When you live in everyone else’s vacation spot, sometimes you have to get away from the masses. Since Orlando is close to some of the best beaches in the country, a beach road trip is the best answer. Here we’ve picked out 23 easy beach getaways, all of which are a reasonable drive away, and what to do there besides lay in the sand.

Captions by Rachel Stuart, Deanna Ferrante and Marissa Mahoney.

Blowing Rocks Preserve 2 hours and 28 minutes What’s great about it: 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 are schools of tropical fish and sea turtles here. Where to eat: Located in the heart of Hobe Sound is Taste Casual Dining, which offers traditional fare and contemporary cuisine, as well as a full liquor bar. Things to do: While your clothes are drying off from blasts of water, you can explore the waters of Hobe Sound on the Loxahatchee River boat tour. If you’d prefer to check out the city’s plants and wildlife, visit Peck Lake Park and travel along its half-mile boardwalk that leads to the edge of the water. Photo via sylverkatt456/Instagram
Anna Maria Island 2 hours and 32 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Although it might seem a little out of place in this beach town, Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus is one of the best restaurants in the area, where guests can sample original homemade Bavarian food and an assortment of imported German beers. Things to do: Just a couple of miles from the beach is the city of Bradenton, home to Mixon Fruit Farms. Take a tram tour of this Florida citrus grove and learn about one of the state’s most iconic industries. Plus, guests receive a complimentary glass of freshly squeezed juice inside the onsite packinghouse where you can watch the juice being made. Photo via lucianadau/Instagram
Boneyard Beach 2 hours and 40 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: The french-bistro, American-southern style of Restaurant Orsay may tickle your fancy when it comes to dining. Be sure to try the restaurant’s raw bar, which features fish from the gulf, east and west coasts. Things to do: If you want to relax after a day of beach exploring at a bar with a cold beer in hand, make a stop in Bold City Brewery, where you can choose from a selection of craft beers brewed on site. Photo via mama_layla_rose/Instagram
Caladesi Island State Park 2 hours and 24 minutes What’s great about it: When you can only get somewhere by boat…well, let’s just say you’ll have a lot to 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. Where to eat: Make a stop at the oldest microbrewery in Florida: Dunedin Brewery. You can try a variety of brews, which are all hand-crafted in small batches, 15 barrels at a time. Things to do: Once you’ve soaked up all the sunshine at Caladesi, check out the Dunedin Fine Art Center to get a creative and educational experience in the visual arts. If you’d like more of a workout after relaxing on the beach, consider bringing your bike to take a ride on the Pinellas Trail, which stretches from Dunedin to Tarpon Springs. Photo via amerikaonly/Instagram
Pine Island 3 hours and 16 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: At the Blue Dog Bar and Grill in nearby Matlacha the popular belief is that “the best things in life come out the blue.” The neighborhood restaurant proudly serves fresh locally caught seafood in honor of the area’s proud fishing heritage. Things to do: Take a stroll through the little town of Matlacha, a colorful place filled with even more colorful characters. Eccentric art galleries line the streets and cluttered, but cozy restaurants and shops give the area a unique charm lost in other big tourist beach towns. Photo via smashjewels/Instagram
Canaveral National Seashore 1 hour and 12 minutes What’s great about it: Sometimes you just need to pack a cooler with 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. Where to eat: Known as “the best steak and seafood restaurant around,” it’s hard to turn down Shiloh’s Steak and Seafood after a long day at Canaveral National Seashore. The restaurant is located on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon and has a direct view of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Things to do: Titusville’s Enchanted Forest Sanctuary preserves a variety of natural habitats and has hiking trails for visitors to explore. The sanctuary also offers interpretive educational exhibits and the Enchanted Crossing nature trail. Photo via kylebrogden/Instagram
Carlin Park 2 hours and 23 minutes What’s great about it: Jam-pack your day with activities here. Ball it up on the b-ball courts or scrimmage on one of the 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! Where to eat: Food Shack is a solid seafood dining option in Jupiter. It’s large-portioned fish plates are nothing to complain about, especially because you’ll probably have leftovers for the next day. Things to do: The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is one of the “go-tos” in the city. After a day at Carlin Park, why not take part in a climbing tour to the top of the 1860 lighthouse? Photo via blamegirl/Instagram
