Key Takeaways
- The closest beaches near Orlando are about a 60-minute drive. Cocoa Beach is the closest and an excellent family-friendly option.
- Other great options that are about a 60-minute drive from Orlando are New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and Peacock Beach.
- The best beaches that are over an hour are Ponce Inlet, Flagler Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Vero Beach.
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First Timers Guide to Disney World
All About Disney Magic Bands
Beaches Near Orlando
Beaches One Hour Away From Orlando
1. Cocoa Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~60 minutes
Good for: Family, Relaxation, Fun
If you just want a simple beach day to relax, go to Cocoa Beach. It’s the closest beach and it has great family-friendly beach options.
For a more bustling scene, hit the beach at Cocoa Beach Pier but if you want a quieter vibe, head over to Lori Wilson Beach Park.
Where to stay near Cocoa Beach: The Resort on Cocoa Beach
Right on the beach, a huge pool, plus it’s near fun attractions and activities. All the rooms are multi-room suites and have a fully equipped kitchen and washers and dryers, perfect for families and big groups.
2. New Smyrna Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~60 minutes
Good for: Relaxation, Families, Adventure
If you want to relax, head to New Smyrna. It’s a calm, quiet beach town with 17 miles of white-sand beaches, a 2-mile boardwalk, and a cute downtown village.
There’s plenty to do from bike trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, or sunset dolphin tours. And surfers will love it here, it’s called the surfing mecca of the East Coast!
Where to stay near New Smyrna Beach: SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Beachfront location with a large outdoor lounge and bar, plus a pool. Breakfast is included and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance too. Rooms are spacious and have options for oceanfront balconies.
3. Daytona Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~60 minutes
Good for: Fun, Families, Couples
If you want to go to a beach with some action, plan for Daytona. It’s known for its wide beach with hard packed sand (so driving is permitted), many attractions, and a lively nightlife.
Visit the boardwalk for rides, games, and arcades or head to the Beach Bandshell for free summer concerts. And steps from the beach is Daytona Lagoon water park!
Where to stay near Daytona Beach: Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort
Beachfront resort with a large swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor bar and lounge. Walking distance to many shops and restaurants plus an on-site restaurant.
4. Ormond Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~60 minutes
Good for: Relaxation, Families
Enjoy small town vibes at Ormond Beach. Try out water activities like kayaking, surfing, or renting a boat or head to the city’s Central Park and explore the 150 lush acres of trails and waterways.
The beach has a playground and splash pad, and there are kid-friendly activities around town like art night and surf lessons.
Where to stay near Ormond Beach: Home2 Suites Ormond Beach
Right on the beach with a pool, hot tub, and large sun deck. Breakfast is included and the spacious suites all have kitchenettes and balconies.
5. Peacock Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~60 minutes
Good for: Relaxation, Families, No Crowds
If you want a serene experience, try quiet and uncrowded Peacock Beach. Known as a hidden gem, this beach will give you a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the busy beach towns.
You’ll see sand dunes, beautiful flowers, seashells, and -no surprise- peacocks! There are plenty of water activities, a lively zoo with fun activities, and large parks with play areas.
Beaches 70 - 90 Minutes Away From Orlando
6. Canaveral National Seashore
Drive time from Orlando: ~70 minutes
Good for: Adventure, No Crowds
Have an adventure at Canaveral National Seashore – it’s a barrier island and national park. You’ll see hundreds of species of plants and birds, and even endangered species of animals at this natural paradise. Walk the nature trails, relax on one of the three beaches, or enjoy water activities like fishing, boating, canoeing, or surfing.
It’s a little secluded so it’s not an easy in and out, but the beauty and peaceful vibes are worth it. (Admission fee is $25.)
Beach tip: There are three beaches, Apollo, Klondike, and Playalinda. All equally beautiful and pristine however, Playalinda has more parking.
7. Ponce Inlet Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~70 minutes
Good for: Relaxation, No Crowds
Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at Ponce Inlet Beach—stretching out four miles to the mouth of the inlet with white sands and surfer-friendly waves. There are plenty of fun water activities you can choose from like catamaran cruises and parasailing. You’ll see all types of plant and animal species that add to the beauty, and for a fee, you can even drive your car on certain spots of the beach.
The big draw to the area is their lighthouse—it’s the tallest working lighthouse in Florida! It’s just south of Daytona, so you can even make it a relaxing day trip if you stay there.
8. Flagler Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~80 minutes
Good for: Relaxation, Families
Flagler Beach is laid-back and friendly with cool, retro vibes. There’s six miles of shoreline to enjoy, whether you want to sit and tan or go paddleboarding, shelling, or boating.
Shops and restaurants line the shore, so you can dine with an ocean view. For families, there are parks around town with playgrounds to burn off some extra energy.
Where to stay near Flagler Beach: Island Cottage Inn
An adorable, tranquil beachfront inn. There’s a pool, complimentary bikes and beach loungers, plus a coffee shop.
If you’re going with the fam, try Hammock Beach Golf Resort a few minutes away for an amazing, luxury resort with all the bells and whistles.
9. Melbourne Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~80 minutes
Good for: Families
Family-friendly Melbourne Beach is known as The Harbor City and offers many fun things to do for all ages. The beaches are beautiful, and you’ll be able to sign up for surf lessons, take a kayak tour, or hop on a dolphin cruise.
Beyond the beaches, you’ll get nature, arts, and a variety of dining and shopping, all in a walkable area. It’s a great, slow-paced spot to relax after visiting Orlando.
