Orlando is a city in and the county seat of, Florida, United States. This city is one of the most-visited cities in the world primarily due to tourism. It is located on prime real estate on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico within 100 miles of the city. That means seaside bliss is just a short drive away from Orlando. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or need serious relaxation from the rush, there’s a beach for every mood. Orlando has quiet scenic escapes teeming with wildlife and roaring waves to family-friendly boardwalks full of activities for all ages.
Here are the Best Beaches Near Orlando
1. Clearwater Beach
The Clearwater Beach is an amazing spot on the Gulf Coast. This beach offers serene emerald waters, shaded cabanas, beachside attractions, and frequent dolphin spotting. Clearwater Beach is considered an oceanfront paradise. The beach is perfect for people who love jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, or parasailing. Make sure to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which has a fantastic sea turtle and dolphin rehabilitation center. Clearwater Beach also has some unique local activities.
2. Anna Maria Island Beaches
Anna Maria Island Beach is family-friendly which is mesmerizing. The island is 7 miles long. Visitors can enjoy postcard-perfect white sand beaches lapped by waters that often rival the Caribbean’s in clarity and hue. The island has a new commitment to sustainability. Walk down Pine Avenue, which is lined with colorful beach houses, praised restaurants, shops, and fun bars.
3. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of the most amazing beaches one can find in Orlando. This beach is a luxe seaside town celebrities and socialites have called home for decades. If you are visiting this place then make sure to complete window shopping along Worth Avenue, where you can scope out ornate architecture and lush landscaping. Visitors can even head to the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, which has a 75-room mansion that now houses art, a decommissioned rail car, and artifacts from Florida history.
4. Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach is located on Florida’s Palm Coast. This beach is known for its striking pink and red sands that come from the nearby bedrock. Visitors can enjoy swimming with dolphins. They can even do horseback riding on the beach at low tide before enjoying the catch of the day at one of the many seafood joints. This beach can be a great choice for golfers. Flagler Beach is known for great shelling, shark tooth hunting, and decent surf conditions. However, this beach is recommended for a family.
5. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is a seaside town in central Florida. This beach sits just an hour’s drive away from Orlando. The beach is long, with regular lifeguard stations, and a popular boardwalk. Daytona Beach offers a host of water activities like parasailing, fishing, boating, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. Visitors can find a good collection of hotels here.
6. New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is one of the best surf towns in America. One can reach in one hour making this one of the closest day trip destinations from Orlando. This is a dog-friendly beach that allows pets to splash in the waves alongside the rest of the family. Visitors can even explore Sugar Mills Ruins, the historic ruins of a sugar factory that was raided in a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. Make sure to do shopping, dining, and art galleries.