Florida may be known for its beaches (and the spring breakers who really break them in each year), but they certainly aren’t the only splash pads around. Florida’s home to hidden-gem watering holes, manatee-filled natural springs and serene sand-lined shores — many just a short drive from the City Beautiful.
Admire the manatees, rent a kayak, pack a cooler or simply show up ready for sun. Here are the 31 top springs and beaches near Orlando.
Go manatee sighting at Three Sisters Springs
1 hour, 35 minutes from OrlandoIt’s manatee central here. 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 lay eyes (never hands!) on one. Credit: Photo via Three Sister Springs/Facebook
Ginnie Springs
2 hours from OrlandoThe seven crystal-clear springs at Ginnie Springs are 72 degrees year-round, perfect for snorkeling, scuba and cave diving. The 200 surrounding wooded acres allow guests to spend the night or weekend, with more than 100 campsites with electric and water hookups. Credit: Photo via Ginnie Springs/Facebook
Silver Glen Springs
1 hour, 45 minutes from OrlandoSilver 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 water.usgs.gov
Rainbow Springs
1 hour, 30 minutes from OrlandoWith 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/Facebook
Playalinda Beach
1 hour and 6 minutes from OrlandoPlayalinda is known for its low-key atmosphere and picturesque views — and for being one of Florida’s most popular nude beaches. There’s also a ton of shops and local eateries nearby, which are not clothing-optional. Credit: Photo via Canaveral National Seashore/Facebook
Blue Spring State Park
Volusia CountyBring the kiddos to encounter the gentle giants we call manatees at this crystal-clear spring where more than 700 manatees make their home. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boat tours are available for all guests. Credit: Photo via Blue Spring State Park/Facebook
St. Pete Beach
2 hours from OrlandoLocated 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/Facebook
Canaveral Seashore
1 hour from OrlandoThis 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
Inhale some fresh air at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals 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 floridastateparks.org
New Smyrna Beach
1 hour and 6 minutes from OrlandoNew Smyrna Beach maintains its small-town charm in all the local offerings along its two main streets. If you’re in the mood to browse, the New Smyrna Beach Antique Mall offers a collection of jewelry, art and lightly used furniture. After shopping, plenty of Italian and seafood-focused eateries are ready to satisfy your cravings. Credit: Photo via VisitFlorida.com
De Leon Springs State Park
1 hour from OrlandoThere are more than 6,000 years of cultural and natural history in one hidden location. This historical spring was once used to turn sugar cane mills during the Civil War. Now the old sugar mill has become a pancake house, perfect for those post-swimming cravings. The park offers extraordinary dining, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, swimming and more. Credit: Photo via De León Springs Adventures/Facebook
Gilchrist Blue Springs Park
2 hours from OrlandoThis 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 via Florida State Parks
Ormond Beach
1 hour and 8 minutes from OrlandoThis tiny Volusia County beach town is just about an hour northeast of Orlando, located on Florida’s east coast. Walking along Granada boulevard, you can find Ormond Beach’s local boutiques, along with ice cream and coffee shops, and City Hall, which hosts a monthly farmers market. During the day, you can explore the Granada Plaza Shopping Center or pop onto Romano Beachfront Park to catch some rays. Credit: Photo via Romano Beachfront Park/Google Maps
Flagler Beach
1 hour and 19 minutes from OrlandoFlagler Beach is famous for its six miles of uninterrupted beaches. After exploring the beach and the nearby parks, visit the Central Avenue shops that sell locally made clothes and pottery. The Flagler Beach Municipal Pier is a popular spot for fishing, and there’s a great deal of green space like the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 150 acres of scenic trails leading to a monument of Florida’s history with sugar plantations on the east side. The farmers market is every Saturday, and there you can find locally produced food, clothing, crafts and more. Credit: Photo via VisitFlorida.com
Satellite Beach
1 hour from OrlandoThis 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
Melbourne Beach
1 hour from OrlandoEnjoy fishing, snorkeling and tons of other outdoor activities with your friends and family in Melbourne Beach. It’s located next to the Indian River Lagoon and not too far from the Space Coast. Rent a jet ski or a boat to take the beachside for a cruise to round out the day. Credit: Photo via Adobe
Caladesi Island
2 and a half hours from OrlandoOne 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 Adobe
Cocoa Beach
1 hour from OrlandoCocoa 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 Beach
Daytona Beach Pier
58 minutes from OrlandoAside from its made-for-spring-break beaches and allure to international bikers, Daytona Beach offers an active pier for springtime strolling. There’s plenty to see, eat and drink on this band of very Florida fun in the sun. Credit: Photo via Daytona Beach/Facebook
Fort De Soto
3 hours from OrlandoFort 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 County
Manatee Springs
2 hours, 15 minutes from OrlandoOffering 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 Parks
Satellite Beach
1 hour from OrlandoThis 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
Anna Maria Island
3 hours from OrlandoThe 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/Instagram
