Being landlocked, a newbie will not view Orlando as a place to soak up the sun on a lovely beach along the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. But due to its proximity to some of the country’s impressive beaches, Orlando is a perfect starting point when exploring more expansive Orlando, Florida beaches for your honeymoon.
In about 1 to 2 hours, you will have your toes in warm sand in these top 7 beaches closest to Orlando.
Cocoa Beach
Distance from Orlando: 60 minutes
The” state’s surfing capital” is an hour’s drive east of Orlando. With sunny and sandy beaches, it makes for a great break from the hectic theme parks. Cocoa is home to Ron Jon Surf Shop international headquarters, housing the largest surf shop in the world.
If you are an amateur surfer, join a week-long surf camp session tailored to teaching ocean safety, and practice surfing techniques so that you are riding the waves by the week’s end. The Cocoa Beach Pier oozes charm; along this 800 feet stretch, visitors can shop at the boutiques while live music filtrate the air or dine in fun restaurants while taking in spectacular sunset views.
This is where spring breakers gather for beach volleyball, partying, and outdoor showers. The beach is close to the Kennedy Space Center is a significant attraction with a possibility of a rocket launch now and then.
It is also near Port Canaveral, the launching area of world-class cruise ships.
This magnificent beach is known to be a great family-friendly place where you can surf, fish, or grab a bite of fresh seafood.
Daytona Beach
Distance from Orlando: 60 minutes
Regarded as the “World’s Most Famous Beach” Daytona Beach is just an hour northeast of Orlando. With over 20 miles of shoreline and a wide white sand beach that you can drive onto is the perfect vacationing place. Daytona Beach is one of Orlando’s Florida beaches permitting vehicles on the beach.
The Daytona International Speedway complex is famous for its NASCAR Racing Experience, both for race enthusiasm and fun in the stands. If you are into different kinds of speed, then visit the Daytona Lagoon for its tube slides and free oceanfront concerts.
While spending the day at the beach, you experience buzzing jet skiing, volleyball, surfing, parasailing, motorcycle racing, kart racing, and world-class dining. If you happen to visit between May and October, then you will witness sea turtles flock to lay their eggs on the warm Daytona Beach.
Clearwater Beach
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours
Located in the resort region on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is only 2 hours from Downtown Orlando. Regularly voted as one of the top beaches in the country, it is by far one of the best Orlando Florida beaches. The gulf coast is a mild and warm year long, with beautiful palm trees and other tropical plant palms lining the pier.
The scenery and smooth waves make it a famous beach for water sports, jet skiing, and snorkeling. At pier 60, there are various family-friendly events and activities, including fishing tournaments and music festivals.
As the sun begins to set, the local fun activities kick in. You will enjoy live music, shop for culture-rich souvenirs from artisans and crafters, jaw-dropping street performances and take in a jubilant sunset celebration.
If you want to take some time away from the crowd and loud music, then I recommend Indian Rocks Beach as an ideal place to relax for both couples and families.
Vero Beach
Distance from Orlando: 90 minutes
The beach is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, about an hour and a half southeast of Orlando. Vero’s significant pull is a three centuries-old Spanish fleet wreck right off the shore. Catch treasure hunters scramble their salvage boats for long-lost Spanish loot. The shipwrecks also attract some 400 species of marine life, making for an incredible underwater view.
Florida’s Treasure Coast is so famous Disney even opened its own beach resort. It offers amazing recreational services like sliding into a Mickey Mouse-shaped pool, building sandcastles, campfires, kayaking adventures, and even a surf school.
If you are a surfer looking for a challenging wave to ride along with the Orlando Florida beaches, then Vero’s “First Peak” and “Monster Hole.” should be high on your pick.
For a low key getaway, head to Sebastian Inlet Park, set on the Atlantic side of the Indian River Lagoon and book a kayaking trip and witness its rich flora and fauna.
Distance from Orlando: 90 minutes
This is a barrier island along Florida’s Central East, just an hour and a half drive northeast of Orlando. Its unflattering tranquil escape boasts the most extended expansive pristine shore of all the Orlando, Florida beaches.
The Canaveral National Seashore is a natural beach, so be sure to bring your own sunscreen, snacks, and bottled water since there are no hotels, shops, or any designated eating areas.
If you are looking for a place to relax, unwind and reflect while exploring nature, this is the park to visit.
On this seashore, you will encounter endangered species like the manatees and birds hovering on 1000 different species of plants. Also, witnessed three species of sea turtles return to deposit their eggs each year.
The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are also close by. Where you can watch NASA launch a space shuttle into space from the comfort of your beach towel.
Speaking of towels, there are Nude beaches at both ends of Canaveral National Seashore, and security is pretty tight as police patrol the area with vigilance.
New Smyrna Beach
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour
This 15-mile stretch of mesmerizing white sand that makes New Smyrna Beach is just an hour’s drive from downtown Orlando. This beach is a hidden gem as compared to other Orlando Florida beaches it is often uncrowned making it a perfect location for surfers.
For the pro surfers the Ponce de Leon Inlet, where surfing championships are frequently held throughout the year is a huge draw. The northern the beach offers a designated drive leaving the parts traffic-free excellent for families looking for a safe spot to set up on the beach.
The wide, smooth white sands promise a good environment for beach cycling.
New Smyrna downtown has many historical landmarks eager for exploration, like Sugar
Mill Ruins which offers quaint cafés and restaurants. While here, it is a must to dig into a great burger or fresh seafood at Breakers.
The most fascinating aspect of New Smyrna is its popularity with the locals who are always keen to share their culture and everyone’s favorite grouper sandwiches.
St. Pete Beach
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours
A two-hour drive to the west Orlando is the historical St. Pete beach. This beach is famous for being home to the iconic grand pink masterpiece that is Don Cesar. Built in the 1920s at the height of America’s Jazz Age, hop in and experience a Gatsby-like atmosphere unlike in any other OrlandoFlorida beaches, over cocktails while you soak in jazz nostalgia.
The pristine white sand and beautiful turquoise colored water creates a family-friendly beach atmosphere. Be on the lookout for dolphins swimming along the horizon, while you take part in Kayaking and canoeing.
Due to hotels, shops, and restaurants lining the resort area, finding parking at this beach is often tricky, so be sure to arrive early. Other than that, there is no throwback to this heart-popping beach.