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While Orlando’s theme parks steal the spotlight, the best beaches near Orlando are just a short drive away, offering a perfect escape from the city buzz. Every coastal location, from the lively waves of Cocoa Beach to the gentle waters of Clearwater Beach, has its own charm. Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy water sports, or take in beautiful sunsets, these beaches complement your Orlando adventure with a touch of Florida’s natural beauty. Let’s tour the best beaches to make your theme park visit a whole Florida adventure.
Top 10 Beaches Near Orlando
Looking for the perfect coastal escape? Here are the top 10 beaches near Orlando, each just a short drive from the city centre:
1. Clearwater Beach
Photo: Clearwater Beach, Florida / Wikimedia Commons
Clearwater Beach offers crystal-clear waters and powder-soft sand and is among the most popular beaches near Orlando, which is two hours away. Families with small children and casual swimmers would find ideal conditions in the calm Gulf waters. Along the shores, palm trees provide great areas for picnics and relaxation. The beach earned a reputation for its stunning sunsets, which brilliantly light the sky every evening. Particularly during sunset celebrations, street performers and artists add to the lively atmosphere at Pier 60. Local restaurants sell fresh seafood directly on the shore, making it a popular day-trip destination.
Things To Do: Enjoy sunset at Pier 60 and play beach volleyball
Location: Gulf Coast of Florida
How To Reach: Take a bus approximately 2 hours from Orlando
2. Satellite Beach
Photo: njbateman526 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Satellite Beach provides a quiet coastal haven and is considered one of the family-friendly beaches close to Orlando with a little over an hour’s trip. The beach has consistent waves, which are ideal for surfing and swimming. Multiple access points guarantee that you may have easy access to the beach. Pelican Beach Park access point provides excellent facilities for families, while Hightower Beach Park access point offers a more natural setting. Sea turtles nest here during the summer months, adding to the beach’s natural charm. Local parks with playgrounds and picnic spots are perfect for day outings with kids.
Things To Do: Enjoy surfing and bodyboarding, watch sea turtles and visit Pelican Beach Park
Location: South of Cocoa Beach
How To Reach: Take the bus from East to A1A South
3. Indialantic Beach
Photo: Walkerssk / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Indialantic beach stands out among Orlando beaches because of its easy access and clean shoreline. The beach provides excellent conditions for swimming and surfing opportunities. A boardwalk offers beautiful views over natural dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. The little beach town vibe helps guests to feel relaxed. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood with ocean views. Early morning hours draw locals to run along with jogging and yoga.
Things To Do: Walk the boardwalk, take surf lessons and eat at Beachfront dining
Location: Indialantic, Florida, USA
How To Reach: About 1 hour and 10 minutes from Orlando by Bus
4. St. Pete Beach
Photo: qwesy qwesy / Wikimedia Commons
St. Pete Beach provides a great Gulf Coast retreat from our list of top beaches close to Orlando. The numerous kilometres of pristine white sand create the perfect location for beach walks and sunbathing. Anyone can swim safely in clear, shallow waves. The historic Don CeSar Hotel adds a pink splash of grandeur to the shoreline. Fresh catches are served in neighbourhood restaurants and beach bars with views of the sunset. Wave runners and paddle boards are available for rent along the beach. The laid-back atmosphere draws both families and couples looking for a peaceful day by the water.
Things To Do: Visit the Don CeSar Hotel Sunset at Pass-A-Grille, shell collecting and dining beside the beach
Location: Gulf Coast of Florida
How To Reach: Approximately 2 hours from Orlando by Bus
5. Cocoa Beach
Photo: Leonard J. DeFrancisci / Wikimedia Commons
A favourite among locals and tourists alike, Cocoa Beach stands out as one of the best beaches near Orlando, just 45 minutes from downtown. The beach combines great surf conditions with natural beauty for beginners and skilled wave riders. The beachfront stretches for miles, providing enough room for sunbathing, beach activities, and leisurely strolls. Fresh seafood restaurants line the coast, providing fresh fish every day. The Cocoa Beach Pier spans 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, providing amazing views and excellent fishing opportunities.
