15 Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida 2022
When you think of Orlando, the first thing that comes to mind is “theme park.” There are plenty of options for fun-filled days, from the popular Disney parks to the many worlds of Universal Studios and beyond.
But you can also spend your trip in the sun on the many surrounding ocean and lake beaches. Take a break from the amusement parks and visit some of the best beaches near Orlando, FL.
Contents
- 1. Cocoa Beach
- 2. Clearwater Beach
- 3. Daytona Beach
- 4. New Smyrna Beach
- 5. Canaveral National Seashore
- 6. Satellite Beach
- 7. Ponce Inlet
- 8. Indialantic
- 9. Melbourne Beach
- 10. Flagler Beach
- 11. Ormond Beach
- 12. Sebastian Inlet State Park
- 13. Vero Beach
- 14. Caladesi Island State Park
- 15. Soto Fort
1. Cocoa Beach
N Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 868-3252
Cocoa Beach, in Brevard County, is an hour’s drive from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
If you fancy a quick beach getaway from Orlando, the beaches of Cocoa Beach are perfect. There are four parks in the city with acres of beautiful oceanfront beaches that you are sure to love.
Sidney Fisher Park has a picnic pavilion and play area near the waters and sandy shores if you’re with kids.
What is our advice about this beach?
Cocoa Beach’s four parks offer stunning ocean views, so choose based on what interests you most. Alan Shepard Park is close to shopping, while Lori Wilson Park has a dog park.
Recommended hotel near Cocoa Beach: Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
2. Clearwater Beach
Gulf of Mexico Tour
Longboat Key, FL 33767
(727) 464-7200
Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County is an hour and 46-minute drive from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
If you’re going on an ocean excursion with young children, add Clearwater Beach to your pick for the safest beach for kids.
It has a full-time lifeguard and a clear swimming area (about 300 feet wide), so you won’t worry about getting mowed down by kayaks or surfboards.
What is our advice about this beach?
As its name suggests, this beach has clean, clear waters that you and your young children will enjoy wading through. And if you prefer to stay dry? The beach has vast shores of white sand for you to play on.
Recommended Hotel Near Clearwater Edge Beach Hotel Clearwater Beach
3. Daytona Beach
N Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
(386) 255-0415
Daytona Beach, on the Atlantic Coast, is an hour from Orlando. In addition to car racing, this city has one of the most beautiful beaches.
Why do we recommend this beach?
There are tons of fun things to do in Daytona Beach. Sure, you can do the usual, swimming in the water and lounging on the sand, but you can also do more.
This beach has a boardwalk lined with quirky shops, bars, and arcades. When you want to rest from the salty sea, you have to look around, and you will find something else to do.
What is our advice about this beach?
Daytona Beach is known for hosting concerts on the sea from May through September. If you go then, take the opportunity to see some artists. You may even witness fireworks.
Recommended hotel near Daytona Beach: Plaza Resort & Spa – Daytona Beach
4. New Smyrna Beach
S Atlantic Avenue and 4th Avenue E
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
(386) 424-2175
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New Smyrna Beach, in Volusia County, is a 58-minute drive from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
When it comes to the best beach for swimming, New Smyrna Beach is a formidable contender. It has shallow waters that even the most novice swimmers can enjoy. It has expansive dunes that you will love to explore and play on.
You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards while you’re here.
What is our advice about this beach?
New Smyrna Beach is also a prime spot for dolphin and manatee spotting, so keep an eye out for it. It’s also good to watch sharks (don’t worry, they’re not killer sharks; this isn’t JAWS).
Recommended hotel near New Smyrna Beach: Islander Beach Resort – New Smyrna Beach
Canaveral National Seashore
S Washington Avenue
Titusville, FL 32796
(321) 267-1110
Canaveral National Seashore is a barrier island in Titusville. It’s about 55 minutes from Orlando, making it the closest beach spot on this list.
As for beautiful beaches, this island has some of the most impressive in Florida.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Experience the pristine, undeveloped beauty of Florida’s coastline when you visit Canaveral National Seashore. It will seem to you that the sandy coast stretches on forever.
While you’re here, you can go swimming, surfing, kayaking, and boating. You can even try backcountry camping if you feel like it.
What is our advice about this beach?
A viral beach activity in the park is watching the rocket launches performed by the Kennedy Space Center. So be sure to check their calendar to see if any coincide with your trip.
Recommended hotel near Canaveral National Seashore: Best Western Edgewater Inn
6. Satellite Beach
Florida A1A and Park Avenue
Satellite Beach, FL 32937
(321) 773-6458
Satellite Beach is 1 hour and 6 minutes from Orlando by car. It’s easy to schedule weekend beach trips from Orlando to this seaside city.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Located on a barrier island, the small seaside community of Satellite Beach is picturesque. You’ll have spectacular views of the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean when you’re here.
While you can swim and surf in its waters, you can also spend the day playing in the area’s playground and beach volleyball courts.
What is our advice about this beach?
There aren’t many beaches in and around Orlando that are as dog-friendly as the one you’ll find at Satellite Beach. The Canova Beach Park has 10 hectares facing the sea where your dog on a leash can enjoy splashing around with you.
Recommended hotel near Satellite Beach: Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
Ponce Inlet
5000 S Atlantic Avenue
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
(386) 236-2150
Ponce Inlet, in Volusia County, is an hour and 10 minutes from Orlando. It is located south of Daytona Beach.
Why do we recommend this beach?
If you are looking for tranquility and a small-town atmosphere, Ponce Inlet can offer you the best beach vacation from Orlando.
