Last Updated on July 25, 2025
Whether you’re wrapping up a magical day at Disney or just looking to escape the city heat, you’re probably wondering: what’s the closest beach to Orlando? The good news is, you don’t have to go far. In under two hours, you can be soaking up the sun on Florida’s beautiful coastlines, and knowing the closest beach to Orlando can help you plan a spontaneous day trip.
As a certified tourism consultant and Orlando local, I’ve personally driven to every beach on this list to find the absolute closest beach to Orlando for every kind of traveler. Sometimes you just need the ocean breeze and salty air, and finding the closest beach to Orlando makes that quick getaway even easier. Below I’ve ranked 7 popular beaches by drive time from Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando so you know exactly what to expect when planning your perfect beach day.
1. Closest Beach to Orlando: Cocoa Beach
Drive Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes (60 miles)
Address: N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Open Hours: Beach public access 24/7; Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier open daily 11 am to 10 pm Monday to Thursday and later on weekends
Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed on leash; public parks welcome dogs, but check local signs
Highlights: Iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and the Museum of Dinosaurs & Ancient Cultures for a break from the sun
Perfect For: Day trips, surfing, family outings
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
Contact: Cocoa Beach City Hall 321‑868‑3200
Website: cityofcocoabeach.com
2. New Smyrna Beach
Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (65 miles)
Address: 210 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Open Hours: Beach access typically dawn to dusk; Visitor Center open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm and Friday 9 am to 4 pm
Dog Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the Atlantic-facing beach except for service animals. Dogs are welcome at Smyrna Dunes Park and inlet areas on leash
Highlights: Laid-back art scene, drive-on beach areas, boardwalk trails, and beachside eats like The Breakers
Perfect For: Couples, art lovers, peaceful beach days
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
Contact: New Smyrna Beach Visitor Center 800‑541‑9621 or 386‑428‑1600
Website: visitnsbfl.com
3. Daytona Beach
Drive Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes (57 miles)
Address: 12 S Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Open Hours: Beach access is dawn to dusk; boardwalk businesses vary
Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed on leash in certain areas but not on the main beach
Highlights: Hard-packed sand for beach driving, classic boardwalk, arcades, and seasonal events like Bike Week
Perfect For: Families, event weekends, beachgoers who love energy
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
Contact: Daytona Beach Welcome Center 386‑255‑0415
Website: daytonabeach.com
4. Canaveral National Seashore (Playalinda Beach)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes (70 miles)
Address: Playalinda Beach Rd, Titusville, FL 32796
Open Hours: 8 am to sunset daily
Dog Friendly: Leashed dogs allowed in the parking area and trails but not on the beach
Highlights: Untouched natural shoreline, excellent birdwatching, and front-row views for rocket launches
Perfect For: Nature lovers, photographers, quiet getaways
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
Contact: Canaveral National Seashore Visitor Center 321‑267‑1110
Website: nps.gov/cana
5. Ponce Inlet
Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (70 miles)
Address: 5000 S Atlantic Ave, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
Open Hours: Beach and park access from dawn to dusk; Lighthouse open daily 10 am to 6 pm
Dog Friendly: Leashed dogs allowed at Lighthouse Point Park and inlet trails
Highlights: Historic Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, calm waters, scenic boardwalks, and dolphin-watching opportunities
Perfect For: Families, history lovers, boating, and nature
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, Florida 32803
6. Clearwater Beach
Drive Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes (108 miles)
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Open Hours: Beach open from dawn to dusk; Pier 60 open 7 am to 11 pm
Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on a leash before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. in some areas. Sand Key Park nearby is dog-friendly
Highlights: Sugar-white sand, calm Gulf waters, daily sunset festivals, and plenty of waterfront dining
Perfect For: Weekend trips, sunset lovers, family beach days
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
Contact: Clearwater Beach Chamber 727‑447‑7600
Website: clearwater-beach.com
7. St. Pete Beach
Drive Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes (110 miles)
Address: 4700 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Open Hours: Public beach access dawn to dusk
Dog Friendly: Leashed dogs allowed in designated areas. Dog beach at nearby Fort De Soto Park
Highlights: Laid-back vibe, beach bars, resort-style amenities, and quick access to the arts district in St. Petersburg
Perfect For: Relaxed beach days, couples, arts and culture fans
📞Contact (Tap or Click Here)
Contact: St. Pete Beach Visitor Center 727‑367‑5811
Website: stpetebeach.org
Final Words…
No matter your travel style, whether it’s surfing in Cocoa, strolling the quiet shores of Ponce Inlet, or catching a sunset in Clearwater, finding the closest beach to Orlando is easier than you think. These beaches are all within a day trip from Orlando, and each closest beach to Orlando option offers its charm. Always check the latest weather, traffic updates, and pet rules before you go, especially if you’re heading to the closest beach to Orlando for a spontaneous getaway. I recommend heading out early, packing a cooler, and staying for golden hour—the closest beach to Orlando never disappoints when the sky turns gold.
Safe travels and see you on the sand!
What is the nicest beach closest to Orlando?
The closest beach to Orlando is Canaveral National Seashore (Atlantic Coast) to the east, and Cocoa Beach, both of which are about an hour’s drive away. If you’re searching for another closest beach to Orlando, Melbourne Beach offers a serene vibe, while Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are also among the closest beaches to Orlando, each within a one to one-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown.
How far is Orlando, FL, to the beach?
Located a little over 60 miles east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the closest beach locale. It features a scenic shore, surfing, and the famous Cocoa BeaLocated a little over 60 miles east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach is often considered the closest beach to Orlando for travelers seeking sun and surf.
Known for its scenic shoreline, exciting surfing spots, and the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, this destination perfectly lives up to its reputation as the closest beach to Orlando for a quick escape. With a driving time of about an hour, the closest beach to Orlando makes for an ideal day trip to enjoy the ocean breeze and soak up the sun.
What beach has the clearest water in Orlando?
One of the most popular spots often considered the closest beach to Orlando is Clearwater Beach. While not the absolute closest beach to Orlando, it’s a favorite among visitors thanks to its stunning views and amenities.
Located on Florida’s west coast, about a two-hour drive from the city, this beach offers immaculate sand and a pristine sea that make it stand out. For many travelers, Clearwater Beach feels like the perfect getaway when searching for the closest beach to Orlando that combines beauty, convenience, and vibrant atmosphere.
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Crystal Bellemont is a trusted Orlando-based hospitality professional with over 10 years of hands-on experience helping tourists make the most of their visit to Central Florida. As a lifelong local and certified tourism consultant, Crystal has curated travel experiences for thousands of guests visiting major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Her expert knowledge of the area’s top restaurants, shopping districts, nightlife, and entertainment venues has been featured in local travel publications and community guides.
Crystal is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date, and experience-based recommendations that enhance every traveler’s journey. Her work is grounded in first-hand experience, local partnerships, and a deep understanding of what makes a visit to Orlando both seamless and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning Disney fan, Crystal’s insights are backed by a decade of helping others explore Orlando with confidence.