Things To Do: Take lessons on surfing, see Cocoa Beach Pier and go deep-sea fishing
Location: East Coast of Florida
How To Reach: Take (the Beachline Expressway) directly to Cocoa Beach – about 45 minutes from Orlando
6. Daytona Beach
Photo: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons
Daytona Beach is one hour from the city centre and is one of the most famous beaches close to Orlando. The beach gained fame for its Daytona 500 race, where the prestigious race in NASCAR used to be held. The bustling boardwalk is open all year and contains typical carnival games, rides, and street entertainers. Every weekend throughout the summer, the pier hosts free music and fireworks shows. The beach’s mild slope makes it suitable for swimming and bodyboarding. Morning walks reveal a peaceful side to this bustling seaside town, with fishermen casting lines and early surfers catching waves.
Things To Do: Drive on the beach, visit Daytona International Speedway and do fishing at the pier
Location: Northeast Florida coast
How To Reach: Take I-4 East to I-95 North – about 1 hour from Orlando
7. New Smyrna Beach
Photo: Lbeaumont / Wikimedia Commons
This charming coastal town offers one of the best beaches near Orlando for surf enthusiasts. This 13-mile stretch of white sand beach is just over an hour’s drive from central Orlando. While the broad beaches provide plenty of space for tanning and beach activities, consistent waves make it a popular place for surfing. With its brick-lined streets and neighbourhood businesses, the old downtown adds personality. Flagler Avenue is crowded with distinctive stores and laid-back restaurants. Summer sea turtle nesting along these coastlines adds to the natural beauty of this laid-back beach resort.
Things To Do: Take surfing lessons, do shopping on Flagler Avenue and Canal Street Historic District
Location: Central Atlantic Coast
How To Reach: Roughly 1 hour from Orlando by Bus
8. Canaveral National Seashore
Photo: Nikater / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Canaveral National Seashore is one of Orlando’s most unspoiled beaches, with 24 miles of pristine Florida coastline free of hotels and shops. You’ll see sea turtles laying eggs on the beach and birds soaring overhead. The park has a low level of visitors coming, so you’ll always have a peaceful space to yourself. The pristine waters are ideal for swimming or trying your hand at fishing. Nature trails take you through native trees and coastal plants. Without any buildings or businesses in sight, it’s an ideal escape from Orlando’s busy theme parks and streets.
Things To Do: Hike nature trails and Kayaking
Location: New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA
How To Reach: Take about 1 hour from Orlando by bus
9. Ponce Inlet
Photo: Gary J. Wood / Wikimedia Commons
Looking for a peaceful beach near Orlando that has it all? Ponce Inlet combines beautiful beaches with a slice of history. The beach’s clean sand and steady waves attract both surfers and fishermen. The area’s main attraction is Florida’s tallest lighthouse, which stands 175 feet tall. Unlike many busy beaches, there’s usually plenty of room to spread out and relax here. Local boats provide outings to see dolphins or go deep-sea fishing. In certain spots, you may even drive directly onto the beach to locate your ideal position.
Things To Do: Climb Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, visit the Marine Science Center and enjoy dolphin-watching tours
Location: South of Daytona Beach
How To Reach: Take a bus, then follow A1A South – about 75 minutes from Orlando
10. Vero Beach
Photo: Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons
Vero Beach offers a refined coastal experience among the fancy beaches close to Orlando. The gorgeous beach spans for kilometres, with soft sand and crystal blue seas. The beach town maintains strict building height limits, preserving its small-town charm. McKee Botanical Garden is nearby and provides a great relaxing point. The waves here suit both swimmers and surfers, while the beach rarely feels crowded. Local shops and art galleries line along Ocean Drive to create an elegant atmosphere. The Indian River Lagoon offers additional options for water sports and nature watching.
Things To Do: See McKee Botanical Garden and shop on Ocean Drive
Location: South of Melbourne
How To Reach: About 2 hours from Orlando by Bus
Orlando’s proximity to stunning beaches means endless options for sun and fun! These fantastic beaches near Orlando are just waiting to become a part of your Florida story. Every beach offers its own piece of heaven from family-friendly coasts to surfing spots. Let TripXL design your ideal beach vacation. We will take care of the details while you concentrate on choosing the beach to visit first.
Cover Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons
