Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida
Orlando holds its own kind of gravity: theme parks, neon signs, looping roads that always lead to somewhere loud. But less than two hours in almost any direction and the scene flips: coquina sand under your feet, the Atlantic mist in your lungs, and salt crusting around your ankles. The tension lifts. You forget to refresh your phone. You remember how to breathe. I’ve been covering Orlando area beaches for 30 years, which makes me a true local expert.
This circle of beaches near Orlando doesn’t follow a single rhythm. Some are full of people and bright umbrellas. Others feel like you discovered them by accident. I chased a little of both, the buzz of crowds and the hush of dunes, fish tacos in parking lots and thermoses tucked into my bag. Here’s what I found, an hour or two from the turnstiles, where the real magic tends to arrive without a schedule.
Which Orlando beach will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of scenery, fun, and relaxation, I have found that these destinations deliver in every way!
Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida
Daytona Beach - 1 hour
From Orlando, it was about a one-hour drive northeast to Daytona Beach, a city of around 74,000.
Daytona Beach is one of my favorite spots when I want the best mix of fun, sun, and excitement near Orlando, Florida—it’s only about an hour’s drive east, making it the perfect weekend escape.
I always feel a rush of joy when I first step onto its 23 miles of wide, golden sand, which feels both vibrant and welcoming. The waves here are awesome for surfing, and I’ve often found it to be one of the coolest places for beginners and pros alike.
What makes Daytona so unique is its iconic drive-on beach access. It’s such an unusual but exciting experience to literally park right on the sand, and it gives the whole place a lively, social energy that I really love.
I’ve had some of my most memorable family days here, especially when we brought a picnic, set up chairs, and enjoyed the affordable fun that doesn’t require much planning. There’s just something so underrated about spending an entire afternoon watching the waves roll in.
When I want more than just sand and surf, I love exploring the Daytona Beach Boardwalk with its classic arcades, cool rides, and old-school charm. It feels like a hidden gem of nostalgia.
I also find Daytona brilliant for mixing in culture—catching a concert at the Bandshell, or visiting the Daytona International Speedway nearby, turns an ordinary beach trip into an extraordinary getaway.
For me, Daytona Beach is the absolute best coastal experience near Orlando because it combines action, relaxation, and magic in one unforgettable place.
Cocoa Beach - 1 hour by car from Orlando
From Orlando, it was about a 1-hour drive east to Cocoa Beach, a city of around 12,000.
Cocoa Beach has always been one of our favorite beaches near Orlando, and since it’s just about an hour’s drive east, we find it to be the perfect weekend getaway when we need sand, surf, and sunshine.
We love how vibrant and lively the shoreline feels, with soft golden sand and gentle waves that make it ideal for families, couples, or anyone craving an easy escape. I think the atmosphere is so joyful and relaxed that it instantly puts us in vacation mode.
One of the coolest features here is the Cocoa Beach Pier, where we’ve enjoyed everything from fresh seafood to amazing views of the Atlantic—it’s a spectacular spot for photos too.
We also think Cocoa Beach is one of the absolute best surfing spots in Florida. Known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, it’s awesome to watch locals riding waves, and sometimes we even try lessons ourselves.
What I find underrated is how affordable the whole experience can be—you can simply bring a towel, grab a cool drink, and enjoy hours of fun by the water without breaking the bank.
We’ve had some of our most joyful family moments building sandcastles here, and it’s also a romantic place to watch the sunset together.
Cocoa Beach feels like a hidden gem near Orlando because it blends relaxation with exciting things to do. For me, it’s not just another beach—it’s a dream escape where every visit feels refreshing and unforgettable.
Caladesi Island State Park - 2 hours
Caladesi Island State Park is one of the most amazing hidden gems I’ve ever discovered in Florida, and it’s only a couple of hours west of Orlando near Clearwater and Dunedin.
We reached the island by ferry, and I thought that boat ride alone felt like such a cool and unusual adventure—it set the tone for a day that was both exciting and serene.
What I love most about Caladesi is its unspoiled, natural beauty. The sand is soft and white, the water is crystal-clear and calm, and the whole beach feels like a dream escape far away from the crowds.
We found the walking trails through mangroves to be an absolute best part of the experience—peaceful, shaded, and filled with interesting wildlife. I felt like we had stepped into a secret, tropical paradise.
It’s one of those underrated places where you can just relax, hear the waves, and feel like time slows down. For me, that kind of joyful simplicity is priceless.
We packed a picnic for our day there, which I thought was a brilliant idea, since the island feels so untouched. Sharing food on the beach with nothing but ocean views around us was unforgettable.
Caladesi Island is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family day trip, and it’s truly one of Florida’s most spectacular coastal treasures. Every time we go, I feel like we’ve uncovered a piece of magic.
Canaveral National Seashore - 1 hour
From Orlando, it was about a one-hour drive east to Canaveral National Seashore, a protected barrier island spanning 24 miles of pristine shoreline.
