The Best Beaches Near Orlando for Post-Theme Park Relaxation
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If you've ventured to Orlando for theme park fun at Disney World or Universal Studios, but have been wanting to take advantage of Florida's beaches while you're in the Sunshine State, you're in luck. Orlando is located on prime real estate—both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are within 100 miles from the city, which means seaside bliss is just a short drive away.
Whether you're planning a quick day trip or need serious relaxation after all of those rides, there's a beach for every mood—from quiet scenic escapes teeming with wildlife and roaring waves to family-friendly boardwalks full of activities for all ages. Explore local aquatic life at a host of museums and aquariums, dine on the catch of the day at a beachside seafood shack, or try your hand at surfing. (Pro surfer Kelly Slater learned his craft while growing up on Cocoa Beach!)
Here are our picks for 15 of the best beaches within driving distance of Orlando. Scroll through for destinations that deliver on their promise of white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and fun for the whole family.
Cocoa Beach
Distance from Orlando: 60 miles
With Cocoa Beach as your destination, you can head from the parks to the sand in about one hour. Its location near the Kennedy Space Center Complex is ideal for catching a glimpse of a rocket lifting off while relaxing on the beach. Stop by the space center for exhibits like the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, a recreation of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the Rocket Garden. Cocoa Beach is also known for its prime waves, with plenty of lessons from local surf schools on offer.
Clearwater Beach
Distance from Orlando: 110 miles
We can't decide what we love most about Clearwater, which you should be able get to from Orlando in under two hours. With serene emerald waters, shaded cabanas, beachside attractions, and frequent dolphin spottings, it's an oceanfront paradise. If you're hoping to spend your vacation relaxing, get beachside service in your cabana before heading to the spa. Families with budding marine biologists can opt for a dolphin cruise, while landlubbers can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to feed stingrays or paint with dolphins.
Vero Beach
Distance from Orlando: 107 miles
Vero Beach boasts a serene Atlantic coast experience just 90 minutes away from Orlando. The beach town is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, held at the Environmental Learning Center, where visitors can scope out active bee hives, explore touch tanks full of local aquatic life, and take a sunset pontoon boat tour. Don't forget to stop by the dozens of art galleries and antiques shops that line the historic downtown thoroughfare.
Anna Maria Island Beaches
Distance from Orlando: 125 miles
Although this Gulf barrier island is only 7 miles long, there's no shortage of things to do! The family-friendly beaches are more stunning than ever before, thanks to the island's new commitment to sustainability. Stroll down Pine Avenue, which is lined with colorful beach houses, acclaimed restaurants, cute shops, and fun bars if you're taking an adults-only trip. Anna Maria Island is about two hours away from Orlando—ideal for a long weekend!
Flagler Beach
Distance from Orlando: 77 miles
Located along Florida's Palm Coast, Flagler Beach is known for its striking pink and red sands, which come from the nearby bedrock. Try your hand at swimming with dolphins or horseback riding on the beach at low tide before enjoying the catch of the day at one of the many seafood joints. Flagler is also a great choice for golfers: Hammock Beach Resort and Spa offers a world-class golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, with six holes located along the Atlantic Ocean.
Daytona Beach
Distance from Orlando: 55 miles
Although Daytona, which sits just an hour drive away from Orlando, might be most famous for its NASCAR history (try the Motorsports Hall of Fame to indulge any fans on your trip!), this beach town has something for everyone. There are more than 23 miles of beaches where families can soak up the sun—or you can venture down to Ponce Inlet, where history meets outdoor fun. Explore the tallest lighthouse in Florida before parasailing or paddle surfing in the Atlantic.
St. Pete Beach
Distance from Orlando: 112 miles
This Gulf island, located west of St. Petersburg, offers a luxe resort feel under three hours away from the theme parks. Treat yourself to a stay at the legendary pink-hued Don CeSar or enjoy a cocktail and a meal at one of the many on-site bars and restaurants. The hotel looks like it's right out of The Great Gatsby, and it's no wonder why: F. Scott Fitzgerald once stayed there! Bike on the Pinellas Trail, which spans 74 miles, or take the kids to John's Pass, a pirate-themed village that sits on land created by a hurricane in 1848.
