Lake Mary FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Lake Mary, Florida.
1. Daytona Beach
CLASSIC VIBRANT OCEANFRONT
Daytona Beach is a high-energy classic Florida beach where visitors can drive directly on the sand and enjoy the bustling boardwalk atmosphere. Just a 45-minute drive east of Lake Mary on I-4, this oceanfront destination offers everything from jet ski rentals to concerts at the bandshell. Perfect for families seeking that full-on beach experience, Daytona combines touristy attractions with beautiful Atlantic waters for an iconic Florida day trip.
2. Canaveral National Seashore
PRISTINE NATURAL COASTLINE
Canaveral National Seashore offers one of Florida's most unspoiled stretches of Atlantic coastline within an hour's drive from Lake Mary. Visitors can enjoy 24 miles of undeveloped beach with opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation in a serene natural setting. The protected seashore provides a peaceful escape from urban life with its pristine dunes, diverse ecosystems, and the chance to spot nesting sea turtles during certain seasons.
3. Ponce Inlet
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH RETREAT
Ponce Inlet features a more relaxed beach experience compared to neighboring Daytona, located roughly an hour from Lake Mary. The beach is highlighted by the historic Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, Florida's tallest lighthouse, which visitors can climb for panoramic coastal views. This family-friendly destination offers excellent surfing conditions, fishing opportunities, and less crowded shores perfect for those seeking a more laid-back waterfront escape.
4. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE GETAWAY
New Smyrna Beach is consistently rated among Florida's best surf spots and is accessible within an hour's drive from Lake Mary. The charming beachside community offers 13 miles of white sandy beaches with a relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds than other nearby coastal destinations. Visitors appreciate the quaint downtown area with unique shops and restaurants, making it ideal for both beach enthusiasts and those seeking a coastal town experience.
5. Wekiwa Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRINGS
Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a refreshing natural swimming hole formed by a crystal clear spring that maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, located just 20 minutes from Lake Mary. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the emerald waters or enjoy hiking and picnicking in the surrounding subtropical forest. The park's pristine natural setting provides a perfect escape from Florida's summer heat and a glimpse into Old Florida's natural beauty.
6. Blue Spring State Park
MANATEE VIEWING PARADISE
Blue Spring State Park features a first-magnitude spring that creates a stunning swimming area and serves as winter refuge for hundreds of West Indian manatees, located about 30 minutes from Lake Mary. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and tube in the crystal-clear 73-degree spring water during summer months when manatees aren't present. The park's boardwalk offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round, with the unique chance to observe manatees up-close during winter months.
7. De Leon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING HOLE
De Leon Springs State Park centers around a beautiful natural spring once believed to be Ponce de Leon's legendary Fountain of Youth, located about 45 minutes north of Lake Mary. The spring creates a large, clear swimming area perfect for cooling off, while visitors can also enjoy paddleboating, canoeing, and hiking trails through the lush surrounding landscape. The park's historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant allows guests to make their own pancakes at their tables, adding a unique cultural experience to this natural swimming destination.
8. Lake Eola Park
URBAN WATERFRONT OASIS
Lake Eola Park offers a scenic urban waterfront escape in downtown Orlando, just 20 minutes from Lake Mary, featuring a beautiful lake with the iconic fountain at its center. Visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats to explore the lake or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the nearly mile-long sidewalk that circles the water. The park hosts a weekly farmers market, regular events, and provides a refreshing green space amid the city with excellent dining options nearby.
9. Cocoa Beach
SURF CAPITAL EXPERIENCE
Cocoa Beach is a world-famous surf destination located about an hour east of Lake Mary, known for its connection to surfing legend Kelly Slater and the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop. The six-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline offers consistent waves for surfers of all levels, along with beach volleyball courts, fishing opportunities, and family-friendly swimming areas. Visitors can enjoy the laid-back beach town atmosphere, complete with waterfront restaurants, surf shops, and the historic Cocoa Beach Pier extending 800 feet into the ocean.
10. Rock Springs Run
NATURAL LAZY RIVER
Rock Springs Run provides a natural lazy river experience at Kelly Park, located about 25 minutes from Lake Mary, where crystal-clear 68-degree spring water creates a gentle current perfect for tubing. Visitors can bring their own tubes or rent them nearby to float downstream through a series of natural pools surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation. The park also features swimming areas, hiking trails, and picnic facilities, making it a beloved local destination for cooling off during hot Florida days.