Orlando is famous for its theme parks, attractions, and entertainment options. However, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and bask in the beauty of nature, you might want to consider heading to the beach.
Recommended reading: 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florida To Visit
Fortunately, despite being located in the middle of the state, Orlando is within driving distance of some of the most stunning beaches in Florida. But what beach is closest to Orlando? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best beaches near Orlando, including the closest beach to Orlando. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s dive in!
What Beach is Closest to Orlando?
- Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a popular destination located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s approximately 2 hours west of Orlando by car, making it a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway.
One of the main draws of Clearwater Beach is its wide range of water activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing, or take a dolphin-watching tour or sunset cruise. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at jet skiing or stand-up paddleboarding.
Beyond the beach, Clearwater offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular spot, where you can see rescued dolphins and sea turtles up close. The Pier 60 area is also a bustling hub of activity, with a nightly sunset celebration featuring street performers, local vendors, and live music.
If you’re looking to unwind, Clearwater Beach also has plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Take a stroll along the beach or catch some rays on a beach towel. For a truly indulgent experience, consider booking a spa treatment or massage.
- Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is a stunning natural destination located on the east coast of Florida, about an hour and a half southeast of Orlando. This unique beach spans over 24 miles and offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
One of the highlights of Canaveral National Seashore is its pristine and secluded beaches. The area is known for its natural beauty, with white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or go for a leisurely walk along the shore.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Canaveral National Seashore is also a great place to explore nature. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or kayaking to explore the park’s many trails and waterways.
For those interested in history, Canaveral National Seashore is also home to several historic sites. The Eldora State House and the Apollo Beach Visitor Center both offer insight into the area’s rich history and culture.
- Satellite Beach
Satellite Beach is a charming seaside community located on the east coast of Florida, just over an hour southeast of Orlando. With its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s a great destination for anyone looking to relax and unwind.
One of the main attractions of Satellite Beach is its pristine shoreline. The area boasts miles of uncrowded beaches, where visitors can soak up the sun, go for a swim, or simply stroll along the shore. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing and fishing, with a variety of local shops and charter companies available to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Beyond the beach, Satellite Beach is home to a variety of parks and natural areas. The nearby Pelican Beach Park offers a playground, picnic areas, and a boardwalk overlooking the ocean. For those interested in wildlife, the Samsons Island Nature Preserve is a great place to explore, with trails winding through a variety of habitats and ecosystems.
In addition to its outdoor activities, Satellite Beach also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The area is home to several locally owned businesses, from surf shops to art galleries, as well as a number of popular chain restaurants and bars.
- Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet is a picturesque coastal town located on the east coast of Florida, about an hour and a half northeast of Orlando. This small community is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and historic lighthouse.
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is one of the main attractions of Ponce Inlet. This historic lighthouse, built in 1887, is the tallest in Florida and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the 203 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the ocean and the nearby nature preserve.
In addition to its historic lighthouse, Ponce Inlet is also home to miles of pristine beaches. The area is known for its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Visitors can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or surfboards to explore the ocean.
Beyond the beach, Ponce Inlet offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. The nearby Smyrna Dunes Park is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife viewing, with over 2 miles of boardwalks and trails winding through a variety of natural habitats. The Marine Science Center is also a great place to learn about the area’s diverse marine life, with interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Indialantic
Indialantic is a beautiful seaside community located on the east coast of Florida, just over an hour southeast of Orlando. With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and variety of outdoor activities, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the main draws of Indialantic is its pristine shoreline. The area boasts miles of uncrowded beaches, where visitors can relax in the sun, go for a swim, or take a leisurely walk along the shore. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing and fishing, with several local shops and charter companies available to help visitors make the most of their time on the water.
Beyond the beach, Indialantic is home to several parks and natural areas. The nearby Canova Beach Park offers a playground, picnic areas, and a boardwalk overlooking the ocean. The Indian River Lagoon is alsoa great place to explore, with several nature preserves and hiking trails winding through the area.
Indialantic also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The area is home to several locally owned businesses, including surf shops, art galleries, and antique stores, as well as a number of popular chain restaurants and bars.
- Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach is a charming coastal town located on the east coast of Florida, about an hour and a half northeast of Orlando. Known for its natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, it’s a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
One of the main draws of Flagler Beach is its stunning coastline. The area boasts miles of pristine beaches, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, or simply take a leisurely walk along the shore. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, with several local charter companies available to take visitors out on the water.
Beyond the beach, Flagler Beach is home to several parks and natural areas. The nearby Bulow Creek State Park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is also a popular destination, with a wide range of activities available, including camping, hiking, and fishing.
Flagler Beach is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The area is home to several galleries and studios, showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Visitors can also enjoy live music and theater performances throughout the year, as well as a variety of festivals and events celebrating the town’s unique culture and heritage.
- Vero Beach
Vero Beach is a picturesque seaside community located on the east coast of Florida, about two hours southeast of Orlando. With its beautiful beaches, thriving arts and culture scene, and variety of outdoor activities, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the main draws of Vero Beach is its stunning coastline. The area boasts miles of pristine beaches, where visitors can relax in the sun, go for a swim, or take a leisurely walk along the shore. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing and fishing, with several local shops and charter companies available to help visitors make the most of their time on the water.
Beyond the beach, Vero Beach is home to several parks and natural areas. The nearby Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore, with several hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities available. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is also a must-visit destination, with a wide range of exhibits and programs showcasing the work of local and international artists.
Vero Beach is also known for its variety of shops and restaurants. The area is home to several locally owned businesses, including art galleries, antique shops, and clothing boutiques, as well as a number of popular chain restaurants and bars.
- Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a hidden gem located just off the coast of Dunedin, Florida, about 40 minutes northwest of Tampa. This stunning barrier island offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast in a natural and secluded setting.
One of the main attractions of Caladesi Island is its beautiful beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in the world by Dr. Beach. With its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s no wonder that so many visitors flock to this secluded island paradise. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, shelling, and fishing, with plenty of space to spread out and relax.
Beyond the beach, Caladesi Island State Park offers visitors a chance to explore its pristine natural beauty. The island is home to several nature trails, where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, ospreys, and dolphins. The park also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
For those who prefer to relax and take in the scenery, Caladesi Island State Park offers several picnic areas and a full-service concession stand, as well as rental options for beach chairs, umbrellas, and kayaks. Visitors can also take a scenic ferry ride to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, which offers its own stunning beaches and nature trails.
- Fort de Soto
Fort De Soto is a beautiful beach and park located on the southern tip of Pinellas County, Florida. The park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico in a serene and secluded setting.
The main attraction of Fort De Soto is its beautiful beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. The beach offers miles of pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, as well as a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Beyond the beach, Fort De Soto offers visitors a chance to explore its unique history and natural beauty. The park is home to a historic fort, which was used during both World War I and World War II to protect the entrance to Tampa Bay. Visitors can explore the fort and its exhibits, as well as the surrounding battery and gun emplacements.
The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a boat ramp for launching kayaks and small watercraft. Visitors can also take a scenic ferry ride to nearby Egmont Key State Park, which offers its own stunning beaches and historic lighthouse.
- Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is a beautiful beach town located on Florida’s Space Coast, just an hour’s drive east of Orlando. Known for its iconic surf culture and laid-back vibe, Cocoa Beach offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Florida’s beach lifestyle.
The main attraction of Cocoa Beach is, of course, its beautiful beach. With miles of pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best waves on the East Coast, it’s a popular spot for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also plenty of beachside restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
Beyond the beach, Cocoa Beach offers visitors a chance to explore its unique history and culture. The town is home to the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, which features restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a variety of entertainment options, including live music and fishing. The pier is also a popular spot for surfing and beach volleyball.
For those looking to explore the natural beauty of Cocoa Beach, there are several nature parks and preserves in the area, including the Thousand Islands Conservation Area and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins and sea turtles, and explore miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a beautiful and popular destination located on the east coast of Florida. The park is situated between the cities of Melbourne and Vero Beach and offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the area.
The main attraction of Sebastian Inlet State Park is its beautiful beaches, which are known for their excellent surf conditions. The park features two miles of unspoiled beaches, where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. In fact, the park is considered one of the best surfing destinations on the East Coast.