Where to stay near Melbourne Beach: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront
An all-suite no-frills oceanfront hotel with a swimming pool, hot tub, and sun deck. A breakfast buffet is available plus there’s a poolside lounge with snacks and drinks.
10. Vero Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~90 minutes
Good for: Relaxing, Fun
Elegant Vero Beach offers 26 miles of beautiful beaches, ritzy resorts, and a fun entertainment scene. This gem on the Treasure Coast is known for its watersports—you can kayak, paddle board, cruise the lagoon, surf, fish, or get on an airboat.
And if you want to continue the Disney fun, you can visit or stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort!
Where to stay near Vero Beach: Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Luxurious Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel is right on the beach with a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and sun terrace. There are two on-site restaurants and a full-service eco-friendly spa. The rooms range from standard to 2-bedroom suites.
Beaches Two Hours Away From Orlando
11. Clearwater Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~2 hours
Good for: Families, Fun
If you love an immaculate, impeccable beach, Clearwater is your spot. it’s been named one of America’s Top Beaches for years.
To top it off, it’s perfect for families. There’s a famous aquarium, pier, pirate cruise, even an alligator discovery center. It’s walkable and friendly and you’ll be able to choose from a variety of fun activities—perfect for an easy beach getaway.
Where to stay near Clearwater Beach: Sandpearl Resort
A favorite with travelers, the Sandpearl is beachfront with a lagoon-style pool, on-site dining, and elegant, spacious guest rooms. There are countless activities that are available at the resort from water activities like parasailing, to beach volleyball, dolphin encounters, and daily children’s program.
12. Ponte Vedra Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~2 hours
Good for: Relaxing, Families
If you want to enjoy the outdoors, upscale Ponte Vedra is a great spot to do it. The beaches are picturesque, it’s a golf capital, and the hiking, biking, and fishing can’t be beat.
A scenic drive down A1A will lead you to countless dining and shopping opportunities.
Where to stay near Ponte Vedra Beach: Seahorse Oceanfront Inn
Just down the road from Ponte Vedra Beach, it’s beachfront and offers a swimming pool, garden, and on-site dining. The location is fantastic and within walking distance to many other restaurants and shops. Rooms range from standard to 1-bedroom suites.
13. North Beach at Fort De Soto Park
Drive time from Orlando: ~2 hours
Good for: Families, Relaxing
Want to get away to an island? Fort Deo Soto Park covers five islands on the Gulf of Mexico!
Miles of shoreline, crystal clear water, a mysterious fort, and a large tidal pool are some of the reasons it’s been named perfect for families by Parents Magazine. Easily paddle or kayak the waters or rent a surrey bike and explore the trails.
Where to stay near Fort De Soto Park: Residence Inn St. Petersburg Tierra Verde
Just five miles away, it’s the closest hotel to Fort De Soto Park. They offer a swimming pool, free bikes, on-site dining, and a terrace. Rooms are all spacious and range from studios to 1 bedroom suites with full kitchens.
14. Siesta Key Beach
Drive time from Orlando: ~2.5 hours
Good for: Families, Fun
This 8-mile-long island offers beautiful quartz-sand beaches and turquoise waters. There are several water activities like snorkeling, eco-tours, and parasailing offers, or you can stay on land and enjoy an e-bike tours.
A free trolley will get you around the island easily to enjoy all the dining and shopping it has to offer.
Best place to stay near Siesta Key Beach: The Residences on Siesta Key Beach
Right on a private beach, it has a large swimming pool, hot tub, and on-site dining. All rooms are spacious multi-room suites with kitchens, perfect for large groups. A continental breakfast is included, and there’s a game room with shuffleboard and ping pong.
FAQs: Orlando’s Closest Beaches
What is the nicest beach closest to Orlando?
Orlando is located about an hour away from several beautiful beaches, each offering its own unique charm.
Cocoa Beach is the closest and provides a quintessential Floridian experience with an expansive shoreline and iconic Cocoa Beach Pier. For a more relaxed, small-town vibe, New Smyrna Beach is a wonderful option, offering a quieter atmosphere that’s perfect for a serene escape. If you’re looking for a bit more action and entertainment, Daytona Beach is also about an hour away and is known for its vibrant boardwalk and bustling beach scene.
Each of these beaches has its own appeal, making them excellent choices for different types of beachgoers.
Which beach is closest to Disney World?
The closest beach to Disney World is Cocoa Beach, which is approximately 60 miles away. It’s a straightforward drive east on FL-528, making it a convenient option for a day trip from the theme parks. Cocoa Beach offers a range of activities and is popular among both locals and tourists for its accessibility and family-oriented atmosphere.
Does Orlando have white sand beaches?
Orlando doesn’t have any beaches since it’s about an hour away from the shore, but you can find white sand beaches within a short drive.
About an hour away, Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach offer white sand beaches. And if you’re willing to make a longer drive, Clearwater Beach is known for its impeccable white sand beaches.
Wrapping Up: Orlando’s Closest Beaches
With so many fantastic beaches near Orlando, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to complement your Disney adventure.
Whether you choose the vibrant shores of Daytona Beach, the peaceful charm of New Smyrna Beach, or the beautiful sands of Cocoa Beach, each destination offers a unique experience tailored to different tastes and interests.
For those willing to venture a bit further, the scenic beauty of Fort De Soto Park, the lively atmosphere of Siesta Key, or the family-friendly fun of Clearwater Beach promise to enhance your Florida vacation even more.
So, grab your sunscreen and beach gear, your ideal beach day is just a short drive away!
