Aaah.. The soothing ocean
Are you planning to fill your vacation time with relaxing sunsets, cool drinks and sand between your toes? We’re sure that’s a yes from everyone in your party and the Florida beaches near Orlando are just where you want to be. Orlando offers an excellent location as the central point of Florida, and this allows our city to offer you the best of all worlds – beaches, city and theme parks galore! Your vacation home in Orlando will be a short drive to either coast so every member of your party can visit their favorite sand spot throughout the week.
Below is a list of some great beaches near Orlando, along with helpful tips and suggestions, driving times, and local attractions within each area. Get ready to have a sand-sational time!
Cocoa Beach: It has been recently referred to as the new hot spot for spring breakers and with all of the activities going on at this beach, we can certainly understand why. Cocoa Beach is known for its large crowds where people find themselves staying busy playing beach volleyball, football, Frisbee and many other sports. There are also many stands set up along the waves offering rentals including surfboards, boogey boards, and bicycles. Parking spots can be found along the entire beach throughout the variety of local shops and restaurants (making it a bit easier to find a meter for your quarters). With Cocoa Beach less than an hour’s drive away from Orlando, you’ll find yourself there in a heartbeat ready to eat up all the sand, sun, and fresh fish possible in a day. We highly suggest you visit the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop, open 24 hours just like the beach. You also have to take a taste of the local flavor, Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill (located at 480 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy). The food is always fresh and the service is great. Be sure to try the Rock Shrimp Starter or the Tilapia served Oscar style- mmm, delicious!
Daytona Beach: If you’re looking for a beach that will please the young ones and the young at heart, then you may find yourself traveling to Daytona Beach. Here you’ll find various activities for people of all ages. Free chairs and umbrellas line the beach (a minor but useful feature, believe us) as well as metered parking along the street or you may park in the Oceanwalk Parking Garage located on A1A for only $10 per day. The Oceanwalk shopping plaza is a great way to spend the later half of your day, walking around the shops filled with gifts of every kind. There are also carnival rides like bumper cars and a carousel for the kids. You’ll find mini-golf and water slides across the street from the Main Street Pier if you’re in need of another hour of fun in the sun. This beach is one of the few that still allows driving on the sand if you’re looking forward to that stroll amongst the sunset with your loved ones. Daytona Beach is only an hour away from Orlando and is a great way to spend your day building castles in the sand. Daytona earned its title as the most famous beach in the world with beauty and activities for all ages.
Clearwater Beach: Located on Florida’s West Coast, this gorgeous area is St Pete Beach, Florida. Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the West and Tampa Bay to the East, here you’ll find 35 miles of glittering white-sand beaches amongst eight major barrier islands that are filled with loads of water activities such as Jet Ski rentals and parasailing. Over 30 art galleries and museums line the streets surrounding this area (which consists of 26+ communities filled with shops of every kind). Not only can you take a walk in the sand, you can also enjoy the authentic cultural heritage of this beach and its community. You’re only a short 30 minute drive from another theme park, Busch Gardens Tampa, if you haven’t had enough roller coasters and rides in Orlando just yet. Once the sun is ready to set, you have to experience a breathtaking view of Tampa Bay and a splendid dinner at the Columbia Restaurant located at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg. Known for its award winning, authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine, you’ll find yourself falling in love all over again. We highly suggest starting off with the famous “1905? salad and the Croquetas de Pollo. Merluza has to be the main course and the Sangria fixed table side is a must! If you’ve got the kids or you’re just a baseball fan, Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, is conveniently located only 5 minutes from The Pier. St Petersburg-Clearwater Beach is located only an hour and fifteen minutes from Orlando.
Beach Tips from DVRO
1. SUNSCREEN is something you can’t live without at any Florida beach. Even if it is an overcast day, don’t be fooled! The sun is still shining and applying plenty of sunscreen throughout your day will prevent a painful burn later that night.
2. Drink plenty of WATER or other non-carbonated beverages. Swigging on a water bottle through your day will not only prevent dehydration but will also prevent muscle cramps which are a result of high heat exposure.
3. Avoid the Sun’s Peak Hours. From 11a.m. to 2p.m. you’ll find the sun’s heat almost unbearable which is a good indication that you should be indoors enjoying other activities, a delectable lunch, or at least the cool blowing breeze of the air conditioner.
4. Swim safely by staying within designated swim zones (near safety guards). This will prevent you from finding yourself in a dangerous situation such as rip currents. Never swim alone- always make sure you have a friend with you in the water in the case of an emergency.
5. Check and DOUBLE CHECK the local Weather Channel! We can’t say enough how sneaky that sun may be. One minute you’re enjoying the sunshine at its finest, the next minute it’s pouring cats and dogs- for the next two hours. So please, check the weather and always pack a rain poncho during the summer season!
If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach, then you’re lucky enough. Have a blast!
