Top 10 Beaches Near Orlando To Have The Best Of Sun & Fun

25 Nov 2021

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Claiming its fame to Disney World, Orlando is known for more than a dozen exciting theme parks. The other thing it is popular for is the sunny beaches near Orlando which makes it one of the alpha cities in America for a fun-filled weekend getaway.

There may be no beaches in Orlando. But, guess what? It is blessed to be situated near the most pristine and fun beaches around. Most of the beaches near Orlando are just an hour away. So, if you are a beach baby, you can just shove your beach stuff in the car and drive to the nearest beaches in no time to have some fun in the sun.

Top 10 beaches near Orlando

Cocoa Beach
Daytona Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Clearwater Beach
Madeira Beach
Port Canaveral
Ponte Vedra Beach
Vero Beach
St. Augustine Beach
St. Pete Beach

1. Cocoa Beach

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Known as the quintessential beach town, Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando. The beach city is an ideal destination for a family beach vacation or a getaway because of fun beach activities that run gamut here. Visit the local Florida Surf Museum inside the Ron Surf n Turf Shop which preserves the local history of surfing adventure. Another thing this beach is known for its tangerine sunsets. The live jam sessions in the beach shacks really liven up the evenings.

Things to do: Deep sea fishing on the Space Coast, Kayaking
Driving time from Orlando: 1 hour

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2. Daytona Beach

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February host of the popular NASCAR, Daytona Beach City is where you can let the good times go at full throttle. Known for its hard packed sand, this beach offers the most beautiful vistas of sunset and sunrise of all the Orlando, Florida beaches. Once inhabited by indigenous Timucuans, the beach boasts of many historical sites and ruins. Savour the local flavour at the beach side restaurants which serve traditional local cuisines or follow the famous Daytona Ale trail tasting some of the best local brews. Isn’t it really one of the exciting beaches near Orlando?

Things to do: Visit the Daytona Lagoon Water Park, shop at Farmers Market to absorb beach culture
Driving time from Orlando: 1 hour

3. New Smyrna Beach

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A beach of choice for many Orlando residents, New Smyrna Beach is perfect for having moments of quietude along the sandy beach shore. The crashing waves of the sea lures expert surfers to test the waters here. Invest your time exploring the 1880’s lighthouse – Ponce de Leon Inlet, one of the tallest lighthouses in USA. Take your pets for a stroll in Smyrna Dunes Park which has an array of land and water activities. You can also visit the numerous art galleries and historical museums if it interests you.

Things to do: Parasailing, Kite surfing
Driving time from Orlando: 1 hour

4. Clearwater Beach

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The calm and clear waters of Gulf Coast is what entice people to visit this beach. One of the family-friendly beaches near Orlando, it is known for its dazzling sunsets and numerous attractions. One of which is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium with the famous movie star Winter from “Dolphin Tale,”. If solitude and quietude are the two things you are expecting from your beach holiday, then this Gulf Coast Beach is where you should spend your weekend. If you have time on your hands, take the 20-minute ferry ride to the spectacular Caladesi Island.

Things to do: Visit the Marine Aquarium, Attend Pier 60 Festival
Driving time from Orlando: 2 hours

5. Madeira Beach

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If fishing in the calm waters of the sea is all you want to do over the weekend, head straight away to Madeira Beach. Join the fishermen in John’s Pass Village for a fishing excursion in the day and a karaoke session later in the night. Taste the delectable seafood at the popular Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Explore the beach side restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood and chilled beer. There is also a local market area from where you can shop beach stuff and trinkets. It is incontestably one of the happening beaches near Orlando.

Things to do: Parasailing, Snorkeling
Driving time from Orlando: 2.5 hours

6. Port Canaveral

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Among all the Orlando Beaches, Port Canaveral is your gateway to the happening cruises on the Caribbean. Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line are some of the exciting cruise line you can choose to go with. Explore the space shuttles and rockets at Kennedy Space Center, the birthplace of US space industry. Go wildlife spotting at Merritt Island national Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral Seashore where you can spot bald eagles, sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. It is one of the few beaches in Orlando where you can enjoy riding on the cruise lines.

Things to do: Go for a cruise on the Caribbean
Drive time from Orlando: 51 minutes

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7. Ponte Vedra Beach

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Home of the famous 17-hole island green, Ponte Vedra Beach is synonymous with golfing. It is a perfect beach to have have a seaside vacation in the luxurious private resorts. The white sand dunes of this beach are the highest in Florida. If you are not patient enough to sport golf, you can always indulge in shopping and dining. Explore the creeks and lagoons coursing through the natural area of Ponte Vedra Beach. It is one of the suave beaches near Orlando.

Things to do: Golfing, swinging on a hammock
Drive time from Orlando: 2 hours

8. Vero Beach

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Making to the list of top beaches near Orlando is Vero Beach which is known for its peaceful beaches and elegance. A fine range of hotels and nature tours make it a terrific destination for a vacation. It provides you the allure of golfing, watersports, and fishing. Being one of the very few Orlando Florida beaches near the Disney World, you can go meet Mickey Mouse anytime. Learn surfing and kayaking at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Rejoice in the sing-alongs and campfire adventures at the resort.

Things to do: Surfing and Kayaking at Disney Beach Resort
Drive time from Orlando: 1 h 40 m

9. St. Augustine Beach

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Every beachgoer’s dream, St. Augustine offers beautiful stretch of coastline. The lively beach has endless activities to offer to the tourists which is why it is one of the best beaches near Orlando. Hit the waves and swim in the cold waters of the beach. Go windsurfing or kayaking in the water. You can also explore the wildlife in Anastasia State Park in the region which is home to the endangered beach mouse. Even staying on the sand on St. Augustine Beach is fun if you know how to make sand castles.

Things to do: Windsurfing, Kayaking
Drive time from Orlando: 1.5 hours

10. St. Pete Beach

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Set on the barrier island, St. Pete Beach is known for its beautiful sunny beaches. Don Cesar, the famous 1920s Pink Palace, looms over the shore and is a perfect place to stay while you are on a holiday here. Boost your adrenaline rush with a motley of water sport activities to choose from. From parasailing and stand-up paddle boarding to windsurfing and kitesurfing, you name it! Get tipsy at The Drunken Clam, the famous shack on the beach which is open till the early morning. One of the pristine beaches near Orlando you ought not to miss!

Things to do: Water sports, Shopping at Corey Avenue.
Drive time from Orlando: 2 h

Orlando Beaches Map

Time for some beach combing!

Orlando is an ideal place for a family vacation in USA. If America has been on your mind for travelling for a long time, check out Orlando Tour Packages with TravelTriangle to explore the city of Orlando in the best way possible.