The best beaches near Orlando for a fun, coastal getaway

Daytona Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in the country. While you may be thinking of raging spring breaks, there’s a lot more to Daytona Beach than that. During the summer and fall months, the beach is filled with families looking to do everything from building sandcastles to learning how to paddle board. The name of the game in Daytona is nearly anything goes. Along with the beach, be sure to check out Daytona International Speedway and climb the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which is Florida’s tallest.

Distance from Orlando: 56 miles

Don't miss: Along with the beach, be sure to check out Daytona International Speedway and climb the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which is Florida’s tallest.

About two hours southeast of Walt Disney World is Vero Beach, home to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The area is known for the vast sea turtle nests that pop up every summer along the shores and sand dunes. If you're traveling to the area to see the turtles, you want to plan for between May through October. Going to the beach at night to watch for hatchlings is fun, but be sure to take a red light with you so you don't distract the turtles as they make their way to the ocean.

Distance from Orlando: 105 miles

Don't miss: Hop aboard an airboat for a thrilling ride through marshes and Florida's wilderness.

Cocoa Beach is the perfect spot for people who love all things space. It’s very close to the Kennedy Space Center Complex, so you can see rockets lift off right from the beach. The hour or so drive from Orlando makes this a great location for day trips—with abundant water sports and fishing excursions. 

Distance from Orlando: 60 miles

Don't miss: Cocoa Beach is known as the surf capital of Florida, with plenty of beach shacks and surf houses offering lessons on the sport if you want to learn.

Amelia Island is about three hours away from Orlando, a cute beach town with a lot to offer for day trips or long weekends. The pristine beaches at Amelia Island are worthy of your morning and afternoon, and the waves are never too rough, so it's a great spot to take kids. As the sun sets, take a sunset cruise along the waterways, then walk along the streets of Fernandina Beach Historic District for a bit of window shopping.

Distance from Orlando: 175 miles

Don't miss: The Palace Saloon of Fernandina Beach is Florida's oldest bar.

Just a few miles south of tourist-busy St. Augustine is the far quieter seaside community of Flagler Beach. Parking for some beach access points is on the side of the road, and you’ll spot cars parked in nearby sandy areas to get down to the water. The beaches connect to the Intracoastal waterways, where families will bring their boat or paddle board out for the day. All in all, this is a great recommendation for a family-friendly beach.

Distance from Orlando: 237 miles

Don't miss: This beach is known for great shelling, shark tooth hunting, and decent surf conditions. 

The nation’s oldest city is home to glittering beach waters and a thriving beach-front community. The two-hour drive from Orlando might seem long, but you’ll want to explore the beach and city for more than one day. After lounging on the sand, you can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, an old military fort near the Intracoastal waterway, or climb the stairs at the St. Augustine Lighthouse to the top for scenic views of the city. You can even drive yourself onto the beach at various access points, where you can drive the hard-packed sand in lieu of dragging your belongings to the beach from the hot parking lot.

Distance from Orlando: 263 miles

Don't miss: Castillo de San Marcos is an Instagram moment

Siesta Key’s beach performs a magic trick: this white quartz sand never gets too hot, even on summer days that feel like an open oven. Miles of that powdered sugar alone would make Siesta Key a worthy day trip from Orlando, but then there’s also the key’s St. Armands Circle, an entertainment district with restaurants and shopping that’ll fill a beach weekend.

Distance from Orlando: 235 miles

Don't miss: Siesta Key Village is fun to shop before and after a beach day.

You can be in New Smyrna Beach in about one hour, making this one of the closest day trip destinations from Orlando. The beach is also one of three areas in Florida where driving on the beach is allowed, so there is no need to lug all of your essentials from a parking lot down to the sand with you. Just be sure to stay on the packed sand when driving and parking. Trust us, the soft sand is a pain to deal with at the end of the day.

Distance from Orlando: 202 miles

Don't miss: While exploring the area, don't miss Canal Street for beachfront shopping, dining, and art galleries.  

Florida’s Space Coast is gaining popularity with travelers, and that means what was once a quiet beach has become a hotspot for travelers. Melbourne Beach is one of the best beaches along the Space Coast, with plenty of sunny days spent on the sand or out on a boat. Of course, you can check into hotels with beachfront views so you’re never too far away from the sound of the waves. This is also a great spot to see a rocket launch from the nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Distance from Orlando: 76 miles

Don't miss: Kennedy Space Center

This 1,100-acre state park splays out anchor-shaped into the waters of Tampa Bay. Those spindly undeveloped islands remained in Florida before Europeans arrived, and the beaches regularly rank among Florida’s best and the finest in the world. This park gets more visitors than any other in the Sunshine State. This isn’t a beach for everyone—you won’t find a luxury hotel or souvenir shop until back on the mainland—but for those who want bike paths, dog-friendly beaches, and hours of shelling, there’s simply no better stretch of sand.

Distance from Orlando: 117 miles

Don't miss: Miles of natural trails are ideal for biking, walking and observing nature.

Clearwater Beach is a stunning spot on the Gulf Coast, where the waters are tame, and the vibe is relaxed. The beach is perfect for those who love jet-skiing, paddle boarding, or parasailing in the morning before getting cleaned up to explore the area. While the beach area is more for tourists, there are some unique local activities. Do not leave without trying a grouper sandwich at one of the local restaurants—a lunch favorite in the area.

Distance from Orlando: 249 miles

Don't miss: Be sure to check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which has a fantastic sea turtle and dolphin rehabilitation center.