Orlando may be landlocked in the Sunshine State, but that definitely doesn’t mean Orlandoans shouldn’t get some much-deserved time in the sun. Catch some manatees on the west coast, relax on the eastern shores or revel in the beauty of Florida’s natural springs in between. No matter where you end up, these spots are sure to impress — and help cool down.
Here are the 30 best springs and beaches to visit on a sunny day, all within driving distance of Orlando.
2 hours from Orlando This Instagram-worthy North Central Florida spring gets its name from the steam that was seen radiating from the cave when it was first discovered. Now you can swim, scuba dive or snorkel in this prehistoric water. Credit:Photo via Devil’s Den/FacebookSt. Pete Beach
2 hours from Orlando
Located just off the mainland of St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach boasts miles of soft, white sand. Surf shops and boutiques can be found almost anywhere. And this beach town has plenty of mom-and-pop shops to support when your time in the sun has come to an end. Credit:Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/FacebookBlue Spring State Park
1 hour from Orlando
Encounter the gentle giants we call manatees at this crystal-clear spring. More than 700 manatees have made this park their home. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boat tours are available for all guests. Credit:Photo via Blue Spring State Park/FacebookCanaveral Seashore
1 hour from Orlando
This seashore is filled with open lagoons, pine flatwoods and offshore waters. The beach stretches for 24 miles and provides a nesting ground for several thousand protected marine turtles. It is one of the more diverse and protected estuaries in North America. Plus, if you plan it right, you might just catch a rocket launch. Credit:Photo via Canaveral National Seashore/Facebook
1 hour and 35 minutes from Orlando Weeki Wachee is unlike any other natural site in the Sunshine State. Offering a magical mermaid show for the whole family, this state park is full of history and summer fun. Enjoy the fresh water by renting your choice of canoes, kayaks or paddle boards. Credit:Photo via Weeki Wachee Springs State Park/FacebookNew Smyrna Beach
1 hour from Orlando
This 17-mile beach is known for its coastal architecture and personality — it also has become a prime location for surfers. Head over to Smyrna Dunes Park if you want to catch a sight of the Ponce Inlet and the lighthouse, which is also a great place to take your four-legged friend on an adventure. Credit:Photo via New Smyrna Beach/FacebookCredit:Photo viaCredit:Photo viaCredit:Photo viaSilver Glen Springs
1 hour, 45 minutes from Orlando
Silver Springs is not only a picturesque spot to visit and relax with the family; it’s also an important archaeological site. This first-magnitude spring leaks 65 million gallons of water per day. If you end up snorkeling, try to find the two vents where the water flows from. Credit:Photo via Silver Glen Springs/FacebookGilchrist Blue Springs Park
2 hours from Orlando
This large spring produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day, producing crystal-clear swimming waters. Paddling, snorkeling and kayaking are also available, along with access to pavilions. If you’re lucky, you might catch some turtles and fish swimming alongside you. Credit: Photo viaOrmond Beach
1 hour from Orlando
This relaxing beach sits just north of Daytona Beach along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Ormond Beach offers a quieter coastline while many partying tourists head to Daytona instead. Surrounding the beach is lush plant life, perfect to sit in and chill out after a swim. Credit:Photo via City of Ormond Beach/FacebookClearwater Beach
2 hours from Orlando
On Florida’s west coast, Clearwater Beach remains the perfect beach town to spend summer days. Wild dolphins can be seen in the waters, as well as plenty of other other wildlife. And if you want to keep the aquatic vibes going without the glaring sun, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is just up the road from the beach. Credit:Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/FacebookCoral Cove
2 hours from Orlando
Along Jupiter Island, Coral Cove has spectacular rock formations along the beach, with some serious caves carved out of the rocks. There are 15 acres of waterfront with designated fishing and swimming sides to keep guests safe. Credit: Photo via discover.pbcgov.orgCredit: Photo via melbournebeachfl.orgCaladesi Island
2 and a half hours from Orlando
One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat. But the view is always worth it, as well as the nature trails winding through the island’s interior. Credit: Photo via AdobeAnastasia State Park
2 hours from Orlando
There are more than 1,600 acres of beaches at Anastasia State Park. The ancient sand dunes make this destination captivating, with wildlife flourishing and birdwatchers rejoicing. And if you’re looking to extend your stay, there are more than 130 campsites located just a short stroll from the beach. Credit:Photo via Anastasia State Park/FacebookAnna Maria Island
3 hours from Orlando
