With so many wonderful beaches in Florida it is nearly impossible to pick the best one, so it is advised to visit all of them. Take advantage of the best part of Florida and make sure to visit these sandy spots at least once.

Clearwater Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 15 minutes If crystal clear waters and sugar white sand are your thing, take advantage of Clearwater. There is aquatic fun on the beach and off. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the home of Winter, the bottlenose dolphin featured in the movie Dolphin Tale. Photo via visitflorida/Instagram
Siesta Key Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes Siesta Key is no joke. Lie down on the quartz white sand that TripAdvisor called “The Best Beach in the Nation” in 2015 and 2017 and watch the turquoise waves lap at the shoreline. Photo via divincemoore/Instagram
St. Augustine Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours With turquoise blue waters and cool winds blowing in from the sea, it’s no wonder the Spanish decided to settle the area in 1565. Hop on a jet ski, in the Nation’s oldest city, and zip across the waves outside the Castillo de San Marcos or take a casual stroll along the area’s 42 miles of beautiful beaches. Photo via codyobutler/Instagram
Dry Tortugas National Park Driving distance from Orlando: 6 hours 45 minutes A hop, skip and a jump from civilization the beaches of the Dry Tortugas National Park are as beautiful as they are secluded, unless you count the birds. The seven tiny island of the Dry Tortugas are a vital layover for migrating birds traveling between South America and the United States, as well as being home to stunning, breathtaking beaches. Photo via kwsouthwinds
Caladesi island State Park Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes One of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast, what Caladesi Island lacks in modern amenities it makes up for in oceanfront splendor. Nature enthusiasts can spot wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island’s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through mangroves and bay, saltwater anglers can cast lines for redfish, snook and sea trout and beach goers can kick it on the shore and frolic in the waves. Photo via hsprinks/Instagram
Blowing Rocks Preserve Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes A marvel of Floridian geology, during extreme high tides and after winter storms seas break against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet skyward. Photo via meli.dealmagro/Instagram
Playalinda Driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutes Tucked away in the Canaveral National Seashore is Playalinda. It’s a hidden gem among local surfers, a welcome reprieve from other more crowded Florida beaches and not a bad spot to watch a rocket shoot off from nearby Kennedy Space Center. Photo via timb70mm/Instagram
Anna Maria Island Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes With it’s broad beaches and relative distance from larger metropolitan areas, Anne Marie Island is a perfect place for some solitary beach time. Photo via jlipton/Instagram
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes On one side a shoreline of coquina rock stretches before the Atlantic ocean. On the other, lush gardens of coastal scrub marry with rich hammocks of towering live oaks, hickory and magnolia trees to create an ecological paradise. The tree-shaded areas are perfect for relaxing under after a dip in the ocean or stroll along the shore. Photo via deannadoane/Instagram
Fort De Soto Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes With a wide tidal pool begging to be splashed in, sea shells of every color and humongous sand dollars, it’s no wonder Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach earned Parents magazine’s top honors in 2011. Snorkel, canoe, kayak or swim in tropical waters or relax and soak up some rays. Photo via elenafloridausa/Instagram
Boneyard Beach Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes A photographer’s paradise, bleached white trees lie about the beach in stark contrast to the rolling blue ocean and static sandy terrain. As trees die they fall onto the beach and remain there until the ocean erodes them or takes them. If reflecting on the symbolism of this surreal scene distracts you too long, take a break to look for shells or take a dip in the ocean. Photo via o_byrm/Instagram
Pine Island Driving distance from Orlando: 3 hours Despite being the largest island in Florida, with no traffic signals, tolls or high rises, it’s no stretch to say Pine Island is more of a rustic beach-goer destination. What Pine island lacks in bustling development it makes up for in fishing, drop a line right off the shore or check out the Matlacha Bridge “The World’s fishingest Bridge” where angles can be found day and night. Photo via ingrantwetrust/Instagram
