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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 Daytona Beach/Facebook

Daytona Beach

1 hour from Orlando
One of the most Florida places in Florida, Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Here, you'll find a seemingly endless amount of water activities, like parasailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. And in case you want a change of course, the boardwalk is just steps away, filled with rides, arcade games and Sunshine State history. If you plan your visit right, you might even catch a favorite artist performing at one of the Daytona Beach Bandshell concerts. Sing along while you float in the coastal waters.

Photo via Fort De Soto/Pinellas County

Fort De Soto

3 hours from Orlando
Fort 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.

Photo via Flagler Beach/Facebook

Flagler Beach

1 hour, 15 minutes from Orlando
This retro town offers a more than 6-mile stretch of deep turquoise water and saturated orange-hued sand. Beach-goers will find lots of eclectic shops and open-air and rooftop restaurants to experience. Guests can take a stroll on the Flagler Beach Pier, coined the city’s “crown jewel” as it is almost as old as the city itself.

Photo via Rainbow Springs/Facebook

Rainbow Springs

1 hour, 30 minutes from Orlando
With 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.

Photo via Silver Springs/Facebook

Silver Springs

1 hour, 30 minutes from Orlando
This beautiful blue water is great for snorkeling and swimming alongside aquatic wildlife. You can also walk or ride the scenic 15-mile forest trail. And there's no need to stress-pack sandwiches, because Silvers Springs' very own Springside Restaurant sits right on sight. To achieve the ultimate experience, check out their guided glass-bottom kayak tours and paddle the 5-mile river.

Photo via Rock Springs’ Kelly Park/Twitter

Rock Springs’ Kelly Park

30 minutes from Orlando
Described as Orlando’s own natural lazy river, Rock Springs' Kelly Park is the perfect opportunity to relax as you let the river show you around. With the option of kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, there are several nooks and crannies to explore at Rock Springs, not even including the various nature trails.

Photo via Manatee Springs/Florida State Parks

Manatee Springs

2 hours, 15 minutes from Orlando
Offering 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.

Photo via Three Sisters Springs/Three Sisters Springs Visitor

Three Sisters Springs

1 hour, 35 minutes from Orlando
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 spot one.

Photo via Wekiwa Springs/Facebook

Wekiwa Springs

15 minutes from Orlando
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, allowing Orlandoans 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.

Photo via Adobe

Satellite Beach

1 hour from Orlando
This 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.