Perfect Day Trip: Orlando’s Closest Beaches

Daytona Beach

Daytona prides itself on being the “Original American Beach,” perhaps because of its 23 miles of easily accessible shoreline, nearby attractions, and plenty of sea activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing and more. It’s also the “World Center of Racing” and the “Festival Capital of Florida,” attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors a year for NASCAR races, festivals, and the legendary Biketoberfest^®.

New Smyrna Beach

Just a 20-minute drive from Daytona, New Smyrna is the quintessential cozy beach town, complete with miles of white, sandy beaches, tasty local grub, and exciting offshore activities. New Smyrna has been named one of “America’s Top Small Cities of the Arts,” proven by its frequent art shows and strong sense of community. Historical Flagler Avenue and Canal Street offer quaint shopping, dining, and cultural celebrations as well as world-renowned fishing and golf.

Cocoa Beach

“The Surfing Capital of the East Coast” entices you to get active both on and offshore. When you’re not catching a wave, treat yourself to some retail therapy at the original Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world. Not only can you buy the hottest styles of beachwear but also rent all the sea and sand equipment you can think of, from surfboards and kayaks to bikes, chairs and umbrellas. Don’t forget to visit famous Cocoa Beach Pier’s restaurants, bars, shops, and ideal fishing spots. The area also offers nearby attractions like Kennedy Space Center, Brevard Zoo, and Port Canaveral.