Best beaches in Orlando

Orlando is a city that offers an endless variety of plans and entertainment. From theme parks to shows of all kinds, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando. However, the city has the disadvantage of being in the centre of Florida, so there are no beaches.

However, some of the best beaches in the area are just an hour away. So if you're travelling to Orlando for a few days and fancy a bit of sea and sand, read on. We've got everything from paradise beaches where tranquillity reigns supreme to beaches known for their lively nightlife.

Clearwater Beach is one of the most common destinations for visitors to Orlando. It is located on the west coast of Florida, about a two-hour drive from the city. This paradisiacal beach stands out for its white sand and crystal clear water. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Orlando in June.

Thanks to its fine sand, you can take walks along the shore and admire the scenery offered by the area. And if you're travelling to Orlando with children, they can make sandcastles or simply play with the sand. As if that weren't enough, the crystal clear water that characterises Clearwater Beach makes it the ideal destination for diving and water sports enthusiasts.

On the beach you'll find several places where you can rent the necessary equipment to practice all kinds of water activities, such as kayaking, jet skiing and paddleboarding. If you're more of a laid-back type of person, you can also take a nice cruise along the beach. Don't forget to bring your camera!

The best thing about Clearwater Beach is the amount of marine life it's home to. During your visit, you might have the chance to spot dolphins and even whales. The area also has many natural areas such as Sand Key Park which is a great place for bird watching.

Excursion to Clearwater Beach from Orlando

If you're going to Clearwater Beach from Orlando and don't have your own vehicle, I suggest a tour. These experiences usually offer hotel pick-up service, so you don't have to worry about getting to a meeting point. Day trips are perfect for longer trips, such as a 7-day trip to Orlando.

In the activity you will have the option to choose from a variety of activities, such as a speedboat ride, a pirate ship, an aquarium visit or deep sea fishing. As if that wasn't enough, the drivers also act as a local guide, telling you all sorts of interesting facts about the area.

You can always personalise your excursion to the maximum, choosing the extras that best suit your preferences. You can also complete the experience with lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample the rich gastronomy of this area of Florida, all with unbeatable views as a backdrop.

Details of interest

• Price: varies depending on the tour you choose, as well as whether you decide to add optional activities or lunch. To give you an idea, the cheapest option is around 87 euros per adult and 69 euros per child. The most expensive option is around 139 euros per adult and 117 euros per child.
• Duration: one day
• Means of transport: bus
• Advantages of this option: it allows you to travel from Orlando to Clearwater and enjoy some of the best activities the area has to offer.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include an overnight option.

St. Augustine Beach is one of the best beaches in this area of Florida and if you visit Orlando in July or any other summer month, you can't miss it. It is just a few kilometres from the city of St. Augustine, located on the northeast coast of Florida.

St. Augustine Beach stands out, like Clearwater Beach, for its soft, fine, white sand. Unlike Clearwater Beach, it's usually not too crowded, which makes it perfect if you're looking to relax after you've spent your energy at Orlando's best theme parks.

St. Augustine Beach offers many water activities such as surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. In the area around the beach you will find different establishments where you can rent the necessary equipment, as well as receive lessons for all levels. If you are a fishing enthusiast, you should know that this is one of the most popular activities on this Florida beach. If you dare, you can catch all kinds of fish, from sea bass to sea trout.

Finally, depending on the time of year you go, your visit may coincide with an event. St. Augustine Beach is known for its beach concerts, surfing competitions and many festivals and events. However, they tend to take place in the summer months.

Excursion to St. Augustine from Orlando

St. Augustine Beach is only a 10-minute drive from St. Augustine, one of the oldest cities in the United States. So, I suggest you take the opportunity to take a trip to St. Augustine from Orlando, which usually includes a round trip.

You can arrive in the city of St. Augustine mid-morning. Once you arrive, you can wander the cobblestone streets at your leisure. The walk is highly recommended and you will be able to easily identify the city's Spanish colonial past. You will also discover important monuments and tourist sites, such as the castle of San Marcos or the bay of Matanzas.

One of the great advantages of this option is that it allows you to enhance your visit by adding two experiences, each lasting approximately one and a half hours. The tour gives you a choice of two of three available experiences. The first is a sightseeing cruise around Matanzas Bay. The second is a tram tour with free stops around the city. Finally, you can also choose a visit to the museum of pirates and treasures.

Interesting details

• Price: varies depending on the extras you add to the tour. If you don't add any experience, the price can be around 70 euros.
• Duration: the tour can last around 10 hours.
• Means of transport: bus
• Advantages of this option: it allows you to add different activities to enhance the experience. It also gives you the freedom to explore the city without fixed routes in large groups.
• Disadvantages of this option: There are no disadvantages!

Cocoa Beach is located on the east coast of Florida. It is a fairly long beach that provides relaxation and rest, which makes it ideal for you if you want to escape from crowded beaches. One of the most characteristic qualities of Cocoa Beach is that it is a perfect destination for surfing. So if you're in the mood for a few waves, this is the place for you.

