Beaches Near Orlando, Florida

For the ultimate beachside getaway just an hour from Orlando, Daytona Beach checks every box. With 23 miles of soft, sandy shoreline, this coastal hotspot is packed with beachfront parks, picnic areas, splash zones, playgrounds, pavilions, and lifeguard-patrolled swimming spots. Don’t miss a stroll down the boardwalk and pier, where you can fish, snack, or soak in the classic seaside atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly parks with lifeguards and oceanfront amenities
• Lifeguard-monitored beaches and splash parks
• Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR experiences
• More than 50 festivals and cultural events year-round
• Top beach parks: Lighthouse Point Park & Smyrna Dunes (125 acres)

Pro Tip:

For a quieter beach day, head to Lighthouse Point Park or Smyrna Dunes Park in Ponce Inlet—perfect for swimming, walking, or catching golden-hour views over the dunes.

Daytona Beach, FL
daytonabeach.com

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back beach day just an hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach delivers the full coastal experience. Set in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast, this sunny seaside town offers 72 miles of golden Atlantic shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and easy oceanfront exploring. For a beach with all the bells and whistles, Alan Shephard Park is ideal—with picnic areas, lifeguards, shopping, and restaurants all within walking distance of the sand.

Highlights:

• Closest beach to Orlando—just a 1-hour drive
• 72 miles of coastline with soft, golden sand
• Alan Shephard Park offers full amenities & nearby shopping
• Lori Wilson Park is quieter, family-friendly, and free
• Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park is great for fishing and birdwatching
• Cocoa Beach Pier is perfect for surfing views, cocktails, and people-watching

Pro Tip:

Stop by the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop near Alan Shephard Park for beach gear and souvenirs, then head to the pier for sunset and a drink with a view.

Cocoa Beach, FL
cityofcocoabeach.com

A true escape into nature, Caladesi Island is one of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Just north of Clearwater and accessible only by boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park, this island paradise features powdery white sand beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, and shell collecting.

Highlights:

• Secluded Gulf Coast island with award-winning beaches
• Accessible via ferry or private boat from Honeymoon Island
• Three-mile nature trail for hiking and wildlife spotting
• Kayak trail through mangroves and coastal waterways
• Picnic areas, shaded pavilions, and marina with hookups

Pro Tip:

Arrive early to catch the ferry and pack plenty of water—Caladesi is quiet, remote, and all-natural, so come prepared for a peaceful day in the wild.

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, FL
floridastateparks.org

Beaches for Families

If you’re craving untouched coastline with a wild twist, Canaveral National Seashore is a rare find. Stretching for 23 miles along Florida’s Central East Coast between New Smyrna Beach and Cape Canaveral, this protected barrier island is a haven for nature and solitude seekers. There are no cars, no condos, no surf shops—just pristine beaches, wild dunes, and endless ocean views. Top beach spots include Apollo, Klondike, and Playalinda, where you can swim, surf, snorkel, and fish—or even watch a rocket launch in the distance.

Highlights:

• 23 miles of undeveloped shoreline—Florida’s last true coastal wilderness
• Watch rockets launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center
• Popular beaches: Apollo, Klondike, and Playalinda
• No shops, no traffic, no lights—just nature
• Ranger-led night tours to see sea turtles nesting
• Home to 13 endangered species including manatees and bald eagles

Pro Tip:

For a once-in-a-lifetime moment, visit during a rocket launch or turtle nesting season—but arrive early, as parking fills quickly and beaches can get busy.

Canaveral National Seashore, FL
nps.gov/cana

Nestled between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, Flagler Beach is a hidden gem along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. With six miles of uncrowded shoreline, this vintage-style beach town is all about golden sands, warm surf, and that classic Old Florida charm. From waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars to great fishing and surfing, there’s plenty to enjoy without the big crowds. Locals and visitors gather at the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier come sunset, while others explore historic ruins or paddle through lush mangrove forests.

Highlights:

• Quiet, scenic beach with warm water and golden sands
• Locally loved restaurants, rooftop bars, and live music
• Excellent pier fishing, surfing, and outdoor recreation
• Explore ruins, kayak mangroves, and stroll tropical trails
• Four public parks with showers, restrooms, and beach access

Pro Tip:

After a beach day, grab a drink at a rooftop bar and head to the Municipal Pier to catch the evening breeze and watch local musicians perform as the sun sets.

