Theme parks and resorts may be Orlando’s most well-known attractions, but residents know that there is so much more to living near Orange County’s largest city. The Sunshine State is home to incredible coastal havens, and Orlando is close to some of the most beautiful beaches in America.
While there aren’tbeaches in Orlando, sparkling seaside views, scenic natural settings, and heart-pounding surf are a only quick drive away. You'll find all that and more if you take the time to visit these top spots.
If you head east, you’ll find beaches along the Atlantic Ocean; a drive west takes you to the Gulf Coast shores. Here are five beautifulbeaches near Orlando, Florida.
Cocoa Beach, just east of Orlando, is the perfect getaway spot on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Easily accessed via the Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway, Cocoa Beach offers great surfing and sea turtle nesting grounds. Enjoy fun on the historic boardwalk, dining on the beach, or nightlife that includes cool jazz clubs and beachside cafes. Within a few miles, you’ll find cruise ships, deep-sea fishing boats, and more at Port Canaveral. Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Space Launch Centers are just a few miles to the north. It’s fun and educational!
Like Cocoa Beach, surfing is a big draw in New Smyrna Beach. Located further north along the Atlantic Coast, New Smyrna Beach is quieter and more family-friendly than Cocoa Beach. From the beautiful sand and quirky shops to unique eateries and annual festivals, people love this town for so many reasons. Wildlife abounds, too. Along with dolphins and manatees, New Smyrna Beach is home to alligators, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds. Anglers also know it is the “redfish capital of the world.” Great fishing spots are found in several locales.
With miles of clean, white sand, Daytona Beach has a great locale along the Atlantic, easily accessible via I-4. Kids love the carnival feel of the promenade, while grownups enjoy being able to drive onto the hard-packed sand (in designated areas). Unique restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and fun activities satisfy visitors of all ages. Daytona Beach offers an upbeat brand of southern hospitality, whether you’re enjoying a relaxing stroll on the beach or the raucous energy of international car racing. If you’re looking for fun, this is the place!
Canaveral National Seashore is located on a barrier island that features ocean, beach, dune, hammock, lagoon, salt marsh, and pine flatland habitats. This nature lover's haven is overseen by the National Park Service and is home to 310 species of birds. There are no carnival rides or tailgating on this preserved stretch of the Atlantic coast. Instead, endangered species such as loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles, West Indian manatees, Southern bald eagles, wood storks, and peregrine falcons are the draw. Birdwatching, hiking, and fishing are popular activities at the Canaveral National Seashore.
The sugary white sands of the Gulf Coast will bring you to Clearwater Beach time and time again. It is a popular spot for watersports, snorkeling, parasailing, or jet skiing. Take the ferry to Caladesi Island, explore the popular promenade, or spend a day out on a fishing boat. Clearwater Beach is also becoming known as a wellness hub. Indulge yourself at a luxe spa, fitness retreat, or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Whether you’re kayaking along the Intracoastal or finding your zen with beach yoga, Clearwater Beach has just the right vibe.
If you’re looking for homes for sale near Orlando, look no further than Craft Homes’ exceptional offerings in Laureate Park. These two communities located in Lake Nona show off our unique home designs with energy efficiency and smart features. A 17-square-mile planned community, Lake Nona’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and healthy living aligns perfectly with our commitment to forward-thinking design and homes built for active lifestyles.
In addition to the exceptional shopping and dining options at Lake Nona Town Center, Boxi Park integrates an outdoor stage and beach volleyball to create an open-air entertainment destination. Nona Adventure Park features a floating Aqua Park, and a one-of-a-kind 60-foot climbing tower and ropes course. Highly innovative and trendy, Lake Nona is the best new place to call home in Orlando!
Laureate Park is a vibrant community in the heart of Lake Nona. This highly sought-after community offers over 10 single-family floor plans and a townhome plan to choose from. You’ll always find space for what you need. The floor plans range from 1,773 to 3,413 square feet with one- and two-story options that include 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 4.5 bathrooms. Whether you’re imagining quiet evenings on the covered porch, relaxing in the spacious owner’s suite, or enjoying breakfast in the cafe, there are so many upgrades available to ensure your home is personalized to perfection. There are a variety of available homes, too.