Boynton State Park Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 45 minutes Past the dunes and scrub is another great Florida beach. Paddle out and catch a wave or lax on the shore, nether are a bad choice. Photo via billdennisjr/Instagram
Lovers Key State Park Driving distance from Orlando: 3 hours 30 minutes For years it was said only lovers traveled to Lover’s Key to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Now the park is a haven for more than those looking for a romantic tryst. The addition of roads and bridges have made it easier for beachgoers to enjoy a day of shelling, swimming, picnicking or sunbathing. Photo via aquamates/Instagram
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Driving distance from Orlando: 6 hours 45 minutes Florida’s Southernmost State Park, colloquially referred to as Key West’s Best Beach, is a sight for beach starved eyes. Intermittent palm trees frame azure blue seas and waves lapping at coarse sticky sand to provide for an exceptionally scenic experience.Soak up Key West’s best beach by taking a walk and looking for shells or perusing the jetties and rock formations in the water which provide homes for parrotfish, yellowtail snapper and lobsters. Grab a snorkel and see for yourself. Photo via chris_tiiin206/Instagram
Crandon Park Driving distance from Orlando: 4 hours This is the kind of beach you see in swimwear ads, tropical and picturesque. A large sandbar protects the beach from strong ocean waves making it excellent for families with young children. For the more adventurous rent a kayak or a kite board and cruise the shoreline. Photo via viajandonomapa/Instagram
South Beach Driving distance from Orlando: 4 hours South Beach is known the world over as a premier cultural and nightlife destination. What some may forget is that this vacation mecca in Miami also sports fine white sands and rolling blue waves that rival the world’s best beaches. Photo via ericrassam/Instagram
Sanibel Island Driving distance from Orlando: 3 hours 30 minutes Sanibel Island has 15 miles of beaches that are world renown for their pristine sands and abundant shells. There are no coral reefs around the island but there is still plenty of marine life, who make their home in the numerous artificial reefs and wrecks around the island. Photo via mer_om_li?Instagram
Amelia Island Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 45 minutes Amelia Island is must do for any beach enthusiast. The relativity uncrowded beaches are a great jumping off point for SCUBA diving, parasailing or deep sea fishing. Photo via 904happyhour?Instagram
Atlantic Beach Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes Atlantic beach, many experts believe, was the site of the first year round native American settlement in North America. The beach is a magnet for surfers, beach combers, campers, and bicyclists. Kick back and relax with some beach styled activities while appreciating the lifestyles of the indigenous Americans who previously inhabited these beautiful land. Photo via julieliles/Instagram
Delray Beach Driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 45 minutes Downtown Delray is right on Delray beach’s shoreline, when you are tired of beach activities take a quick trip into town to grab a bite or do some shopping. Then, jump back to the beach, after all its not far away. Photo via burlo_photographer/Instagram
Naples Beach Driving distance from Orlando: 3 hours 30 minutes Shade is sparse at Naples Beach but beach powered enjoyment is not. Drop a line off the Naples Fishing Pier and catch a fish or two with the other local fishermen, including peilicans and dolphins. Naples beaches are known for their seashells and rich shore bird life. The pier and beach never close, and provide the perfect spot to watch the setting sun dip into the endless sea. Photo via nali078120/Instagram
Santa Rosa Beach Driving distance from Orlando: 6 hours Sugar white sands gently slope into shimmering blue-green waters. Santa Rosa Beach makes it clear why the panhandle is known as the Emerald Coast. It may take a while to get into deeper waters but that’s just fine. Take your time and let the waves lap over you like waves of sweet relaxation. Photo via ajk30a/Instagram
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area Driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes On a scenic stretch of land between the Intercoastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean is the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation area, named for folk singer Gamble Rogers. The park abounds in wildlife, Summer months bring sea turtles that lay their eggs in the golden brown coquina sand and the daily low tide is the ideal time to observe shorebirds feeding in tidal pools. Boaters and canoeists can launch from a boat ramp on the Intercoastal waterway. Photo via momsicle_s3/Instagram