Orlando is a city in Florida that is more famous for its dozens of world-famous theme parks. But, do you believe that there are some amazing beaches near Orlando? You have to believe it because Orlando is located centrally, offering quick access for both Gulf Coast or Atlantic Coast.
Therefore, famous beaches like Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Flagler Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Canaveral National Seashore are just one hour away from Orlando.
These beaches have unique features. For example, most of them feature diverse wildlife, breathtaking sunset sceneries, watersports, soft sand, and warm ocean waves.
After visiting the crowded theme parks in Orlando, surely try the following best and fun beaches near Orlando with your family.
Beaches Near Orlando
1. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach is a stunning beach city located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. It is just 55 miles away from Orlando. So, you can reach Daytona Beach within one hour.
Daytona is more famous for February’s 500 NASCAR race on the Daytona International Speedway. Also, it is famous for the LPGA International golf courses, pop culture festivals, art and music concerts throughout the year.
Aside from them, Daytona Beach offers you white sandy beaches ideal for perfect family vacations. Stretching for 23 miles, Daytona beaches offer you plenty of cool things to do.
Especially, its ten beachfront parks offer you scenic picnic areas, pavilions, splash parks, playgrounds, fishing opportunities, boardwalks, restrooms, and other amenities to have fun.
The most highlighted beachfront parks in Daytona Beach are Lighthouse Point Park, Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, Smyrna Dunes Park, and Daytona Lagoon Water Park. These parks offer you to swim, kayak, walk, boat, and playing various sports like basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, and soccer.
Being one of the closest beaches to Orlando, Daytona Beach is surely an ultimate family beach destination.
Address: N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States Phone: (386) 255-0415
Recommended hotel near Daytona Beach: The Shores Resort & Spa
Beaches Near Orlando
2. Beaches Near Orlando: Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is another stunning golden powdery beach that stretches for 72 miles along the Atlantic Coast, Florida. Since it is located 60 miles away from Orlando, you can reach there within one hour.
This beach city is more famous for its attractive beach and surf breaks. Also, it is famous as Space Coast because it is located very close to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.
You can visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to see rockets and other space-related artifacts.
On the other hand, Cocoa Beach is a paradise for surfers. Its iconic surf breaks attract thousands of surfers annually. Therefore the beach has all the amenities. If you like to learn how to surf, Ron Jon’s Surf School, a surf school in Cocoa Beach, will help you with that.
Whether you are looking for boogie boarding, biking, or building sandcastles, Cocoa Beach is perfect for any beach activity.
Alan Shephard Park is the most famous beach area in Cocoa Beach. The iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, a restored 800-foot wooden pier, is also close to this park. It offers you plenty of shops, amazing restaurants, live music, and scenic ocean views.
If you are looking for a relaxing beach time with your family, head towards Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach. For those who like fishing and bird watching, Port Canaveral Jetty Park is the perfect place.
Are you ready to have fun?
Address: N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States Phone: (321) 868-3252
Recommended hotel near Cocoa Beach: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
Beaches Near Orlando
3. Beaches Near Orlando: Ponce Inlet Beach
Ponce Inlet Beach town is located 63 miles away from Orlando. That means you can get there within 1 hour and 10 minutes.
It is a scenic beach town located in Volusia County, Florida (south of Daytona Beach). If you like to experience a relaxing and quiet beach vacation while exploring small beach town vibes, you should drive to Ponce Inlet beach.
It allows you to get scenic ocean views, picnic, swim, boat, walk on less crowded walking tracks, beachcombing, shelling, and experience authentic small beach town vibes.
When you visit Ponce Inlet Beach, do not miss its iconic landmark Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and Museum, built-in 1887. Actually, it is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, having 175 feet in height. You are allowed to climb 203 steps and get scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sounds fun? Just add it to your bucket list.
Recommended hotel near Ponce Inlet Beach: Southpoint #703
Beaches Near Orlando
4. Beaches Near Orlando: Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a Florida State Park located 107 miles away from Orlando. That means it will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to get there, including a 20 minutes boat ride starting from Honeymoon Island State Park.
But still, it is totally worth visiting this stunning white sand beach on Caladesi Island in the Gulf of Mexico. (north of Clearwater Beach and across St. Joseph to the west of Dunedin)
Caladesi Island is one of the last authentically natural islands saved on Florida’s Gulf Coast. So, its white-sand beaches are among the most beautiful beaches in the United States as well.
