Orange City FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Orange City, Florida.
1. Blue Spring State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING WATERS
Blue Spring State Park is the largest spring on the St. Johns River with crystal clear 73-degree waters and serves as a designated Manatee Refuge during winter months. Visitors can enjoy seasonal swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, and walking trails along with amenities like a snack bar and picnic pavilions. The park frequently reaches capacity during both winter and summer months, so early arrival is recommended to avoid waiting.
2. Daytona Beach
WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS BEACH
Daytona Beach offers warm sunshine, hard-packed sands, and beautiful ocean access 24 hours a day for pedestrians and bicyclists. The unique feature of driving and parking directly on the beach is available from sunrise to sunset from November through April and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. May through October. As of October 2024, Volusia County residents can enjoy complimentary beach driving and off-beach parking at county-owned lots after registering with the Park Volusia program.
3. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE GETAWAY
New Smyrna Beach is a charming coastal town known for its consistent waves that make it one of Florida's premier surfing destinations. The 17-mile stretch of white sandy beaches offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and various water sports in a more relaxed atmosphere than neighboring beaches. Visitors can enjoy the quaint downtown area with unique shops and restaurants just minutes from the beach.
4. DeLeon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING SPRING
DeLeon Springs State Park features a natural spring with a constant 72-degree temperature where visitors can swim, snorkel, and paddleboard year-round. The park is home to the famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where guests can make their own pancakes at their tables. Beyond water activities, visitors can explore hiking trails, take an eco-boat tour, or learn about the 6,000 years of human history at this natural wonder.
5. Gemini Springs Park
TRANQUIL NATURAL SPRINGS
Gemini Springs Park encompasses 210 acres of natural beauty featuring twin springs that produce millions of gallons of freshwater daily. The park offers fishing docks, canoe/kayak launches, picnic pavilions, and extensive hiking and biking trails through serene Florida landscapes. While swimming is no longer permitted in the springs, visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting, observe wildlife, and access the Spring-to-Spring Trail connecting multiple parks in the region.
6. Lake Beresford Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake Beresford Park provides scenic access to its namesake lake, a 750-acre natural freshwater lake connected to the St. Johns River. The park features a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and connects to the 5.7-mile Spring-to-Spring Trail for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, playground areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities in this peaceful natural setting.
7. Ponce Inlet Beach
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH HAVEN
Ponce Inlet Beach offers a less crowded alternative to nearby beaches with excellent surfing conditions and beautiful white sands. The beach is home to Florida's tallest lighthouse, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which visitors can climb for panoramic views of the coastline. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Marine Science Center and Lighthouse Point Park where they can explore coastal habitats and possibly spot dolphins, manatees, and various bird species.
8. Wekiwa Springs State Park
PRISTINE NATURAL SPRINGS
Wekiwa Springs State Park features a stunning natural spring with emerald waters maintaining a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cooling off. Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to explore the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run, observing the abundant wildlife including turtles, fish, birds, and occasionally alligators or manatees. The park offers extensive hiking and biking trails through diverse ecosystems, along with picnic areas, campgrounds, and cabins for those wanting to extend their stay.
9. Hontoon Island State Park
RIVER ISLAND GETAWAY
Hontoon Island State Park is a unique destination accessible only by boat or park ferry, situated on the St. Johns River and surrounded by a maze of waterways. The island offers excellent fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities, as well as hiking trails showcasing Florida's native flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the island's rich Native American history at the visitor center, enjoy picnicking facilities, or camp overnight in the primitive campground or rustic cabins.
10. Lake Monroe Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HUB
Lake Monroe Park provides excellent access to the St. Johns River and sprawling Lake Monroe with boat ramps, fishing docks, and shoreline fishing opportunities. The park features picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and a sandy beach area where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the expansive waterway. Its location near downtown Sanford allows visitors to combine outdoor recreation with exploring the historic riverfront district's shops and restaurants.