New Smyrna Beach
Distance from Orlando: 55 miles
Budding surfers or experienced wave riders will delight in prime surfing at New Smyrna Beach, which has been named one of the best surf towns in America. Smyrna Dunes Park is a dog-friendly beach that allows pets to splash in the waves alongside the rest of the family, so bring your pooch! After spending the day on the beach, explore Sugar Mills Ruins, the historic ruins of a sugar factory that was raided in a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. Bonus: New Smyrna is only an hour away from Orlando.
St. Augustine Beach
Distance from Orlando: 103 miles
About a 90-minute drive away from Orlando, St. Augustine frequently ranks as one of Florida's most beautiful cities, full of historic charm, acclaimed eateries, and white sand beaches. Stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare full of shopping and sightseeing. If you're looking for a tranquil spot to park your umbrella, try Anastasia State Park, which is also home to a protected wildlife sanctuary. No trip to St. Augustine is complete without touring the Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish stone fortress that dates back to the 1600s.
Indian Rocks Beach
Distance from Orlando: 110 miles
Although Indian Rocks Beach is more laid-back than other locales on this list, it's a sure bet for family-friendly fun, thanks to Splash Harbour Water Park, which features attractions like a 42-foot water slide, a lazy river, and a mini golf course. The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, with nearly 100 birds on display, can be reached on foot from the beach, making it an ideal way to break up a long day in the sun. This Gulf Coast treasure sits about three hours away from Orlando.
Vilano Beach
Distance from Orlando: 108 miles
Vilano Beach is a local favorite, with a quiet atmosphere that allows vacationers to truly relax. To get there, visitors have to drive over the A1A scenic byway—which, trust us, is a destination in and of itself! Roll down the windows to catch a glimpse at native birds, tortoises, and other endangered species. Vilano, located two hours away from Orlando, is known for its dazzling sunsets: To catch a glimpse of the sky over nearby downtown St. Augustine, stop by the Vilano Beach Pier, located on the riverside of the Matanzas Inlet.
Palm Beach
Distance from Orlando: 170 miles
This one's a bit further out—though still should only take about 2.5 hours!—but there's no better place to treat yourself than in Palm Beach, the luxe seaside town celebrities and socialites have called home for decades. No trip to Palm Beach is complete without window shopping along Worth Avenue, where you can scope out ornate architecture and lush landscaping. For a dose of Gilded Age history, stop by the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a 75-room mansion that now houses art, a decommissioned rail car, and artifacts from Florida history.
Melbourne Beach
Distance from Orlando: 72 miles
Melbourne Beach is located just miles away from Cocoa Beach, but it's a bit quieter, making it the perfect spot for a laid-back Atlantic getaway. Explore the Indian River Lagoon or take a scenic stroll along Melbourne's miles of tranquil beaches. Melbourne's historic downtown district is home to quaint boutiques, quirky galleries, and outdoor eateries. Plus, the Brevard Zoo, just a short drive away, houses over 900 animals in open-air habitats.
Amelia Island
Distance from Orlando: 174 miles
Here's another that's worth the few extra miles! If your trip home from Orlando involves a drive up north, why not make a detour at Amelia Island, which sits just outside of the Florida-Georgia line. Take advantage of the picturesque dunes and Southern architecture by biking along one of several trails, which stretch from the beach to Amelia Island's historic downtown. A tour of Fort Clinch State Park allows vacationers to scope out Civil War-era homes before hiking the park's 1,400-acre grounds.
North Beach at Fort DeSoto Park
Distance from Orlando: 120 miles
Fort De Soto Park spans five islands on over 1,100 acres, and North Beach is particularly great for families. Not only are the tidal pools the ideal place for youngsters to splash around, but there's also a pirate-themed playground right at the beach's entrance. Opt for a visit to the park's namesake fort, where families can explore mysterious rooms and take in the view of nearby Tampa Bay, complete with historic cannons, from the top of the fort. The park also boasts a 7-mile trail that's ideal for biking.
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