Ponce Inlet has picturesque beaches that are great for walking and jogging. You can also go shell hunting when you are here.
What is our advice about this beach?
One of the city’s best-known attractions is the Ponce de León Lighthouse. It’s the tallest lighthouse in the state, at 175 feet, and you can climb its 203 steps if you want.
Recommended hotel near Ponce Inlet: Atlantic Terrace by Capital Vacations
Indialantic
Wave Crest Avenue and 5th Avenue
Indialantic, FL 32903
(321) 723-2242
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The town of Indialantic, in Brevard County, is an hour and 14-minute drive from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Swimming and wading in the waters at Indialantic Beach are enjoyable, but that’s not all there is to do here. Small children can play in the playground. They can even watch a game of beach volleyball at the stadium.
Or you can try to spot sea turtles while you’re here.
What is our advice about this beach?
You should also visit the Indialantic Promenade when you are in the area. It offers incredible views of the beach while ensuring you don’t get wet.
Recommended hotel near Indialantic: Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
9. Melbourne Beach
Atlantic Street, 2847983
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
(321) 724-5860
Melbourne Beach, in Brevard County, is an hour and 17 minutes from Orlando. It is next to Indialantic city.
Why do we recommend this beach?
When you’re in the area, you can go to two beach towns at once. Melbourne Beach Boardwalk is just a 30-minute walk (5-minute drive) from Indialantic Beach.
As one of the favorite beaches in the state, Melbourne Beach is visited by many tourists and locals. So you will feel the social atmosphere while surfing and relaxing under your umbrella.
What is our advice about this beach?
Be sure to visit the historic Melbourne Beach Pier when you’re around. It’s a great place to fish or wait for the sunset (or sunrise).
Recommended hotel near Melbourne Beach: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
Flagler Beach
S Ocean Shore Boulevard
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
(386) 517-2000
Flagler Beach is an oceanfront city that is one hour and 11 minutes from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
The tan sands of Flagler Beach are a big draw for most visitors. You can choose between lounging on the beautiful sand or taking your chances with the waves. Flagler Beach is also an excellent place for surfing and swimming.
What is our advice about this beach?
If you don’t feel like getting wet, you can always spend the day fishing at Flagler Beach. Hang out in the surf, grab a seat on the dock, or even take a boat ride.
Recommended Hotel Near Flagler Beach: Flagler Beach Motel and Vacation Rentals
Ormond Beach
215 Seminole Avenue
Ormond Beach, FL 32176
(386) 677-0311
Ormond Beach, in Volusia County, is a 1-hour, 3-minute drive from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Do you want to experience that quiet, small-town atmosphere? You can always go to Ormond Beach, just north of the ever-popular Daytona Beach.
Still, overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and with the Tomoka River on the other side, you can do plenty of water activities here. From shell hunting to surfing, you’re sure to have a lot of fun.
What is our advice about this beach?
While you’re here, visit Tomoka State Park, which is along the river. You can spend the day sailing, fishing, and rowing. Or you can choose to hike or bike along the trails in the area.
Recommended hotel near Ormond Beach: Chateau Mar Beach Resort
Sebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South Highway A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
(321) 984-4852
Sebastian Inlet State Park is an hour and 36 minutes from Orlando. It is close to Melbourne Beach and Vero Beach.
Why do we recommend this beach?
In addition to strolling along the beautiful undeveloped beaches of the park, you can do a lot of water activities. You can go swimming, snorkeling, and diving at night under the clear waters.
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You can even go paddle boarding and surfing for the more active enthusiasts.
What is our advice about this beach?
If you want to relax during your visit, you can search for shells, watch birds or enjoy fishing on the beach. You can also choose to go hiking or camping in the park’s surroundings.
Recommended hotel near Sebastian Inlet State Park The Inn at Capt. Hiram’s
13. Vero Beach
Ocean Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 978-5151
Vero Beach is a coastal city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, an hour and 47 minutes from Orlando by car.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Many beaches and parks in Vero Beach offer stunning views of the waters when you’re in the area.
You can swim, snorkel, and even scuba diving, depending on the beach you choose. Some beaches are better for surfing than others.
What is our advice about this beach?
Some of Vero Beach’s beaches are favorite haunts of sea turtles. Don’t be surprised if you see turtles nesting or some swimming in the waters during your visit.
Recommended hotel near Vero Beach: Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Caladesi Island State Park
1 Causeway Boulevard
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 469-5918
Caladesi State Park is a 1-hour, 54-minute drive from Orlando. It is close to the city of Clearwater and just off the Gulf Coast.
Why do we recommend this beach?
The pristine beaches of Caladesi Island are reason enough to visit. Nature lovers can enjoy strolling through the dunes, standing under the trees, and watching for shorebirds and sea turtles.
What is our advice about this beach?
If you’re feeling more adventurous and feel like getting a little exercise, you can always take the kayak tours through the park’s mangroves.
Recommended hotel near Caladesi Island State Park Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Soto Fort
3500 Pinellas Bayway S
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
(727) 582-2267
Fort de Soto, in Pinellas County, sits on five different keys connected by a bridge. It is one hour and 52 minutes from Orlando.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Some of the best beaches near Orlando, FL, are found on the Fort de Soto Park islands. Enjoy different views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay when you’re here.
You can go swimming with your dogs off-leash, enjoy paddling and looking for turtles, and have fun splashing around in the tide pools.
What is our advice about this beach?
There are many other things to experience in Parque del Fuerte de Soto. History buffs will love going to the historic fort and museum. Active people will enjoy biking, rollerblading, or hiking nature trails. You can even try camping by the sea if you’re feeling adventurous.
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