Cedar Key 2 hours and 16 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Home of the “best clam chowder,” Tony’s Seafood Restaurant is a destination that Cedar Key visitors don’t want to skip out on. Things to do: A “must see” in Cedar Key is the collection of old treasures at Island Thyme Antiques. And while you’re at it, you can continue your historical experience by visiting Cedar Key Historical Museum, which has exhibits and photos of Cedar Key throughout the 20th century. Photo via wildwhispershop/Instagram
Atlantic Beach 2 hours and 31 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: North Beach Fish Camp is just minutes from the sand. Enjoy drinks and crab cakes at the bustling bar inside or sit upstairs and share a slice of key lime pie as you take in ocean views. Things to do: On your way back from a day at the beach, swing through nearby Jacksonville and stop in at The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary for a night feeding tour of the sancutary’s 40 big cat residents. Since most of the tigers, lions, cougars and leopards housed at Catty Shack are nocturnal, the nightly tours offer the perfect opportunity to see these jungle beasts in action. Photo via adamghelerter/Instagram
Clearwater Beach 2 hours and 20 minutes What’s great about it: Recently named the No. 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. Where to eat: Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe is the place to eat when visiting Clearwater Beach. It’s grouper sandwiches are a dream, and you can’t leave without trying the she-crab soup. Things to do: If you want a break from the sandy shores, check out Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, where scallywags sing, dance and play games for the whole family. Or visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to the world’s most famous dolphin, Winter, the marine mammal with a prosthetic tale who stars in the Dolphin Tale movie. Photo via nickkutscher/Instagram
Disappearing Island 1 hour and 20 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Rated as one of the best restaurants in New Smyrna Beach, AA Garden Fusion is a pho restaurant that offers anything from soup to noodles to chicken fried rice. Things to do: After soaking up the sun on the beach, head over to the New Smyrna Museum of History for a look at special exhibits regarding New Smyrna’s founders and artifacts. And if you’d like to actually step foot on a historic site, visit Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park to see the ruins of the coquina sugar factory that was raided during a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. Photo via boosted_09gt/Instagram
Fort De Soto 2 hours and 24 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Check out the Mazzaro Italian Market for drinks, pasta and insane amount of cheese. Things to do: Two hours of driving is something any art lover will be okay with if it means arriving at this museum-packed city. There’s the Morean Arts Center, the Florida CraftArt and most notably the Salvador Dalí Museum, where you can learn about the dude who thought it was totally okay to have an anteater as a pet. Photo via zimmermannkathrin/Instagram
Juno Beach 2 hours and 23 minutes What’s great about it: There’s not much room to complain when the beach is free to roam 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. Where to eat: For breakfast lovers, Juno Beach Cafe serves breakfast all day. There is also live music every Sunday by local musician Jordan Lee. For more of a lunch or dinner experience, Juno Beach Fish House features a fresh, local seafood menu with a “Floribbean” flair. Chicken, steak, pasta and pork can be found on the restaurant’s menu as well. Things to do: While you may not get a close-up view of sea turtles at the beach, you’re sure to see them on guided tours at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Photo via emmas_20/Instagram
St. Pete Beach 2 hours and 11 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Bongos Beach Bar and Grille located at the Grand Plaza Hotel in St. Pete is the perfect place to unwind after a sandy day. The beachside restaurant offers cozy fire pits and comfy couches for lounging while you enjoy a cocktail and listen to live music from a local band. Things to do: Experience the thrill of one of today’s hottest trends in entertainment at Beach Escape Game, where groups of two to eight people are given an hour to find clues and solve puzzles to solve a mystery and escape from a locked room. Photo via
Playalinda Beach 1 hour and 10 minutes What’s great about it: ‘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. Where to eat: Dixie Crossroads is a seafood restaurant that’s sure to please everyone, as it has seafood, steaks, salads and a full bar. Things to do: It’s kind of a given that a stop you have to make while visiting Titusville is at the Kennedy Space Center. The iconic center offers exhibits, tours and even theaters where you can get the feel of what it’s like to get involved with NASA. Photo via leeadamz/Instagram
