19 Best Beaches Near Orlando in 2024

Orlando is the theme parks capital of the United States. With Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in the same city, there’s plenty of family fun to be had. But because Orlando is inland, you can’t get the full Florida beach day experience there. Get ready to jump in the car and travel to some of the best beaches near Orlando!  

Beaches Less Than 1 Hour From Orlando 

1. Daytona Beach 

Daytona Beach is one of the best beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 56 miles (56 minutes) 

Daytona Beach, lovingly referred to as the “world’s most famous beach,” is definitely one of the best beaches near Orlando for families.

Just under an hour outside of the city, Daytona Beach has one of the most picturesque and massive shorelines you will ever see. It can be as wide as 500 feet at low tide!

Beach driving is one of the most popular activities at Daytona Beach. The 23 miles of hard-packed white sand provide a great opportunity to go on a fun cruise down the Atlantic shoreline with your family.

Keep in mind that beach driving requires a $20 fee and is only allowed in designated areas on Daytona Beach, so be sure to plan ahead. 

Another reason Daytona Beach is one of the best beaches near Orlando, FL is its location. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach and then spend the evening enjoying amazing dining and entertainment, all in the same place! 

Where to Stay 

The Daytona Hotel
The Dayton Hotel (Photo: Expedia)

The Daytona is a unique and colorfully fun place to stay when visiting Daytona Beach. Modeled after the nearby Daytona International Speedway, the vibe and decor of the hotel honors motorsports history. 

This place features standard rooms with king and queen bed options, some even equipped with nice balcony areas to enjoy the wonderful weather. If you’re looking for more space, they also offer suite options, complete with an even roomier balcony and indoor workspace. 

This hotel also boasts free parking and free internet, as well as refrigerators and coffee machines in each room. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for an extra charge. 

They have a gorgeous outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. But best of all, this hotel is only a 3-minute drive from Daytona Beach. So you’ll be close to the action! 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: The Daytona

2. New Smyrna Beach 

Palm trees on the beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 55 miles (58 minutes) 

New Smyrna Beach is known for its killer waves. Declared the 4th best town for surfing by Surfing Magazine, if you’re a surfer this is clearly one of the best beaches in Florida for you! It’s also a killer spot to enjoy fun boogie boards!

Thought to have some of the best wave action in all of the east coast, at New Smyrna Beach both beginners and experts can enjoy the waves. 

More than just surfing, the 17 miles of white sand beach also offers trails to walk, bike, or horseback ride. If you want to get really adventurous, you could also go shipwreck diving here!  

If relaxation is more your speed, you can spend the day wandering the seaside boardwalk or even visiting the dog beach with your pup, located at Smyrna Dunes Park. 

Where to Stay

Inn on the Avenue is one of the best places to stay on the beach near Orlando
Inn on the Avenue (Photo: Expedia)

Inn On the Avenue is a cozy bed and breakfast, virtually on the beach as New Smyrna is only a 5 minute walk away. The cottage includes seven rooms, each decorated in a sea life or otherwise coastal theme. 

A delicious breakfast is available every morning in the dining room. Guests eat at specialty tables equipped with built-in griddles so you can flip your own pancakes! It’s a special touch your kids would be sure to love! 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Inn On the Avenue

3. Ormond Beach

Seagull on one of the beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 61 miles (58 minutes) 

Clean, quiet and peaceful. Ormond Beach is nothing like the spring break style beaches in Florida. It really is one of the best family beaches near Orlando. 

One of the best shelling beaches near Orlando, this is the perfect location to walk the beach and let your kids see who can find the most unique shell of all.

If the weather is right, it might be fun to fly a beach kite. Overall, it’s a beautiful and relaxing environment. 

Because this is a less popular and happening location, keep in mind food options won’t be available right on the beach. You can find delicious restaurants nearby though! 

Where to Stay

Swimming pool at Ormond Beach, one of the closest beaches to Orlando
Swimming pool at Royal Floridian Resort (Photo: Expedia)

Royal Floridian Resort is a two minute walk from Ormond Beach, located right on the beach. Guests have access to all ocean and beach activities.

And if that wasn’t enough, the resort features one of the most spectacular oceanfront pools. 

The studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom condos all feature separate kitchen, dining and living areas. And some even have walk-out balconies.  

