Is there a better location than Orlando for a vacation? We may be biased, but millions of visitors a year agree with us. The theme parks are the obvious magnet, but we are also blessed with some pretty amazing beaches near Orlando.

Well, ok, not quite close enough to dip your toes in the ocean from your Orlando vacation home, but close enough for a day at the beach.

The excitement of the theme parks one day, sandy toes the next.

Florida has 1,800 miles of coastline, with estimates ranging from 650 to 800 miles of beautiful pristine sandy beaches. This is a treasure trove waiting for families and couples to discover and explore.

Admire the gentle wrinkles and ripples of the incoming waves breaking on immaculate shores.

Orlando is almost equidistant from the Atlantic (Space) Coast and the Gulf Coast. Drive for not much more than 90 minutes to the East or 2 hours to the West. Then STOP!

Otherwise you will find yourself headlight deep in warm coastal waters. Good for paddling, bad for the carpet, seats and engine.

Beaches Near Orlando on The Atlantic Coast

Heading from north to south, the beaches near Orlando on the Atlantic Coast are Daytona, New Smyrna, Cocoa, Satellite, Melbourne and Vero Beaches.

The Only Beach Where It Is Legal To Drive Along At 272.46 Miles Per Hour

Known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach” due to the car racing and land speed record attempts in the early 1920s, Daytona Beach is 23 miles of hard packed sand. Parking on designated areas from sunrise to sunset results in neat rows of vehicles stretching as far as the eye can see. Families can set up their own bonfire pits and enjoy a BBQ while socializing with their neighbors.

Sea turtle nesting season from May 1 – October 31 dictates more specific vehicle access times. These are 8.00am to 7.00pm., however no bonfires are allowed during these hours.

At all times, a speed limit of 10 miles per hour is strictly enforced. (272.46 mph was a one off by Englishman, Sir Malcolm Campbell in an attempt to escape a parking fine.) Only paper products can be used and no alcoholic beverages or overnight parking are permitted.

A wide variety of sightseeing, attractions, tours, air boat rides, kayaking, surfing and parasailing are available for visitors. Family entertainment include the water park, go-karting, miniature golf and the planetarium.

A mere 14 miles south of Daytona Beach is New Smyrna Beach, a 13 mile stretch of sand voted Florida’s Best Beach 4 years in a row with similar driving restrictions and conditions as its’ northerly neighbor.

Bird-watching is a local favorite pastime with over 250 species flying overhead.

What Are The Scottish Doing In Florida?

New Smyrna Beach holds the distinction of being the second oldest city in Florida although some historians claim it might actually be older than St. Augustine, the accepted oldest city in the U.S.A.

The local Timucuan Native Americans had inhabited and thrived in the New Smyrna Beach area since 2,000 B.C. until their existence came under threat from disease introduced by European settlers. In 1768, Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish doctor settled there and named it after his wife’s birthplace, Smyrna, in what is now Izmir, Turkey.

The Old Fort, Historical Museum and Black Heritage Museum, along with numerous other historical sites may entice you away from the hot sun and sand. Who needs an excuse to shop? Shop till you drop at downtown districts, Flagler Avenue and Canal Street. Both are bursting with cute galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

While you are over in that direction, pop into a local favorite gem for some homemade chow – pulled pork is their specialty but they also have vegetarian and vegan entrees. Yellow Dog Eats, New Smyrna Beach.

Beaches and Cream. Ice Cream of Course!

Continuing south brings you to Cocoa Beach. This lively beach is shorter than the other Atlantic beaches at 6 miles in length with no vehicle access allowed. Surfing is one of its’ main attractions, hence the presence of the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Cocoa Village is a blink and you’ll miss it scenario. Tree-lined streets full of quirky shops, boutiques, casual dining and an ice cream parlor. And a genuine working Playhouse.

Did I mention the ice cream parlor?

Near the top of your itinerary should be a trip to the Indian River Lagoon where Manatees can be observed swimming gracefully alongside lively dolphins frolicking in the water. Take a guided kayak tour along the Thousand Islands with Cocoa Beach Kayaking.

After a short relaxing drive along the coast road you will reach the relatively small Satellite, Indian Harbor, Melbourne and Floridana beaches in quick succession.

You will then arrive at the 3 public beaches of Vero Beach which are lifeguard protected between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm.

The more energetic will find plenty to keep yourselves occupied by way of kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, surfing, skim boarding or an airboat ride.

Beach Therapy and Retail Therapy go hand in hand.

