When you think of Orlando, what comes to mind might be iconic theme parks, renowned dining and vibrant nightlife. However, what many people may not know is that Orlando is also conveniently located near numerous stunning beaches.
While the city itself isn’t directly located on the water, sun, sand and surf are just a short drive away. Best yet, you can visit beaches year-round with ideal activities for both young and old.
Depending on what kind of beach experience you are looking for, you can find a variety of beaches with different features, such as white sand, blue-green waters and fun water activities. We’ve put together a look at ten of the best beaches near Orlando, where you can soak up the best of Florida’s waters.
#1: Canaveral National Seashore
- Address: Apollo Beach Visitor Center, 7611 Atlantic Ave S, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Distance from Orlando: 66 miles - approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Parking: Numerous options throughout the park
When the hustle and bustle of the big city leave you craving peace and tranquility, it’s hard to beat Canaveral National Seashore. This pristine barrier island features sand dunes, lagoon habitats and expansive amounts of open beachline. The park serves as a sanctuary for thousands of species of plants and animals. You can spend the day hiking, fishing, boating and relaxing on the sand. It’s also the perfect location for watching scheduled rocket launches.
#2: Cocoa Beach
- Address: 2200 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- Distance from Orlando: 57 miles - approximately 1 hour
- Parking: Sidney Fischer Park
One of the closest beaches in the area to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for families. Sidney Fischer Park offers beachfront access as well as picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, showers and ample parking space. As an added bonus, you can easily rent umbrellas and chairs from the park.
#3: New Smyrna Beach
- Address: 1100 N Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Distance from Orlando: 58 miles - approximately 1 hour
- Parking: Grayce K. Barck North Beach Community Park
Picture 17 miles of pristine white sand beaches, and you’ll have a vision of New Smyrna Beach. This beach is also a highly rated surfing spot. Stroll the seaside boardwalk, rent a bike to ride the trails or head deep into the waters for a dive into the area’s many wrecks. Bring your four-legged family member along and visit the dog beach located on the north side of the jetty. At sunset, it’s not unusual to see dolphins swimming by, so plan for an evening relaxing on the miles of shoreline.
#4: Daytona Beach
- Address: 838 E International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
- Distance from Orlando: 57 miles - approximately 1 hour
- Parking: World’s Most Famous Beach Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach features an expansive shoreline — over 500 feet wide at low tide — with plenty of room to spread out and soak up the warm Florida sun. Part of the appeal of Daytona Beach is the beach’s close proximity to entertainment, fun and food. It’s the perfect family escape with snack stands located directly on the beach and tons of shopping and activities only steps away from the waters.
#5: Anastasia Beach
- Address: 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Distance from Orlando: 107 miles - approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Parking: Anastasia State Park-Parking Lot
Anastasia State Park boasts more than 1,6000 acres of untouched beaches, tidal marshes, and sand dunes. This park is the perfect tranquil escape for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature. Located within the park, Anastaisa Watersports makes it easy to rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, bicycles and even sailboats. After a day in the park, be sure to pop into the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for an unrivaled view.
#6: St. Pete Beach
- Address: 4700 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
- Distance from Orlando: 114 miles - approximately 2 hours
- Parking: St. Pete Beach Access
Head away from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico for a picture-perfect day at the beach. St. Pete Beach is well worth the drive with its sugary white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. This is a great beach for the whole family as the water remains much calmer than the Atlantic. Enjoy the old-Florida charm of the town and immerse yourself in the slower pace of St. Pete.
#7: Indialantic Beach
- Address: 201 N Miramar Ave, Indialantic, FL 32903
- Distance from Orlando: 74 miles - approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Parking: James H. Nance Park
While much of the Atlantic side of Florida features modern, bustling cities, Indianlantic Beach provides a more laid-back vibe. For years, this beach has been a popular surfing destination as well as a playground for families. From March to October, there is perhaps no better place to view sea turtles as they hatch and head out to sea. The seaside park also boasts ample amenities, such as beach volleyball, an adaptive playground, bathrooms and a boardwalk.
#8: Sebastian Inlet State Park
- Address: 9700 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach FL 32951
- Distance from Orlando: 91 miles - approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Parking: Sebastian Inlet State Park
Surfers from around the globe head to this beach to enjoy one of the most consistent surf breaks on the east coast. For those who are seeking calmer activities, the area is also perfect for bicycling, birding, hiking, boating, fishing, paddling, snorkeling and shelling.
#9: Satellite Beach
- Address: 1525 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
- Distance from Orlando: 67 miles - approximately 1 hour 6 minutes
- Parking: Pelican Beach Park
Satellite beach, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Indian River on the west feels as if you’ve escaped to island living. Two overlapping climate zones — temperate and tropical — make the weather here idyllic year-round. Pelican Beach Park is a great place to set up for the day with grills and pavilions ready for your lunch.
#10: Ponce Inlet
- Address: 5000 S Atlantic Ave, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
- Distance from Orlando: 65 miles - approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Parking: Ponce Inlet Park
Ponce Inlet offers a little bit of everything. When the weather is right, surfing is spectacular. The area is known for some of the best sunrises and sunsets, along with hundreds of plant and animal species. Beachgoers even have the opportunity to drive down the wide hard-packed sands. Feel free to bring along your pup for a seaside adventure at the Ponce Inlet Dog Beach. One of the most iconic features of Ponce Inlet Park is the lighthouse. Climb 203 steps to the top and explore the nearby marine science center.
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