Family day in Cocoa Beach

By Lauren Tjaden

No visit to Orlando is complete without a trip to the seashore, and some great beaches on the Atlantic Ocean are only about an hour away from the City Beautiful. These public beaches are not only the closest to Orlando, they also possess
distinctly different personalities. So, whatever your mood, you’re sure to find a beach that's not only close, but perfect for you.

Beaches are listed from north to south. 

Ponce Inlet waves and lighthouse not far from Orlando, FL

Ponce Inlet, just a few waves south of Daytona beach, boasts a sweet little park, a great beach and the tallest lighthouse in Florida.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

 

 

1. Daytona Beach

This spirited city is famed for cars, racing, arts, culture and heritage. Tradition demands you roll down your car windows and cruise the hard-packed sands of its beach. 

But you can do it all in Daytona Beach, which is the closest beach to Orlando on our list: enjoy watersports, motorcycle racing, kart racing, deep sea fishing and golfing, plus world-class dining and shopping

Investigate its legendary pier, and zoom over to Daytona International Speedway. If you want to spend a night or two at the beach, this destination is ideal not only because of how near it is to Orlando, but because it offers an abundance of accommodations right on the Atlantic

(58 minutes / 53.81 miles from Orlando)
 

2. Ponce Inlet

Ponce Inlet features a wide beach, thick with sand you can drive on, watersports that include parasailing, jet skiing, fishing and renting a speedboat, and even a handsome lighthouse – Florida’s tallest – that challenges you to climb it.

If you have an aversion to high rises and crowds but love adventure, nature and awe-inspiring beauty, this getaway beach near Orlando is for you.  

(1 hour 8 minutes / 61.60 miles from Orlando)
 

3. New Smyrna Beach

The very definition of a perfect beach day trip not far from Orlando, this charming enclave is renowned for its surfing, but that’s just the tip of the sandbar.

You can cruise its hard-packed sand in your car until you find the perfect spot for your beach towel.

Enjoy an array of watersports or fabulous fishing, or just kick back by the waves. Save some energy to discover its quirky shops and vibrant arts community. And don’t miss digging into a generous burger or fresh seafood at Breakers, an open-air restaurant located smack-dab on the beach.

(1 hour 3 minutes / 55.66 miles from Orlando)

Waves crashing on Cocoa Beach, just over an hour from Orlando, FL.

Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to learn to surf.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

 

4. Canaveral National Seashore

Picture impressive dunes giving way to vast sweeps of empty sand, the music of the surf and wind and nothing more, and you’ll have Canaveral National Seashore about right.

This utterly tranquil escape boasts the longest expanse of pristine shore in Florida. Fish, swim, go hiking, or just unwind on the beach. Make sure to bring snacks, bottled water, sunscreen and insect repellent since you won’t find them in the park.

(1 hour 15 minutes / 64.55 miles to north entrance from Orlando)
 

5. Cocoa Beach

For the quintessential Florida beach experience, escape to popular Cocoa Beach, just over an hour from Orlando. Explore its famed pier that extends 800 feet into the ocean, a historical landmark boasting five restaurants, four bars, gift shops, fishing, and free live musical entertainment. 

Indulge in parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, or learn to surf on its gentle waves. Save time to discover the Ron Jon Surf Shop. It’s the world's largest surf shop, encompassing 52,000 square feet chock-full of beach gear.

(1 hour 9 minutes / 59.57 miles from Orlando)
 

6. , 7. and 8. Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach and Indialantic

The small towns of Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach and Indialantic feel like old-time Florida, devoid of crowds, T-shirt shops and pretention.

Nestled between the Banana River, the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic, these Space Coast destinations are brimming with nature, water sports and outdoor recreation of all kinds, never mind generous, mostly-empty beaches rich with cinnamon-hued sand.

A turtle-walk with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society is a not-to-be-missed treat.

(1 hour 13 minutes / 67.35 miles; 1 hour 21 minutes / 74.11 miles; and 1 hour 25 minutes / 75.96 miles from Orlando, respectively)

Video tour of Daytona Beach

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Which beaches are closest to Orlando?

 A: The closest beaches are Cocoa Beach and Canaveral National Seashore to the east (Atlantic Coast), both approximately an hour’s drive. Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Melbourne Beach are also nearby, within a 1–1.5 hour drive from downtown Orlando.

Q: Are there quieter, less crowded beaches near Orlando?

 A: Yes. Canaveral National Seashore offers a more secluded and natural setting with pristine beaches, dunes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Melbourne Beach and Satellite Beach also offer quieter atmospheres compared to busier Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach.

Q: How far is Daytona Beach from Orlando, and what activities does it offer?

 A: Daytona Beach is approximately 55 miles northeast of Orlando (about an hour’s drive). It's known for its wide sandy beaches, vibrant boardwalk, Daytona International Speedway, family entertainment, and seasonal events like Bike Week.

Q: Is New Smyrna Beach suitable for families?

 A: Yes, New Smyrna Beach is popular with families thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, gentle waves suitable for kids, charming downtown area, and activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching at nearby parks.

Q: Can visitors surf near Orlando?

A: Yes. Cocoa Beach, known as Florida's surf capital, and New Smyrna Beach offer consistent waves and surf-friendly communities. Both beaches feature surf schools, board rentals, and are popular spots for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Q: Are there beach state parks or natural areas near Orlando?

 A: Canaveral National Seashore, Sebastian Inlet State Park, and Jetty Park near Cape Canaveral offer nature trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping, making them ideal for visitors looking to explore beyond the beach.

Q: Are beaches near Orlando accessible year-round?

 A: Yes. Orlando-area beaches have warm climates, making them enjoyable year-round. Peak beach weather typically runs from March through October, but mild winter months (November-February) are also popular for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Q: What dining and entertainment options are available at beaches near Orlando?

 A: Cocoa Beach Pier, Daytona Beach Boardwalk, and Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach offer restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues. Seafood restaurants and casual beach bars are abundant, often featuring fresh local catches.

Q: What are some tips for planning a beach day trip from Orlando?

 A: Depart early to avoid traffic, bring essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and water, and check weather conditions in advance. Public parking is widely available but can fill up during peak times, so consider arriving early or visiting midweek for a more relaxing experience.

Places to Remember