Oak Hill FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Oak Hill, Florida.
1. River Breeze Park
NATURE'S PANORAMIC SPLENDOR
River Breeze Park offers a panoramic view of nature's splendor along the historic Indian River. Visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier, picnicking, or launching boats from the free boat ramp while taking in the unspoiled beauty reminiscent of Florida's early days. The 35-acre park provides an excellent vantage point for bird watching and quality family time in a scenic balance between people and nature.
2. Mosquito Lagoon
WORLD-CLASS FISHING DESTINATION
Mosquito Lagoon attracts anglers to the small city of Oak Hill with its world-class fishing opportunities. The lagoon is part of the Indian River Lagoon system and is known for its abundant redfish, trout, and other game fish. Its shallow, clear waters and natural beauty make it a popular destination for both fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
3. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE GETAWAY
New Smyrna Beach offers 17 miles of white sandy shores just north of Oak Hill, making it a perfect day trip destination. Known as one of the best surf spots on the East Coast, this beach provides excellent waves for surfers of all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along this picturesque Atlantic coastline.
4. Smyrna Dunes Park
DIVERSE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Smyrna Dunes Park is a 184-acre preserve situated on the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula. The park features five distinct ecosystems and a 2-mile elevated boardwalk that protects the fragile dune system while providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River, and Ponce Inlet. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and wildlife observation in this unique natural setting.
5. Playalinda Beach
PRISTINE UNDEVELOPED SHORELINE
Playalinda Beach is a pristine, undeveloped shoreline located within Canaveral National Seashore south of Oak Hill. This remote beach offers visitors a natural beach experience with minimal amenities, perfect for those seeking to escape crowded tourist areas. As part of the national seashore, it provides excellent opportunities for swimming, surfing, and occasionally viewing rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
6. Ponce Inlet Beach
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE VIEWS
Ponce Inlet Beach offers visitors a unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty near the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. The wide, sandy beach provides excellent swimming and surfing conditions with views of Florida's tallest lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy water activities and then explore the nearby lighthouse museum and marine science center for a full day of adventure.
7. Blue Spring State Park
MANATEE WINTER SANCTUARY
Blue Spring State Park is a popular destination centered around a first-magnitude spring that creates a crystal-clear swimming hole and river run. During winter months, the park serves as a manatee refuge where hundreds of gentle sea cows gather in the constant 72-degree spring water. In summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and kayaking in the refreshing spring waters.
8. Breaker's Oceanfront Park
URBAN BEACH EXPERIENCE
Breaker's Oceanfront Park provides an urban beach experience in the heart of Daytona Beach with convenient amenities and beautiful ocean views. The park features a splash pad, playground, volleyball courts, and easy access to Daytona's famous hard-packed sand beach where driving is permitted. Its central location near the Daytona Beach Pier and Boardwalk makes it a popular spot for families seeking both beach relaxation and entertainment options.
9. Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park
NATURE AND RECREATION BALANCE
Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park offers both oceanfront access and riverside recreation opportunities in Ormond Beach. The 40-acre park features nature trails, athletic fields, picnic areas, and direct beach access via a scenic walkway over the dunes. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of exploring maritime forest and coastal ecosystems before relaxing on the uncrowded beach.
10. De Leon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING SPRING
De Leon Springs State Park centers around a natural spring that produces millions of gallons of water daily, creating an inviting swimming area with a constant 72-degree temperature. The park combines natural beauty with historical significance, having been used by native peoples for thousands of years and later developed as a sugar plantation. Visitors can swim in the spring, rent canoes or kayaks to explore Spring Garden Run, and enjoy breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill where they can cook their own pancakes at their table.