Orlando is the place to be. For visitors and Floridians who call Orlando home, there’s so much to do and see in the city. The one big thing it’s missing, however, is the beach.
Have you really been to Florida if you haven’t set foot on a beach?! You may love Disney and all the amusement parks (or not – there’s other stuff to do in Orlando besides theme parks) but the beach will sooth your soul like nothing else!
In a state with more than 800 miles of beach, the seashore is something that landlocked Orlando just can’t provide.
But don’t fret! In this article we provide you with the perfect list of 12 best beaches close to Orlando.
From the shores of the Atlantic to the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, there’s a beautiful sandy beach awaiting your footprints in the sand.
Okay, let’s get into it – here are the best beach day trips from Orlando!
Best Beaches Close to Orlando
1. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach (and it’s the most convenient beach) near Orlando.
How far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando? It’s only about 60 miles (about a one-hour drive east) making getting there totally doable.
But what is awesome is that you don’t have to bring everything with you to Cocoa Beach because it’s easy to rent beach gear like umbrellas, chairs, paddleboards, and kayaks.
So, all you have to bring is your love for the sun, sand, and water. Can’t get much better than that!
2. New Smyrna Beach
For a less crowded beach experience near Orlando check out New Smyrna Beach.
It’s got everything you could want in a perfect day at the beach: pristine sandy beaches, restaurants, and unique shops.
You’ll never be at a loss of what to do. New Smyrna Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida.
Without the massive crowds, you’ll feel right at home in this quaint beach side town. Oh! And the best part is that it’s only an hour’s drive from Orlando.
3. Melbourne Beach
If you’re a nature lover head to Melbourne Beach.
This is one of the best natural beaches closest to Orlando (less than two hours away). Just south of Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne is located on the barrier island between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean.
This special place creates a perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the water and the wildlife of the area. It’s actually one of the best places in Florida to see nesting sea turtles.
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4. Clearwater
The calm Gulf waters of Clearwater are calling your name.
Located about 2 hours southwest of Orlando, Clearwater is one of the best beaches in Florida and even the US.
The white sugar sandy beaches are well maintained by the city of Clearwater that takes pride in keeping it picture perfect. Lifeguards are on duty all year making it one of the best beaches near Orlando for families to enjoy.
5. Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach has it all: beautiful beaches, shops, and restaurants nearby, and it’s not super crowded like some of the other hotspots in the area.
Instead, Flagler is one of the best small beach towns for a vacation in Florida. Located about an hour northeast of Orlando, it’s a gem within reach.
Beyond having some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, there’s so much to do in Flagler– from museums to nature hiking trails it’s got it all.
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6. St Augustine Beach
St. Augustine is America’s oldest city and it’s not just the historical side of things you’ll love about St A, there’s also several beaches around St Augustine.
Find out which beach in St Augustine is best for your sun ‘n sand style, from beachcombing to shoreline fishing St A has it all!
This perfect combination makes it one of the best beaches close to Orlando.
It’s less than two hours away from Orlando. So spend the day on the beach and enjoy the evening strolling the historic streets and have dinner in town before heading back to Orlando.
You may find you want to return for a few days (or next vacation) since there’s so many things to do in St Augustine.
7. Vero Beach
Vero Beach is the place to head if you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy the beach and its surrounding beauty.
You won’t find massive crowds here compared with some of the other places and it’s less than two hours southeast of Orlando – worth the drive.
When you’re ready to dry off, check out the lovely town. We’ve named it one of the best small beach towns in Florida!
8. St Pete Beach
You really can’t go wrong with the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast and St. Pete is no exception.
This resort town knows how to make beach-going an enjoyable experience. Here, there are tons of places where you can rent just about anything you’d need – from umbrellas to paddleboards and even a kayak, or do some parasailing.
Located just about two hours away, this is truly one of the best beaches not too far from Orlando.
9. Canaveral National Seashore
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the crowds? Then definitely head to Canaveral National Seashore.
This beautiful barrier island is pristine and untouched by over-development (what you might find at some of the other beach hotspots).
Instead, this is one of the best nature-focused beaches close to Orlando.
Located just about an hour east of the city, you’ll find the beach just the way that nature made it.
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10. Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach is just about the best place to rest and relax far away from it all.
Located about an hour northeast of the city, Ormond is located between the Tomoka River and the Atlantic Ocean.
This perfect place is where nature still reigns. Here you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and the surrounding area that nature has provided, making it one of the best natural beaches close to Orlando.
11. Daytona
Daytona is the place to be if you’re looking for fun in the sun. No wonder it’s a spring break hotspot in the US.
But no matter what time of year, you’ll have a fun at Daytona Beach. Sandy beaches and clear blue waters are what make Daytona such a fabulous beach and it’s about a 1-hour drive from Orlando.
There’s always something fun to do in Daytona for everyone, from the Museum of Arts and Sciences to NASCAR races at Daytona International Speedway, fishing at the pier, and walking the Daytona Beach Boardwalk or checking out the amusement park rides.
12. Sebastian Inlet State Park
A favorite spot for surfers and fishermen alike, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a favorite place for just about everyone.
Here you’ll find families combing the sands for shells and making castles, surfers riding the waves, and folks throwing out a line from the jetties stretching out into the water.
You may even be able to catch a glimpse of nesting sea turtles at Sebastian Inlet. Located less than two hours from Orlando, it’s a great place to spend the day.
Final Thoughts on Beaches Near Orlando
There you have it, 12 of the closest beaches to Orlando. From quiet natural areas to big crowds enjoy fun in the sun at beaches with restaurants, amusement rides and more. Now all you have to do is pick the one that’s best for you and head out for some fun in the sun.
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