Sure, Orlando's theme parks are cool, but let's face it: The real reason we all live in Florida is to be close to our own tropical paradise. When you live on a peninsula, you're surrounded by sandy shores, but all beaches are not created equal. Here are the best beaches you'll find in the Sunshine State that are only a gas tank away Orlando.
24 stunning beaches within driving distance of Orlando
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Mar 10, 2017 at 11:00 pm
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Siesta Beach
2 hours, 30 minutes awayThis charming village of colorful bungalows, shops and restaurants calls for a relaxing bike ride along the shore. No visit would be complete without a stop to stick your toes in the white sand while enjoying the sunset.
Photo via leslielarae/Instagram
Juno Beach
2 hours, 40 minutes awayThis seaside community located on a barrier island is the perfect seaside escape for you and your furry, four-legged bestie. Share a treat at the snack bar on the pier and then grab some bait from the tackle shop to wind down the hours with your fishing buddy.
Photo via shanntography/Instagram
Blowing Rocks Preserve
2 hours, 30 minutes awayGusts of water spurt out of rock formations during high tide on this beach, so get the camera ready for a spectacular water blast that’ll make all your Instagram follows hella’ jealous.
Photo via gil_noboa/Instagram
Fort De Soto
2 hours, 10 minutes awaySwim, kayak or spot a few dolphins along this diverse shore ecosystem. If you head over between April and September you might even spot some sea turtle nests: Loggerheads lay their eggs here during the summer.
Photo via drewstacey5/Instagram
St. Pete Beach
2 hours, 10 minutes awayThis beach is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a little nightlife after their day in the sun. The Drunken Clam, a local favorite, offers up wings and cocktails that are sure to satisfy.
Photo via eckerdlife/Instagram
Boneyard Beach
2 hours, 40 minutes awayThe gnarly branches that have washed up on this beach make pretty good jungle gyms. Or, if you’re looking for something more relaxing, string up a hammock on one of those bad boys and catch a little beachside snooze.
Photo via megii.g/Instagram
Flagler Beach
1 hour, 20 minutes awayThis retro beach town has a salty style all its own, with free access to over six miles of killer ocean views, eclectic seaside shops and plenty of open-air restaurants on the shore where you can grab a snack after a swim.
Photo via alexisjean386/Instagram
Cedar Key
2 hours, 20 minutes awayThis quaint, old-fashioned beach town might seem snoozy to some, but don’t let its lack of traffic lights spooky you: After a day spent on the shore, you’ll find plenty of places to knock back a cold brew and some clam chowder.
Photo via pmarlin/Instagram
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
1 hour, 40 minutes awayThe coquina rock formations on this beach seem more New England than Florida coastline. Your friends will be left wondering what exotic shore you decided to spend the day on.
Photo via jamies.journeys/Instagram
Sebastian Inlet
1 hour, 50 minutes awaySebastian Inlet is the premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida's east coast, drawing anglers from across the state to cast off from its rocky jetties.
Photo via tanyaaarrr/Instagram
Canaveral National Seashore
1 hour, 10 minutes awayThis remote park includes Playalinda Beach, which has a reputation for attracting nude sunbathers. But if you’re not looking to skinny dip during this trip, there are plenty of spots along this stretch of sand where visitors keep their suits on.
Photo via shannonwaynee/Instagram
Daytona Beach
1 hour, 15 minutes awayThis used to be the spring break capital of the country, but now this beach town’s kitschy stores and wacky people bring a certain charm to any mini-vacation.
Photo via lydiaplattx/Instagram
Clearwater Beach
2 hours, 10 minutes awayFrequently voted one of the top beaches in the country by TripAdvisor, the beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters you’ll find along these shores is sure to be a stunner on those social media posts.
Photo via cakaatie/Instagram
Ponce Inlet
1 hour, 30 minutes awayThe beach isn’t the only attraction in Ponce Inlet. We suggest taking a detour to explore Florida’s tallest lighthouse, where you can work out a sweat climbing to the top that’ll make relaxing on the shore later that much sweeter.
Photo via prof._heisenberg/Instagram
Vilano Beach
2 hours, 10 minutes awayThis beach has a steep drop-off, heavier surf and a strong current, but it’s also one of the best places to watch the sun rising on the Atlantic Coast.
Photo via ianbunch/Instagram
Pass-a-Grille Beach
2 hours awayThis quaint, laid-back beach town offers seaside paradise within walking distance of an eclectic mix of boutiques, ice cream shops, outdoor art markets and restaurants. It’s the beach-loving hipster’s dream.
Photo via laurenluddd/Instagram
Delray Beach
2 hours, 55 minutes awayIf you’re feeling adventurous, why not feed a couple of sharks in the morning at Sandoway House Nature Center and then rent a kayak or paddle board in the afternoon to take these calm ocean waves by storm.
Photo via siobhaannn/Instagram
Carlin Park
2 hours, 30 minutes awayThere’s plenty to do at this beachfront park. Enjoy a game of beach volleyball, make your way through an custom exercise course or even try a round of bocce ball: The perfect way to blow off some steam before you lay back and catch some rays.
Photo via floridapicture/Instagram
St. Augustine Beach
1 hour, 50 minutes awayYou can drive right up onto the beach here in St. Augustine, meaning you can hop straight out into white sand and get a jump start on all that relaxing.
Photo via chaydallas/Instagram
Pine Island
3 hours, 30 minutes awayState law protects this beach from big-building development, so you won’t find towering shoreside condos here, just miles of natural mangroves and tropical habitats.
Photo via coco.gianine/Instagram
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