Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida
Are you looking for the best beaches near Orlando, Florida?
Orlando is one of the most visited destinations in the US, being home to popular theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. But Orlando is not actually located on the beach.
It’s in central Florida, meaning you’ll have to drive a little if you want to have a day at the beach! Since Florida is renowned for its amazing beaches, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip to the beach during your time in Orlando, or adding on several days at the beach to relax after your trip to Orlando.
Below I’ve rounded up the best beaches near Orlando.
You have two options when it comes to beaches near Orlando: East Coast or West Coast. The beaches on the eastern coast of Florida are significantly closer to Orlando, while the beaches on the western coast of Florida definitely have an edge when it comes to beauty (although all of these beaches are very nice!)
It depends on whether you’d prefer a short drive for a great beach, or a longer drive for a really great beach. I’ll start with the East Coach beaches, then highlight some West Coast beaches.
Here’s a look at the best beaches near Orlando, Florida
1. Cocoa Beach
Distance: 59.5 miles
Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando which makes it perfect for a quick beach getaway. It’s located just over an hour from Orlando by car, making it one of the most convenient beaches on this list.
I like this beach because it has a cool, laidback vibe. The beach itself is niche, it’s popular with surfers, and it’s in a little beach town with lots of restaurants, shops, and bars. Cocoa Beach is also on the so-called “Space Coast” of Florida less than 30 minutes from Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.
Visiting the Kennedy Space Center is another cool activity you can do and a popular outing from Orlando. You can visit Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center on a day trip, or stay for a few days.
Where to stay in Cocoa Beach:
- Beachside Hotel and Suites: Colorful hotel steps away from the beach
- Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront: Modern hotel with private beach access
2. New Smyrna Beach
Distance: 58.5 miles
Another great beach near Orlando is New Smyrna Beach. It’s also just over an hour from Orlando, making it a good beach to visit for a day trip or a fun place to stay for a couple of days for a beach vacation.
The town of New Smyrna Beach is really cute and there are lots of restaurants, shops, and bars. The beach is really pretty, with white sand and clear blue waves. I highly recommend visiting Smyrna Dunes Park, where you can see beautiful unspoiled coastline and sand dunes and walk out on a really long pier.
Another one of the highlights of New Smyrna Beach is Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. This is Florida’s oldest lighthouse dating back to 1835 and it’s definitely worth a visit to check it out.
Where to stay in New Smyrna Beach:
- The Riverview Hotel: Charming hotel in town and just minutes from the beach
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach: Great beachfront hotel
3. Daytona Beach
Distance: 57.5 miles
Another one of the beaches nearest to Orlando is Daytona Beach. This beach town is also just over an hour away from Orlando. The vibe of Daytona Beach is not going to be for everyone though.
I don’t want to call it “tacky” but… well… it kind of is. The town itself isn’t super charming, but it’s very lively. Daytona Beach is a very popular destination for spring break and known as a party destination. It can also be family-friendly, though, and there’s a big amusement park on the Daytona Boardwalk.
Another place of interest is the Daytona International Speedway, the location of the famous Daytona 500 car race every year. If you’re interested in NASCAR, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Where to stay in Daytona Beach:
- Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort: Sleek hotel right on the beach
- Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach: Oceanfront hotel with a fun rock music theme
4. Melbourne Beach
Distance: 76 miles
One more beach on the eastern side of Florida is Melbourne Beach. This is one of the best beaches near Orlando, although it’s a little further away at about a one hour and 15 minute drive.
I’m of the opinion that as you go further south down the eastern side of Florida, the beaches get better and the water gets prettier and turns a lighter shade of blue-green. So it could be worth driving a bit more to visit Melbourne Beach if you want to enjoy a beautiful white sand beach with clear waters.
This is a pretty chill and laidback beach, making it ideal if you’re looking to enjoy some beach and quiet. If you’re looking for things to do nearby, the Brevard Zoo is less than 30 minutes away.
Where to stay in Melbourne Beach:
- SeaGlass Inn Bed and Breakfast: Charming B&B steps away from the beach
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront: Suite-style hotel right on the beach
5. Clearwater Beach
Distance: 108 miles
Moving over to the west side of Florida, Clearwater Beach is further from Orlando than any of the East Coast beaches are, but it’s worth the additional driving time to reach this beautiful beach.
You can get to Clearwater Beach in about two hours from Orlando. The beach itself is gorgeous with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s popular for jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddle boarding.
The town of Clearwater Beach is also lively. There’s a beachfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and bars, and Pier 60 comes alive every evening at sunset. There are also lots of things to do nearby like visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It’s a great destination for families or adults.
Where to stay in Clearwater Beach:
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach: Amazing beachfront hotel
- JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa: Luxury oceanfront resort
6. St. Pete Beach
Distance: 113 miles
St. Pete Beach is another one of the beaches near Orlando. Like Clearwater Beach, it’s a little over two hours from Orlando, but again, it’s the worth the drive if you want to have an amazing beach vacation.
Located west of the city of St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach is a great destination if you want to combine beaches and arts and culture. The beaches here are incredible, with crystal-clear water and white sandy shores. There are also lots of cool restaurants, galleries, and boutiques to check out in St. Pete Beach.
You can also drive 15 minutes to St. Petersburg, which is a major hub for the arts. Here, you can visit the famous Dalí Museum (which boasts the largest collection of Dalí works in the world), see the colorful glassworks at the Chihuly Collection, and discover the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts.
Where to stay in St. Pete Beach:
- The Don CeSar: Iconic pink hotel that opened in 1928 in St. Pete Beach
- Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach: Nice, more affordable hotel right on the beach
7. Siesta Key Beach
Distance: 138 miles
Finally, one of the best beaches near Orlando is Siesta Key Beach. This is the furthest beach on this list, so I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip, but it’s great for a longer beach getaway.
You can get to Siesta Key Beach in about two hours and 20 minutes from Orlando. It’s a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, and it’s known for its great beaches and relaxed, tranquil atmosphere.
Siesta Key has its own town center with restaurants, shops, and bars, or you can drive 15 minutes to be in Sarasota, where there’s even more to do. Some of the top things to do in Sarasota include visiting the Ringling Museum of Art, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens Zoo.
Where to stay in Siesta Key Beach:
- Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites: Hotel steps away from the beach
- Tropical Breeze Resort: Charming villa-style hotel very close to the beach
Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida
This guide showed you the best beaches near Orlando, Florida.
My top picks would be Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna Beach. Both of these beaches are just over an hour from Orlando and are perfect for a day trip or a longer beach getaway. If you want to venture further to the western side of Florida, I would recommend Clearwater Beach for one of the most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy your trip to Florida!
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