Home to the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, Orlando is paradise for theme park lovers. Here, you can spend your days hopping from one attraction to another, which vary from kid-friendly rides like "It's a small world" in Fantasyland to high-speed rides like the “Jurassic World VelociCoaster" in Universal Islands of Adventure.
But there’s more to Orlando than just its theme parks. It’s also home to world-class attractions like the Orlando Eye, a growing fine dining scene, and easy access to some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day under the sun or some adventure riding the waves, we’ve got you covered with our list of the top 6 beaches around Orlando. Read on below to know more!
1. Daytona Beach
Make sure to walk along Daytona Beach Pier to peruse the restaurants, cafes, and shops.
One of the beaches closest to Orlando, Daytona Beach is often what first comes to mind for anyone looking for a day of sun and sea. Probably the most famous beach in the world, Daytona has everything you could want in a beach and more: from swimming and surfing to carnival games, rides, and even free concerts in the summer. There’s even the Charles & Linda Williams Children’s Museum at the Museum of Arts and Sciences, a perfect spot for families with kids.
If you’ve gotten too much sun, just duck inside the many restaurants, cafes, and candy shops in the area to cool off and sample its world-class dining scene.
Klook tip: While Daytona Beach is a popular destination year-round, it’s especially popular during spring break when it’s packed with college students. If you’re planning your visit around this time, consider other beaches further away from Orlando instead.
How to get there: Get on the I-4 Express and head straight, before taking the I-95 N exit toward Jacksonville. From there, merge onto US-92 E/W International Speedway Blvd and turn right onto S Ridgewood Ave until you pass by Jimmy John's on the left. You may also consider booking guided day trips to Daytona Beach with round-trip transfers if you don’t plan on renting a car.
Travel time is approximately 50 - 60 minutes.
2. New Smyrna Beach
Spend the day catching waves at New Smyrna Beach, a laid-back surf town on the Atlantic Coast.
A surf town on the Atlantic Coast known for its laid-back vibes and consistent waves, New Smyrna Beach is a popular spot for intermediate to advanced level surfers who wish to spend the day catching waves. This is one of the quieter beaches around Orlando, so it’s the perfect destination if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
After surfing, you can refuel with a burger or fresh seafood at Breakers, an open-air restaurant right by the beach. We also recommend spending some time exploring Flagler Avenue to check out the local boutiques and restaurants there and maybe even try out some chocolate at the candy shops.
How to get there: From Orlando, take the I-4 Express and keep left, then exit onto FL-44 E toward New Smyrna Beach. Expect travel time to take between 60 - 75 minutes.
3. Cocoa Beach
Try to reel in some fish from the Cocoa Beach Pier, especially for visits in the morning or in the afternoon.
Famous for its pier that stretches up to 800 feet into the ocean, a trip to Cocoa Beach in Florida is a must for anyone visiting Orlando. Its gentle waves are ideal for beginner surfers, as well as families with children who prefer wading in the shallower side of the sea. Other activities in the water include parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and more.
After a day splashing around in the water, spend some time walking along the pier to check out the restaurants and bars, some of which even offer free live musical entertainment. You can also fish from the pier year-round, best done during early morning or late evening when fish are at their most active.
Klook tip: No need to worry about bringing your own surfboard. Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop, offers surfboard rentals and other beach gear for purchase like rashguards and wetsuits. You can also pick up some pretty cool souvenirs here, so stop by even if you have your own gear.
How to get there: From Orlando, go on FL-408 E and continue straight before taking exit 18 to merge onto FL-417 S. Continue straight before taking exit 26 toward Cocoa and merge onto FL-528 E. Continue onto Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy S until you pass by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits on the right.
Expect to travel for about 60-70 minutes.
4. Clearwater Beach
The best time to visit Clearwater Beach is at sunset, but it’s also the busiest. Make sure you arrive early!
With its white sand and clear waters, Clearwater Beach is definitely aptly named. The warm and gentle waves are perfect for a leisurely day in the water, whether you’re just looking to wade in the shallow waters or hopping on a boat for a dolphin cruise. Other activities include a ferry ride to Caladesi Island State Park to kayak through mangroves or a stop at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
And while Clearwater Beach is already perfect in the day, it becomes even more beautiful at sunset when the sky is painted a dazzling array of colors.
Klook tip: If you’re planning to catch the sunset here, try to arrive early, as parking becomes tougher to find and more expensive in the afternoon.
How to get there: Get on the I-4 Express and merge onto I-275 S toward St Petersburg. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 39 to merge onto FL-60 W toward Clearwater/Tampa Airport, then take exit 2A for FL-60 W toward Clearwater. If you don’t plan on driving, consider booking guided day trips to Clearwater Beach with round-trip transfers instead.
