The 11 Best
Florida Beaches
From Orlando.
White sand. Turquoise water. One short drive away.
Florida has over 800 miles of coastline — and at least 11 beaches worth the drive. Most are just 1 to 4 hours from Orlando. Here's exactly where to go and how to get there.
The Big Picture
Florida has 800+ miles of beaches.
Most visitors come to Orlando focused on the theme parks. But Florida has some of the best beaches in the United States — and many of them are just 1 to 4 hours from Orlando.
A single day at Cocoa Beach can transform a park-only trip. An overnight in Clearwater or Siesta Key becomes a memory for life. And Fort De Soto Park is the discovery that will stay with you — pure nature, crystal-clear shallow water, and not a single building on the horizon.
In this guide: all 11 beaches with distances, costs, and tips for each — plus suggested itineraries and the right car for every kind of beach trip.
The Lineup
The 11 best beaches
Cocoa Beach
The closest beach to Orlando (1 hour)
Distance: 1 hour via the Beachline (SR 528)
Sand: Light, fine sand
- Cocoa Beach Pier (historic)
- Ron Jon Surf Shop (the largest in the world)
- Right next to Kennedy Space Center
Best for: A quick day trip, or your first Florida beach.
Fort De Soto Park ★
The award-winning beach most tourists have never heard of
Distance: 2 hours via I-4 + I-275 (near St. Petersburg)
Cost: $6 parking + ~$1.25 Pinellas Bayway toll
Sand: White, ultra-fine sand
What sets it apart: Voted the #1 Beach in America by Tripadvisor (2009) and by "Dr. Beach" (2005) — and back in the Dr. Beach Top 10 in 2024.
- 5 connected islands with 7 miles of shoreline (3 miles of white sand)
- North Beach — the crown jewel: shallow lagoon-style water, a pirate playground in the sand (kids love it), and no buildings on the horizon (pure nature views)
- East Beach — views of the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge
- Dog Beach — one of the best dog beaches in the country
- Historic Fort De Soto — a Spanish-American War fort with giant cannons
- 2 fishing piers — Gulf Pier and Bay Pier (no fishing license required on the piers)
- 236 camping sites (book 6 months ahead!)
- A 7-mile paved trail for biking
- Kayak, bike, and beach chair rentals
- 2 swim centers with restrooms and food areas
- Ferry to Egmont Key — an uninhabited island with a historic lighthouse (45-60 min)
Best for: Families with young kids, couples who want nature, photographers, dog owners, and campers.
GS Tip: Arrive early (before 10 a.m.) — North Beach parking fills up on nice days. Bring a cooler with food (the concessions are basic).
Clearwater Beach
The most famous Gulf-side beach
Distance: 2 hours via I-4
Sand: Very white, fine sand
- Pier 60 (famous sunsets)
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Caladesi Island (reachable by ferry)
Best for: An overnight stay is recommended — great for couples and families.
Siesta Key
The whitest sand in the world
Distance: 2 hours 30 min via I-75
Sand: 99% pure quartz (the whitest in the world — and it never gets hot)
- Incredible sunsets
- Premium restaurants
- Voted #1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach
Best for: Honeymoons and sophisticated couples.
Daytona Beach
The beach you can drive on
Distance: 1 hour 15 min via I-4
Sand: Hard-packed sand
What sets it apart: The only place in the US where you can drive your car right on the beach.
Best for: Adventurous families and motorsport fans.
Naples Beach
The Monaco of Florida
Distance: 3 hours 30 min via I-75
Sand: White, fine sand
- 5th Avenue South (upscale shopping street)
- Naples Pier (historic)
- Legendary sunsets
Best for: Premium couples and a sophisticated getaway.
Miami Beach + South Beach
Club meets culture
Distance: 3 hours 30 min via I-95
Sand: Wide, golden sand
- Ocean Drive (iconic)
- South Beach (vibrant and multicultural)
- World-class restaurants
- Legendary nightlife
Best for: Couples without kids, party lovers, and fashion fans.
Sanibel Island
A seashell paradise
Distance: 3 hours 30 min via I-75
Sand: White sand with thousands of seashells
What sets it apart: World-famous for shelling (one of a kind).
Best for: Collectors and laid-back couples.
Anna Maria Island
Old Florida vibes
Distance: 2 hours 45 min via I-75
Sand: White, calm shoreline
What sets it apart: A community preserved straight out of the 1950s-60s, with colorful cottages.
Best for: Families with young kids and couples looking for peace and quiet.
Marco Island
Florida's most exclusive escape
Distance: 3 hours 45 min via I-75
Sand: White, picture-perfect sand
What sets it apart: The most exclusive island in Florida — even more upscale than Naples.
Best for: Premium honeymoons and ultra-luxury travel.
New Smyrna Beach
The mellow alternative to Daytona
Distance: 1 hour via I-95
Sand: Light sand
What sets it apart: A much quieter alternative to Daytona Beach, famous for its surf.
Best for: Couples looking for a less touristy beach.
At a Glance
Quick comparison
Distance, price, and the kind of trip each beach is best for.
Bottom line on Fort De Soto: same cost as Clearwater (and just as close), but a completely different experience. Choose Fort De Soto for nature and calm; choose Clearwater for the busy tourist scene, restaurants, and hotels.
Know Before You Go
Practical beach tips
The sun burns fast
Reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen (required at Sanibel). Reapply every hour.
Jellyfish & sharks
In summer (Jul-Sep), some beaches post jellyfish warnings — check the flags at the entrance. Shark attacks are extremely rare, but avoid swimming at dawn or dusk (feeding times).
Parking
Free at Cocoa Beach; paid at Clearwater and Siesta Key ($3-5/hr); Fort De Soto is just $6 all day (plus a $1.25 Pinellas Bayway toll); driving on the sand at Daytona is $20/day.
Sea turtles
From April to September, loggerhead sea turtles nest at Fort De Soto, Cocoa, Daytona, and Anna Maria. Never disturb the nests (heavy fines apply).
Pick Your Ride
Which car for a beach trip?
Simple day trip (Cocoa Beach, Fort De Soto): a Hyundai Tucson or Tesla Model Y — efficient and easy.
Daytona (driving on the sand): a Ram 1500 Rebel — the only vehicle truly built for the sand.
Honeymoon (Naples, Marco Island, Fort De Soto): a Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla Model Y, or Mustang Convertible.
Big family heading to Clearwater, Siesta Key, or Fort De Soto: a Sienna, Pacifica, or Carnival minivan — room for the cooler, bikes, and gear.
Camping at Fort De Soto: a Ford Transit or Cadillac Escalade — huge space for tents and equipment.
Coastal road trip: a Mustang Convertible — the A1A is a cinematic drive.