Caladesi Island State Park beaches attract swimmers, kayakers, surfers, fishers, surf fishers, beachcombers, beach explorers, and sunbathers worldwide.
Additionally, Caladesi Island offers a three-mile-long nature trail for hikers and nature lovers. It runs through the island so that you can observe diverse wildlife, fauna, and flora.
Another way to explore this beautiful, wild island is to kayak through its bay and mangroves. For picnickers, there are picnic tables, pavilions, electric hookups, and other facilities too.
Get ready to explore Caladesi Island’s beach and the wild nature.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, United States Phone: +1 727-469-5918
Recommended hotel near Caladesi Island State Park: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Beaches Near Orlando
5. New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach is also a fun beach city located in the south of Daytona Beach, Florida. And it is just 55 miles away from Orlando. So, you can get there within one hour.
Stretching for 13 miles along the Atlantic Coast, New Smyrna Beach is a surf hub near Orlando. So, its large surf attracts many surfers from everywhere. Obviously, this beach is not suitable for swimmers. But, there is some shallow places ideal for swimmers as well.
Its soft, white sand on this beach makes relaxing and comfortable walking paths. And you can bring your bike for a nice beach ride too. Kayaks and paddleboard rentals are also available on the beach.
Another special feature of New Smyrna Beach is you can easily spot sharks, manatees, and dolphins from a near distance. But, don’t worry; they are not killer sharks.
Just like other beach towns, New Smyrna also features an adorable beach town. Especially, the downtown’s Canal Street Historic District features impressive art galleries, restaurants, shops, and the New Smyrna Museum of History.
Due to all these wonderful features, New Smyrna Beach is always a crowded beach. So, come early.
Address: S Atlantic Avenue & 4th Avenue E, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, United States Phone: (386) 424-2175
Recommended hotel near New Smyrna Beach: Best Western New Smyrna Beach Hotel & Suites
Beaches Near Orlando
6. Beaches Near Orlando: Canaveral National Seashore
The Canaveral National Seashore is located between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville in Florida. That means just 50 miles away from Orlando (a one-hour drive). So, it is one of the nearest beaches to Orlando.
This National Seashore is located on a barrier island, and it was designated as a park in 1975. Therefore, you can experience an undeveloped, authentic Floridian coastline here.
This pristine beach with 25 miles offers you a safe environment to swim, kayak, surf, boat, canoe, SUP, horseback ride, fish, beach comb, shell, and backcountry camp. (Do not expect to have rental shops, restaurants, vehicles, and any other beach amenities here)
It is actually a natural wonderland located along the Atlantic Ocean because this area is home to over 14 species of endangered or threatened animals.
Since it is a secluded, calm seashore, you can surely spot area turtles, manatees, peregrine falcon, and bald eagles too.
Especially, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge helps you to spot sea turtles laying eggs in sandy nests at night.
Like Cocoa Beach, the Canaveral National Seashore is located near the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. So, it is a famous beach to view rocket launches.
If your kids love space activities, check Kennedy Space Center’s rocket-launching schedule and visit the Canaveral National Seashore to view that rare thing.
The best beaches on this seashore are Apollo, Playalinda, and Klondike, which have diverse features.
Address: S Washington Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796, United States Phone: (321) 267-1110
Recommended hotel near the Canaveral National Seashore: Best Western Edgewater Inn
Planning to visit Miami, Florida?? Here’s the list of the best things to do in Miami FL.
7. Ormond Beach
Located on the north side of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is a wonderful beach city in Volusia County, Florida. Also, it is home to Tomoka State Park, a 2,000-acre Florida State Park by the Tomoka River.
Being one of the best beaches near Orlando, Ormond Beach is a relaxing beach with natural dune-back strands. So, if you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle world, Ormond Beach is a good option.
Just drive for one hour (61 miles) from Orlando and have a relaxing time.
Also, since this beach is located between the scenic Atlantic Ocean and Tomoka River, it offers plenty of fun water activities. Ex: shelling, surfing, swimming, boating, paddling, fishing, and more.
Also, you can spot hundreds of seagulls on Ormond Beach most of the time.
