Best Beaches Near OrlandoFlorida
Are you looking for the best beaches near OrlandoFlorida?
Orlando is one of the most visited destinations in the USbeing 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 Floridameaning you’ll have to drive a little if you want to have a day at the beach! Since Florida is renowned for its amazing beachesit’s definitely worth taking a day trip to the beach during your time in Orlandoor 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 Orlandowhile 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 beachor a longer drive for a really great beach. I’ll start with the East Coach beachesthen highlight some West Coast beaches.
Here’s a look at the best beaches near OrlandoFlorida
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 carmaking it one of the most convenient beaches on this list.
I like this beach because it has a coollaidback vibe. The beach itself is nicheit’s popular with surfersand it’s in a little beach town with lots of restaurantsshopsand 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 tripor 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 Orlandomaking 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 restaurantsshopsand bars. The beach is really prettywith white sand and clear blue waves. I highly recommend visiting Smyrna Dunes Parkwhere 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 everyonethough.
I don’t want to call it “tacky” but… well… it kind of is. The town itself isn’t super charmingbut it is lively. Daytona Beach is a very popular destination for spring break and is known as a party destination. It can also be family-friendlythoughand there’s a big amusement park on the Daytona Boardwalk.
Another place of interest is the Daytona International Speedwaythe location of the famous Daytona 500 car race every year. If you’re interested in NASCARthis could definitely be 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 Orlandoalthough 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 Floridathe 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 beachmaking it ideal if you’re looking to enjoy some beach and quiet. If you’re looking for things to do nearbythe 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- hotel right on the beach
5. Clearwater Beach
Distance: 108 miles
Moving over to the west side of FloridaClearwater Beach is further from Orlando than any of the East Coast beaches arebut 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-skiingparasailingand paddle boarding.
The town of Clearwater Beach is also lively. There’s a beachfront promenade lined with restaurantsshopsand barsand 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 Beachit’s a little over two hours from Orlandobut againit’s the worth the drive if you want to have an amazing beach vacation.
Located west of the city of St. PetersburgSt. Pete Beach is a great destination if you want to combine beaches and arts and culture. The beaches here are incrediblewith crystal-clear water and white sandy shores. There are also lots of cool restaurantsgalleriesand boutiques to check out in St. Pete Beach.
You can also drive 15 minutes to St. Petersburgwhich is a major hub for the arts. Hereyou can visit the famous Dalí Museum (which boasts the largest collection of Dalí works in the world)see the colorful glassworks at the Chihuly Collectionand 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: Nicemore affordable hotel right on the beach
7. Siesta Key Beach
Distance: 138 miles
Finallyone of the best beaches near Orlando is Siesta Key Beach. This is the furthest beach on this listso I wouldn’t recommend it for a day tripbut 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 Sarasotaand it’s known for its great beaches and relaxedtranquil atmosphere.
Siesta Key has its own town center with restaurantsshopsand barsor you can drive 15 minutes to be in Sarasotawhere there’s even more to do. Some of the top things to do in Sarasota include visiting the Ringling Museum of Artthe Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquariumand 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- hotel very close to the beach
Best Beaches Near OrlandoFlorida
This guide showed you the best beaches near OrlandoFlorida.
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 FloridaI would recommend Clearwater Beach for one of the most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy your trip to Florida!
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