Best beaches in Orlando

Orlando is a city that offers an endless variety of plans and entertainment. From its theme parks to its shows of all kinds, there are many things to do in Orlando. However, this city has the disadvantage of being in the center of Florida, so it is not home to any beaches.

However, just an hour away are some of the best beaches in the area. So, if you are traveling several days to Orlando and feel like some sea and sand, read on. I propose from paradisiacal beaches where tranquility reigns to others known for their lively nightlife.

Clearwater Beach is one of the most common destinations for those visiting Orlando. It is located on the west coast of Florida, about two hours drive from the city. This paradisiacal beach stands out for its white sand and crystal clear water. Undoubtedly, 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. In addition, if you travel with children to Orlando, they can make sand castles or simply play with it. As if that were not enough, the crystal clear water that characterizes Clearwater Beach makes it the ideal destination for lovers of diving and water sports.

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

The best thing about Clearwater Beach is the amount of marine life it harbors. During your visit, you might have the chance to see dolphins and even whales. In addition, 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

In case you are going to Clearwater Beach from Orlando and do not 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 between several activities, such as a speedboat ride, a pirate ship, a visit to an aquarium or deep sea fishing. As if that were not enough, the drivers also act as a local guide, telling you all kinds of curiosities about the area.

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

Details of interest

• Price: varies depending on the excursion you choose, as well as if you decide to add activities or optional lunch. To give you an idea, the cheapest option is around 87 euros per adult and 69 euros per child. As for the most expensive, it 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 summer month, you can't miss it. It is located a few miles from the city of St. Augustine, located on the northeast coast of Florida.

St. Augustine Beach stands out, like Clearwater, for its soft, fine, white sand. Unlike the previous one, it is not usually too crowded, which makes it perfect if you are looking to relax after having spent your energy in the best theme parks in Orlando.

There are many water activities that you can practice in St. Augustine Beach, such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding. In the surroundings of the beach you will find different establishments where you will be able to rent the necessary equipment, as well as to receive classes for all the levels. In case you are a fishing lover, you should know that this is one of the most popular activities in 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 the year you go, your visit may coincide with an event. St. Augustine Beach is known for its concerts on the beach, its surfing competitions and the many festivals and events it offers. Of course, they are usually held during 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. Therefore, I suggest you take the opportunity to take an excursion to St. Augustine from Orlando, which usually includes round-trip airfare.

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. In addition, 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 about an hour and a half. The excursion gives you a choice of two of three available experiences. The first is a sightseeing cruise around Matanzas Bay. The second is a streetcar tour with free stops around the city. Finally, you can also choose a visit to the museum of pirates and treasures.

Details of interest

• Price: varies depending on the extras you add to the excursion. If you do not complement it with any experience, the price can be around 70 euros.
• Duration: the excursion can last about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: bus
• Advantages of this option: it allows you to add different activities to enhance the experience. In addition, it gives you the freedom to tour 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 large beach that provides relaxation and rest, which makes it ideal for you if you want to escape from crowded beaches. One of the qualities that most characterize Cocoa Beach is that it is a perfect destination for surfing. Therefore, if you feel like surfing a few waves, this is your place.

In addition, Cocoa has many restaurants and bars, most of them located in the International Surf Avenue. I recommend that during your visit you head to this street to savor the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the surf culture that abounds on this beach. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best things to do in Orlando.

If you go from Orlando, I have to tell you that there is a distance of about 85 kilometers between the two sites. If you go by car, it usually takes about an hour to get to your destination. To get there, take the Beachline Expressway or State Route 528. You will find a direct exit to Cocoa, so it is a smooth ride.

In case you don't have a private vehicle, you also have the option of going by bus. To do so, take the Space Area Transit line, also known by its acronym SCAT. Bus number 9 of this line will take you from the Greyhound station in Orlando to the Cocoa Beach terminal.

Details of interest

• Traveltime: one hour
• Means of transportation: car, bus or carpooling
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to surf and enjoy a quiet beach.
• Disadvantages of this option: in high season and holidays, you will have trouble parking near the beach.

Next to the previous option I propose you, in the north of Cocoa Beach, is the more than famous Daytona Beach. Unlike the previous option, Daytona Beach is known for its festive atmosphere. If you go, you are likely to encounter 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 series of events, such as the Daytona 500 or 'The Great American Race' usually held in February or the Coke Zero Sugar 400 around July

As you can see, it doesn't matter what time of year you visit Daytona, so whether you're going to Orlando in February or visiting Orlando in October, I recommend a trip to Daytona. In addition, beyond its many events, you can also visit the Daytona Beach Pier or sample the local cuisine.

If you go 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 on Interstate 4 (I-4), the highway that connects the two cities. If you want to go by bus, opt for the Greyhound bus service, which will take you from the Orlando bus station to the Daytona bus station without detours.

Details of interest

• Traveltime: one hour
• Means of transportation: car, bus or carpooling
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to be part of some of the best events in the area, such as the NASCAR car race.
• Disadvantages of this option: the sea in this area is very strong 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 farther away from Orlando. Therefore, 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, without a doubt, is the ideal place for party people, since it stands out for its abundant and never boring nightlife. Strolling through its streets you will be surprised by its lively atmosphere, as well as its Art Deco architecture so characteristic.

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 will feel like in an American movie. I also recommend that you visit the most exclusive neighborhoods of Miami, including Coconut Grove and Brickell. Finally, you can also practice water sports, such as parasailing, kayaking or paddleboarding, if you miss some adrenaline.

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

Details of interest

• Duration: depending on the chosen transport you can take from one hour by plane to 6 hours by train.
• Means of transportation: car, bus, train or plane.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy the typical Miami culture, with party, 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 rest, as well as if you are traveling 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 for its soft sand. Unlike the Miami beach I suggested earlier, this beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

Thus, you can relax on its pure quartz sand, take walks along the shore, lie on the towel to 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 characterized by being warm.

In addition, they are also very clear, which makes them perfect for snorkeling and watching the local marine life, such as corals or dolphins. In case you are 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 toward 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 transportation: car.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to enjoy a day at the beach in 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.