It's finally getting warmer, which means it’s time to find a spot 10 feet from the ocean where you can try to forget about the current state of the world. Whether you're into eating, drinking or floating (all while social distancing), there’s plenty to do at these 30 beaches.
30 beautiful beaches within driving distance of Orlando
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Thu, Mar 11, 2021 at 2:49 pm
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Anna Maria Island
3 hours awayDespite only being 7 miles long, this beach town has quickly become a Florida-favorite. With plenty of restaurants and beach spots to watch the sun go down, Anna Maria Island is a must-visit.
Photo via ap0013/Flickr
Delray Beach
2 hours, 45 minutes awayDelray beach is known as “Florida’s village by the sea.” This comes as no surprise as there are plenty of restaurants and shops to stop at after a sunny beach day.
Photo via City of Delray Beach/Facebook
Cayo Costa State Park
4 hours awayOnly accessible through a boat or kayak (for the brave ones), this untouched beach is the perfect spot for bird watching and bicycling trails. Visitors can take a ferry from several of the mainland locations.
Photo via Cayo Costa Ferry/Website
Ponce Inlet
1 hour awayPay a visit to Florida’s tallest lighthouse at Ponce Inlet -- the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Visitors are just 203 steps away from a perfect ocean view.
Photo via Daniel Piraino/Flickr
Cocoa Beach
1 hour awayCocoa Beach is home to four parks which all have a beach access point. The parks have plenty of picnic tables and showers to help enjoy a beach day.
Photo via Joseph Gage/Flickr
New Smyrna Beach
1 hour awayNew Smyrna is known for its surfing and 17-mile white beaches, but if you happen to bring any four-legged friends, there’s a dog beach not too far.
Photo via David S. Ferry |||/Flickr
Boneyard Beach
2 hours, 30 minutesAlong Boneyard Beach, visitors can find massive driftwood trees scattered along the shore. It’s the perfect spot for a picture or watching the crashing waves.
Photo via oliver.dodd/Flickr
Daytona Beach
1 hour awayEnjoy a crowd-free vacation at Daytona Beach. With 23 miles of white beaches to relax on, there’s plenty of space to take a break from reality.
Photo via Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Blowing Rocks Preserve
2 hours, 30 minutes awayThis barrier island is known for its rocky shoreline and water-gushing rocks, which can send the seawater up to 50 feet high.
Photo via apasciuto/Flickr
Juno Beach
2 hours, thirty minutes awayEnjoy a walk on the beach or on the Juno Beach Pier. The pier offers 990-feet of saltwater fishing and snack bars.
Photo via apasciuto/Flickr
Flagler Beach
1 hour, 15 minutes awayTake a walk on the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. It’s the perfect spot for fishing, eating, or just taking in the ocean breeze.
Photo via Robert van Dalen/Flickr
Canaveral National Seashore
1 hour, 30 minutes awayThis undeveloped shoreline is home to thousands of plants and animals. Keep in mind there’s a $20 vehicle entrance fee.
Photo via Juan Wang/Flickr
Clearwater Beach
4 hours awayRated Trip Advisor’s No. 1 beach in 2018, this small beach town is known for its pristine beaches and delicious restaurants.
Photo via City of Clearwater Government/Facebook
Fort de Soto Park
3 hours awayThis beach is the perfect spot to bring four-legged family members with its two fenced park areas near the beach. Large and small dogs are welcome!
Photo via Pinellas County/Flickr
Avalon State Park
2 hours awayEndangered sea turtles call this beach their home, but snorkelers and kayakers can appreciate them from a comfortable distance.
Photo via Florida State Parks/Website
Coral Cove Park
2 hours, 30 minutes awayThis beach features plenty of spots to grill, fish and kayak. Make sure to enjoy a colorful sunset after a long beach day.
Photo via Adam Carter/Flickr
Longboat Key
3 hours awayLongboat Key’s 12-mile beaches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze. Check out their kayak tours for possible dolphin or sea turtle sightings.
Photo via Town of Longboat Key/Facebook
Lover’s Key
4 hours awayKnown for its beachside weddings, this barrier island is perfect for exploring. There’s plenty of canals, lagoons, and trails to enjoy.
Photo via Alan Phillpot/Flickr
Melbourne Beach
1 hour awayTake a trip to Brevard County’s oldest beach community. Although it’s known for its great fishing, Melbourne Beach is also home to the second-largest colony of sea turtle nesting areas in the Northern hemisphere.
Photo via Michael Seeley/Flickr
Ormond Beach
1 hour awayOrmond Beach’s compact white sand is perfect for walking on. After a stroll on the beach, check out their guided manatee kayaking tours.
Photo via Jason Ralston/Flickr
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