Windermere FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Windermere, Florida.
1. Fernwood Park
LAKESIDE ESCAPE WITH POOL
Fernwood Park offers visitors a serene lakeside escape featuring an indoor pool and water play area perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. The park provides various amenities for water enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy quality time together. With its beautiful setting and recreational facilities, Fernwood Park presents a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a refreshing lakeside retreat in Windermere.
2. Lake Street Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Lake Street Park in Windermere welcomes visitors with a variety of waterfront activities centered around its large lake with multiple boat docks. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and waterskiing, while also taking advantage of scenic walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and sheltered pavilions. The park's picturesque setting and ample amenities make it an ideal destination for a day of fun and relaxation by the water.
3. Cal Palmer Park
NEWLY RENOVATED WATERFRONT
Cal Palmer Park is a recently reopened recreational area in Windermere offering residents and visitors access to lakefront activities. The park features meticulously maintained grounds situated among the lakes that give Windermere its distinctive character. With its fresh renovations and beautiful waterfront location, Cal Palmer Park provides an excellent option for outdoor enjoyment in this lakeside community.
4. Windermere Boat Ramps
GATEWAY TO CHAIN LAKES
Windermere Boat Ramps provide convenient access points for launching watercraft onto Lake Butler and the famous Chain of Lakes system. These well-maintained facilities enable residents and visitors to explore the interconnected waterways that define the region's geography and recreational opportunities. Passes for boat ramp usage can be obtained from the Town Administration office, making these access points the perfect starting point for aquatic adventures.
5. Daytona Beach
ICONIC OCEANFRONT PLAYGROUND
Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of stunning Atlantic oceanfront just 58 minutes from Orlando, making it one of the closest beaches to Windermere. Visitors can drive directly onto the hard-packed sand, a unique feature that has made this beach famous throughout Florida and beyond. With its vibrant atmosphere, water activities, and proximity to Windermere, Daytona Beach makes for an ideal day trip for those seeking ocean waves and coastal fun.
6. Ponce Inlet
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE BEACH
Ponce Inlet provides a more relaxed beach experience approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes from Orlando and Windermere. This coastal gem features softer sands and gentler waves than its neighbor Daytona Beach, making it perfect for families and those seeking a calmer shoreline experience. The historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse towers over the beach, adding a picturesque landmark to this tranquil oceanfront destination.
7. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE GETAWAY
New Smyrna Beach is renowned as one of Florida's premier surfing destinations, located within a comfortable drive from the Windermere area. The beach features consistent waves, 17 miles of white sand shoreline, and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to water sports enthusiasts and sunbathers alike. Beyond the surf, visitors can enjoy the charming downtown area with its shops and restaurants, making for a complete beach town experience.
8. Cocoa Beach
SPACE COAST SURFING HUB
Cocoa Beach serves as the gateway to Florida's Space Coast and offers pristine Atlantic Ocean access within driving distance of Windermere. Famous for its connection to surfing culture and proximity to Kennedy Space Center, this beach destination combines beautiful coastline with unique cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy excellent waves, the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, and the chance to see rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral.
9. Wekiwa Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING HOLE
Wekiwa Springs State Park features a stunning natural spring with crystal-clear waters maintaining a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, making it a perfect swimming destination near Windermere. Visitors can swim in the spring's emerald basin, rent canoes or kayaks to explore the Wekiva River, or enjoy hiking trails through the surrounding subtropical forest. The park's natural swimming area offers a completely different water experience than ocean beaches, with its transparent waters revealing fascinating underwater landscapes and gentle currents.
10. Kelly Park at Rock Springs
NATURAL LAZY RIVER
Kelly Park at Rock Springs offers a unique natural lazy river experience where visitors can float downstream on tubes through clear, cool spring waters. The park's main attraction is the 68-degree spring that produces 26,000 gallons of water per minute, creating a gentle current perfect for tubing adventures. With picnic facilities, swimming areas, and lush surroundings, this natural waterpark provides a refreshing alternative to traditional beaches while remaining accessible from Windermere.