The closest beaches to Orlando can be found on the east coast about an hour away from the City Beautiful – plus you’ll find more on the west coast that are well worth the drive.
Orlando is best known for its theme parks, and if you’re looking for the closest beach to Disney World, head to the coast, and there are lots of beaches within easy driving distance.
The Atlantic beaches on the east coast are the closest – they offer big waves and buzzing attractions. While over on the Gulf Coast the sea is warmer and calmer, and the surroundings are more idyllic.
Read on to find out more about the closest beaches to Orlando and beaches near Disney World, including our best Orlando vacation homes and places to stay nearby.
The closest beaches to Orlando
East coast
Cocoa Beach
Driving time from Orlando: Around 1 hour
Distance: 59.8 miles
Route: Via FL-538 E
Highlights: Orlando’s go-to beach offers water sports, deep-sea fishing, shops and restaurants, museums, nightlife, a lively pier area, large picnic pavilions, and great views of space shuttle launches from nearby Cape Canaveral.
Daytona Beach
Driving time from Orlando: 1 hour
Distance: 55.8 miles
Route: Via I-4 E
Highlights: On-beach parking, lifeguard patrols, a boardwalk, a pier, beachfront attractions, a water park, a family entertainment center, shops, restaurants and nightlife. The Daytona International Speedway is nearby.
New Smyrna Beach
Driving time from Orlando: 58 minutes
Distance: 55.4 miles
Route: Via I-4 E and FL-44 E
Highlights: Quiet beach, white sand, natural beauty, close to Canaveral National Reserve, lots of wildlife, shops and restaurants nearby.
Canaveral National Seashore
Driving time from Orlando: Around 50 minutes
Distance: 40 miles
Route: Via FL-408 E and FL-50 E
Highlights: Pristine beach, peaceful, sand dunes, fishing, sea turtles and other wildlife.
The best longer-haul beaches
West coast
Treasure Island
Driving time from Orlando: Around 2 hours
Distance: 112 miles
Route: Via I-4 W
Highlights: White sand, calm seas, laid-back ‘Old Florida’ vibe, connects to St. Petersburg Beach, beach trolley for access around the island, deep sea fishing, busy downtown district
Clearwater Beach
Driving time from Orlando: Around 2 hours
Distance: 107 miles
Route: Via I-4 W Tampa
Highlights: Voted top beach in the US, powder-white sand, abundant family attractions, fishing pier, busy marina, water sports, boat rentals, ‘Old Florida’ vibe, cabana and lounger rentals, dolphin cruises.
Siesta Beach
Driving time from Orlando: Around 2 hours, 20 minutes
Distance: 139 miles
Route: Via I-4 and I-75 S
Highlights: Located on Siesta Key Island, pure quartz sand, broad beach, tropical beauty, kid-friendly shallows, full-time lifeguards, picturesque views, local village with great shops and restaurants.
Places to stay near the east coast
From Orlando it’s around an hour or so to the east coast beaches, making the city a great place to stay if you want the best of both worlds. You’ll find all kinds of family friendly accommodation, from cheap and cheerful condos, to huge mansions with their own pools, movie theaters and game rooms.
Here’s a look at a few options:
Windsor Palms Resort 24
3 bedrooms | Sleeps 6 | From $70 per night
This bright and airy condo is located in a family friendly resort just 6 miles from Disney World, Orlando. It has open-plan living areas, a fully equipped kitchen and 3 comfortable, stylish bedrooms.
Guests benefit from full use of the resort facilities including a gym, a huge pool, spa facilities, sports courts and a cinema.
Reunion Resort 667
5 bedrooms | Sleeps 14 | From $494 per night
With its themed kids bedrooms, fun game room and plush home theater, this villa in Orlando will definitely impress the kids! It also features a large sun terrace with a private pool, spillover tub, BBQ & dining area, plus an outdoor lounge with a fire pit.
Places to stay on the west coast
Cape Coral 47
5 bedrooms | Sleeps 8 | From $295 per night
Located on a scenic canal, this huge vacation rental offers stunning views and enough space for up to 8 guests. It has spacious open-plan living areas, stylish bedrooms and a large private pool.
Guests also have access to a private boat dock and lift, with boat hire available. From here it’s an easy drive or boat ride to the stunning beaches and nature reserves.
How to book
If you’d like to visit Orlando or any other destination in Florida, then check out our wide range of vacation rentals. Perfect for couples, families or groups of friends, our rentals feature fantastic private amenities, along with easy access to the local resorts and attractions.
Book your stay with us and you’ll be allocated a dedicated guest experience manager who can take care of everything from booking car hire, to arranging discounted attractions tickets, a private chef and more. Once you arrive, your locally-based manager will welcome you to your property and assist you throughout your stay.
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