Let’s face it. Those of us traveling to Orlando, Florida aren’t going to spend hours on the beach. We’re going to shop, dine in fancy restaurants, explore the nightlife, or spend our days in the wide variety of nearby theme parks.
Truth be told, though, everyone could use a day relaxing on the beach. While Orlando doesn’t have any of its own, there are a handful of beaches in close proximity, making a day trip to the shoreline well worth your effort. Here are a few to consider.
Daytona Beach
It takes about an hour and ten minutes to drive from Orlando to Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach is great for families with children. It’s one of the last remaining beaches where you can drive right up onto the beach, and the area is filled with lots of fun attractions, too. Enjoy the boardwalk, piers, and waterpark as well – all located within walking distance of your beach blanket and umbrella.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is also only about an hour and ten minutes away from Orlando. The beaches at New Smyrna offer about 13 miles of gorgeous sand, stunning rock ledges, and exciting wave breaks. The beach is, for the most part, free of traffic and is especially popular amongst surfers. You can rent surf and boogie boards from a wide variety of shops near the beach, or you can simply look around for one of the yearly surfing championships and just enjoy the show.
Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach is closer to an hour and a half away from Orlando, but adding the extra twenty minutes to your drive is well worth the effort. Families love this beach because it is quiet, off the beaten path and devoid of huge crowds. When you’re done playing in the sun, you’ll want to spend some time enjoying the McLarty Treasure Museum and the rest of Sebastian Inlet State Park, located just a few miles away.
Book some cheap flights to Orlando, pack your bags, and make sure you block an entire day for fun on Florida’s sandy beaches. You’ll be glad you made some time to stop and relax.
