Orlando has some amazing beaches just 90 minutes away from the city, which comes as a surprise to some first timers who don’t associate Orlando with a day at the coast. But in fact, you can reach the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean in well under two hours so the options of where to enjoy the sun, sea and sand are plentiful.
Soaking up the Floridian sunshine while lounging on the beach or strolling on the boardwalk are highly enjoyable alternatives to the attractions and amusements found in Orlando so take a look at what we consider to be the best beaches in the Orlando area of Central Florida. Whether you are looking for miles of soft, secluded sand, big waves and beach breaks or a quaint seaside town with cafes and games arcades we have the right beach town or coastal region for you.
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Cocoa Beach
1 hour from Orlando
Cocoa Beach is located on the east coast of Florida, Just a 45 minute drive from Downtown Orlando. The beach is famous for its surf, laidback lifestyle and beautiful natural landscape. There are stunning (albeit inconsistent) waves to ride, and if you want to try surfing for the first time you can take surf lessons. Cocoa Beach was home to Kelly Slater, the world’s most successful surfer ever, so it is a great place to pick up a board and ride the waves. The well-maintained shores around Cocoa Beach are wonderful for relaxing as well as taking nature walks around the coastline. This quintessential beach town is great for leisure time, with watersports, surfing and deep sea fishing all an option. Plus, if you want to venture slightly further you can also head to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Read More...
Clearwater Beach
hours from Orlando
The resort area on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is an immaculate white sandy beach with beautiful calm blue waters that are perfect for swimming. Clearwater Beach is a popular spot for watersports, snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing, and the beach is only two hours from downtown Orlando. Regularly rated as one of the best beaches in the United States, the climate at Clearwater Beach is mild and warm throughout the year with beautiful tropical plants and palms lining the beach – it really is a paradise for those who love sun, sea and sand. Read More...
Daytona Beach
90 minutes from Orlando
Daytona Beach is a fun and friendly seaside town in central Florida. The beach is long, with regular lifeguard stations, and a popular boardwalk. There is a lively ambiance here, particularly on weekends, with a funfair and games arcade overlooking the sand. There are a nice collection of hotels in Dayton Beach too, if you decide to spend more than one day here. Read More...
Canaveral National Seashore
1 hour from Orlando
The most secluded and pristine beach on this list is definitely the Canaveral National Seashore – a sanctuary for wildlife and humans. It is home to many endangered species, including sea turtles who come to the beach to lay their eggs. Like many ocean side cities, the area is ideal for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. They offer horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, fishing, and boating. If you enjoy hiking, there is a trail near the Visitor’s Center. Be forewarned, past the last parking lots on each end are nude beaches. Nudity is legal, and police do patrol the area. Read More...
New Smyrna Beach
1 hour from Orlando
The 13 mile stretch of white sand that makes New Smyrna Beach so wonderful is just an hour's drive from downtown Orlando on the stunning Atlantic coast. The fine sand of New Smyrna Beach is popular among surfers and sunbathers alike looking for a picture perfect day out close to downtown Orlando. Spend long sun-filled days chilling out on the beach while adventurous visitors can try their hand at surfing on the famous eastern waves, which has been credited with the title of the World's 20 Best Surf Towns by National Geographic. Quiet and residential, the town of New Smyrna also has some historic sites that should be visited during your time at the beach, including the New Smyrna Beach Sugar Mill Ruins and the historic downtown region with its quaint cafes and restaurants. Read More...