Canaveral National Seashore is one of the coolest and most underrated beaches near Orlando, sitting just about an hour’s drive east between Titusville and New Smyrna Beach.
We love how wild and unspoiled it feels here—no big hotels, no flashy boardwalks, just miles of untouched sand, dunes, and waves that make it feel like a hidden gem from another time.
I thought it was amazing to find a place this close to Orlando where we could truly disconnect and feel the raw beauty of Florida’s coast. The beaches stretch for miles, and it often feels like we have our own private paradise.
One of my favorite parts is spotting wildlife—everything from manatees and dolphins in the water to sea turtles nesting along the shore. It’s an absolute best spot for nature lovers.
We’ve had some joyful picnics here, and it always feels so exciting to explore the dunes and trails, which give you a totally unique perspective of the area.
I also love how affordable it is—just a small entry fee, and suddenly you’re in one of Florida’s most spectacular and unusual beach parks.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot to watch the sunset or a family-friendly adventure full of discovery, Canaveral National Seashore is pure magic. For us, it’s one of the most exceptional coastal escapes near Orlando.
Flagler Beach - 1.5 hours from Orlando
From Daytona Beach, it was a quick 30-minute drive north to Flagler Beach, a small city of about 5,000.
The town still feels like a 1950s beach getaway, with mom-and-pop diners and six miles of uncrowded shoreline.
Flagler Beach has become one of my favorite discoveries, sitting just about 1.5 hours northeast of Orlando along Florida’s scenic coast.
We love how laid-back and underrated it feels compared to the busier beaches—it’s a true hidden gem where the atmosphere is cool, relaxed, and welcoming.
The sand here has a unique cinnamon color, which I think makes it one of the most unusual and interesting beaches in the area. Walking barefoot along the shoreline feels magical.
I’ve found the waves to be great for both surfing and bodyboarding, and we often see locals out there making the most of it. It gives the beach such a vibrant, exciting energy.
One of the best parts for us is the Flagler Beach Pier. We love strolling along it, taking photos, and enjoying the spectacular ocean views—it’s a brilliant spot to relax and take it all in.
We’ve also had some joyful afternoons at the small, family-run restaurants right across from the beach. Fresh seafood and cool beach vibes make it feel like a dream getaway without being too crowded or touristy.
What I love most is how affordable and stress-free it is to spend the day here. It’s one of those exceptional coastal escapes where you can just be yourself and enjoy the beauty around you.
For me, Flagler Beach is an absolute best choice near Orlando if you’re craving something both relaxing and exciting in equal measure.
Melbourne - 1 hour 45 minutes
From Orlando, it was about a 1-hour 15-minute drive southeast to Melbourne, a city of around 85,000.
Melbourne, Florida, has quickly become one of our favorite coastal escapes, and since it’s only about an hour and a half from Orlando, it feels like the perfect weekend getaway.
We love how this area blends small-town charm with the vibrant energy of a true beach community—it feels both underrated and full of exciting things to discover.
The beaches here are spectacular, with wide stretches of golden sand and waves that are awesome for surfing, swimming, or just relaxing under the sun. I’ve always thought it was one of the absolute best spots on Florida’s Space Coast.
We enjoy walking along the Melbourne Beach Pier, where the views are magical at sunset, and it feels like such a romantic hidden gem.
I also love the unusual mix of activities in Melbourne—you can spend the morning by the ocean, then explore unique shops, art galleries, and cool cafés downtown. It’s a brilliant idea for anyone who loves variety in a getaway.
One of my favorite parts is the affordable, family-friendly vibe. We’ve had joyful picnics by the water and even spotted dolphins playing just offshore—it always feels like a dream moment.
For me, Melbourne is not just another beach destination. It’s an exceptional place where you can relax, explore, and create lasting memories, making it one of the coolest and most magical coastal experiences near Orlando.
Treasure Island - 2 hours
From Tampa, it was about a 40-minute drive southwest to Treasure Island, a barrier island of about 6,800 residents with a retro beach-town vibe.
Treasure Island, Florida, has always felt like one of the most magical and underrated beach escapes, and since it’s just a little over two hours from Orlando, we think it’s a brilliant idea for a weekend getaway.
We love how the beach stretches for miles with soft white sand and calm, sparkling water—it feels like the absolute best place to unwind and soak up the sun.
I’ve always thought Treasure Island has a cool mix of retro Florida charm and modern beach vibes. The old-school motels, quirky shops, and vibrant beach bars make it such an interesting and unique destination.
We especially enjoy the Treasure Island Beach Trail, a paved walkway right along the sand that’s perfect for a joyful stroll or even a romantic evening walk at sunset.
One of my favorite parts is how family-friendly and affordable it is—you can spend the whole day building sandcastles, swimming, and simply enjoying the spectacular Gulf views without spending much at all.
We’ve also had amazing evenings here watching the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange—it always feels like stepping into a dream.
