23 stunning beaches within driving distance of Orlando

Caladesi Island State Park
When you can only get somewhere by boat... well, let's just say you'll have a lot brag about when you get home. You can have one of the best shelling experiences of your life or just drag a lounge chair to the warm waters for a relaxing afternoon. Either way you'll be left alone at Caladesi.
2 hours and 24 minutes

Photo via fbayfinservices/Instagram

Boneyard Beach
Photography majors might faint at the sight of Boneyard Beach. The rest of us will have our fun using these trees as a jungle gym. If you're not a tree-hugger, you can always hop on a trail for a bike ride.
2 hours and 40 minutes

Photo via emmmy_scott/Instagram

Blowing Rocks Preserve
SPLOOOOOOOSH! Gusts of water spurt out of rock formations during high tide, so get the camera ready for the water blast. It ain't a bad spot for snorkeling, either. There be schools of tropical fish and sea turtles here.
2 hours and 28 minutes

Photo via dare_to_believe_/Instagram

Cedar Key
It might alarm some outsiders by how many waves and smiles they receive on the way into Cedar Key, but that's just the way the natives roll here. Fishing and boating are highly recommended. If you forgot to pack a lunch, head into town for some real good clam chowder.
2 hours and 16 minutes

Photo via impossibleaj/Instagram

Siesta Beach
The moment your toes touch the warm, soft white sand on Siesta Beach, you'll know you made the right choice. Have your fun in the sun, then stick around for drum circle, which happens every Sunday night at sunset.
2 hour and 35 minutes

Photo via DeusXFlorida/Flickr

Carlin Park
Jam pack your day with activities here. Ball it up on the b-ball courts or scrimmage on one of their many baseball diamonds. For those of you who sip your tea with the pinky erect, they've got bocce courts, too. And you can enjoy all this beach day fun with your four-legged best friend-- super rad!
2 hours and 23 minutes

Photo via cwilder07/Instagram

Playalinda Beach
'Tis tradition on most beach days to go for a walk, and if you choose to do that at Playalinda, you just might see a full moon. And by moon we mean a whole lot of naked butts galavanting around one of Florida's only nude beaches. Just remember, you can only change into your birthday suit in Lot 13.
1 hour and 10 minutes

Photo via John Stockton/Flickr

Clearwater Beach
Recently named the #1 beach in the country by Trip Advisor, Clearwater is well-known for its pristine condition. Keep the adrenaline up with a jetski ride or fly high with some parasailing. If mellow yellow is more your vibe, head to the boardwalk and go fishing.
2 hours and 20 minutes

Photo via icarussailingmedia/Instagram

Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto is truly vast. You can spend the whole day with just you and the dog on the beach, head over to the pier for some relaxing fishing or pack up the car with some extra supplies for a weekend camping trip. Fair warning: you have to pay $5 to get into Fort De Soto.
2 hours and 24 minutes

Photo via Pinellas County/Flickr

Juno Beach
There's not much room to complain when the beach is free to roam on and the sand looks pretty damn white. Pack a basket and grab shade under a picnic shelter, or hustle over to the dog areas with your short-legged bud for some off-leash fun.
2 hours and 23 minutes

Photo via south_florida_beat/Instagram

Disappearing Island
Drop the anchors-- it's low tide and Disappearing Island is back at it again. You'll feel like you're in the middle of a hip hop music video with all the boats, booze and bangin' tunes in every direction. Enjoy the warm water while you can... low tide only last so long.
1 hour and 20 minutes

Photo via boosted_09gt/Instagram

Canaveral National Seashore
Sometimes you just need to pack a cooler with ice cold beers and pitch a tent on the beach for a few days-- that's why you go to Canaveral National Seashore. You won't find crowds here, so this is your go-to when you need a break from it all. Wake up early and go for a hike to see some awesome birds, or sleep in and zen out while you look for cool clams.
1 hour and 12 minutes

Photo via girl.i.am/Instagram

Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is a staple among Jacksonville locals. There is a leash law here, but when you're frolicking with the pups in the water, feel free to let them loose. The beach brushes up against a residential area, so take advantage of some favorite eateries around town like North Beach Fish Camp.
2 hours and 31 minutes

Photo via ilovetakingphotos55/Instagram

Pine Island
Since there's a law in place that protects Pine Island from big-building development, amazing birds and lush mangroves are all over the beach. The area is also well-known for its fishing and kayaking.
3 hours and 16 minutes

Photo via riceahoy/Instagram

Pass-a-Grille Beach
Take a break from all the happenings in St. Pete for a laid back day at Pass-a-Grille. This beach is great for dolphin-watching just off shore. Stick around to watch them ring the town bell, which is a nice little daily tradition.
2 hours and 16 minutes

Photo via blankaonthebeach/Instagram

St. Pete Beach
Seclusion or inclusion-- take your pick at St. Pete Beach. If you're in the mood to fish, catch a charter boat at John's Pass boardwalk. If not, then find claim your personal territory, grab some binoculars and keep an eye out for dolphins.
2 hours and 11 minutes

Photo via Matt Wade/Flickr

Anna Maria Island
It's time to relax on Anna Maria Island. This 8-mile barrier island in between Florida and the Gulf of Mexico offers plenty of activities like kayaking and canoeing, fishing, dolphin and whale watching and paddleboarding.
2 hours and 32 minutes

Photo via tsmize/Instagram

Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet is a hot spot in Florida for shelling. Wake up early and job alongside the sunrise, or get your daily cardio in by climbing to the top of their 175-foot lighthouse.
1 hour and 19 minutes

Photo via weasel0411/Instagram

Round Island Beach Park
Round Island has some of the best observation decks in the state, so you don't have to tire yourself out in a kayak to see a school of Florida manatees. Pull the boat up to one of their ramps and go fishin'.
1 hour and 55 minutes

Photo via _chrisgent/Instagram

Vilano Beach
Surf's up at Vilano Beach. The warm waves just keep coming making it a good time for the surfers and those of us who like to jump over and dive under waves like bosses. Take a beach walk to discover to jetties-- your Instagram followers will thank you.
1 hour and 58 minutes

Photo via derrick_bau/Instagram