We have lived in Orlando for over 6 years and visited many beaches close by Orlando. We are listing our top 6 best beaches near Orlando within 1,5 hour driving distance. We will tell you our favorite spots and why you should go to these beaches. Hear it from a local!
Cocoa beach
This beach will be the shortest drive from the city as Cocoa Beach is just 50 minutes away! We like Cocoa Beach because of the vibrant atmosphere , the long pier and Ron John surf shop. The beaches are clean, beautiful and accessible. It is easy to get to the shore and easy to find parking. Not to mention, restrooms are available!
Know before you go
Keep in mind that you will be paying tolls on your drive there. You can find free parking (at Lori Wilson park) or you can park close to the shore for $10 per day. We don’t recommend to park near the pier as those spots fill up quickly. The pier seems to be the busiest spot (higher prices, less parking space).
Cocoa beach is one of the few that allows alcohol on the beach – but no glass containers! We made that mistake and had to dump out our coronas…
Definitely keep on driving past the pier to find your spot on the beach, this way you will find less crowded spots.
Things to do
Visit the pier where you walk over the Atlantic Ocean. There are lots of things to do in and near the pier, think surfing lessons, live music, food and volleyball courts. Then walk 20 minutes to the Ron Jon surf shop, the largest surf shop in the world! We once found a man inside walking his alligator on a leash – we’re not kidding.
Flagler beach
This beach is an hour and 15 minute drive from Orlando and oh my, the charm of this town. We like to come here to avoid crowds, step back in time and be amongst the locals.
The sand has an unusual cinnamon color and the atmosphere is created by surfers and fishermen. Flagler Beach is a perfect get away from the hustle and bustle as the shops and entertainment are smaller and locally owned.
Check out our things to do in Flagler Beach!
Know before you go
Parking right in front of the shore is free and we never had any problems finding parking sports. Flagler Beach will have less amenities than Cocoa beach.
Things to do
Time seems to slow down as you can enjoy food in open-air restaurants with a full unobstructed view of the Atlantic ocean. Flagler Beach has a small pier that you can enter when paying a small fee. Definitely walk around the small town and in the eclectic shops you see along the way. We wrote a whole post about things to do in Flagler Beach, check it out!
New Smyrna beach
One hour away from Orlando lies the shark capital of the world. But don’t let this stop you from taking a dip in the water, as New Smyrna Beach is one of our favorite beaches by Orlando.
The town is colorful and has a true beach vibe with wooden houses and stores and white sandy beaches. There is something for everyone at New Smyrna Beach. Beaches that are family friendly, dog friendly and car friendly (drive-on beaches). Check out this website to look at all the beaches in New Smyrna Beach.
Know before you go
Parking on the beach is expensive ($20) and free parking on Flagler Avenue can be limited (we were always able to park though). New Smyrna is one of the busier beaches, so you might want to reconsider if you want peace and quiet. One fun fact is that the sand at the beach is harder compared to other beaches.
Things to do
Definitely walk on Flagler Avenue and walk through the boutiques and shops. You will see different and unique types of clothing and art pieces as the owners make them themselves! We really like the Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar for food and drinks, you will feel like you’re hidden in the lush greenery in their garden. Did we mention that they have a brick oven for pizza’s?
Ponce Inlet
About one hour and 10 minutes from Orlando is the town of Ponce Inlet. On your drive to the beach you will notice a similar vibe with Flagler Beach, as the town feels relaxed and local. Close to Daytona beach, you might be able to see Ponce Inlet and Daytona Beach in one day.
Do not skip Ponce Inlet as the town is worth your visit and definitely ranks high in the best beaches near Orlando!
Know before you go
You will find free parking spots close to the beach. You will have a short walk to reach the shore, but you will step on a boardwalk through the dunes and vegetation which makes it enjoyable.
Things to do
We highly recommend walking your way to the top in the lighthouse. The lighthouse is visible from the beach and makes for gorgeous pictures (especially at sunset).
The entrance fee is $6,95 for one adult and be prepared to see the ocean and town from high up!
Walk the jetty where the waves will hit pretty hard (you might get wet)!
Daytona beach
One hour drive from Orlando and there you have it, a beach that is home to bikers and saloons. You want to go here for entertainment (lots of places to eat, hear live music and play pool) and to be amongst lively people. Walk around and listen to rock music on the streets and check out the shops.
Know before you go
Similar to New Smyrna Beach, there is a drive-on beach and traffic-free beach. Check out public parking spots in Daytona Beach.
Things to do
Walk on the pier! Listen to music on Friday and Saturday night where they hold free concerts in May through September.
Clearwater beach
You will have to drive a bit further, but we include Clearwater Beach because it is so worth it. It’s a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Orlando and the beach is beautiful! The beach town can feel more rural which adds to the charm. Go here to find that small town feel, but with more accessibility and entertainment.
Know before you go
It might take a while to find parking as the beach is popular during summer times. You will find a small Ron John’s surf shop and Starbucks very close to the beach. This way you can get your caffeine dose for the day while shopping for your flip flops to wear on the pier.
Things to do
Now, this is non-negotiable. You have to eat at the bait house. You will see fishermen arrive on their boat with shimmery fresh groupers as you scrape your plate for the last bit of fish burger. It is simply good food. After your lunch, take a walk on the pier and enjoy the views of the ocean!
What do you think?
Have you ever been to one of these beaches? What is your favorite beach by Orlando?
