is about 55 minutes away from Orlando.
Some of Florida’s most gorgeous beaches may be found on this island.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Head to the Canaveral National Seashore for a glimpse of Florida’s untouched natural beauty.
The sand beach appears to have an endless stretch.
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, and boating while you’re here.
You can attempt to go backcountry camping if you’re feeling adventurous.
Expert Tip
Watching rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center is a popular beach activity here.
Be sure to look at their calendar to know if there is a rocket launch scheduled during your trip.
- Satellite Beach
It takes 1 hour and 6 minutes to travel by vehicle from Orlando to Satellite Beach.
It is simple to plan a weekend beach getaway in this seaside city.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Satellite Seaside is located on a barrier island.
Both the breathtaking views of the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean are visible from here.
You may spend the day swimming and surfing in the nearby waters and have fun at the nearby playgrounds and beach volleyball courts.
Expert Tip
Satellite Beach is one of the few beaches in Orlando that allow dogs.
The 10 acres of oceanfront at Canova Beach Park are open for you to explore with your leashed dog.
- Ponce Inlet
The travel time from Orlando to Ponce Inlet in Volusia County is roughly one hour and ten minutes.
It is situated south of Daytona Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet and small-town charm, Ponce Inlet in Orlando is an ideal beach getaway.
The beautiful beaches near Ponce Inlet are great for jogging and walking.
You can also go shelling while you’re here.
Expert Tip
One of the most well-known attractions in the area is the Ponce de Leon lighthouse. You may climb this 175-foot lighthouse, the tallest in the state, with 203 steps.
- Indialantic
Driving from Orlando to Indialantic in Brevard County will take you approximately one hour and fourteen minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
It’s fun to swim and wade in the sea at Indialantic Beach, but there are other activities to do as well.
There is a playground where kids can enjoy themselves.
You may also watch beach volleyball matches inside the stadium.
Alternatively, you may try to find sea turtles while you’re here.
Expert Tip
The Indialantic Boardwalk is a must-see when you’re around.
It guarantees you won’t get wet while providing breathtaking views of the beach.
- Melbourne Beach
Orlando is around 1 hour, 17 minutes away from Melbourne Beach in Brevard County.
It is close to Indialantic.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You can visit two beach towns at once while you’re nearby.
Indialantic Beach is within a short 30-minute stroll (5-minute drive) from Melbourne Beach’s seafront.
As one of the state’s favorite beaches, Melbourne Beach is frequently visited by both tourists and locals.
You’ll experience the social atmosphere while surfing or relaxing under your beach umbrella.
Expert Tip
Be sure to stop by the famous Melbourne Beach Pier when you’re in the area. It’s a great location for fishing or simply watching the sunset (or sunrise).
- Flagler Beach
The seaside town of Flagler Beach is around an hour and 11 minutes drive from Orlando.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Because of its cinnamon-colored sands, Flagler Beach attracts the majority of vacationers.
You have the option of taking a chance on the waves or staying and relaxing on the wonderful sand.
Swimming and surfing are both great activities to do at Flagler Beach.
Expert Tip
You can always spend the day fishing on Flagler Beach if you don’t feel like getting wet.
You can go surfing, find a place to sit on the pier, or maybe go boating.
- Ormond Beach
It takes one hour and three minutes to drive from Orlando to Ormond Beach in Volusia County.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Do you long for the peace of a small town?
Ormond Beach is just immediately north of the renowned Daytona Beach.
You can do a wide range of water activities here while taking in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tomoka River.
Expert Tip
Check out the riverside Tomoka State Park while you’re here.
You can go boating, fishing, and paddling all in one day.
Alternatively, you can use the nearby trails for biking or hiking.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park
Orlando is roughly 1 hour and 36 minutes away from Sebastian Inlet State Park. It is close to Vero Beach and Melbourne Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Along with strolling through the park’s breathtaking and undeveloped beaches, you can also participate in a ton of other water sports.
The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and nighttime scuba diving.
You can even go surfing and paddling for those who like to be more physically active.
Expert Tip
You can go shell-hunting, bird-watching, or beach fishing if you want to unwind while you’re there.
The park is also accessible for hiking or camping.
- Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a coastal community with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The travel time from Orlando to this beach is 1 hour and 47 minutes by car.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you’re in the neighborhood, visit one of Vero Beach’s many parks or beaches for breath-taking vistas of the ocean.
You can swim, snorkel, or even go scuba diving, depending on the location you pick.
Surfing is more enjoyable on some beaches than on others.
Expert Tip
Sea turtles are reported to be seen on a few of the beaches in Vero Beach frequently.
If you come, don’t be shocked if you spot some turtles swimming in the water or nesting there.
- Caladesi Island State Park
From Orlando, it takes 1 hour and 54 minutes to get to Caladesi State Park. It is not far from Clearwater City and the Gulf of Mexico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You should visit Caladesi Island for its pristine beaches.
Nature enthusiasts will like strolling the dunes, camping out beneath the trees, and simply keeping an eye out for sea turtles and shorebirds.
Expert Tip
You may always take the kayak paths through the mangrove woods inside the park if you’re feeling more courageous and up for some exercise.
- Fort de Soto
Fort de Soto is a group of five offshore keys connected by a bridge in Pinellas County.
It takes around 1 hour and 52 minutes to travel to Orlando.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The islands of Fort de Soto Park offer some of the most beautiful beaches close to Orlando, Florida.
While you’re here, observe Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from various angles.
You can swim with your pets off-leash, splash in tidal pools, and more. You can even paddle around looking for turtles.
Expert Tip
There are a ton of extra activities in Fort de Soto Park.
The historic fort and museum are a big hit with visitors.
Active individuals will have fun biking, rollerblading, or hiking nature trails.
You may even try beachside camping if you’re feeling very bold.
