Best Beaches In & Near Orlando

By The Beach Guide | Last Updated: August 24, 2023

Contents

New Smyrna Beach
Playalinda Beach
Cocoa Beach
Apollo Beach
Daytona Beach
Ormond Beach
Melbourne Beach
Flagler Beach
Sebastian Inlet
Vero Beach
St Augustine Beach
Fort De Soto Park
St Pete Beach
Orlando beaches map

Located in Central Florida, Orlando is a bustling city full of great attractions and activities. However, it is about as far as you can get from the coast in Florida So when you've hit all the theme parks and shopping malls are there any options for a relaxing day on the beach?

Well, while Orlando is undeniably landlocked the positive take on this is it sits between Florida's Atlantic coast and the Gulf coast so you have the best of both worlds; the powder white sands of the Panhandle or the boardwalks and waves of the Atlantic coast.

The closest beaches to Orlando are about one and a half hours away by car and include some of Florida's best known seaside spots. There's everything from the lively beachfront city of Daytona beach to the near empty miles of sand at Cape Canaveral National Seashore.

If you're prepared to venture a little further from Orlando then you really can choose from the best of the best. In a little over two and a half hours will get you to the pristine white sands of Fort de Doto near St Pete.

In this article, we'll be exploring the best beaches near Orlando – each offering something a bit different for your beach-going pleasure.

1. New Smyrna Beach

© Ajr24g

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs

You'll find the pearl-white sands of New Smyrna Beach just 15 miles south of the better known Daytona Beach, on Florida's East Coast.
The 17-mile strip of sand is a big hit with surfers, thanks to its plentiful wave breaks, with both amateurs and experts taking to the waters here.
In fact, it's been named as one of the top 20 surf towns anywhere in the word by National Geographic.… read more »
2. Playalinda Beach

Peter & Michelle S

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs

Playalinda Beach is one of Florida's top spots for naturists. Part of the Cape Canaveral National Seashore near the Kennedy Space Centre, the beach is managed by the National Parks Service and there is a $20 admission fee per vehicle which is valid for one week.
The four mile-long beach has 13 parking areas, each with a restroom and the last one heading north (#13) is favoured by naturists… read more »
3. Cocoa Beach

Rusty Clark

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs

This six-mile long stretch of biscuit-coloured sand sits at the heart of Florida's Space Coast. It's well known for its watersports scene, with surfers flocking from far and wide to ride the waves here - it's even where 11-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater learned his craft.
Cocoa Beach is also home to the world's biggest surf shop, Ron Jon's and you'll find surf schools are dotted along the beach. If… read more »
4. Apollo Beach

Peter & Michelle S

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs

Located on Florida's eastern Atlantic coastline in New Smyrna, Apollo Beach is on the Canaveral National Seashore (National Park). Great for beach lovers, it has an endless strip of pristine golden sand and, being more secluded, it is one of the top nudist beaches in Florida. (This should not to be confused with the other Apollo Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast near Tampa!)
Located on a barrier island, Apollo… read more »
5. Daytona Beach

© Paul Brennan

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs

This waterfront city on Florida's Fun Coast is probably best known for its international speedway circuit, where NASCAR'S most famous race, the Daytona 500, takes place every year.
But for beach fans, it's the 23 mile stretch of soft white sands that keeps them coming back. At low tide, the shoreline expands to a width of nearly 500ft, so there's plenty of space to spread out and catch some rays in… read more »
6. Ormond Beach

Tadson Bussey

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs
read more »
7. Melbourne Beach

Travel time from Orlando: approx 1.5 hrs
read more »
8. Flagler Beach

Rachel Kramer

Travel time from Orlando: approx 2 hrs
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9. Sebastian Inlet

Jeff Muceus

Travel time from Orlando: approx 2 hrs
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10. Vero Beach

sailn1

Travel time from Orlando: approx 2.5 hrs
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11. St Augustine Beach

Travel time from Orlando: approx 2.5 hrs
read more »
12. Fort De Soto Park

© Pinellas County / CC BY

Travel time from Orlando: approx 3 hrs

Fort de Soto Park is more than just a beach. It is a collection of five interconnected keys (islands) just off the coast of St Petersburg in the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches of Fort de Soto constantly appear on lists of America's best beaches, even occupying the number one spot in one poll.
This is little surprise given the beautiful natural surroundings and range of activities on offer. There are… read more »