On the other hand, you can hike and bike along the Tomoka River when you visit Tomoka State Park.
After that, do not forget to tour around the charming beach town, Ormond Beach. It contains some impressive historical landmarks, perfect gardens, and lavish homes.
Address: 215 Seminole Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32176, United States Phone: (386) 677-0311
Recommended hotel near Ormond Beach: Chateau Mar Beach Resort
Beaches Near Orlando
8. Beaches Near Orlando: Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach is another fun beach city located in Flagler County, Florida. Exactly between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. If you come from Orlando, it is just one hour and eleven minutes (76.6 miles) away.
Since Flagler Beach has unique cinnamon-colored sand, it attracts thousands of beach lovers. It is totally worth it at least sitting on this 6 miles long unique beach.
Also, having warm and clear waters, Flagler Beach is an excellent swimming and surfing destination too. Especially, you don’t need to fight with the crowd to reach the water.
If you like fishing and boating, this beach is perfect for that as well. Its loving fishing pier is always waiting for you. This wooden fishing pier is worth visiting the scenic place on Flagler Beach whether you fish or not. Mostly to catch the breathtaking sunset.
And Flagler Beach has a charming beach town with adorable shops, bars, restaurants, live music by local artists, and other entertainment spots.
On the other hand, this beach area is close to four public parks named Wadsworth Park, Wickline Park, Silverlake Park, and Veterans Park. So, you can visit them too.
Address: S Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, United States Phone: (386) 517-2000
Recommended hotel near Flagler Beach: Topaz Motel Flagler Beach
Beaches Near Orlando
9. Beaches Near Orlando: Satellite Beach
Satellite Beach is a scenic beach city located in Brevard County, Florida. That means just 68 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes) away from Orlando.
Since it is located near the Indian River, it offers spectacular views of the river and the Atlantic Ocean. So, it is totally worth it to plan a weekend beach trip from Orlando.
Not just views, Satellite Beach is a perfect swimming destination too. Also, if you are into beach volleyball, there are courts on the beach.
Do you want to take your pet along with you? Well, here’s the fact.
A special feature of the Satellite Beach area is that it offers some dog-friendly beaches, which is rare compared with other beaches on the list. Especially, the Canova Beach Park in Satellite Beach offers a relaxing environment for your leashed dog.
Address: Florida A1A & Park Avenue, Satellite Beach, FL 32937, United States Phone: (321) 773-6458
Recommended hotel near Satellite Beach: The Sand Castle
Beaches Near Orlando
10. Beaches Near Orlando: Melbourne Beach, Florida
Melbourne Beach is another fun beach city in Brevard County, Florida. Located just 73.5 miles away from Orlando, you can get there within 1 hour and 25 minutes.
The reason to drive from Orlando to this place is to visit two wonderful beach towns at once. They are Melbourne Beach and Indialantic Beach.
You have to get a 30 min walk to reach the beachfront of Melbourne Beach. But it is totally worth it because it is ideal for swimming, surfing, and any other water activity. Also, if you hope to have a relaxing beach day under your umbrella, Melbourne Beach is suitable for that too.
When you are on Melbourne Beach, do not miss the historic Melbourne Beach Pier, which is perfect for fishing, watching the sunset/sunrise, and getting scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to all these marvelous features, Melbourne Beach is always one of the favorite beaches among locals and tourists.
After visiting Melbourne Beach, drive for another 5 minutes to reach Indialantic Beach. (explained below)
Address: Atlantic Street, 2847983, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, United States Phone: (321) 724-5860
Recommended hotel near Melbourne Beach, Florida: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
Beaches Near Orlando
11. Beaches Near Orlando: Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a small and stunning beach city located in Florida. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s beaches are located on a barrier island across the Indian River Lagoon.
When you come from Orlando, it will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes (105.3 mi) to reach this southeastern coastal gem, Vero Beach. And it is totally worth it taking the drive.
Sitting on Florida’s Treasure Coast, beaches in Vero Beach City offers you swimming, kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, spotting plenty of sea turtles, and many other water activities.
Also, Vero Beach contains many parks and beaches that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
On the other hand, you can find delicious seafood restaurants, local cafes, and posh stores throughout Vero Beach City.
