Top Beaches Near Orlando, Florida, for a Relaxing Getaway!

Last Updated on Mar 20th, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Most people think of Orlando as a destination with attractions similar to Disney & Universal. But many of those travellers also have one major question: Is there a beach at Orlando Florida? So actually, central Florida, where Orlando is located, does not have any beaches in the city. 

However, the good news is that some of the best beaches near Orlando are just a short distance away. From the best beaches closest to Orlando to many other beautiful beaches near Orlando, one can easily plan a perfect beach vacation. 

Does Orlando Florida Have a Beach?

Before planning an Orlando trip, the first thing most beach lovers want to know is how far it is from Orlando to the beach. Florida has no coastline & therefore does not have any beaches. However, what makes this city such an attraction is its convenient location.  

As Central Florida is located between the Atlantic Ocean (approximately 45 – 60 miles east) & the Gulf of Mexico (approximately 75 – 90 miles west), the majority of Orlando beach visitors can reach either coast in less than a full day, making the beach very accessible to Orlando tourists. 

While Orlando does not offer surf & sand within the city limits, beach lovers will be pleased to learn that there is a great beach not far from Orlando. A road trip to this beach will be very worthwhile.

Best Beaches East of Orlando (Atlantic Coast)

The Atlantic coast beaches are the closest & most popular among Orlando visitors. Here’s a breakdown of the top picks:

1. Cocoa Beach, The Closest Beach to Orlando

Distance from Orlando- Approximately 60 miles (60-75 min. on SR-528/Beachline Expressway)

Looking for a beach near to Orlando? Cocoa beach is HANDS DOWN the most popular response; this world-renowned Atlantic Ocean beach is known for its laid back surf culture, Ron Jon Surf Shop (one of the largest surf stores in the world), & the convenience of getting to from Orlando.y.

• Surfing & Water Sports
• Home of the Famous Ron Jon Surf Shop
• Restaurants & Fishing on the Pier
• Family Friendly with Public Restrooms & Lifeguards
• Kennedy Space Center is Nearby as an Extra Attraction

Cocoa Beach is by far the ideal beach close to Orlando for those wanting to enjoy a quick day trip. The atmosphere is relaxed, there’s fun surf, & there are great seafood shacks along the beach.

2. New Smyrna Beach, the Artsy, Laid-Back Alternative

Orlando Distance – Approximately 60 miles (approximately 1 hour driving time – I-4 East but actual travelling times depend on traffic).

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere & a quaint, cozy beach town, New Smyrna Beach is an incredible beach destination located near Orlando that is often overlooked. 

You will find a vibrant arts community, arts/craft/home-design-related boutique shops, & a very relaxed, small-town feel to this beach location, which is just an hour away from the crowds at all of the local theme parks.

• Beautiful, wide, clean beaches (sand)
• Great place to surf & paddleboard
• Great local dining & nightlife
• Not as crowded as Daytona Beach
• Great for couples & individuals

3. Daytona Beach, The Classic Florida Experience

Distance from Disneyland Resort – About 60 miles (1 hour via I-40 E & Route 30)

Daytona Beach is perhaps the most well-known of all the beaches in Florida. The beach is famous around the world for its hard-packed sand & you can actually drive on parts of it. The beach has a lively, exciting atmosphere with plenty of things to do & see! If you are looking for good beaches near Orlando FL with a lively atmosphere, Daytona Beach can be an ideal location!

Some of the main attractions of Daytona Beach are:

• Sections of beach that are “drive-on” are notable for being one of a kind.
• The sandy beach is very wide & extends for miles.
• There is a boardwalk with arcades, rides & dining.
• There are many options for hotels to stay at overnight while there.
• There are many attractions related to the Daytona Speedway & motorsports near the beach.

Best Beaches West of Orlando (Gulf Coast)

While they’re a bit farther, the Gulf Coast beaches near Orlando are often described as some of the most beautiful in the entire United States. The water is warmer, calmer, & that legendary Gulf turquoise-green color is something you have to see in person.

4. Clearwater Beach, The Crown Jewel of Gulf Beaches

Distance from Orlando: Approximately ninety miles (1.5 hours through I-4 West + I-275)

Clearwater Beach consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in America, so it’s no surprise that it has this reputation. The beach has soft white sand that can be heard when you walk on it; the water is clear & shallow & the sunsets are amazing! If you’re looking for the best beach near Orlando on the Gulf Coast, this is it, hands down!

Some of the awards won by Clearwater Beach include:

• White sand beaches
• Calm, warm Gulf water is good for families
• Vibrant Pier 60 features family-friendly nightly sunset celebrations.
• Best restaurants, shops & nightlife along the beach at Clearwater Beach.
• Parasailing, dolphin watching tours & boat rentals are available at Clearwater Beach.

5. St. Pete Beach, Relaxed Gulf-Side Perfection

How far is it? About 95 miles or 1.5 hrs west of Orlando through I-4.

St. Pete Beach is located just south of Clearwater & is quieter than Clearwater Beach, but it nevertheless features beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to beautiful, colorful beach houses, St. Pete Beach features the famous “Pink Palace” Don CeSar hotel & a friendly, inviting community atmosphere. This is one of the most beautiful places that is close to Orlando for anyone who enjoys a typical Florida beach town.