For me, Treasure Island is more than just a beach. It’s an exceptional hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast where every visit feels exciting, refreshing, and unforgettable.
Clearwater Beach - 2 hours
From Tampa, it was about a 40-minute drive west to Clearwater Beach, a barrier island city of roughly 9,000 known for its sugar-white sand. We stayed at the a href="https://expedia.com/affiliate/8ukuJkK" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored nofollow">Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach ($245), right on the sand with sunset views.
Clearwater Beach is one of our absolute favorite spots for a joyful beach escape, and since it’s only about 2 hours from Orlando, it makes the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
We love the soft, sugar-white sand here—it feels like walking on powder, and the water is crystal clear, which makes it one of the most spectacular beaches in Florida.
I think Clearwater has such a vibrant energy, with beach volleyball games, music, and families enjoying the sun. It always feels exciting and full of life without losing its relaxed vibe.
One of the coolest features is Pier 60, where we’ve spent many evenings watching the sunset. The nightly festival with street performers and local vendors makes it feel magical and unique.
We also find Clearwater to be a brilliant family destination. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for kids, and it’s affordable to simply spend hours by the sea enjoying the view.
I’ve had some of my favorite moments just renting a cabana, sipping a cool drink, and watching dolphins swim in the distance—it feels like a dream.
Clearwater Beach blends fun and relaxation so effortlessly, and for us, it’s one of the best and most exceptional beach experiences near Orlando. Every visit feels refreshing, romantic, and unforgettable.
Fort De Soto Park - 2 hours
From St. Petersburg, it was about a 25-minute drive southwest to Fort De Soto Park, a 1,136-acre preserve spread across five interconnected islands.
Fort De Soto didn’t just have one beach. It stretched across five islands. I arrived early and followed the winding road past mangroves and marsh. Everything felt bigger here.
Fort De Soto Park is one of the most spectacular and underrated beach destinations I’ve visited, and since it’s only about 2 hours from Orlando, it’s a brilliant idea for a quick escape.
We love that this park isn’t just about the beach—it’s a whole experience filled with history, nature, and absolutely stunning scenery.
The sand is soft and white, the water is calm and clear, and I honestly think it’s one of the absolute best spots for both swimming and kayaking.
We’ve had joyful afternoons exploring the historic fort itself, which adds such a unique and unusual twist to a traditional beach trip. It feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying a modern coastal getaway.
One of my favorite features here is the dog-friendly beach area. Watching pups splash in the waves is always exciting and adds to the cool, relaxed vibe of the park.
We also love the trails and picnic areas—it’s so easy to make a full day of adventure here, from biking through mangroves to spotting wildlife like dolphins and seabirds.
For me, Fort De Soto Park is an exceptional hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, perfect for a family outing or even a romantic weekend escape. Every visit feels magical, refreshing, and unforgettable.
New Smyrna Beach - 1 hour from Orlando
From Orlando, it was about a one-hour drive northeast to New Smyrna Beach. Founded in 1768, it’s one of the oldest settlements in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach is one of our favorite coastal escapes, and since it’s only about an hour from Orlando, it feels like the perfect spot for a quick beach day or even a weekend getaway.
We love how vibrant and welcoming the town feels—it’s got that cool, laid-back surf culture mixed with a charming small-town vibe that makes it so unique.
The beach itself is wide, clean, and spectacular, with waves that are awesome for surfing. I think it’s one of the absolute best places on Florida’s east coast to learn or just watch the locals ride the waves.
We’ve had some joyful afternoons walking along historic Flagler Avenue, where the colorful shops, cool cafés, and lively restaurants add an exciting energy to the day.
What I really love is the unusual mix of nature and culture—you can spend the morning spotting dolphins or even manatees on a kayaking trip, then enjoy live music and art festivals in town by evening.
It’s also an affordable getaway, with plenty of free fun like beach walks, shell collecting, or simply relaxing under the sun. We’ve had some of our best family memories here without ever overspending.
For me, New Smyrna Beach is a hidden gem that blends relaxation, adventure, and community spirit. Every visit feels exciting, refreshing, and truly unforgettable.
Conclusion
After exploring so many incredible options, I can honestly say the beaches near Orlando are some of the absolute best in Florida.
We’ve found romantic escapes like Treasure Island, joyful family favorites like Cocoa Beach, and unusual spots like Flagler Beach that feel both affordable and unforgettable. Every place has given us a different reason to fall in love with Florida’s coast all over again.
What I love most is that no matter what kind of getaway we’re looking for—whether it’s exciting surf culture in New Smyrna, the history and adventure of Fort De Soto, or simply a quiet, spectacular sunset by the water—there’s always a beach nearby that feels like a dream come true.
For me, these beaches aren’t just destinations. They’re exceptional experiences that bring joy, connection, and memories we’ll never forget. That’s the real magic of Orlando’s coastal neighbors.
Booking Checklist
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