Top 10 Beaches in Orlando, Florida

Many blue water beaches surround the Orlando area, but the city lacks any. It takes around an hour or two hours to go to the coast from Orlando, where most of the beaches are. And since Orlando is so centrally placed, traveling to the Atlantic or Gulf Coasts is easy.

However, the Gulf coast to the west of Orlando is home to many pet and family-friendly beaches, such as Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and New Smyrna Beach, which may be found along the Atlantic coast to the east. 

Kid and animal-friendly beaches in the Orlando area make the city ideal for family vacations or day trips. So, prepare your swimming suit and sunscreen because we will rank the top beaches in Orlando.

10 Best Beaches in Orlando, Florida

Space Coast 

 

This is the nearest beach to Orlando. The vicinity of the famed Kennedy Space Center and its rocket launches gave rise to the Space Coast’s nickname.

In addition to the beach and water activities, Cocoa Beach offers various other exciting amusements for everyone. Fishing, swimming, deep-sea diving, and surfing are just some of the many enjoyable activities that can be enjoyed, thanks to its fine white sand and beautiful, calm seas. 

Surfing is the main attraction of this family-friendly beach. The world’s biggest surf store and the largest surf school are located here: Ron Jon Surf School and Ron Jon Surf Shop. Tourists may buy unique beachwear and souvenirs for the whole family.

You may visit Cocoa Beach Pier which is located 800 feet into the Atlantic. This historic pier has various taverns, gift stores, boutiques, restaurants, and live musical entertainment. Then, head to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, the finest and most conveniently located resort in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and the ideal location to enjoy a great beach vacation.

The University of South Florida found that in 2021, 15 percent of all shark bites occurred in Volusia County. Biting sharks are more common in the jetty or inlet sections of New Smyrna Beach. Surfers flock to this beach because it has some of the greatest waves in the southeast.

Ormond Beach

 

This paradise, sandwiched between the Tomoka River and the Atlantic Ocean, is a water lover’s dream. Ormond Beach, located just north of Daytona, is famous for families looking for a beach close to Orlando. This is located 60 miles northeast of the city and just north of Daytona Beach, which is more natural and rustic than other neighboring beaches. It’s also more peaceful, which is excellent for people trying to unwind.

Vero Beach

 

Vero Beach, a little farther out, is located on a barrier island in the waterway between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. You won’t regret the almost two-hour trip to this stunning stretch of shore in the southeast.

Canaveral National Seashore

 

The Canaveral National Seashore is one of Florida’s most famous stretches of undeveloped coastline, yet it’s just 65,4 miles from Orlando. At most twenty-four miles of unspoiled beaches, dunes, and lagoons, tourists mat enjoy at Canaveral National Seashore.

Miles of unspoiled beach and picturesque boardwalk dunes rimmed by swaying palms are all found here, rather than resorts, stores, or skyscrapers. While going to this beach, bring adequate food and water.

In addition to being a fantastic place to sunbathe, this beach is a haven for over 200 different types of migratory and local birds. Moreover, it provides a safe haven for about fourteen endangered animal species.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

 

Sebastian Inlet State Park has been called the “premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida’s east coast,” making it a fisherman’s paradise. Some of the “best surfing on the Eastern Seaboard” may be found in this park. If you become bored of attempting to catch supper, you may stroll along the three miles of beautiful, fine sand that line the shore. 

 Place de Ponce

 

This beach, with its powdery white sand and scenic lighthouse, is a favorite destination for couples looking to enjoy a stunning dawn or sunset. And it only takes around an hour and a half to get to Ponce Inlet from Orlando. The beach stretches for approximately four miles till it ends at the entrance of the inlet, and it is famous for its exceptional surf conditions.

St. Augustine Beach

 

If you’re searching for a family-friendly beach around 100 miles northwest of Orlando to go body surfing, fishing, biking, snorkeling, swimming, or jogging on white sand, this is the place to go. In addition, there are enough shells here to make any collector happy. 

St. Pete Beach

 

St. Pete Beach is located on the Gulf Coast, roughly 110 miles southwest of Orlando. It has miles of powdery white sand, clear, warm water, and convenient services.

This is a great beach to bring the kids to since there is so much to do. Everything from swimming to kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding to boogie boarding to sandcastle-making is available. Also, if you keep your eyes alert, you can see a group of dolphins swimming in the distance.

New Smyrna Beach

 

Despite its dark reputation, New Smyrna Beach, or NSB as it’s known to the locals, is a fantastic spot for families and surfers. There are just 55.9 miles to NSB from Orlando, opposite the Atlantic coast. Around 13 miles of beautiful, well-packed sand are along this stretch of Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Regarding shark attacks, Volusia County, of which New Smyrna Beach is a part, has the most reported cases worldwide. One possible explanation for all those shark attacks is that sharks like to hang around in the same relatively shallow water where swimmers and surfers like to have fun. 

Treasure Island Beach

 

Visitors to Treasure Island Beach should expect to travel a fair distance which around a few hundred meters, before reaching the sea, but once there, they’ll have their pick of expansive stretches of sand. This beach’s sand, shells, and pure whiteness allow for a more natural beach experience.

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