St. Pete Beach is known for:

• Show-stopping sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico
• Excellent opportunities for snorkeling & collecting shells
• Family-friendly with shallow water & calm surf
• The Don CeSar hotel, which is a historic landmark

6. Canaveral National Seashore, Nature at Its Finest

From Orlando, travel approximately 55 miles (1 hour) east on SR-528 to reach Canaveral National Seashore. 

It is a paradise for lovers of nature as well as those looking for public beaches near Orlando that are not altered by man & remain as wild as can be. It is also one of the longest undeveloped barrier islands located in Florida along the Atlantic coastline. This is approximately a 1-hour addition to a day at the beach & could provide a very pleasant time away from the busy Florida tourist areas.

Canaveral National Seashore has the following advantages:

• As one of the longest undeveloped beaches on the Entire East Coast of the United States.
• Excellent location for viewing turtles nesting on the beach.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife photography paradise.
• Very few people are at the beach compared to the Orlando area beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway.
• No Food concessions available, you must take food & drink with you.

Tips for Planning Your Beach Day from Orlando!

Now that you know where to beach it from Orlando here are a few ideas that may help you with your trip to the beach from Orlando.

• 1. Get there early – Orlando beaches are very busy most of the time especially on weekends. Getting there before 9-10:00 am, you will get a much better parking spot & a good choice of beach spots.
• 2. Use the toll roads – Take the Beachline Expressway (SR-528) to Cocoa Beach & the Suncoast Parkway to Gulf Beaches. You will save yourself time with your travels. Make sure to have an E-PASS or cash available.
• 3. Think about what you are packing – Sunscreen (50spf or greater), refillable water containers, snacks, beach umbrella & cooler, will make your day much more comfortable.
• 4. Check the weather – Thunderstorms are common in the summer afternoons in Florida. Therefore, it is advisable to get to the beach in the morning & then leave in the early to mid-afternoon.
• 5. Rent your equipment at the beach – Most beaches offer rental chairs & umbrellas, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, etc., so you do not have to pack everything from Orlando.
• 6. Bring some cash – Most beaches will only accept cash or a specific app for parking, so be prepared.

Best Beaches Near Orlando for Families!

If you will be traveling with kids, here are some of the best family-friendly beaches in the Orlando area:

• Cocoa Beach – The calm water, lifeguard protection & ample amenities make this a great beach for families with small children.
• Clearwater Beach – With shallow, gentle Gulf waters, this is a great beach for toddlers & younger children. The presence of a pier & other nearby attractions adds to the fun.
• St. Pete Beach – The water is extremely gentle, the surroundings are beautiful & the pace here is very relaxed; perfect for families who want to relax & enjoy themselves.
• Playalinda Beach (Canaveral) – If you are a lover of nature, this beach is gorgeous, especially during sea turtle nesting season.

All of these beaches have public restrooms, parking & easy access from the beach, making them great public beaches near Orlando for families.

In Conclusion!

Orlando doesn’t have any beaches in the city itself however, there are many amazing beaches nearby that can be reached by car in no time. If you are asking, does Orlando have a beach, or does Orlando have a beach, the answer to both questions is no, but there are numerous beautiful beaches just minutes from Orlando. You can visit Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, or Clearwater Beach, which are all located just a short drive from Orlando, to have fun at the beach. Therefore, if you are visiting Orlando, be sure to include a beach day in your vacation plans & check out some of the outstanding beaches located in & around Orlando, Florida, for a wonderful day at the beach!

Happy Beach Days!!

Frequently Asked Questions!

Q: Does Orlando Florida have a beach?

A: There are no beaches within Orlando, Florida, because it is an inland city, but some beautiful beaches are nearby (approximately 1-2 hours away) from the Orlando area.

Q: What is the beach nearest to Orlando?

A: Cocoa Beach is thought to be the closest beach to Orlando (approximately 60 miles away) & can typically be reached by automobile in about 1 hour.

Q: What is the best beach near Orlando Florida?

A: Clearwater Beach is considered to be one of the top beaches in the area by many travelers, offering soft white sand & clear ocean waters.

Q: Are there public beaches near Orlando?

A: Several public beaches are also located near Orlando, such as Daytona Beach & New Smyrna Beach, which can be accessed freely or easily.

Q:  What are some beautiful beaches near Orlando?

A: Siesta Key Beach, Clearwater Beach, & Cocoa Beach are some of the most gorgeous beaches found in proximity to Orlando.

Q: What are good beaches near Orlando, FL, for a quick trip?

A: Cocoa Beach & Daytona Beach are considered by travelers to be the best options for a quick beach trip as they offer both the convenience of location & the quality of beach.

Q:  How far are the beaches from Orlando, FL?

A: The distance from Orlando, FL, to most beaches is between 60 & 110 miles, depending on the beach selected.

Q: What is the nicest beach close to Orlando?

A: The majority of visitors would rank Siesta Key Beach as the best beach in relation to Orlando due to its beautiful, soft, sandy beach & scenic surroundings.