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Royal Floridian Resort

4. Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore, one of the best beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 49 miles (59 minutes) 

Canaveral National Seashore is less than 50 miles outside of Orlando and is the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline. We love visiting the national seashores around the country because they are so beautiful! This seashore home to many different beaches and hiking trails. The landscape here is nature at its best. 

This is one of the best beaches near Orlando, Florida for fishing. Apollo Beach is a great place for surf fishing, but you can also swim and enjoy the sandy beach there as well. 

Playalinda Beach is a fun place to fish from a kayak. Redfish, tarpon and trout are common catches in this area. Mosquito Lagoon is another recommended area for kayaking. 

Where to Stay

The Wayward Travelers Inn near Orlando
Wayward Traveler’s Inn front porch (Photo: Expedia)

The Wayward Traveler’s Inn is a historic Florida Manor House. Built in 1869, it’s definitely one of the most unique places to stay when visiting Canaveral National Seashore, only 11 miles away! 

The b&b style property is full of themed rooms like The World Traveler Room, The Birding Room and The Mardi Gras Room. The quirky style and ambiance of the place guarantee a stay here would be one to remember. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: The Wayward Traveler’s Inn

5. Ponce Inlet 

Ponce Inlet, one of the best beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 63 miles (59 minutes) 

Ponce Inlet is another one of the best beaches in Florida near Orlando for surfing. Less crowded than some of the more popular spots, you will have plenty of beach to enjoy here. 

Plant and wildlife is a big part of the experience at Ponce Inlet. If you’re visiting in late May through October, keep your eyes open for nesting sea turtles.

It’s important not to approach the turtles or disrupt their nests. It’s such an exciting sight to experience for the whole family. 

If your kids are interested in learning about the sea turtles and their nesting routine, check out the Marine Science Center. It’s a super fun place to explore with your family, while learning about local sea life through the exhibits and educational presentations.  

Where to Stay

Sanibel Condo near Ponce Inlet, one of the beaches near Orlando
Sanibel Condo (Photo: Expedia)

If you’re hoping to stay really close to Ponce Inlet, hotels can be hard to come by. But there are plenty of home rentals available. 

Sanibel Condo is a new development that offers ocean views and it’s only 3.5 miles from the beach at Ponce Inlet. This 3 bedroom, two bathroom condo with spacious living and dining areas is a perfect spot to book for a long stay at the beach. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Sanibel Condo

6. Satellite Beach 

Satellite beach, one of the best beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 67 miles (59 minutes) 

Satellite Beach is yet another one of the beaches near Orlando renowned for its surfing conditions. The North Dune Crossover, is the place where some of the most successful professional surfers first started out. 

One of the more rowdy and active beaches near Orlando, Florida, Satellite beach always has something fun going on. If the kids get bored of playing in the water and sand check out nearby Pelican Beach Park.

Every week there’s a presentation at the park, where kids will be able to follow a speaker down the shoreline as they learn up-close about the sea turtles that frequent this beach.  

Where to Stay

Candlewood Suites hotel in Palm Shores, FL
Candlewood Suites (Photo: Expedia)

Candlewood Suites Melbourne/Viera in a great hotel to book in nearby Palm Shores, FL. This run-of-the-mill hotel offers all the standard accommodations you would expect. 

The studio or 1 bedroom suites are all clean and offer comfortable double or queen sized beds. They also feature a full kitchen, free parking, wifi and daily breakfast. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Candlewood Suites Melbourne/Viera

Beaches 1-2 Hours From Orlando 

7. Cocoa Beach

Sunset at Cocoa Beach

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 60 miles (1 hour 3 minutes) 

Cocoa Beach is considered by many as the best beach near Orlando. It combines beauty, fun and entertainment all in one spot. The stretches of beautiful beach offer so many opportunities to make memories with your family. Take to the water to surf or build sandcastles on the beach. 

Cocoa Beach is on a stretch of Florida known as the Space Coast. That said, you might even be lucky enough to watch a Kennedy Space Center rocket launch from your beach blanket. We spent time here visiting the Space Center, the Daytona Race Track, and Cocoa Beach and had a great time. The beach is beautiful!

Once you need a break from the beach, move on to explore the famous Cocoa Beach Pier. The pier stretches 800 feet into the water. It’s the home to several bars, restaurants and gift shops. It’s also a fun spot to stop and enjoy some live music.  