Cocoa also has numerous restaurants and bars, most of which are located on International Surf Avenue. I recommend that during your visit you head to this street to savour the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the surf culture that abounds on this beach. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in Orlando.

If you are coming from Orlando, I have to tell you that there is a distance of about 85 kilometres between the two places. If you are driving, it should take you about an hour to get to your destination. To get there, take the Beachline Expressway or State Route 528. There is a direct exit to Cocoa, so it's a smooth ride.

If you don't have a private vehicle, you can also take the bus. To do so, take the Space Area Transit line, also known by its acronym SCAT. The number 9 bus will take you from the Orlando Greyhound Station to the Cocoa Beach terminal.

Useful details

• Traveltime: one hour
• Means of transport: car, bus or carpooling
• Advantages of this option: surfing and a quiet beach.
• Disadvantages of this option: in high season and on public holidays, you will have trouble parking near the beach.

Next to the previous option, just north of Cocoa Beach, is the more than famous Daytona Beach. Unlike the previous option, Daytona Beach is known for its party atmosphere. If you go, you're likely to come across more than one event or festival.

One of Daytona's most famous and touristy festivities is the NASCAR car races on the beach. These races are held at the Daytona International Speedway and include a number of events such as the Daytona 500 or 'The Great American Race' usually held in February and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 around July

As you can see, no matter what time of year you visit Daytona, whether you're visiting Orlando in February or Orlando in October, I recommend a trip to Daytona. In addition to its many events, you can also visit the Daytona Beach Pier or sample the local cuisine.

If you drive to Daytona Beach from Orlando, it won't take you more than an hour or so to get to your destination. The best way to get to this famous beach is via Interstate 4 (I-4), which connects the two cities. If you want to go by bus, Greyhound will take you from the Orlando bus station to the Daytona bus station with no detours.

Useful details

• Traveltime: one hour
• Means of transport: car, bus or shared transport
• Pros of this option: You'll be able to take in some of the best events in the area, such as the NASCAR race.
• Disadvantages of this option: the sea in this area is very rough and there are problems with currents, so you may not be able to swim.

Unlike the other options I have suggested, Miami Beach is a little further away from Orlando. For this reason, I recommend it if you are going to be in Orlando for a long period of time, otherwise you will lose a lot of time on the way.

What makes this beach even more special is its location on an island off the coast of Miami. Miami Beach is undoubtedly the ideal place for party-goers, as it is known for its abundant and never boring nightlife. Strolling through its streets you will be surprised by its lively atmosphere, as well as its characteristic Art Deco architecture.

Since you have made a longer journey to get there, I recommend that you take the opportunity to see places of great interest. One of them is the South Beach boardwalk, where you'll feel like you're in an American movie. I also recommend visiting Miami's most exclusive neighbourhoods, including Coconut Grove and Brickell. Finally, you can also try water sports such as parasailing, kayaking or paddleboarding if you're in need of some adrenaline.

If you're going from Orlando to Miami Beach, you have several options: by car, which will take about 3 to 4 hours; by bus, which takes about 4 to 5 hours; by train, which usually takes 5 to 6 hours or, finally, by plane, which will take you about an hour to get to your destination.

Useful details

• Duration: depending on the type of transport you choose, it can take from one hour by plane to 6 hours by train.
• Means of transport: car, bus, train or plane.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy the typical Miami culture, with partying, tanning and atmosphere at any time.
• Disadvantages of this option: It is not the best place to go if you are looking for disconnection and relaxation, as well as if you are travelling with children.

Siesta Key Beach is located on the west coast of Florida, on an island very close to the coastal city of Sarasota. Such is the attraction of Siesta Key that it is considered one of the best beaches in the world, among other things because of its soft sand. Unlike the Miami beach I suggested earlier, this beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

So you can relax on the pure quartz sand, stroll along the shore, lie on your towel and sunbathe, or enjoy the incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, as in all the beaches in the area, you will also have the opportunity to do water sports. On the other hand, if you are more of a quiet swimmer, you will be pleased to know that the waters that bathe this beach are characterised by being warm.

Moreover, they are also very crystalline, which makes them perfect for snorkelling and watching the local marine life, such as corals or dolphins. In case you're more of a land person than a water person, the beach also has sports areas where you can play various games, such as volleyball or tennis. In fact, there are even barbecue grills for you to grill your own barbecue.

If you're driving from Orlando to Siesta Key, take Interstate 4 (1-4) west to Orlando. Then take Exit 33B and continue on Florida 's Turnpike south to Exit 193 towards I-75 South. Continue to exit 205 and turn right onto Clark Road. The drive will take you approximately 2.5 hours. This is one of the best day trips from Orlando.

Details of Interest

• Duration: about two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: car.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to enjoy a day at the beach at one of the best beaches in the world with all kinds of services.
• Disadvantages of this option: there is no direct bus service from Orlando to Siesta Key.