Siesta Beach 2 hour and 35 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: The artisanal cuisine Antoine’s Restaurant offers exquisite seafood specials, including PEI mussels prepared seven different ways and served with the best fries in Sarasota. Things to do: Although you might know the name Ringling from the circus, one of the famous brothers is actually the founder of Florida’s official state art museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The institution offers more than 21 galleries of European paintings, Cypriot antiquities and contemporary art from around the world. But the museum isn’t the only place you’ll find masterpieces; the city is also widely known for its unique Sarasota School of Architecture, a regional style with many modern influences used to build many of the area’s houses, churches and public facilities. Photo via cristiandavila/Instagram
Pass-a-Grille Beach 2 hours and 16 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: For the health-conscious eater, Vida de Cafe is the perfect place to grab lunch on a sunny day. The restaurant only serves raw, vegan and vegetarian friendly dishes, but don’t let that put you off; The banana bread with nutella will definitely have you drooling. Things to do: Skip the crowds and sandy bathing suit bottoms by destressing at the Loews Don CeSar Spa Ocean. Spoil yourself with Sea of Life facial or a massage in the spa’s rooftop cabana. Plus, there’s a rooftop garden with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico to take in while you wait for your manicure to dry. Photo via whitney_26/Instagram
St. Augustine Beach 1 hour and 46 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: St. George Street offers a surprising mix of stores and eateries. Buy a sword and some vintage clothing or be that asshole who dares their friend to try the hottest sauce at the Pepper Palace. Things to do: It wouldn’t be a trip to St. Augustine without a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Or, if you’d like to explore another historic landmark, check out the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, the legendary site with vitality-restoring waters that led Juan Ponce de Leon to discover Florida. Photo via staugbeach/Instagram
Vilano Beach 1 hour and 58 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Get a touch of the Caribbean in the stuffy, historic town of St. Augustine at Beaches Seafood and Spirits, where you can sip a “beacharita” and munch on fish tacos as you watch a radiant sunset right on the beach. Things to do: If you really want to see St. Augustine, there’s no better view than from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. There’s also a maritime museum located on the grounds to visit during the day and then discover the mysteries of the lighthouse’s history with a spooky “Dark of the Moon” ghost tour at night. Photo via patrycja_9/Instagram
Round Island Beach Park 1 hour and 55 minutes What’s great about it: 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’. Where to eat: Skip the bikini-clad crowds at the hole in the wall places on the shore and elevate your dining experience at The Tides, which lets you trade in those greasy popcorn shrimp baskets for sophisticated seafood options to pair with an aged Pinot Noir. Things to do: Near the southern gateway of Vero Beach, McKee Botanical Garden is a shady tropical paradise that offers a little relief from sunny sands. Explore 18 acres of natural trees, waterfalls and streams on a stroll or sign up for one of the garden’s educational classes, which range from photographing water lilies to cooking demos with local chefs. Photo via _chrisgent/Instagram
Sebastian Inlet 1 hour and 42 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: At Squid Lips Overwater Grill, you can arrive by either boat or by car. The restaurant is located right on the water, so you can enjoy your coconut shrimp or mahi mahi in a colorful lounge chair with your toes buried in the sand. Things to do: If you’d prefer to stay dry, check out the Brevard Zoo, where you get up close and personal with giraffes that lap treats from your hands like trained dogs, or the Space Coast Stadium, where you can buy some peanuts and crackerjacks and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Photo via jen_palmer_jenkins/Instagram
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park 1 hour and 30 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Although it’s located in Palm Coast’s European Village, La Piazza Cafe will put you right in the heart of Italy. This upscale, family-owned eatery offers Italian dishes cooked with fresh herbs and sauce that’s made-to-order. Things to do: Visit Florida’s rural past with a visit to the Florida Agircultural Museum. Experience the pioneer life as you pump water and shell corn in old homesteads or get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, from slobbery cows to Murphy, the farm’s resident donkey. Photo via babsnmoore/Instagram
Ponce Inlet 1 hour and 19 minutes What’s great about it: 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. Where to eat: Swap fishing stories with your buddies on the deck of Down the Hatch Seafood Restaurant, a no-fuss kind of place where no one will mind in the slightest if you get your hands dirty while you dig into your crab legs and seasoned shrimp. Things to do: Visit the Marine Science Center for a closer look at the inhabitants of Ponce Inlet’s beaches. This rehabilitation center is home to a variety of different marine animals, from seabirds to sea turtles, and guests get the opportunity to get up close and personal with these animals at different exhibits, like the stingray touch pool. Photo via bhayes920/Instagram