Once all the fun is said and done, if you’re heading back to where you came from, Cocoa Beach to Orlando is just a little over an hour on the road. 

Where to Stay

Guest room at Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Guest room at Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral (Photo: Expedia)

Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral is a 7 minute walk to Cocoa Beach, so it’s a super convenient place to stay. This hotel features standard king and queen bed staying rooms. 

Some rooms feature sofa beds if you are traveling with a larger party. Certain rooms also feature amazing ocean views. 

Rooms also include a microwave and refrigerator. Wifi and daily breakfast are complimentary. A bar and convenience store are also conveniently located on the property. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral

8. Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach is one of the beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 77 miles (1 hour 9 minutes) 

Flagler Beach is seven miles of pristine, sandy paradise. A prime spot for water fun, you can surf, swim or just float around trying to keep your head above water. 

Beach fun aside, there are so many interesting places to check out in this beach area. Spend the afternoon exploring the unique shops or stop by for a meal at one of their popular open-air restaurants. 

And stop by Flagler Beach Pier while you’re here too. Established in 1927, It’s a great picture of the city’s history. It’s beautiful and adds so much to this beach’s charm. 

Where to Stay

Patio at the A1A Ocean Club
Patio at the A1A Ocean Club (Photo: Expedia)

A1A Ocean Club is a beachside hotel, right on Flagler Beach. It has an enjoyable, laid-back beach vibe. It’s definitely one of the coolest places to stay in the area. 

The property is clean and well kept. Room options here include standard room, double or studio suite. Each room is equipped with comfortable beds with premium bedding, as well as a microwave and mini-fridge. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: A1A Ocean Club

9. Melbourne Beach

Surfer on the beach in Melbourne Beach near Orlando, Florida

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 76 miles (1 hour 20 minutes) 

Melbourne Beach consists of 33 miles of undeveloped sand. One of the best beaches near Universal Studios in Orlando, this is a gorgeous beach with a family-friendly vibe. It’s a perfect spot for picnics, walks along the water or even snorkeling!  

Away from the beach, the Melbourne area has a lively art scene. Live theater and art galleries are entertaining ways to spend some time here. Depending on the timing of your visit you might even catch the Melbourne Art Festival or Oktoberfest. 

If you’re looking for some nightlife fun near Melbourne Beach, area bars are a safe bet for a good time with live music. 

Where to Stay

Hotel Melby near Orlando
Hotel Melby (Photo: Expedia)

Hotel Melby Downtown Melbourne, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a comfortable place to stay while visiting Melbourne Beach. The rooms are clean and comfortable and even include a crib at no charge, upon request. 

This property features charming outdoor areas. The rooftop terrace is a wonderful place to unwind after a beach day and the garden and firepit areas are amazing as well.

To top it all off, a bar, coffeeshop and restaurant are all conveniently located on-site. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Hotel Melby Downtown Melbourne

10. Indialantic Boardwalk and Seashore  

Indialantic Boardwalk and Seashore

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 75 miles (1 hour 21 minutes) 

Located between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, you will find Indialantic Boardwalk and Seashore. It’s a low-profile beach area that doesn’t get too busy. 

Short and very basic, Indialantic is not an amazing boardwalk to write home about. But it’s still a fun experience to check off the family vacation bucket list. There are public bathrooms and benches on the boardwalk.

Waves are rough here, so it’s not an ideal beach to visit with kids eager to be in the water. If you’re not planning to surf, this beach is best enjoyed for peaceful walks and wildlife watching. With lots of species of birds and fish about, you never know what you might see! 

Where to Stay

Patio at a hotel at one of the beaches near Orlando
DoubleTree Suites Melbourne Beach Oceanfront (Photo: Expedia)

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront features both king and queen bed suites with amazing coastal views and outdoor balconies. 

The outdoor pool is very nice and offers a great spot for families to have fun and unwind. Adults can even grab a drink at the poolside bar. 

Breakfast is available daily for a fee, to be enjoyed on the hotel’s picturesque deck. Other meals or drinks can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: DoubleTree Suites Melbourne Beach Oceanfront

11. Treasure Shores Beach Park 

Sunrise near Vero Beach, Florida

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 104 miles (1 hour 33 minutes) 

Treasure Shores Beach Park is one of several beaches in Vero Beach, FL.When on the road, Vero Beach to Orlando takes a little over an hour and a half. 

