Where is the Closest Beach to Orlando Florida?

Although you may have booked your Orlando villa to be close to theme parks and area attractions, keep in mind that there are some great Florida beaches within a 2 hour drive from the vacation home corridor. The following are our top picks for closest beaches from Orlando with approximate travel time to and from Kissimmee Florida.

Cocoa Beach (1 Hour)

Cocoa Beach is the closest drive from most area vacation villas. It is roughly 65 miles due east on the Beeline 528 Expressway.The major attraction in Cocoa Beach is the pier which extends out some 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. There are currently four restaurants in the area that serve anything from seafood to sandwiches. At times of the year when the weather is pleasant, it’s a treat to enjoy outdoor dining.

The best place to park is at Lori Wilson Park. Facilities at the park include restrooms, pavilions, playground and a large boardwalk. At times the park and beachfront can get very crowded, but the on-site amenities make this beach very convenient.

A popular place for beach gear and water sports rentals is A1A Beach Rentals. They are right on A1A when you make your way into Cocoa Beach and you can call them when on your drive over to secure whatever gear you need, chairs/umbrellas, surfboards, etc. They also provide manatee and dolphin kayak tours, boat rentals, guided fishing, surfing lessons and more. They are definitely worth checking into when visiting Cocoa Beach.

Daytona Beach (1.25 Hours)

A little further north, Daytona Beach is a popular recreation area for Orlando travelers. The city is famous for some large special events including the Daytona 500 NASCARrace, Bike Week, and spring break. Make sure you check the Daytona Beach special event dates if you wish to avoid the occasional large crowds and traffic.

There are around 16 miles of cruisable beach in Daytona. If you simply want to drive and enjoy the ocean, this makes for a nice day trip. If you want to have a sandwich or food, the Ocean Walk Shoppes adjacent to the Daytona Convention Center on North Atlantic Avenue is a good spot.

Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach (2 Hours)

These beaches are considered to be a little more peaceful and relaxing, and not quite as busy as the others. They are a little further from the vacation home subdivisions in Kissimmee and Davenport. New Smyrna boasts a natural 50,000 acre Canaveral National Park which is great for the family to enjoy. Downtown Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna is a great option if you enjoy boutique style shopping and charming retail stores.

St. Petersburg Beach (1.75 Hours)

Heading the other direction towards Tampa, St. Petesburg beaches are a great option for the family as well. Our personal favorite is the Pass-A-Grille beach area which is lined with arts, dining establishments and shopping. If you like Old Florida architecture and design, it is fun to walk around the Pass-A-Grille area and enjoy the homes.

There are parking meters adjacent to the Pass-A-Grille area. You can enjoy easy beach access along with shops and restaurants nearby.

Clearwater Beach (1.75 Hours)

Also southward from Kissimmee and Davenport is Clearwater Beach. It’s worth mentioning due to its beauty and amenities, but it’s a little beyond our 1 ½ hour one way driving time limit.If you don’t mind driving an additional 30 minutes each way, Clearwater Beach might be an option for you. Clearwater Beach is one of the best and closest beaches to Kissimmee Florida.