Top 12 Closest Beaches to Orlando You’ll Love
Despite being landlocked, Orlando is only a short distance from some of Florida’s most majestic beaches! If you’re looking for a beach day trip from Orlando, here is a list of the closest beaches you’ll love to visit!
Whether you’re searching for a beach to take your family on a day trip or looking for an area to stay the weekend with friends, these beaches have something perfect in store. From Daytona Beach’s vibrant Spring Break vibe to Vero Beach’s traditional atmosphere, every traveler will find just what they need right by their side!
While there is plenty of things to do in Orlando, including theme parks, museums, gardens, and more, sometimes you want to plan a day or a weekend away and travel to the beach!
1. Cocoa Beach
Just a short drive from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, just an hour away from Florida’s Space Coast. This family-friendly beach offers plenty of activities, including sunbathing, swimming, surfing, jet skiing, and more. There are also various restaurants on Cocoa Beach to choose from for a meal or snack.
Cocoa Beach is an ideal destination for those passionate about space. You can witness rockets launching right on the beach just minutes from the famous Kennedy Space Center Complex! Plus, with only an hour’s drive from Orlando, it’s perfect for leisurely day trips and enjoyable water activities such as fishing or watersports.
Famous for its surf scene, the beach is a paradise of endless opportunities. From picturesque shacks to specialized houses hosting lessons on surfing – everything you need to explore this exciting sport can be found here!
Have a fun day at Lori Wilson Park, with its picturesque beachfront and picnic areas. Enjoy delicious meals at one of the many eateries nearby, or take a stroll along the boardwalk at the Cocoa Beach Pier.
2. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is located about an hour and a half from Orlando, making it another great option for a day trip. It has three miles of sandy beaches and plenty of surf, making it ideal for both surfers and sunbathers alike.
With its powdery sand, plethora of restaurants and unique shops, a visit to the beach is an ideal way to spend your day.
New Smyrna Beach is an iconic beach town renowned for its endless entertainment and leisure activities. Whether you are looking to relax or explore, this beloved Florida destination offers something for everyone!
Escape the bustling crowds and relax in this idyllic beachside town. It’s conveniently located within an hour of Orlando, so you can take advantage of your downtime without sacrificing easy access to the city!
3. Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is located about an hour and a half from Orlando, and it offers the closest experience to a true wilderness beach. It’s a great option for wildlife viewing, camping, swimming, and sunbathing.
It’s also known for its great surfing, so if you’re looking for an adventure, this is the beach for you.
Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or need a little beach getaway, these closest beaches to Orlando will provide you with everything you need for the perfect vacation. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, these beaches offer myriad activities.
4. Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach is located about an hour and fifteen minutes from Orlando. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, picturesque wide white sand beach, and spectacular sunsets. It’s the perfect place for a family day trip or a romantic getaway with plenty of activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing.
If you’re looking to relax, there are various restaurants where you can unwind and enjoy the views. In addition, Flagler Beach has a unique shopping area with local arts and crafts vendors offering handmade souvenirs to take home.
5. Ormond Beach
The beach is also popular for surfing, fishing, and dolphin watching!
Are you yearning for a sleepy, rural feel? Ormond Beach is the perfect getaway for you- located just north of Daytona Beach’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy the blissful small-town atmosphere that will make your trip worthwhile!
Make the most of your Atlantic Oceanfront experience with a variety of exciting water activities! Search for shells, cruise along on a kayak or paddleboard, surf through waves – you name it. You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time at Tomoka River.
6. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is located about two hours away from Orlando, making it a great option for a fun weekend getaway. It’s one of the best beaches in Central Florida and probably the whole state! It offers not just beach activities, but also attractions like an aquarium, waterpark, and pier.
Clearwater Beach is known for its soft white sand and beautiful turquoise waters, and it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs to enjoy.
For your next family beach adventure, add Clearwater Beach to the list! With its gentle surf and calm waters, it is one of the safest beaches for little ones.
With its dedicated lifeguard and a 300-foot wide swimming area, you can rest assured that the coast is clear – no kayaks or surfboards to worry about!
7. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is located two hours away from Orlando and features miles of white sandy beaches. It’s a popular spot for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and fishing. The beach is also home to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, a historic oceanfront promenade with shops.
Daytona Beach is known for the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts NASCAR races. It’s also home to the Daytona 500 Experience, an interactive museum that celebrates racing history.
8. St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is two and a half hours away from Orlando, making it the closest beach to the city. It’s known for its pristine sandy beaches, historical attractions, and unique shops. It’s a great place to spend a day or weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Nearby, you can visit the beautiful Anastasia State Park and the iconic Castillo de San Marcos fort. St. Augustine Beach also offers many activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
St. Augustine Beach is also home to several restaurants and bars, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the views.
9. Satellite Beach
Satellite Beach is located two and a half hours away from Orlando. It features miles of white sandy beaches with plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and bird watching. Visitors can also explore the nearby parks for a picnic or take a stroll along the beachfront.
Satellite Beach is home to the unparalleled Canova Beach Park, and its 10 acres of shoreline are simply perfect for your pup. Leash up your furry friend and take them out for a day filled with sand, sun, and oceanfront views – there aren’t many dog-friendly beaches like this one near Orlando!
Related: How to Spend One Day in Orlando: Itinerary from a Local
10. Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is located about two and a half hours away from Orlando. It’s known for its pristine white sand beaches, vibrant wildlife, and access to the Indian River Lagoon.
It’s a great spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and even wild dolphin spotting.
Visitors can also explore the historic Sebastian Inlet State Park and take in spectacular views of the ocean!
11. St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is located two hours and forty minutes from Orlando, and it’s known for its picturesque white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to relax in the sunshine or explore some beachside restaurants and bars.
Embark on a journey to Fort De Soto Park and experience an unforgettable camping or kayaking adventure! This remarkable destination is the perfect spot for outdoor lovers looking for fun in the sun.
There is also the Shell Key Preserve which is a remarkable barrier island. With miles of white beaches and a plethora of wildlife, it is the ideal spot for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Whether you are looking for an escape from the city or a place to relax with friends, these closest beaches to Orlando offer something for everyone. With miles of pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and various activities, there is something to do for the whole family!
12. Jensen Beach
Jensen Beach is located two and a half hours away from Orlando and it’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters. It’s great for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and plenty of restaurants and bars to explore.
Jensen Beach is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and relax in tranquil surroundings! The nearby Hutchinson Island is a great spot to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
You can also take a short drive to the Everglades National Park and experience the unique beauty of this breathtaking region!
