Daytona, Cocoa and New Smyrna get all the traffic, but let’s not forget that Florida is basically just one big beach. We did a little digging and found a few sandy spots near Orlando for when you just need to drop everything and ride the wave.

Caladesi Island State Park When you can only get somewhere by boat… well, let’s just say you’ll have a lot brag about when you get home. You can have one of the best shelling experiences of your life or just drag a lounge chair to the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon. Either way you’ll be left alone at Caladesi. 2 hours and 24 minutes Photo via fbayfinservices/Instagram
Boneyard Beach Photography majors might faint at the sight of Boneyard Beach. The rest of us will have our fun using these trees as a jungle gym. If you’re not a tree-hugger, you can always hop on a trail for a bike ride. 2 hours and 40 minutes Photo via emmmy_scott/Instagram
Blowing Rocks Preserve SPLOOOOOOOSH! Gusts of water spurt out of rock formations during high tide, so get the camera ready for the water blast. It ain’t a bad spot for snorkeling, either. There be schools of tropical fish and sea turtles here. 2 hours and 28 minutes Photo via dare_to_believe_/Instagram
Cedar Key It might alarm some outsiders by how many waves and smiles they receive on the way into Cedar Key, but that’s just the way the natives roll here. Fishing and boating are highly recommended. If you forgot to pack a lunch, head into town for some real good clam chowder. 2 hours and 16 minutes Photo via impossibleaj/Instagram
Siesta Beach The moment your toes touch the warm, soft white sand on Siesta Beach, you’ll know you made the right choice. Have your fun in the sun, then stick around for drum circle, which happens every Sunday night at sunset. 2 hour and 35 minutes Photo via DeusXFlorida/Flickr
Carlin Park Jam pack your day with activities here. Ball it up on the b-ball courts or scrimmage on one of their many baseball diamonds. For those of you who sip your tea with the pinky erect, they’ve got bocce courts, too. And you can enjoy all this beach day fun with your four-legged best friend– super rad! 2 hours and 23 minutes Photo via cwilder07/Instagram
Playalinda Beach ‘Tis tradition on most beach days to go for a walk, and if you choose to do that at Playalinda, you just might see a full moon. And by moon we mean a whole lot of naked butts galavanting around one of Florida’s only nude beaches. Just remember, you can only change into your birthday suit in Lot 13. 1 hour and 10 minutes Photo via John Stockton/Flickr
Clearwater Beach Recently named the #1 beach in the country by Trip Advisor, Clearwater is well-known for its pristine condition. Keep the adrenaline up with a jetski ride or fly high with some parasailing. If mellow yellow is more your vibe, head to the boardwalk and go fishing. 2 hours and 20 minutes Photo via icarussailingmedia/Instagram
Fort De Soto Fort De Soto is truly vast. You can spend the whole day with just you and the dog on the beach, head over to the pier for some relaxing fishing or pack up the car with some extra supplies for a weekend camping trip. Fair warning: you have to pay $5 to get into Fort De Soto. 2 hours and 24 minutes Photo via Pinellas County/Flickr
Juno Beach There’s not much room to complain when the beach is free to roam on and the sand looks pretty damn white. Pack a basket and grab shade under a picnic shelter, or hustle over to the dog areas with your short-legged bud for some off-leash fun. 2 hours and 23 minutes Photo via south_florida_beat/Instagram
Disappearing Island Drop the anchors– it’s low tide and Disappearing Island is back at it again. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a hip hop music video with all the boats, booze and bangin’ tunes in every direction. Enjoy the warm water while you can… low tide only last so long. 1 hour and 20 minutes Photo via boosted_09gt/Instagram
Canaveral National Seashore Sometimes you just need to pack a cooler with ice cold beers and pitch a tent on the beach for a few days– that’s why you go to Canaveral National Seashore. You won’t find crowds here, so this is your go-to when you need a break from it all. Wake up early and go for a hike to see some awesome birds, or sleep in and zen out while you look for cool clams. 1 hour and 12 minutes Photo via girl.i.am/Instagram
Atlantic Beach Atlantic Beach is a staple among Jacksonville locals. There is a leash law here, but when you’re frolicking with the pups in the water, feel free to let them loose. The beach brushes up against a residential area, so take advantage of some favorite eateries around town like North Beach Fish Camp. 2 hours and 31 minutes Photo via ilovetakingphotos55/Instagram
Pine Island Since there’s a law in place that protects Pine Island from big-building development, amazing birds and lush mangroves are all over the beach. The area is also well-known for its fishing and kayaking. 3 hours and 16 minutes Photo via riceahoy/Instagram
Pass-a-Grille Beach Take a break from all the happenings in St. Pete for a laid back day at Pass-a-Grille. This beach is great for dolphin-watching just off shore. Stick around to watch them ring the town bell, which is a nice little daily tradition. 2 hours and 16 minutes Photo via blankaonthebeach/Instagram
St. Pete Beach Seclusion or inclusion– take your pick at St. Pete Beach. If you’re in the mood to fish, catch a charter boat at John’s Pass boardwalk. If not, then find claim your personal territory, grab some binoculars and keep an eye out for dolphins. 2 hours and 11 minutes Photo via Matt Wade/Flickr
Anna Maria Island It’s time to relax on Anna Maria Island. This 8-mile barrier island in between Florida and the Gulf of Mexico offers plenty of activities like kayaking and canoeing, fishing, dolphin and whale watching and paddleboarding. 2 hours and 32 minutes Photo via tsmize/Instagram
Ponce Inlet Ponce Inlet is a hot spot in Florida for shelling. Wake up early and job alongside the sunrise, or get your daily cardio in by climbing to the top of their 175-foot lighthouse. 1 hour and 19 minutes Photo via weasel0411/Instagram
Round Island Beach Park Round Island has some of the best observation decks in the state, so you don’t have to tire yourself out in a kayak to see a school of Florida manatees. Pull the boat up to one of their ramps and go fishin’. 1 hour and 55 minutes Photo via _chrisgent/Instagram
Vilano Beach Surf’s up at Vilano Beach. The warm waves just keep coming making it a good time for the surfers and those of us who like to jump over and dive under waves like bosses. Take a beach walk to discover to jetties– your Instagram followers will thank you. 1 hour and 58 minutes Photo via derrick_bau/Instagram
Sebastian Inlet With the multiple surfing competitions held at Sebastian Inlet each year, you’re bound to catch some good waves here. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular, so don’t forget to go underwater exploring. 1 hour and 42 minutes Photo via stacyannezeller/Instagram
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park The coquina rock formations make some really epic waves here. Let the intrigue of the rocks grab hold of you, or just plop a few beach chairs along the shallow water for a relaxing day sunbathing. 1 hour and 30 minutes Photo via jeanmariebiele/Instagram
St. Augustine Beach Grab a free umbrella from the Ocean Gallery and plant yourself on the beach for a relaxing day of sunbathing. Take the dog for a long walk on the beach (on a leash), or head into town for light shopping, which St. Augustine is so well-known for. 1 hour and 46 minutes Photo via eastcoastgreens/Instagram