OK, we admit it — one thing Orlando doesn't have is oceanfront. When the summer comes, we want to float in the waves and soak up the rays just like anybody else, so here's a list of our favorite beaches, plus the time it takes to get there from here.
Anastasia State Park
2 hours away
Home to more than 1,600 acres of beaches, marshes, maritime hammocks and sand dunes, this state park has something for everybody.
Anna Maria Island
3 hours away
Despite only being seven miles long, this beach town is a Florida favorite. With plenty of restaurants and beach spots to watch the sun go down, Anna Maria Island is a must-visit.
Avalon State Park
2 hours away
Endangered sea turtles call this beach their home, but snorkelers and kayakers can appreciate them from a comfortable distance.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
2 hours, 30 minutes away
This barrier island is known for its rocky shoreline and water-gushing rocks, which can send the seawater up to 50 feet high.
Boneyard Beach
2 hours, 30 minutes
Along Boneyard Beach, you'll see massive driftwood trees scattered along the shore. It's the perfect spot for a picture or watching the crashing waves.
Caladesi Island State Park
3 hours away
Although this beach is only reachable by boat, the scenic views are worth it. Visitors can walk along the beach, kayak through a mangrove forest, or take a nature trail hike.
Canaveral National Seashore
1 hour, 30 minutes away
This undeveloped shoreline is home to thousands of plants and animals. Keep in mind there's a $20 vehicle entrance fee.
Cayo Costa State Park
4 hours away
Only accessible by boat or kayak, this untouched beach is the perfect spot for bird-watching and bicycling trails. Visitors can take a ferry from several of the mainland locations.
Clearwater Beach
4 hours away
This small, classic beach town is known for its pristine sands and delicious restaurants.
Cocoa Beach
1 hour away
Cocoa Beach is home to four parks, all of which have a beach access point. The parks have plenty of picnic tables, plus showers to help wash off the sand.
Coral Cove Park
2 hours, 30 minutes away
This beach features plenty of spots to grill, fish and kayak. Stick around to enjoy a colorful sunset after a long beach day.
Daytona Beach
1 hour away
With 23 miles of white beaches to relax on, there's plenty of space to take a break from reality.
Delray Beach
2 hours, 45 minutes away
Delray Beach is known as "Florida's village by the sea," because there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore after a sunny day on the sand.
Flagler Beach
1 hour, 15 minutes away
Take a walk on the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. It's the perfect spot for fishing, eating, or just taking in the ocean breeze.
Fort de Soto Park
3 hours away
This 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!
Indialantic Beach
1 hour, 30 minutes away
Explore a spacious white-sand seashore during the day, and at night, check out Indialantic's guided bioluminescence nature tour.
Juno Beach
2 hours, 30 minutes away
Enjoy a walk on the beach or on the Juno Beach Pier. The pier offers 990 feet of saltwater fishing and snack bars.
Longboat Key
3 hours away
Longboat Key's 12 miles of beaches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze. Check out their kayak tours for possible dolphin or sea turtle sightings.
Lover's Key
4 hours away
Known for its beachside weddings, this barrier island is perfect for exploring other things as well. There are plenty of canals, lagoons and trails to enjoy.
Melbourne Beach
1 hour away
Take 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.
New Smyrna Beach
1 hour away
New Smyrna is known for its surfing and 17 miles of white beaches, but if you happen to bring along any four-legged friends, there's a dog beach not too far away. The town itself is home to several excellent restaurants and art galleries.
Ormond Beach
1 hour away
Ormond Beach's compact white sand is perfect for walking on. After a stroll on the beach, check out a guided kayaking tour.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
2 hours, 30 minutes
There's plenty to do at this historic beach, whether it be watching dolphins, snorkeling or shelling. Make sure to stick around for the nightly sunset bell ringing.
Ponce Inlet
1 hour away
Pay a visit to Florida's tallest lighthouse, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Visitors are just 203 steps away from a perfect ocean view.
Satellite Beach
1 hour away
Enjoy a beach day in Florida's safest city. Kayaks are available for rent, but if flipping over every 10 minutes isn't your thing, take a stroll through the Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
1 hour, 45 minutes away
Surfers worldwide know Sebastian Inlet for its "First Peak" and "Monster Hole," but the inlet's calmer waters are perfect for watching sea turtle nests or collecting seashells.
Siesta Key Beach
3 hours away
With its soft, silky, quartz-white sand, Siesta Key is a must-visit for Florida beachgoers. Whether it's beach yoga, parasailing, sipping frozen daiquiris or simply relaxing, there's plenty to do at this renowned beach.
St. Pete Beach
2 hours, 40 minutes away
With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, this laid-back beach town is guaranteed to be the ideal spot for a beach vacation.
Treasure Island Beach
2 hours, 45 minutes away
It's a barrier island that sure is a treasure — ba-dum-tss. Enjoy Treasure Island's uncrowded white beaches and clear waters.
Vero Beach
1 hour, 40 minutes away
Vero Beach is known for its nature walks and water sports. Kayak rentals, fishing charters and airboat adventures are just a walk away.