Flagler Beach, FL
cityofflaglerbeach.com

Nestled on a barrier island along Florida’s iconic Space Coast, Melbourne offers a laid-back beach escape filled with surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and miles of unspoiled sand. Bordered by the Indian River Lagoon, this coastal town is known for its natural beauty, sea breezes, and eco-rich beach parks. Three standout spots capture the area's beachy charm and outdoor spirit.

Highlights:

• Sebastian Inlet State Park – top-tier surfing, crystal-clear waters, scuba diving, boating, and three miles of golden sand
• Coconut Point – sea turtle nesting site, great for swimming and surfing
• Juan Ponce de León Landing – historic beach park honoring the explorer’s 1513 landing

Pro Tip:

Head to Sebastian Inlet early to catch the waves and beat the crowds, then wind down with a sunset walk at Ponce de León Landing—rich in both history and views.

Melbourne, FL – Space Coast
melbourneflorida.org

Unique Beaches

Tucked away on a barrier island just off the Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg, Treasure Island offers an escape to classic Old Florida. With three miles of soft white sand, the laid-back beach town is perfect for families seeking gentle surf, sun-filled days, and plenty of space to stretch out. The Treasure Island Beach Trail winds along ancient dunes and calm Gulf waters, ideal for scenic strolls or sunrise walks. Kids can snorkel, splash, and build sandcastles—without the buzz of big tourist crowds.

Highlights:

• Three miles of peaceful, family-friendly beaches
• Beach Trail perfect for walking or biking with ocean views
• Safe, shallow waters for swimming and snorkeling
• Convenient Beach Trolley to nearby beaches, shops, and dining
• Deep-sea fishing charters available in town

Pro Tip:

Hop on the Beach Trolley to explore nearby coastal spots without the hassle of parking—and head to the trail early for a peaceful morning walk along the dunes.

Treasure Island, FL – near St. Petersburg
visitstpeteclearwater.com

Located on Florida’s west central coast in Pinellas County, Clearwater Beach is a sun-soaked destination that blends natural beauty with family-friendly fun. Its iconic Beachside Promenade is perfect for strolling or biking along the sand while soaking in views of the Gulf’s clear turquoise waters. With 361 days of sunshine per year, there’s almost never a bad time to visit. A full-time lifeguard is on duty, and a designated swim zone ensures kids can splash and play safely away from boats and jet skiers.

Highlights:

• Wide white-sand beach with calm, shallow waters
• Beachside Promenade ideal for walking, biking, and people-watching
• Clear, swimmable Gulf waters and designated swim zones for families
• Full-time lifeguard on duty for added safety
• Near restaurants, shops, and fun waterfront activities

Pro Tip:

Hit the Promenade at sunset for some of the best views on the Gulf Coast—and if you’re with little ones, look for the family-friendly play areas near the pier.

Clearwater Beach, FL – Pinellas County
myclearwaterparks.com

Just a short drive from St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto is the crown jewel of Pinellas County’s park system. Spanning 1,136 acres across five interconnected keys, it’s a haven for outdoor lovers, bird watchers, and beachgoers alike. With mangroves, wetlands, hardwood forests, and palm hammocks, the park protects crucial native habitats and over 328 bird species. Loggerhead turtles also nest here from April to September. Visitors can kayak, canoe, bike, fish from one of the two piers, or take in the history of the historic fort and its massive mortar battery cannons.

Highlights:

• 1,136-acre park spread over five scenic islands
• Rent kayaks, canoes, or bikes to explore the natural trails
• Home to loggerhead turtle nests and 328+ bird species
• Two fishing piers and calm beaches for swimming
• Historic coquina-shell fort with panoramic water views

Pro Tip:

Visit in the early morning to spot wildlife and enjoy the trails before it gets warm. Don’t forget to explore the fort—the view from the top is worth the climb.

Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County, FL
pinellas.gov

Just an hour’s scenic drive from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is the quieter, more relaxed cousin of Daytona Beach, offering a charming mix of old Florida charm and oceanfront fun. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this laid-back town features hard-packed white sand beaches where driving is allowed in designated areas. While the beach itself is mostly undeveloped, it’s a favorite among surfers—named one of the top 20 surfing beaches in the world.

Highlights:

• Peaceful, small-town vibe with a historic downtown feel
• Wide beaches with designated vehicle access areas
• Ideal conditions for surfing and beachcombing
• Daytona Lagoon Water Park nearby with slides, go-karts, laser tag, and more
• Close to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and free summer concerts at the Bandshell

Pro Tip:

Visit during the week for fewer crowds, and check out this video for a preview of the area’s vintage beach-town vibe. Surfers should head south of the jetties for the best waves.

New Smyrna Beach, FL – Central East Coast
visitnsbfl.com