The laid-back feel of Anna Maria Island makes it the perfect place for a relaxed weekend getaway. With calm waves and beautiful soft, white sand, this 7-mile beach is a perfect spot for families. There are activities for all to enjoy, such as bike and scooter rentals, eco-tours, kayaking and horseback riding on the beach. Credit:Photo via Anna Maria Island Chamber/InstagramCocoa Beach
1 hour from Orlando
Cocoa Beach is a classic Florida beach town with picturesque waters and miles of sand. Visit the pier during sunset for a bite to eat and walk around to enjoy the east coast Florida sky. Credit:Photo via Cocoa Beach/ Visit Cocoa BeachBoneyard Beach
2 hours, 30 minutes from Orlando
Located on Big Talbot island, this is the place if you’re looking to switch up your typical beach experience. Ditch swimming for the day (this is a no-swimming beach) and instead explore the huge trunks of sun-bleached driftwood that replicates the eerie appearance of abandoned “bones.” They lie scattered all over the shoreline, giving the spot its name. Credit:Photo via Boneyard Beach/Florida State ParksDaytona Beach
1 hour from Orlando
One of the most Florida places in Florida, Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Here, you’ll find a seemingly endless amount of water activities, like parasailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. And in case you want a change of course, the boardwalk is just steps away, filled with rides, arcade games and Sunshine State history. If you plan your visit right, you might even catch a favorite artist performing at one of the Daytona Beach Bandshell concerts. Sing along while you float in the coastal waters. Credit:Photo via Daytona Beach/Facebook
3 hours from Orlando Fort De Soto offers a pet-friendly beach for those pups who love the water. Humans can also hang out by the shoreline and catch some rays, or take a peek around the large tidal pool while searching for sand dollars. You’ll find pristine clear waters paired with its soft, white sand, as well as nearby historic sites, such as a Spanish American War-era fort. Credit:Photo via Fort De Soto/Pinellas CountyFlagler Beach
1 hour, 15 minutes from Orlando
This retro town offers a more than 6-mile stretch of deep turquoise water and saturated orange-hued sand. Beach-goers will find lots of eclectic shops and open-air and rooftop restaurants to experience. Guests can take a stroll on the Flagler Beach Pier, coined the city’s “crown jewel” as it is almost as old as the city itself. Credit:Photo via Flagler Beach/FacebookRainbow Springs
1 hour, 30 minutes from Orlando
With a therapeutic year-round water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, these springs are perfect for guests to swim, kayak, float or tube their way through. If the water is too chilly for your liking, take a walk and discover the springs, waterfalls, rainbow fountain and ornamental gardens. Get in touch with nature by snorkeling, geo-seeking, birding and wildlife viewing. Credit:Photo via Rainbow Springs/FacebookSilver Springs
1 hour, 30 minutes from Orlando
This beautiful blue water is great for snorkeling and swimming alongside aquatic wildlife. You can also walk or ride the scenic 15-mile forest trail. And there’s no need to stress-pack sandwiches, because Silvers Springs’ very own Springside Restaurant sits right on sight. To achieve the ultimate experience, check out their guided glass-bottom kayak tours and paddle the 5-mile river. Credit:Photo via Silver Springs/FacebookRock Springs’ Kelly Park
30 minutes from Orlando
Described as Orlando’s own natural lazy river, Rock Springs’ Kelly Park is the perfect opportunity to relax as you let the river show you around. With the option of kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, there are several nooks and crannies to explore at Rock Springs, not even including the various nature trails. Credit:Photo via Rock Springs’ Kelly Park/TwitterManatee Springs
2 hours, 15 minutes from Orlando
Offering its cool waters for more than 10,000 years, this first-magnitude spring is a sight you can’t skip. Manatee Springs offers more than 8 miles worth of nature trails that take you through majestic cypress swamps and sinkhole ponds. Always keep an eye out when swimming, you never know when you’ll see a manatee poking around. Credit:Photo via Manatee Springs/Florida State ParksThree Sisters Springs
1 hour, 35 minutes from Orlando
Known as the manatee capital of the world, Three Sisters Springs might be the best spot to swim and spot one of the massive animals. Even if you decide not to do a manatee tour, the clear water allows everyone to get the chance to spot one. Credit:Photo via Three Sisters Springs/Three Sisters Springs VisitorWekiwa Springs
15 minutes from Orlando
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, allowing Orlandoans to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There’s ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando’s best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks. Credit:Photo via Wekiwa Springs/Facebook
1 hour from Orlando This beach is most known for its surfing; many locals learn to surf specifically at Satellite Beach. The laid-back beach offers weekly sea turtle “talks & walks,” where guests can learn all about sea turtles. The beach is convenient to Palm Bay, Melbourne and Titusville. Credit: Photo via Adobe
