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The best springs and beaches within driving distance of Orlando

By Bellanee Plaza and Sarah Castillo on Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 10:45 am

Orlando may be landlocked in the Sunshine State, but that definitely doesn't mean Orlandoans shouldn't get some much-deserved time in the sun. Catch some manatees on the west coast, relax on the eastern shores or revel in the beauty of Florida's natural springs in between. No matter where you end up, these spots are sure to impress — and help cool down.

Here are the 30 best springs and beaches to visit on a sunny day, all within driving distance of Orlando.

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Photo via Devil’s Den/Facebook

Devil’s Den

2 hours from Orlando
This Instagram-worthy North Central Florida spring gets its name from the steam (fiery smoke?) that was seen radiating off the water when it was first discovered. Now you can swim, scuba dive or snorkel in this prehistoric watery cave.

Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Facebook

St. Pete Beach

2 hours from Orlando
Located 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.

Photo via Blue Spring State Park/Facebook

Blue Spring State Park

1 hour from Orlando
Encounter the gentle giants we call manatees at this crystal-clear spring. More than 700 manatees have made this park their home. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boat tours are available for all guests.

Photo via Canaveral National Seashore/Facebook

Canaveral Seashore

1 hour from Orlando
This 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.

Photo via Weeki Wachee Springs State Park/Facebook

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

1 hour, 35 minutes from Orlando
Weeki Wachee is unlike any other natural site in the Sunshine State. Offering a magical mermaid show for the whole family, this state park is full of history and summer fun. Enjoy the fresh water by renting your choice of canoes, kayaks or paddle boards.

Photo via New Smyrna Beach/Facebook

New Smyrna Beach

1 hour from Orlando
This 17-mile beach is known for its coastal architecture and personality — it also has become a prime location for surfers. Head over to Smyrna Dunes Park if you want to catch a sight of the Ponce Inlet and the lighthouse, which is also a great place to take your four-legged friend on an adventure.

Photo via De León Springs Adventures/Facebook

De Leon Springs State Park

1 hour from Orlando
There 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.

Photo via Ginnie Spings/Facebook

Ginnie Springs

2 hours from Orlando
The 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.

Photo via Ichetucknee Springs/Facebook

Ichetucknee Springs

2 hours from Orlando
Fed by nine different springs, Ichetucknee Springs is Florida’s natural lazy river, stretching 6 miles long. The turquoise water is surrounded by forests of cypress, maple, oak and pine. The park's many trails offer a wide variety of wildlife — from gators to snakes to Florida water birds — to scope out.

Photo via Silver Glen Springs/Facebook

Silver Glen Springs

1 hour, 45 minutes from Orlando
Silver 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.

Photo via Florida State Parks

Gilchrist Blue Springs Park

2 hours from Orlando
This 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.

Photo via City of Ormond Beach/Facebook

Ormond Beach

1 hour from Orlando
This relaxing beach sits just north of Daytona Beach along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Ormond Beach offers a quieter coastline while many partying tourists head to Daytona instead. Surrounding the beach is lush plant life, perfect to sit in and chill out after a swim.

Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Facebook

Clearwater Beach

2 hours from Orlando
On Florida's west coast, Clearwater Beach remains the perfect beach town to spend summer days. Wild dolphins can be seen in the waters, as well as plenty of other other wildlife. And if you want to keep the aquatic vibes going without the glaring sun, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is just up the road from the beach.

Photo via discover.pbcgov.org

Coral Cove

2 hours from Orlando
Along Jupiter Island, Coral Cove has spectacular rock formations along the beach, with some serious caves carved out of the rocks. There are 15 acres of waterfront with designated fishing and swimming sides to keep guests safe.

Photo via melbournebeachfl.org

Melbourne Beach

1 hour from Orlando
Enjoy 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.

Photo via Adobe

Caladesi Island

2 and a half hours from Orlando
One 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.

Photo via Anastasia State Park/Facebook

Anastasia State Park

2 hours from Orlando
There are more than 1,600 acres of beaches at Anastasia State Park. The ancient sand dunes make this destination captivating, with wildlife flourishing and birdwatchers rejoicing. And if you're looking to extend your stay, there are more than 130 campsites located just a short stroll from the beach.

Photo via Anna Maria Island Chamber/Instagram

Anna Maria Island

3 hours from Orlando
The 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.

Photo via Cocoa Beach/ Visit Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach

1 hour from Orlando
Cocoa 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.

Photo via Boneyard Beach/Florida State Parks

Boneyard Beach

2 hours, 30 minutes from Orlando
Located on Big Talbot island, this is the place if you’re looking to switch up your typical beach experience. Ditch swimming for the day (this is a no-swimming beach) and instead explore the huge trunks of sun-bleached driftwood that replicates the eerie appearance of abandoned “bones.” They lie scattered all over the shoreline, giving the spot its name.