The Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida

Stretching a whopping 23mi (37km), Daytona Beach isn’t dubbed the world’s most famous beach for nothing. While you’ll want to avoid college students wreaking havoc on spring break, the atmosphere is lively year-round and there’s also a vast boardwalk with views, an arcade and all sorts of amusements for kids. It’s also a great place for car lovers who come to catch the world-famous annual Nascar race.

One of Florida’s best-kept secrets, a 7mi (11km) strip of white sand lines Anna Maria Island – a barrier island between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida. With water that’s warm for most of the year and ultra-fine sand, beach conditions don’t get much better. Keep in mind it’s a two-hour drive from Orlando, so be sure to leave early so you can really make a day of it, but stay for the sunset – it’s easily one of the best in the area.

The secret’s in the name here – this little slice of heaven boasts some of the clearest waters around thanks to its lovely location on the Gulf of Mexico. Two hours by car from Orlando, you’ll arrive at sugar-white sands that are soft enough to laze on for hours. But if you fancy an action-packed escape, there’s watersports, snorkeling, parasailing and jet-skiing on offer, too. The downside of great beauty is that it comes with great crowds, however, so if you don’t arrive early, parking can be a challenge.

From swimming and kayaking to paddle-surfing and boogie-boarding, there’s plenty to keep visitors of all ages busy at St Pete Beach. What’s more, as it’s actually located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, it offers great views of the sunrise and sunset each night. If you get tired of lazing about on its super soft sands, its historic pink palace, the Loews Don Ce Sar Hotel, is a lovely spot to soak up a nostalgic, Gatsby-like atmosphere with a cocktail in hand.

A lazy resort town distinguished by its posh downtown, quaint local cafés and the vast amount of sea turtle nests that pop up every summer along the shores and sand dunes, it will take just under two hours to reach this southeastern coastal gem. And there’s no doubt it’ll be worth it. It’s home to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort where kids can head for singalongs, campfires and a surf school; kayaking trips on the Indian River Lagoon also come highly recommended. Need somewhere to stay? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Vero Beach for every traveler.

The nation’s oldest city was the first permanent settlement in the United States, established back in 1565. Yes, St Augustine is steeped in history, yet these days most visitors come for St Augustine Beach, where bodyboarding, bike-riding and fishing are all popular activities. If there’s time, climb to the top of the St Augustine Lighthouse – 219 steps up – for panoramic views of the city and the ocean beyond.

A mere 61mi (98km) northeast of Orlando, Ormond Beach is home to John D Rockefeller’s former beach house. Due to its rustic nature, the sand here can be quite coarse, but not to worry – there’s plenty of fun to be had on the water, while the picturesque town, peppered with historical landmarks, dreamy homes and immaculate gardens, is definitely worth a wander. For the best local restaurants, your best bet is to start on Granada Boulevard, where you’re sure to find something to suit.

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, Melbourne Beach is one of the least crowded strips of sand near Orlando, making it ideal for a day of reflection. Take a stroll along the beautiful wooden pier – which acts as an optimal fishing spot, too – or simply take a good book and sprawl out by the ocean to enjoy some alone time. As for the water, it’s crystal-clear and you might even be lucky enough to spot a stingray or manatee.

Those used to traveling with dogs know how tricky it can be to find pet-friendly beaches. Luckily for you, the clear blue waters of Fort De Soto Park and Dog Park welcome you both with open arms so your canine companion can frolic along the powdery white sands and enjoy the experience as much as you. The dedicated dog-friendly zones where you can let them off leash are extensive, clean and safe. Overall, it’s a great place to chill with your four-legged friend, play some fetch and perhaps even chat with other hound-loving humans.

The closest beach to Orlando at just a 45-minute drive from downtown, Cocoa Beach is a surfer’s paradise. Not only was it once home to Kelly Slater – the most successful professional surfer of all time – it has epic waves and is the international headquarters for Ron Jon Surf Shop, whose flagship store is the world’s largest surf shop, at 52,000sqft (4,830sqm). Riding the waves not your thing? There are bikes and boogie boards to rent, sandcastles to build and the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier complete with shops, live music, restaurants and spectacular views.

It’s impossible not to feel relaxed at Madeira Beach. Wander across the sand, gaze over the bay from the pier with an ice cream in hand and perhaps take a dip in the calm, brilliantly blue sea, where all will seem right with the world. A 1.5hr drive from Orlando, it’s a little less busy than other options – but well worth it for the relative quiet, as well as opportunities to spot dolphins, whales and stingrays. Take a wildlife tour, or simply enjoy watching their silhouettes in the distance. You can hire boats and jet skis from the businesses in John’s Pass, the boardwalk area opposite the beach, where you’ll also find an attractive range of boutiques and dining options.

Occupying 17mi (27km) of Florida’s Atlantic coast, New Smyrna Beach is known as the locals’ beach for many Orlandoans, who flock here for killer waves and super-smooth sands. Bordered by an adorable beach town, pop into the charming center of New Smyrna for kitsch boutiques and healthy food in a laid-back setting before making the short one-hour drive back to Orlando.