You can find even more family getaways in our Florida Family Travel Guide, including our list of the Best Shark Tooth Beaches in Florida (kids will love it!). 

Florida Beaches Near Orlando: Atlantic Coast

1. Cocoa Beach

This surf town is situated on Florida’s Space Coast and sits closest to Orlando. With 72 miles of beautiful shoreline, Cocoa Beach is popular for watersports, deep-sea fishing, and surfing. Visit the flagship location of Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop. Explore the landmark Cocoa Beach Pier with fun restaurants, shops, fishing, and live music. Set some time aside to visit nearby Kennedy Space Center.

2. Daytona Beach

Known as the "World’s Most Famous Beach," Daytona Beach is a one-hour drive from Orlando. The beach spans 23 miles, and visitors can drive and park on certain portions. There is a popular boardwalk area complete with a bandshell, rides, and an arcade. Take a tour of the famous Daytona International Speedway or venture to the top of historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse.

RELATED: Great Things to Do with Kids in St. Augustine, Florida

3. New Smyrna Beach

This 13-mile stretch of beach is a one-hour drive from Orlando, making it an easy day trip. Like Daytona, visitors can drive and park along portions of New Smyrna Beach; but unlike Daytona, there aren't many hotels along the shoreline (the beach is largely residential). An area at the end of the beach known as the jetties—a formation of rocks that form an inlet—is popular for fishing, but watch out for sharks as the abundance of baitfish in this area tends to attract them. Downtown New Smyrna has restaurants and shops to check out. 

4. Vero Beach

Situated on Florida’s Treasure Coast, this beach boasts family-friendly shores in a quaint beachside community. Vero Beach is great for nature adventures, with access to rivers and inlets. Rent a kayak/canoe to explore the river system, and keep your eye out for manatees. Enjoy an airboat ride or fishing charter while in the area. Visitors can experience Disney magic at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, WDW's only Florida beach resort!

Florida Beaches Near Orlando: Gulf Coast

5. Clearwater Beach

With white-sand beaches and calm waters, Clearwater Beach remains a top pick for families. Roughly two hours from Orlando, this area features parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin tours, and a huge fishing pier complete with a nightly sunset festival. Visitors can avoid parking at the beach by taking the Clearwater Ferry from downtown to the beach. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium if you have the time.

RELATED: 25 Great Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama with Kids

6. Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island is one of Florida’s few undisturbed barrier islands, making it a true getaway. This state park is two hours from Orlando and known for its remote, pristine beaches. Caladesi is only accessible by water, either through ferry or boat. Visitors can board the park ferry from Honeymoon Island. Once at Caladesi, families can explore the island’s nature trails and mangrove forest, swim in the blue-green waters, and relax on the white-sand beaches. Canoes and kayaks available to rent.

St. Pete Beach tops many lists of the best Florida beaches to visit. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida 

7. St. Pete Beach

Located south of Clearwater and a two-hour drive from Orlando is St. Pete Beach, a gorgeous, white-sand beach located on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico. It includes the longest undeveloped stretch of public beach in the area known as Pass-a-Grille Beach, perfect for shelling and snorkeling. Another popular area is Fort De Soto Park, comprised of five interconnected islands. Families love the large pirate ship playground near the North Beach entrance, a tidal pool for little ones, and amazing seashells to take home.