Orlando is a Central Florida city of about 320,000 people (about 2.8 million in the metropolitan area) and the world's best-known theme-park hub, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando nearby, plus a walkable downtown, lakeside Winter Park, Mills 50 dining and International Drive attractions.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Orlando.
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- classic surf town beach with a pier
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Pier with restaurants
- Surf lessons and rentals
- Metered parking
Cocoa Beach
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- wild undeveloped national seashore
- Restrooms at lots
- Lifeguards in summer at select lots
- Undeveloped beach
- Clothing-optional area at Lot 13 (north end)
Canaveral National Seashore - Playalinda Beach
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- laid-back surf town
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Restaurants on Flagler Ave
- Surf shops
- Paid parking
New Smyrna Beach
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- lively boardwalk beach
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Pier and boardwalk
- Amusements
- Hotels
- Metered and paid parking
Daytona Beach
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- white sand Gulf beach
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Pier 60 and playground
- Restaurants
Clearwater Beach
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- clear spring swimming hole
- Swimming area
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Snack bar
- Kayak and canoe rentals
- Hiking and picnic areas
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- spring-fed lazy river
- Natural lazy river
- Restrooms
- Picnic pavilions
- Playground
- Tube rentals
- Hiking trails
Kelly Park / Rock Springs
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
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- manatee sanctuary and spring
- Boardwalk
- Restrooms
- Swimming area (summer only)
- Snorkel and kayak rentals
- Cabins and campsites
Blue Spring State Park
Editor’s tip. Check posted flag colors or ranger notices before swimming.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Orlando memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Orlando’s coast.
How far is Cocoa Beach from Orlando?
About 55 miles, roughly 1 hour via SR-528.
From the Cocoa Beach editorial.
Is parking free?
Beach access is free but most parking is metered or in paid lots.
From the Cocoa Beach editorial.
How far is Playalinda Beach from Orlando?
About 55 miles, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
From the Canaveral National Seashore - Playalinda Beach editorial.
Is there food on site?
No. Bring water, food and sunscreen.
From the Canaveral National Seashore - Playalinda Beach editorial.
How far is New Smyrna Beach from Orlando?
About 60 miles, roughly 1 hour.
From the New Smyrna Beach editorial.
Can I drive on the beach?
Yes, at designated ramps for a fee.
From the New Smyrna Beach editorial.
How far is Daytona Beach from Orlando?
About 55 miles, roughly 1 hour via I-4.
From the Daytona Beach editorial.
Is driving on the beach allowed?
Yes on posted sections with a fee.
From the Daytona Beach editorial.