The Beaches of Orlando

Whatever you do, wherever you go, you’re sure to have buckets of fun on Orlando's beaches.

Sand between your toes, the sound of shore breaks, the warmth of the sun. There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach, especially along Florida’s east coast. Get your adrenaline pumping with activities like surfing, body boarding and parasailing. Or, if you prefer, just hang loose on the shore enjoying the sunshine and scenery. From the ever-popular Daytona Beach to Cocoa Beach’s space coast, you’re sure to get plenty of R & R on your vacation.

They don’t call Daytona Beach the world’s most popular beach for nothing. Whether you’re cruising the boardwalk, hanging out on the pier or just kicking back with your favorite book, Daytona is one good time after another. And at the southern tip of Daytona is Ponce Inlet, where you can take a sunset cruise, relax in the park, go deep-sea fishing or check out the Inlet’s historic lighthouse.

About 10 miles south of Daytona is New Smyrna Beach. Here, you’ll find a pristine, white-sand beach that’s perfect for sunbathing, surfing, fishing and other water sports. New Smyrna also has plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Get a glimpse into colonial life in early Florida at historical landmarks like the New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site, the Turnbill Ruins and Old Fort.

South of New Smyrna is Cocoa Beach, where you can relax and sunbathe, go deep-sea fishing or explore ancient cypress forests by airboat. Go fish at Port Canaveral or take a trip on an exclusive cruise liner. And, of course, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which features interactive exhibits, guided bus tours, a five-story IMAX theater and the Space Shuttle.

Not far from Cocoa Beach is Titusville. Located on the shore of the beautiful Indian River, also known as the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll find activities like golf, tennis, boating, sailing, jet skiing, sail boarding and saltwater fishing.

The west coast, which includes beautiful St. Petersburg, also offers an array of activities that provide all kinds of fun in the sun for the entire family.

No matter which place you visit, there’s a good chance you’ll see some of Florida’s breathtaking natural wonders, including dolphins, sea turtles, Cypress trees and much more. And, best of all, Orlando is just an hour’s drive from the east coast and 90 minutes from the west coast.