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The Top Beaches near Orlando for Soaking Up Rays

  • March 7, 2025
  • | 9:47 PM

Best beaches near Orlando

Take a day trip and soak up some sun!

The best beaches near Orlando 🏖️

Orlando may not be on the coast, but you're just a short drive away from some of Florida’s best beaches!

Photo credit Visit Space Coast

Cocoa Beach

Just an hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the ultimate quick getaway for sun, sand, and surf! Known as the East Coast’s surfing capital, this laid-back beach town is perfect for catching waves, soaking up the sun, or just chilling by the ocean with a tropical drink in hand.

Start your day at the Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can grab a bite, shop for souvenirs, or sip a cocktail with an unbeatable ocean view. No trip is complete without a visit to the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop, open 24/7 for all your beach gear needs. Plus, catch epic rocket launch views from the shore!

Parking
Parking meters are $5/hour or $20/day. There is also side street parking for free, but it’s very limited! Click here for more parking information.

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Photo credit NSB Stays

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is the ultimate laid-back escape just an hour from Orlando! Known for its great surf, charming beachside shops on Flagler Avenue, and scenic shorelines, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re catching waves, grabbing a bite, or just soaking up the sun, NSB is a must-visit!

Parking:
Cruise onto the sand with drive-on beach parking (available at select entrances for a fee) or snag a spot near Flagler Avenue for easy access to local eats and boutiques.

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Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach brings the perfect mix of fun, sun, and classic Florida vibes! Known for its hard-packed sand, you can bike, stroll, or even drive right along the shore. Explore the lively Daytona Beach Boardwalk, catch a race at Daytona International Speedway, or grab fresh seafood with an ocean view.

Parking:
Daytona is one of the few beaches where you can park directly on the sand (for a fee), making beach days super convenient! Learn more about parking here.

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Clearwater Bech

Clearwater Beach is worth the drive for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning Gulf Coast sunsets!  Stroll Pier 60 for street performers and local vendors, take a dolphin tour, or just relax in the calm, turquoise waves.

Parking:
Parking is limited and fills up fast—arrive early or check out nearby garages and lots for the best spots! Get more parking information here.

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St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is a slice of paradise with sugar-white sand, warm Gulf waters, and a laid-back vibe!  Explore the iconic Don CeSar Hotel, hop on a sunset cruise, or grab a drink at a beachfront tiki bar.

Parking:
Public lots and metered street parking are available! Get more parking information here.

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The weekend is calling

Experience Orlando like never before!

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Photo credit Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach is a hidden gem just over an hour from Orlando, perfect for a quiet escape! With soft sand, rolling waves, and a laid-back vibe, it’s ideal for sunbathing, surfing, or just unwinding by the water. Grab fresh seafood at a local spot, explore nearby nature preserves, or watch for sea turtles during nesting season.

Parking:
Free and paid options are available at public beach accesses like Spessard Holland Park and Howard E. Futch Memorial Park.

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Photo credit Visit Sarasota

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is pure paradise with its powdery white sand (literally made of quartz!) and stunning turquoise waters.  Lounge on Siesta Beach, explore the charming village for great eats and live music, or hop on a kayak to spot dolphins and manatees.

Parking:
Parking is free at Siesta Beach’s large lot, but it fills up fast—arrive early or use the free trolley!

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Photo credit Visit St. Augustine

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is the perfect blend of historic charm and coastal beauty!  Enjoy a peaceful day on the sand, surf the waves, or explore the nearby historic Fort Matanzas. Don’t miss the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse for breathtaking views!

Parking:
There is plenty of free and paid parking near the beach and at public lots, making it easy to enjoy the sights.

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Must-have items for a day at the beach ☀️

Be sure to bring these beach supplies to make the most of your day!

Birkenstock Sandals

A perfect open-toed shoe to style your beach outfit with!

Shop here

Chillpod Hard Cooler

A nice, cute cooler to hold everything in Yes please!

Shop here

Beverage Bucket Bag

Drinks are a must-have at the beach! This bag will have your drinks chilled all day.

Shop here

Estelle Tote (Cooler bag)

Not only does this keep your drinks cool, but it has straps for your beach towels as well!

Shop here

Natural springs in Florida

Plan your visit to these beautiful springs!

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Atlantic Beach

Located just north of Jax, Atlantic Beach offers miles of beaches, as well as dozens of parks and nature preserves. From hiking and camping, to fishing and biking, and even surfing, there is so much to do!

Click below to learn more about all that Atlantic Beach has to offer 👇

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Boneyard Beach

Located in Big Talbot Island State Park, Boneyard Beach is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle! This shoreline boasts 30-foot bluffs and a beach with massive driftwood trees that remind you of an elephant graveyard. Although you can’t swim, there are walking trails for you to enjoy.

Parking

Self-pay parking is required at $3 per vehicle. You hike a short trail to get to the beach, so we recommend wearing comfy shoes!

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Madeira Beach

Known as Mad Beach, this beach is full of beautiful waters and recreational activities! Madeira Beach is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in Florida, so you can have a fishing adventure of your own with charter boat rentals. Don’t skip John’s Pass Fishing Village, where you can find shops, restaurants, boating, fishing, wave runners, and even a ghost tour!

Parking

There are parking lots along the beach that are pay to park! You can find more information about parking here.

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Destin

Destin beaches are beautiful, with powdery sand and emerald green waters of the Gulf. Plus, Destin beaches are perfectly positioned on the Gulf for watching BOTH the sunrise and sunset over the water! Located in Northeast Florida, it’s the perfect beach vacation destination. From paddle boarding to dolphin excursions and more, there is so much to do!

Parking

There are several pay-to-park lots throughout Destin. You can find more parking information here.

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Anna Maria Island

Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset over the Gulf of Mexico all in one day at Anna Maria Island! Known for the sandy-white beaches and bright blue waters, this beach is the perfect place to escape from reality. There is even an adorable trolley to take you around the island that is completely free!

Parking

Most lots are free, but they do fill up fast! If you can’t get a spot at the beach, there are a few places on the island where you can park along the streets. These spots include Willow Avenue, Bay Boulevard, and Magnolia Avenue.

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Stay safe at our Florida beaches ⛱

The flag system is important to know before you hit those white sand beaches!

Beach Warning Flags 🌊

Before you hit the beach, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Beach Warning Flags.  Each color represents something different and it’s imperative that you pay attention before taking a dip.

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Which one of these beaches near Orlando is your go to?

If there’s one beach you like more than most, or if we missed one of your fave local beach spots, let us know! We can be found @StuffToDoInOrlando on all social media, so give us a follow to stay up-to-date on all things Orlando and by browsing our Orlando weekend guide for more things to do!

Curated by

Lauren Trupo

Lauren Trupo

📍WV native; ORL local with a love of coffee shops, theme parks, happy hours, vintage markets, and live shows✨

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