This is a secluded and quiet beach, a bit off the beaten trail. So you won’t have to worry about crowds here.

The waves at this beach are really rough more often than not. That said, families might not get the full beach experience they are after with a visit to this particular beach. 

Because the beach is not patrolled by a lifeguard, it might be more wise for families to instead pack a picnic and enjoy the picturesque dunes this beach is known for. 

Where to Stay

Guest room at the Sea Turtle Inn
Guest room at the Sea Turtle Inn (Photo: Expedia)

Sea Turtle Inn is a 10 minute drive from Vero Beach. This is such a fun and colorful place to stay. The patio areas are shrouded with colorful flowers and plants and they even have a cute garden to wander through. 

Accommodations include standard room, basic apartment, deluxe apartment and luxury apartment options. Which style of staying area you choose would depend on how much space you need and the level of comfort you desire.

All rooms include a kitchen as well as a living and dining area. The hotel offers free parking and wifi as well as outdoor pools!

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Sea Turtle Inn

12. Sebastian Inlet State Park

Water on the beach near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 90 miles (1 hour 40 minutes) 

Sebastian Inlet State Park is one of Florida’s more impressive state parks. It’s also considered one of the best places on the east coast to surf. 

If you’ve been looking for a chance to drop a line with your kids over vacation, this might be the right spot. Fishing is also a favorite pastime at this beach. Snook, Redfish, Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel can all be caught here. 

An all-around majestic beach, it checks all the fun boxes. You can swim, scuba dive, snorkel, shell hunt or just enjoy the day lounging around on the beach. My kids could spend all day snorkeling and looking for shells.

Where to Stay

Guest room at the Sebastian Saltwater Lodge
Sebastian Saltwater Lodge (Photo: Expedia)

Sebastian Saltwater Lodge is a luxurious place to settle in when vacationing in the Sebastian Inlet State Park area. This property is clean and very well put together. Located right next to the marina it definitely has a nautical and coastal ambiance. 

Accommodations here include studio suites or town homes with marina views. Each room is equipped with a full kitchen so you can really make it feel like home with a home cooked meal. If you’d rather dine out, a bar and restaurant is also located on the hotel property. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Sebastian Saltwater Lodge

13. Clearwater Beach 

My daughter swimming in the ocean in Clearwater, Florida

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 108 miles (1 hour 51 minutes) 

An adventure to Clearwater Beach offers a great experience for families. This is one of our favorite beaches in Florida. There are so many fun things for families to do in Clearwater like kayak tours, yummy restaurants, and the water is amazing there. Plus, the smaller Gulf waves are perfect.

Don’t just take our word for it, this beach is rated by travelers far and wide as one of the top beaches in the United States. A road trip from Clearwater Beach to Orlando (or vice versa) is a little under 2 hours. 

One of the best gulf beaches near Orlando, we’ve never seen a more beautiful shoreline than that of Clearwater Beach. The powdery, white sand is soft to the touch and makes for a wonderful spot to spend the afternoon. 

Different from all the surfing beaches on the Atlantic coast, the water is very tranquil at Clearwater Beach with warm ocean temperatures. It’s an excellent place to practice paddleboarding or even take the kids snorkeling. 

Be sure to visit nearby Pier 60 as well. It’s a fun and happening spot with lots of attractions, activities and food to enjoy! 

Where to Stay

Sunset at the pool at the Tahitian Beach Motel
Tahitian Beach Motel (Photo: Expedia)

Tahitian Beach Motel offers wonderful accommodations when visiting Clearwater Beach. Standard rooms as well as junior and regular suites are available, depending on your party’s needs. 

Visit one of their two outdoor pools to truly experience this property’s splendor. The Floridian views from the pools are amazing. The fun pool areas also feature sun loungers, gas grills and umbrellas. 

If Tahitian Beach Motel doesn’t sound like the place for you, there are many other Clearwater motels and resorts for families in Clearwater too.

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Tahitian Beach Motel

14. St. Augustine Beach 

Beach in St. Augustine, Florida

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 103 miles (1 hour 52 minutes) 

Home of the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine Beach is a wide, sprawling sandy playground. With so much room, it’s easy to find your own personal paradise here and not feel overcrowded.  

