It’s no wonder Orlando is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the USA. As the home of Disney World, this famous Florida city has earned the nickname of the theme park capital of the world. But there’s more to this bustling city than just rollercoasters and carousels.
Orlando, Florida, is conveniently nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, so a variety of beautiful beaches are just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, family-friendly activities, or some action-packed adventure, there is something for everyone!
Over by the Atlantic Ocean, you’re likely to encounter lively beach towns, surfers hitting the waves, and an abundance of boats out on the water. Over by the Gulf of Mexico, you’re more likely to find a relaxed environment with calm waters, shimmering sand, and lots of sunshine.
Regardless of which side of the coast you choose to go, you are bound to encounter iconic locations like the Canaveral National Seashore, which is federally protected for its wildlife and recreational public lands, and the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, which is the largest surf shop in the entire world spanning a massive 52,000 square feet.
So, what beaches will you be visiting during your next Orlando getaway? Here’s a list of the best beaches near Orlando, Florida, and what makes them worth your time.
1. Clearwater Beach
About a two-hour drive from Orlando, you’ll find Clearwater Beach. As one of the most popular Gulf Coast beaches, this location boasts clear shallow waters, white sands, and several entertainment options.
Many visitors enjoy spending time in the ocean participating in water sports like paddling, tubing, jet skiing, and parasailing. You and your family can also board a boat for a guided tour that takes you to see dolphins up close.
Out of the water, guests can eat snacks, play games, go fishing, and hear live music on Pier 60. They can also pay a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This marine life rescue center gives visitors the chance to meet rehabilitated animals like otters, sea turtles, stingrays, and pelicans.
Here is a list of resorts located nearby where you can lounge by the pool and enjoy high-end service for your daycation:
- Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
- Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
2. Cocoa Beach
If you drive east of Orlando for about an hour, you will hit Cocoa Beach. You will be immersed in surf culture as you walk along the sandy beach and overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s here that you will find the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. The massive multi-level shop is open 24 hours a day all year long. If you want to learn about surfing, this is the place to do it. Ron Jon Surf Shop caters to beginners and seasoned surfers.
While you’re shopping, look out for the unique surroundings like aquariums and waterfalls. Once you have picked out the perfect beachwear and souvenirs, hang out at the beachside and watch some incredible surfing. If you want to get in on the action, Cocoa Beach offers surf lessons.
Want a break from the water? Look to the sky and check out the Kennedy Space Center. This NASA visitor center has exhibits that showcase historic spacecraft memorabilia and tours of the spaceport.
Here is a list of resorts located nearby to enjoy your daycation with rented cabanas and poolside drinks:
- Beachside Hotel and Suites
- Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral
- Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach
3. St. Pete Beach
An hour and thirty minutes away from Orlando in the Tampa Bay area sits St. Pete Beach. Located on the west coast of Florida, sunny St. Pete Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
St. Pete Beach is the ideal location for a relaxing vacation. The powdery white sand that covers its coast is a popular spot for guests of all ages to sunbathe, build sandcastles, and go hunting for seashells.
In the water, families can get active swimming, kayaking, parasailing, and paddleboarding. There are also opportunities to go on dolphin tours and spot some dolphins amidst the ocean waves.
St. Pete Beach also has a vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of beachfront bars and restaurants. Among these restaurant options is the fine dining available at the iconic Don CeSar Hotel. Along with delicious cuisine, this St. Pete Beach landmark features private beach access and two heated pools.
Here is a list of resorts located nearby where you can sip a co*cktail and enjoy luxury in style:
- The Don CeSar
- Bellwether Beach Resort
- Beach House Suites
4. Daytona Beach
About an hour north of Orlando, bordering the Atlantic Coast, you’ll find Daytona Beach. Daytona isn’t just one of the most popular Florida beaches in America — it’s also one of the most famous beaches in the world.
This is in large part because it serves as the venue for the Daytona 500, a 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series race. Thanks to the beach’s hard-packed sand, cars can drive directly on the beach, making it one of the most uniquely thrilling NASCAR events.
Visitors make their way to Daytona Beach every single day for exciting visits to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. Here, they’ll encounter delicious food, multiple arcades, carnival games, roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel.
Near the pier, you’ll find the Daytona Lagoon water park. This location is designed for guests of all ages to have fun, making it a great place to spend quality time with the entire family. Facilities at the water park include water slides, a lazy river, an arcade, go-karts, and a mini-golf course.
Here is a list of resorts located nearby where you can relax and continue your daycation in style:
- Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
- Delta Hotels Daytona Beach Oceanfront
- The Daytona, Autograph Collection
- Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
5. Melbourne Beach
Southeast of Orlando, a little over one and a half hours away, is Melbourne Beach, directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Melbourne Beach is especially popular with visitors looking to connect with nature.
The beach sits upon a barrier island positioned between the ocean and Indian River Lagoon. While at the lagoon, you will have the chance to go down a paddling trail on a kayak and spot animals and plant life along the way! Or if you would prefer, you can take a boat tour instead.
If that’s still not enough wildlife for you, head nearby to the Sebastian Inlet State Park. Here, you’ll have the chance to see manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, and more, all living in their natural habitat. At the park, guests can participate in popular nature pastimes like boating, camping, and fishing.
While at Melbourne Beach, your family will have the opportunity to participate in several outdoor activities including, but not limited to, swimming, hiking, biking, golfing, and taking walks on the Melbourne Beach Pier.
Here is a list of resorts located nearby where you can enjoy a drink and a poolside nap:
- Hyatt Place Melbourne Airport
- Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront
Which Florida Beach Has the Clearest Water?
Though native Floridians all seem to have their own opinion about which beach in the state has the most pristine water, the general consensus is that Destin Beach — with its iconic emerald sparkling ocean waves — takes the top prize!
Destin Beach is located in the Florida Panhandle and attracts loads of visitors every year. The white sands and crystal clear waters make it extremely popular with tourists. With so much to do in Florida, this is the perfect spot to get active in the water!
The clean, clear water is the ideal setting for aquatic activities like swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling typically takes place near jetties in the water, where the waves tend to be a little calmer.
This makes it safe and fun for snorkelers of all ages and levels of experience! While there, you are bound to observe much of the tropical wildlife living in the Gulf.
After spending all day out in the water working up an appetite, you’ll have the chance to check out the several different nearby dining options. Along with sparkling waters, Destin Beach provides visitors with a wide range of waterfront cuisine, all serving yummy and nutritious fresh seafood.
Optimize Your Time With ResortPass
Want to optimize your time at all of these incredible Florida beaches? Check out ResortPass!
With ResortPass, you can book Day Passes to beachfront resorts all over the country. Use the filter tools to narrow your search down to resorts in Florida.
You can make your search even more specific by requesting Florida resorts that come with beach access. In no time at all, you will find the perfect spot for you and your family’s next daycation.
With Day Passes in tow, you will be able to spend your day in a hotel pool, eating at their restaurants, using their fitness centers, visiting their spas, and chilling on their private beaches without ever having to pay for a full night’s stay.
What are you waiting for? Slather on that sunscreen and get your Florida vacation started!
