Orlando FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Orlando, Florida.
1. Wekiwa Springs State Park
ORLANDO'S OLDEST NATURAL ATTRACTION
Wekiwa Springs State Park features emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River and is Orange County's oldest attraction, just minutes from Downtown Orlando. Visitors can cool off in the crystal-clear spring waters or explore miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback. The park's lush tropical hammocks provide a perfect setting for observing abundant wildlife or simply relaxing on a hot summer day.
2. Blue Spring State Park
CRYSTAL WATERS AND MANATEES
Blue Spring State Park offers one of the prettiest swimming holes for families in the Orlando area. The crystal-clear spring waters maintain a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, providing a welcome escape from Florida's heat. During winter months, the park becomes a manatee sanctuary where visitors can observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
3. Ginnie Springs
CLEAREST WATERS IN FLORIDA
Ginnie Springs, located on the Santa Fe River, is renowned as one of the clearest bodies of water in Florida. Visitors can choose from seven different springs, each offering its own unique swimming and recreational experience. The springs are popular for swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters that showcase Florida's natural beauty.
4. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
MERMAIDS AND WATER SLIDES
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a unique swimming destination featuring crystal-clear spring water in the iconic Buccaneer Bay pool. The park offers two giant water slides that deliver swimmers straight into cool, transparent waters that have attracted tourists for decades. Visitors can enjoy swimming and then experience the park's famous mermaid shows, a spectacular tradition dating back to 1947.
5. Lake Louisa State Park
SERENE LAKE SWIMMING
Lake Louisa State Park offers calm, fresh lake waters perfect for swimming and relaxation just a short drive from Orlando. The park encompasses six beautiful lakes where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in a tranquil natural setting. Surrounded by rolling hills and natural landscapes, Lake Louisa provides a peaceful escape with opportunities to observe wildlife and explore nature trails.
6. Cocoa Beach
ORLANDO'S CLOSEST BEACH GETAWAY
Cocoa Beach is the closest Atlantic Ocean beach to Orlando, making it a popular day trip destination for visitors and locals alike. The wide, sandy shoreline offers perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, with gentle waves ideal for beginners. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant beach town atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and the famous Cocoa Beach Pier extending 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean.
7. New Smyrna Beach
SURFING CAPITAL OF FLORIDA
New Smyrna Beach is a charming coastal town offering 17 miles of white sandy beaches along Florida's Atlantic coast. Known as the 'Surfing Capital of Florida,' the beach features consistent waves that attract surfers of all skill levels year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the ocean, driving on designated portions of the beach, or exploring the quaint downtown area filled with galleries, shops, and restaurants.
8. Kelly Park/Rock Springs
NATURAL LAZY RIVER
Kelly Park at Rock Springs offers a natural lazy river experience where visitors can float downstream in crystal-clear 68-degree spring water. The park features a series of connected swimming areas surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation and towering trees that provide welcome shade. Visitors often bring tubes to drift along the gentle current, creating a refreshing natural water park experience just 30 minutes from Orlando.
9. De Leon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SWIMMING DESTINATION
De Leon Springs State Park centers around a natural spring that produces millions of gallons of water daily, creating a spacious swimming area with year-round 72-degree waters. The park combines natural beauty with historical significance, having served as a recreation spot for thousands of years from Native Americans to modern visitors. Visitors can swim in the spring, rent canoes or kayaks to explore Spring Garden Run, or enjoy breakfast at the famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant where they can cook their own pancakes at the table.
10. Daytona Beach
FAMOUS DRIVE-ON BEACH
Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline with hard-packed sand that allows for both driving and swimming access. The beach is famous for its wide shoreline, gentle waves, and vibrant atmosphere with a boardwalk, pier, and amusement area creating a classic beach resort experience. Visitors can swim in designated areas, rent water sports equipment, or simply relax on the sand while enjoying the energetic beachfront scene that has attracted tourists for generations.