The 26 best beachside restaurants within driving distance of Orlando

Seashells and sand aren't the only things you'll find at the beach; the Central Florida coasts are home to some of the best grub in the state. At these beachside restaurants, not only will you get a little sun, but every meal comes with one heck of a view.

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SHOR American Seafood Grill
301 South Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater | 727-373-4780
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours, 5 minutes
If you’re tired of resorting to tiki bars and surf shacks for beach dining, give SHOR inside the Hyatt hotel a try. You’ll still get the amazing beachfront views, but without the threat of sand blowing into your mahi mahi.

Photo via lexisatthebeach/Instagram

Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill
7720 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa | 813-281-0770
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour, 34 minutes
This is the place to go if you want to take a dip in the ocean right before or after your meal. Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill is located right on the water, and you can even keep your toes sandy at the World Famous Barefoot Bar, where you can choose among 14 types of mojitos, 30 types of margaritas and more than 52 beers on tap.

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Grille At Riverview
101 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach | 386-428-1865
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour, 3 minutes
The best way to spend a sophisticated summer night on the waterfront? Dinner, dancing and dolphins.

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Waldo's at the Driftwood
3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach | 772-231-7091
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour, 48 minutes
This laid-back landmark is a favorite among locals. Located in a hotel built completely from driftwood, Waldo’s offers seaside fare at poolside or oceanside tables with a beautiful view of the Atlantic. Who doesn’t like to spot dolphins during dinner?

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Tropix Island Tiki Bar
655 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach | 727-442-7171
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours
As part of the Quality Beach Resort, Tropix Island Tiki Bar is located right on the sand of Clearwater Beach. There are all sorts of bar-food options, including onion rings, nachos and wraps, as well as seasonal live entertainment.

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Toni & Joe’s Patio
309 Buenos Aires St., New Smyrna Beach | 386-427-6850
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour
Guests can dine and listen to live music on the oceanfront patio at Toni & Joe’s Patio. A margarita and grilled mahi mahi sandwich is the perfect combination for enjoying the view of a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

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Tate Island Grill
500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach | 727-674-4171
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours, 3 minutes
After chowing down on a fresh salad or beefy burger, take your cocktail down to the beach to enjoy the sunset and some live music by the beachside fire pit.

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Shiloh's Steak and Seafood
3665 S Washington Ave., Titusville | 321-567-3555
Distance from Orlando: 48 minutes
Spend a night stuffing your face at Shiloh’s 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, which means you might just spot a rocket during your meal.

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Squid Lips
1477 Pineapple Ave., Melbourne | 321-259-3101
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour, 8 minutes
At Squid Lips, the food is freshly prepared on an open oak wood fire. You can order a lobster-n-crab cake sandwich or the stuffed flounder while you sit on the dock and enjoy the beachy view.

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Off the Hook Raw Bar and Grill
747 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach | 386- 402-9300
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour
Whether you’re craving clams, oysters, crabs or crawfish, Off the Hook has all the raw, steamed, locally-caught seafood your heart desires.

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