The Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida

While Orlando is a popular destination for getaways to Florida, it unfortunately is not located directly on the coast. Its main attraction – and the reason most people choose to vacation there – is, of course, Disney World! But that doesn’t mean you can’t tack on a quick trip to the shoreline as part of your visit as well. Continue reading for a list of beaches near Orlando, Florida.

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Orlando is closest to the east coast of Florida, so we will start with nearby beaches that border the Atlantic Ocean.

1. Cocoa Beach

One of the closest beaches to Orlando is Cocoa Beach. This is a popular destination for a handful of reasons. It is well known for surfing, it is close to the culturally significant Cape Canaveral, and it is located on a barrier island which makes it feel all the more fitting for a vacation.

Quick Facts: Cocoa Beach

• Distance from Orlando: 60 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 11,000
• Boardwalk: No

Where To Stay

• Popular: Hilton Garden Inn
• Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham
• House: Palm Paradise

2. Daytona Beach

For a much more lively beach experience, you could head north to Daytona Beach. This coastal Florida city is famous for the competitions it hosts, including NASCAR races & cheerleading tournaments. Daytona also boasts a busy boardwalk, waterparks, arcades and more! This is a good option for those who are looking to do more than just sit on the beach.

Quick Facts: Daytona Beach

• Distance from Orlando: 56 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 82,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay

• Popular: Days Inn Oceanfront
• Budget: Quality Inn
• Resort: Max Beach

3. Melbourne

Another large city on the water is Melbourne. This expansive residential area is a popular place to call home in Florida, but also a fun place to visit! Melbourne is known for its food scene, shopping, and – of course – beaches.

Quick Facts: Melbourne

• Distance from Orlando: 72 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 87,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay

• Popular: Double Tree Suites
• Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham
• B&B: Sea Glass Inn

4. Satellite Beach

For a slower pace, you could check out Satellite Beach. This is another beach town on the east barrier islands of Florida, just south of Cocoa Beach. Since this has a slightly smaller town compared to its neighboring beaches, this is a good option if you’re looking for a less crowded shore experience. While there is a boardwalk here, it is not home to any shops or activities and instead is just to provide a walking path along the coast.

Quick Facts: Satellite Beach

• Distance from Orlando: 67 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 1 hour
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 11,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay

• Popular: Paradise Beach Club
• House: Oceanfront Beach House

5. Cape Canaveral

For a change of pace, you could also drive over to Cape Canaveral in hopes of watching a rocket take off! Though perhaps not the typical beach experience, you will still get a chance to be by the ocean – but can learn about the country’s space program at the Kennedy Space Center while you’re at it!

Quick Facts: Cape Canaveral

• Distance from Orlando: 55 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 50 minutes
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 10,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

While farther away than the east coast and the Atlantic Ocean, the western coast of Florida is also within driving distance from Orlando. The gulf offers a different water experience than the Atlantic, with calmer water to swim in (in fact, the gulf often has little to no waves on its shores!).

6. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is well known for its tranquil water and white sand beaches. With a small population of only around 8,000 people, the beach is only one part of the larger city of Clearwater, which hosts a lot of visitors each year. So, when factoring in which beach you would like to go to, expect this one to be relatively crowded due to its proximity to Clearwater and sunny reputation.

Quick Facts: Clearwater Beach

• Distance from Orlando: 118 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 116,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay

• Popular: Devon Shores
• Budget: Clearwater Beach Hotel
• Resort: The Sandpearl

7. Saint Pete Beach

Saint Pete Beach is the local beach to Saint Petersburg, one of the largest cities on the western coast of Florida. Similar to Clearwater, this beach is known for its white sand and access to the gulf. Likewise, it can definitely draw a crowd!

Quick Facts: Saint Pete Beach

• Distance from Orlando: 122 miles
• Travel Time by Car: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Beach Pass: Not Required
• Population: ~ 263,000
• Boardwalk: Yes

Where To Stay

• Popular: Hilton Garden Inn
• Budget: Carlton House Motel
• Studio: Inn on the Beach

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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.