During our last visit to Orlando we spent a few nights in St. Augustine Beach and had a great time exploring the cool history of the city and the great beaches in Anastasia State Park. We also love visiting the Alligator Zoological Park.

Beach driving is always exciting and is permitted in certain portions of St. Augustine Beach. The fun doesn’t have to end after leaving the beach. We loved exploring Castillo de San Marcos, an old military fort located near the beach. There is a junior ranger program at the fort if your kids enjoy participating in that.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is another fun place we like to visit when we are in St. Augustine. My kids climbed the lighthouse twice – once with me and once with my husband. If you climb to the very top, you’ll get an awesome view of the whole city.

Where to Stay

Best Western St. Augustin Beach Inn (Photo: Expedia)

Best Western St. Augustine Beach Inn features standard rooms in king and queen varieties. Microwaves and fridges are convenient in-room extras. The laundry facilities will come in handy if you need to catch up on laundry after a sandy trip to the beach.

The outdoor pool is a fun and easy way to keep your kids entertained when hanging out at the hotel. This property is also pet-friendly, in the case that you’re traveling with a dog.

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Best Western St. Augustine Beach Inn

15. St. Pete Beach 

St. Pete Pier in Florida

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 113 miles (1 hour 53 minutes) 

St. Pete Beach is the place to visit if you are looking or a classic Florida beach experience. The whole town is filled with brightly colored buildings and definitely has a laid-back and tropical spirit.

Not focused on the same glitz and glamor that other beaches on this list are known for, St. Pete Beach is a wonderful place to spend a laid-back and relaxing day. We have seen dolphins many times right off the coast here so keep your eyes open!

It’s also home to some of the best beach bars and some of the best places in the country to eat fresh seafood. 

St. Pete Beach is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. So, as you might expect, the waters are clear and calm here. You can enjoy a day of sunbathing and swimming here, but that’s not all. The views are exceptional, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Where to Stay

Outdoor pool at the Villas at St Pete Beach
Outdoor pool at The Villas at St Pete Beach (Photo: Expedia)

The Villas at St Pete Beach is a 9 minute walk from St. Pete Beach. Staying rooms here include villas, beach bungalows and beach havens, all of which feature king-sized beds.

The more spacious Beach Haven rooms are the only staying rooms to feature kitchen amenities at this property. 

The outdoor pool and garden areas are really fun spaces to enjoy the sun with your family. They also have picnic areas and a barbecue grill available for guest use. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: The Villas at St. Pete Beach

16. Caladesi Island State Park

Bird on the beach on Caladesi Island near Clearwater, Florida

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 110 miles (2 hours) 

Caladesi Island State Park is referred to as a “truly untouched island offering natural delights”. There may not be a fun pier or boardwalk full of restaurants at this beach, but the stillness of the environment really enhances the beauty of the area. 

We took the ferry out to Caladesi Island during our last visit to Clearwater and it is amazing. The water is such a gorgeous blue color and the sand is so soft.

Away from the hum of the city, this may be the best beach to visit if you’re looking to truly reconnect with nature. It’s only accessible by boat, but that could provide a fun new adventure for your family. 

This is the perfect place for your kids to run through the powdery, white sand and enjoy the crystal clear, turquoise water. You can build sand castles with your favorite beach toys, snorkel or even go on a kayaking trip through the mangrove forest. When it comes to Orlando beaches, this is the best of the best. 

Where to Stay 

Swimming pool at Beso Del Sol Resort
Beso Del Sol Resort (Photo: Expedia)

Beso Del Sol Resort in Dunedin is a great spot to set up base when exploring Caladesi Island State Park, as well as the nearby Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Located next to a marina, it definitely has a beach and coastal ambiance. The aparthotel features 2 fun outdoor pools where adults can enjoy a drink at the poolside bar. They have a restaurant and lounge on-site too.

The apartment-stye staying rooms include furnished balconies and convenient kitchenettes with a refrigerator, stove top, and microwave. The beds are comfortable and boast premium bedding and fluffy down comforters. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Beso Del Sol Resort

17. Ponte Vedra Beach 

Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the best beaches near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 142 miles (2 hours) 

Ponte Vedra Beach has gained national notoriety for being the home of the PGA Tour. It’s a gorgeous area, surrounded by multi-million dollar homes, fun breweries and stellar restaurants. 