What is Florida’s Treasure Coast? It is a combination of three countries, Martin, St. Lucie, and the Indian River, where treasure-carrying Spanish ships wrecked off over 300 years ago. So, watch out; you may find a treasure on Vero Beach.
Address: Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963, United States Phone: (772) 978-5151
Recommended hotel near Vero Beach, Florida: Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, an IHG Hotel
Beaches Near Orlando
12. Treasure Island Beach, Florida
Located 2 hours away from Orlando, Treasure Island Beach is located on the Treasure Island on Gulf Coast.
Treasure Island is a barrier island north of St. Pete Beach in the Gulf of Mexico. So, obviously, this stunning island offers plenty of turquoise water beaches.
Since this beach has paved boardwalk lines, you can easily walk, bike, rollerblade, run, and be relax. Also, it offers you easy access to the beach.
Treasure Island Beach is a wide beach with soft, white sand. So, you have to walk a few hundred meters to reach the water. Also, this 3 miles long wide sand beach features sand dunes, shells with white sand.
Especially, this wide sand beach makes a perfect destination for making sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, and other beach sports with your family.
Aside from walking along the Treasure Island Beach Trail, this beach offers you warm waters for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. Also, it is a safe beach to swim even for kids.
That’s why Treasure Island Beach is a famous travel destination for families.
Beaches Near Orlando
13. Beaches Near Orlando: Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park is 87.8 miles away from Orlando. So, you can get there within less than 2 hours.
Also, it is just 6 miles north of Vero Beach and 10 miles south of Melbourne Beach. So, you can cover them all on the same tour.
Sebastian Inlet State Park spreads on both sides of the Sebastian Inlet. Obviously, it offers plenty of space for beach relaxing beach walks and breathtaking views.
If you are looking for water activities, Sebastian Inlet State Park is ready for that too.
Especially, its crystal clear water makes a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, evening scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. Also, you can see many surfers and paddleboarders on this beach.
As the water is clear and safe, this is a suitable beach to teach your kids snorkeling and diving.
If you like fishing, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a dream destination for anglers. Therefore, it is called the “premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida’s east coast.”
Aside from water activities, Sebastian Inlet State Park offers birdwatching, shelling, hiking, and camping-like exciting, fun activities too.
Address: 9700 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, United States Phone: +1 321-984-4852
Recommended hotel near Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida: The Inn at Capt. Hiram’s
Beaches Near Orlando
14. Beaches Near Orlando: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Looking for a perfect beach for jetskiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and parasailing-like water adventures? Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County is a year-round destination for these fun activities.
Clearwater Beach is located 107.9 miles away from Orlando. That means you can get there within 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Since this is one of the safest beaches for kids and young children, it attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. Therefore it has a full-time lifeguard.
Also, as there’s a 300 feet wide clear swim zone, you can swim freely without any disturbance of surfboards and kayakers. On the other hand, its warm and calm water makes you even more comfortable.
Just like its name, this beach is clear and contains soft, white sand. That’s why it became a tourist hot spot and an award-winning beach.
Obviously, no need to worry about restaurants, cafes, and sports equipment rentals. They are always available for various prices.
The only challenging thing in Clearwater Beach is the parking. So, try to come as early as possible.
Address: Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 33767 Phone: (727) 464-7200
Recommended hotel near Clearwater Beach, Florida: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Beaches Near Orlando
15. Beaches Near Orlando: St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is located 103.8 miles away from Orlando. So, it will take only two hours to get there.
This is a small beach city located on Anastasia Island. And it is famous for wide, white sand beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean that spread for 42 miles. All of them are swim-worthy.
So, obviously, swimmers, bike riders, bodyboarders, kayakers, and many other enthusiasts attract this beach city.
Also, it’s St. Johns County Ocean Pier allows fishers to fish as they wish.
St. Augustine Beachfront Park offers you a playground, volleyball courts, a splash zone for kids, and picnic areas.
And, Ocean Hammock Park in St. Augustine Beach contains a sea turtle nesting site, picnic areas, and exciting hiking trails.
Apart from that, if you like to get unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean, surely climb to the top of St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Come along with your family and have fun.
Address: St. Augustine Beach, Florida 32080, United States
Recommended hotel near Clearwater Beach, Florida: Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Beaches Near Orlando