Some of you may prefer to try shopping. You’ll be spoilt for choice at The Indian River Mall and Fashion Outlet Mall. Also, the Historic Downtown is a newly revitalized area which includes antique stores, art galleries and restaurants. The nearby Ocean Drive and the “Miracle Mile” are hubs of small speciality shops.

Beaches Near Orlando on The Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast is similarly enticing with a plethora of beautiful beaches near Orlando. The sand is so fine, it is easy to believe that what you feel between your toes is white talcum powder.

Back in the nineteenth century, Scottish families settled in an area they called Dunedin after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. Dunedin progressed from a town to a city in 1925 and is home to several beaches including Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Park.

It is a picturesque little harbor town which is deserving of a short stay in its’ own right. Stroll around the picturesque walkways, voted the best walking town in America.

The Old Bay Cafe & Fish Market overlooks the marina and offers a great spot for lunch. As does The Marina Cafe at the Yacht Harbor Inn – the firecracker shrimp are lush.

A drive across the Dunedin Causeway brings you to Honeymoon State Park.

Fish, swim or snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf or collect shells from the incredible variety of seashells deposited on the beach by the Gulf currents.

Caladesi Island State Park is a completely natural white sandy beach.

This jewel is accessible only by private boat or a ferry from Honeymoon Island. Hike the 3 mile nature trail or paddle 3 miles in a kayak through the mangroves. Picnic tables and pavilions are available near the beach, all helping to make it Dunedin’s most popular attraction.

Five miles south of Dunedin is the popular and lively Clearwater Beach. The shallow water is crystal clear and makes for an ideal family playground.

Try a trip on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise. ‘Tis fun for all ages me hearties, shiver me timbers and no cussin’ while walking the plank!

If you have a need for speed, hop aboard the SeaScreamer. A thrill ride, a celebrity tour and dolphin sightings guaranteed. Something to suit the whole family.

If you’re looking for a spot for lunch, you can’t go wrong at Crabby Bills – one of our favorite local haunts in Orlando and they just happen to have another location in Clearwater. Check them out: Crabby Bills Clearwater Beach.

Sunsets at Pier 60 is a daily festival lasting four hours, two hours before sunset and two after. Featuring street performers, buskers, artists and crafters selling their wares, its’ aim is to promote the locals while providing entertainment for adults and children alike.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to Winter and Hope, who played the leading roles in Dolphin Tale 1 & 2 should the kids wish to say “Hi” to the Hollywood superstars.

Take The Beachy Road Trip

While you are in the area, a 34 mile road trip from Clearwater Beach via Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach to Fort De Soto Park is a must.

You get two for the price of one on Treasure Island, Sunshine Beach at the North and Sunset Beach at the South. Stop at the small but delightful St Johns Pass for a spot of lunch or take a slow wander while admiring your quaint surroundings. There are a couple of bar restaurants with decks that jut over the ocean.

A cool drink and a sea breeze. Perfect!

Perhaps you only want to pass an agreeable hour browsing in the local shops. There are some boutique style stores mingled with souvenirs.

Apart from the usual fabulous sands, St. Pete Beach also has several parks, some with beach access.

McKenney Park has a picnic pavilion and BBQ grills if you want a DIY meal but why not treat yourselves to a beach lunch at Pass-A-Grille or Upham Beach Seaside Grille.

You’ll know that you are in St Pete Beach when you pass the massive, pink Historic Don Cesar Hotel. The town is not the self-proclaimed “Sunset Capital of Florida” for no reason.

Should you find yourself in the area as the sun goes down, grab your camera and prepare to point and click.

The Best Beach In The U.S.A.

Voted America’s top beach in 2009, Fort De Soto Park is as spectacular as you would expect. With 2 beaches on 5 islands and a combined total of 3 miles of glorious white sand, it also offers 7 miles of bike trails. Throw in 2 fishing piers, camping, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a historic fort.

You now have a full day’s entertainment at your fingertips if you have the time and energy.

It is the largest park, at 1,136 acres, in the Pinellas County Park System and is a tapestry of natural beauty comprising, bird life, sea life, wildlife and plant life.

Home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks , hardwoods and over 328 species of birds.

Take a slow walk to nowhere in particular and back again. Or just sit on the sand and enjoy the views.

Not surprisingly, annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors. Maybe not quite up to theme park standards. But then again, the closest beaches to Orlando offer something Mickey, Minnie and Harry would struggle to compete with. Stunning, inviting, family friendly locations all within easy reach of your Orlando vacation home.

And not a line in sight!

Now go paddle, splash and build sandcastles!