Travel time is approximately 120 minutes.
5. Canaveral National Seashore
See sand dunes, the open lagoon, and other natural wonders at Canaveral National Seashore.
An undeveloped coastline just an hour away from Orlando, Canaveral National Seashore is a fantastic option for nature lovers. Beyond the sun and the ocean, you can also explore natural features like the sand dunes and the open lagoon. The Apollo Beach Visitor Center is another popular attraction in the area if you’re interested in hiking along the trails for birdwatching and wildlife.
How to get there: Get onto FL-408 E, then continue straight before taking exit 23 for FL-50 E. Merge onto State Rte 50 E, then follow FL-405 N to A. Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy.
Travel time takes approximately 60 minutes.
6. Spanish House at Sebastian Inlet
Escape the busy streets of Orlando with a trip to Sebastian Inlet, a hidden treasure loved by local beachgoers.
With smaller crowds and waves that average about 2-3 feet each, Sebastian Inlet is an ideal location for intermediate to advanced surfers to practice all day long. It’s also a favorite among local anglers who want to catch various fish such as snook, redfish, bluefish, and more. Other water activities include swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling, with shelling and sunbathing being popular choices if you just want to relax.
Klook tip: Entrance fees are required for Sebastian Inlet:
- USD 8 per vehicle (2 - 8 passengers)
- USD 4 per vehicle (single passenger only)
- USD 2 each for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers in vehicles
- USD 4 + tax, for those bringing boats.
How to get there: Get on FL-408 E, then take exit 18 to merge onto FL-417 S toward Tampa. Continue straight, then take exit 26 toward Cocoa and merge onto FL-528 E, before you exit via 42A to merge onto I-95 S toward Miami. Take exit 188 for for FL-404, then turn right onto Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy S.
Travel time takes approximately 120 minutes.
Explore Orlando Hassle-Free with Klook!
The best way to reach the beaches around Orlando is by renting a car and driving around, especially if you plan to stay late or even overnight for some camping. Before you go, make sure you get all your essentials, such as a US eSIM and your Orlando accommodations!
FAQs
1. What are the closest beaches to Orlando?
The closest beaches to Orlando are Cocoa Beach and Canaveral National Seashore on the Atlantic Coast, which are about an hour away by car. Other popular options nearby are Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Melbourne Beach.
2. Are the beaches near Orlando good for swimming?
Yes, the beaches around Orlando are generally good for swimming, with popular options being Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and Clearwater Beach. However, it’s important that you check wave and tide conditions before you set off to the beach, as conditions for each location change daily. If the tide is too strong or waves too high for swimming at the beach, you can consider visiting Blue Springs State Park or Silver Springs instead to swim in the clear spring water.
3. Which beaches near Orlando are best for families?
The best beaches around Orlando for families are:
- Cocoa Beach: Less than an hour away from Orlando by car, this is a popular option for families looking for a quick getaway from the city for swimming, surfing, and more. However, note that this beach can get pretty packed, so we recommend visiting the southern part of the beach where there’s fewer people.
- Canaveral National Seashore: Ideal for families who wish to avoid the crowds. Offers various activities such as canoeing, hiking, and meeting local turtles at the unspoiled beaches. Camping overnight or staying at a nearby hotel highly-recommended.
- Daytona Beach: With a shoreline that stretches up to 23 miles (37 kilometers), Daytona Beach is packed with activities for all ages. From swimming to arcade games, golf, and even beachfront dining.
4. Which beaches near Orlando are best for surfing?
The best beaches around Orlando for surfing are:
- Cocoa Beach: A great spot for surfers of all levels due to the consistent waves. The nearest surfing beach to Orlando, it’s also easily the most popular and draws in a pretty big crowd.
- New Smyrna Beach: With over 300 surfable days a year, this is an ideal surfing location for surfers at an intermediate skill level. Less busy compared to Cocoa Beach.
- Spanish House at Sebastian Inlet: The perfect spot if you’re in search of a quiet surfing spot. Waves average about 2-3 feet, making it ideal for advanced surfers.
5. Are the beaches around Orlando free to visit?
Yes, most beaches around Orlando are free to access, provided that they are accessible via public pathways. However, note that even public beaches may have private areas or facilities that require payment such as toilets and any rentals, so it’s always good to have some cash or credit cards with you. Beaches in state parks will also require entrance fees.
Klook tip: Keep an eye out for any “Private Property” signs or cones at any beach you visit so you don’t accidentally wander out of the public areas.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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