This beach is special in a variety ways, but the most unique pull to this area is…shark teeth. Yes, you read that right. Searching for small and shiny black objects in the sand, that just happen to be shark teeth will be a family memory that will last a lifetime! 

You can explore this beach many different ways. Rent some bikes and ride along the sand, pass around a pair of binoculars for some birdwatching, go on a hike, float the calm waters in a kayak or maybe try some world-class fishing. 

Where to Stay

Hampton Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra Beach
Hampton Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra Beach (Photo: Expedia)

Hampton Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra Beach is a 9 minute drive from Ponte Vedra Beach. 

This hotel is definitely a nice place to come home to after spending the day at the beach. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with a microwave, refrigerator and even a sofa bed.

The outdoor pool area is really fun for families. If you’re not in the water you can unwind on a pool lounge under an umbrella. Daily breakfast and parking are both complimentary at this property too.

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Hampton Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra Beach

18. Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach at sunset

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 143 miles (2 hours) 

Jacksonville Beach is another great beach to visit. It’s well kept, always clean and it’s never too crowded. You won’t find a lot of shells here, but it’s a great space to enjoy some beach frisbee or fly a kite

Jacksonville Beach Pier is another cool portion of the beach experience here. It’s a fisherman’s hub. It’s quite the experience to fish from the 1,300 foot pier and then turn around to clean your fresh catch at one of the cleaning stations right on the pier. 

If fishing isn’t your forte, you can also just enjoy the ocean breeze on the pier, watching other reel in impressive catches. 

Keep in mind Jacksonville Beach is a favorite among nearby University of North Florida students. The beach sometimes plays backdrop to the college bar-hopping atmosphere. 

Where to Stay

Element Jacksonville Beach
Outdoor patio at Element Jacksonville Beach (Photo: Expedia)

Element Jacksonville Beach is a special hotel focused on sustainability. It’s a very green and eco-friendly place to stay. Guests are impacted by this via housekeeping, which is only available upon request. 

This is a very nice hotel, featuring modern and luxurious amenities. Standard rooms, studios or suites to choose from, this hotel is bound to have the right accommodations for your family.

The rooms are spacious and very clean. They feature comfortable beds and full kitchenettes. And most exceptional of all, the hotel offers a free, cooked-to-order breakfast daily! 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Element Jacksonville Beach

19. Treasure Island Beach

Sunset at Treasure Island Beach near Orlando

🚗 Distance from Orlando: 112 miles (2 hours)

With four miles of sandy brilliance, It’s not much of a challenge to find your own piece of paradise on Treasure Island Beach. Not as high-profile as Clearwater and Cocoa beaches, Treasure Island Beach has old Florida charm. 

Treasure Island Beach Trail is an extra special addition to this fun beach. This path can be enjoyed on a bike, skateboard or just on a meandering journey with your family. 

If you’re interested in visiting Treasure Island Beach you should plan your visit during the Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup.

Sculptors from around the world make their way to Treasure Island Beach to create some of the most unbelievable sand sculptures. The work is phenomenal and it’s such a cool community event. 

Where to Stay

Swimming pool at the Treasure Island Beach Resort
Treasure Island Beach Resort (Photo: Expedia)

Treasure Island Beach Resort is a 4-star resort. It’s a gorgeous hotel with very luxurious accommodations. With Junior Suites, Suites and Premium Suites available, you’ll be in the lap of luxury at this resort. 

The rooms are equipped with full kitchens and cribs are available upon request, at no charge. 

We love the swimming pool and hot tub here, they are so nice to enjoy after a long day at the beach. There’s both a bar and restaurant on-site to enjoy drinks and delicious dishes. Breakfast is available daily for an additional fee. 

It’s only a 4 minute drive to Treasure Island Beach and close by a variety of other beaches. 

▶️ Check Rates & Book: Treasure Island Beach Resort

Map of the Best Beaches Near Orlando 

How Far is Orlando From the Beach? 

Orlando is about 60 miles from the beach. You can reach a variety of beaches from Orlando in around an hour.  

Atlantic Beaches vs Gulf Coast Beaches

Atlantic Beaches

⛱️ Sand

Atlantic beaches feature golden brown sand. It’s often coarse and rougher on feet due to the seashells, pebbles and other sediments mixed up in it.  