Beyond the beaches, Sebastian Inlet State Park offers visitors a chance to explore its unique history and natural beauty. The park is home to the McLarty Treasure Museum, which features exhibits about the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet, a group of ships that sank off the coast of Florida during a hurricane. Visitors can also explore the park’s nature trails, which wind through a variety of coastal habitats, including mangrove forests, salt marshes, and sand dunes.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Sebastian Inlet State Park offers plenty of options, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The park also features a marina, where visitors can rent boats or book a fishing charter.
- New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a charming seaside town located on the east coast of Florida. With its laid-back vibe, miles of pristine beaches, and variety of outdoor activities, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The main attraction of New Smyrna Beach is, of course, its beautiful beaches. With 13 miles of unspoiled white sand, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of beachside amenities, it’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing. The beach is also known for its excellent fishing, with plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, and snook.
Beyond the beach, New Smyrna Beach offers visitors a chance to explore its unique history and culture. The town is home to several historic sites, including the New Smyrna Museum of History and the Old Fort Park Archaeological Site, where visitors can learn about the area’s rich history and heritage. There are also plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding and biking.
For those looking to explore the natural beauty of New Smyrna Beach, there are several parks and preserves in the area, including the Canaveral National Seashore and the Smyrna Dunes Park. These parks offer visitors a chance to observe a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and sea turtles, as well as explore miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is a charming coastal town located on the east coast of Florida, just south of Cape Canaveral. With its beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and variety of outdoor activities, it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The main attraction of Melbourne Beach is its pristine beaches. With its miles of unspoiled white sand, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of beachside amenities, it’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing. The beach is also known for its excellent fishing, with plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, and snook.
Beyond the beach, Melbourne Beach offers visitors a chance to explore its unique history and culture. The town is home to several historic sites, including the Melbourne Beach Pier, which dates back to the early 20th century and offers stunning views of the ocean. There are also plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking.
For those looking to explore the natural beauty of Melbourne Beach, there are several parks and preserves in the area, including the Barrier Island Sanctuary and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. These parks offer visitors a chance to observe a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, as well as explore miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is a popular destination located on the east coast of Florida, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for families, couples, and solo travelers who are looking for an exciting beach vacation.
The main attraction of Daytona Beach is its long stretch of sandy beach, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can rent jet skis, go parasailing, or take a leisurely boat tour. In addition to the beach, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Daytona Beach, including amusement parks, museums, and golf courses.
One of the most iconic attractions in Daytona Beach is the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts several high-profile car races throughout the year, including the Daytona 500. Visitors can take a tour of the track, explore the Motorsports Hall of Fame, or attend one of the many events held at the speedway.
Beyond the beach and attractions, Daytona Beach is also known for its vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from, offering everything from seafood to international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancing, and a variety of other entertainment options.
For those who enjoy nature, there are several parks and preserves in the area, including the Tomoka State Park and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. These parks offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Daytona Beach is a fun and exciting destination for anyone looking for a beach vacation with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the local culture, or experience the excitement of car racing, Daytona Beach has something for everyone.
- Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach is a charming town located on the east coast of Florida, just north of Daytona Beach. It is a popular vacation spot for families, couples, and solo travelers who are looking for a laid-back beach vacation with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
The main attraction of Ormond Beach is its beautiful coastline, which offers miles of white sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the beach, go fishing, or rent a kayak to explore the nearby Tomoka River.
There are several parks and nature preserves in the area, including the Bulow Creek State Park and the Tomoka State Park. These parks offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
For those who enjoy history, Ormond Beach has several historic sites to visit, including the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens and the Casements, which was the winter home of John D. Rockefeller. Visitors can take a tour of these historic sites, learn about the area’s rich history, and admire the beautiful architecture and art collections.
In the heart of Ormond Beach, visitors can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. There are also several art galleries and boutiques to explore, as well as the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year.
Ormond Beach is a charming and relaxing destination, offering visitors a chance to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With its beautiful beaches, parks, and historic sites, as well as a variety of dining and entertainment options, Ormond Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.
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