5 Best Orlando Beaches
Although most families come to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other popular theme parks, many also want to squeeze a day or two at the beach into their itinerary. After all, no trip to Florida is complete without hanging out at the beach. From their white, sandy shores to their crystal-clear waters, Florida’s beaches are world-famous for their beauty. Orlando is landlocked, but there are several beautiful beaches within a 90 minute drive of the city.
The beaches closest to Orlando can be found on the Atlantic Coast, but some people prefer to drive a bit further and go to Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, which boast calmer waters. Whichever region you choose to visit, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an array of activities, including swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. Hanging out at the beach is also an inexpensive way to have fun during your Orlando vacation. After spending so much money on amusement park passes, it’s a welcome change.
The following are the 5 best Orlando beaches that you may want to visit on your next Orlando vacation.
1. Daytona Beach: Daytona Beach is a famous beach that’s about an hour northeast of Orlando on the Atlantic Coast. The beach is wide and flat, and there are many areas of the beach where you are allowed to drive your car. You can also rent boogie boards, surfboards, umbrellas, chairs, and bicycles on the beach, which boasts superb life guards and beach patrol.
2. Cocoa Beach: Cocoa Beach is more relaxed than Daytona Beach and parking is much easier to find there. There are also many condos and hotels along the beach, but they aren’t as tall as they are in Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach is only about an hour from Orlando and is located on the Atlantic Coast. Cocoa Beach is a lively beach that is known for its clear, blue waters and golden sand.
3. New Smyrna Beach: New Smyrna Beach, located just south of Daytona Beach, is a popular alternative for those looking for a beach that’s less crowded and commercialized. New Smyrna Beach is one of the most popular beaches among Central Floridians.
4. Canaveral National Seashore: Canaveral National Seashore is situated on a barrier island along Florida’s Atlantic Coast and features pristine, undeveloped beaches, dunes, and lagoons. Activities you can enjoy at the Canaveral National Seashore include boating, swimming, canoeing, sunbathing, and camping. This seashore is popular with nature and animal lovers because it is home to an abundance of animals and plant life.
5. Clearwater Beach: Clearwater Beach is a Gulf Coast beach located about two hours away from Orlando, near Tampa. Clearwater Beach is packed with hotels, restaurants, and shops. Its sand is white and soft and its water is calm, shallow, and has a beautiful emerald green color. If you’re lucky, you may see some dolphins and manatees right from the shore! The beach is open to the general public and features a play area for kids, lifeguards, and food concessions.