🌊 Wave Size

Atlantic beaches are known for large and forceful waves. This is the reason so many of the best Florida beaches near Orlando on the Atlantic side are widely known for surfing. The rough water creates the perfect environment for surfing, body surfing and boogie boarding.

🌡️ Temperature 

At their peak, Atlantic Ocean temperatures top out around low to mid 80s. Though cooler than the gulf, this water temperature is known to offer a more refreshing experience. 

Clarity

Active waves are constantly churning the water along with sand and other sentiments. This is why the water at Florida beaches on the Atlantic side isn’t as clear as it is in the gulf.  

Beach in Clearwater in October

Gulf Coast Beaches

⛱️ Sand 

Gulf Coast beaches are known for their white, soft and fluffy sand. Made from white quartz crystals, this sand stays remarkably cool and comfortable to walk on, even on hot days. 

🌊 Wave Size

The waters on the Gulf Coast are known to be quiet and tranquil. Calmer waves offer a more suitable beach environment for children. Without trepidation about incoming waves they are able to play in a carefree manner. 

The calm gulf waters are also optimal for fun kayaking and paddleboarding adventures. 

🌡️ Temperature

The impact of the Gulf Stream keeps gulf waters 5 degrees warmer, on average than the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes climbing higher than the air temperature, gulf waters are known to be comfortable, like bath water. 

Clarity

Gulf Coast beaches lack strong waves. Because there is no force mixing up sand and sentiment, the water maintains its stunning, crystal clear presentation. 

Caladesi Island near Clearwater, Florida

Things to Bring to the Beach

Sun Protection Items

It’s super important to keep your family and yourself protected from the damaging rays of the sun while enjoying a beach day. Be sure to pack lots of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and even some sort of portable shade.

Cooler

It’s vital to stay hydrated when spending so much time outdoors in warm temperatures. A dependable cooler will help keep your drinks and snacks chilled so you’re better able to enjoy them throughout the day.

➡️ SHOP Coolers

Beach Chairs

If you’re planning on spending the better part of the day at the beach, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to sit. Beach chairs are great supportive options for all members of the family. We especially love the convenience of a backpack beach chair.

➡️ SHOP Beach Chairs

Beach Fun Items

Take advantage of your day in the sun and plan for some real fun! Whether you want to toss a ball around, fly a kite or take to the water on a boogie board or kayak, make sure you plan accordingly and have a roomy beach tote on hand!

FAQ: Best Beaches Near Orlando

Beach umbrella

What is the Nicest Beach Near Orlando? 

Cocoa Beach is noted as one of the nicest beaches near Orlando. Many visitors prefer this beach because it offers so much in one location. It’s beautiful, it’s a great spot for surfing and it also features a fun pier and nearby downtown. 

Which Beach Has the Clearest Water Near Orlando? 

Clearwater Beach is the beach with the clearest water near Orlando. Thanks to the calm Gulf Coast waters, Clearwater is able to maintain its crystal clear appearance year-round. 

What is the Closest White Sand Beach to Orlando? 

One of the closest beaches to Orlando with white sand is Daytona Beach. Keep in mind, the white sand at Daytona Beach is hard-packed, as opposed to the fluffier white sand you find on the Gulf Coast. 

Beach chairs at the beach in Florida

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better? 

Whether Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach is a better fit for your family depends on what you’re looking for in a beach vacation. 

Cocoa Beach is a great option for families who are looking to enjoy the beach in a comfortable and laid-back way. 

Daytona Beach is often a better fit for adults who are less likely to be playing in the sand, as Daytona’s is hard-packed compared to the soft sand at Cocoa Beach.

Daytona Beach is also a better location for visitors who may have been pulled to the city for racing. 

How Far is Clearwater Beach From Orlando? 

Clearwater Beach is 108 miles from Orlando. A road trip from Orlando to Clearwater Beach takes a little less than 2 hours.

Conclusions: Beaches Near Orlando

Whether you’re looking for a looking for a high energy beach party vibe or wish to spend the afternoon peacefully relaxing in the sun, one of the beaches near Orlando will fit your needs. We always love spending a beautiful day at the beach, enjoying the amazing Florida sunshine!

We hope you have an amazing time on your beach vacation.

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