Claiming its fame to Disney World, Orlando is known for more than a dozen exciting theme parks. The other thing it is popular for is the sunny beaches near Orlando which makes it one of the alpha cities in America for a fun-filled weekend getaway.

There may be no beaches in Orlando. But, guess what? It is blessed to be situated near the most pristine and fun beaches around. Most of the beaches near Orlando are just an hour away. If you are planning for a getaway from Houston then you can avail cheap flights from Houston to Orlando during the low season in the city. So, if you are a beach baby, you can just shove your beach stuff in the car and drive to the nearest beaches in no time to have some fun in the sun.

Top 5 beaches near Orlando are

1. Cocoa Beach

Known as the quintessential beach town, Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando. The beach city is an ideal destination for a family beach vacation or a getaway because of fun beach activities that run gamut here. Visit the local Florida Surf Museum inside the Ron Surf n Turf Shop which preserves the local history of surfing adventure. Another thing this beach is known for its tangerine sunsets. The live jam sessions in the beach shacks really liven up the evenings.Hence, while booking Cheap flights from Houston to El Paso (IAH-ELP), consider traveling around February to April, when the weather and flight deals are most favorable. 

2. Daytona Beach

February host of the popular NASCAR, Daytona Beach City is where you can let the good times go at full throttle. Known for its hard packed sand, this beach offers the most beautiful vistas of sunset and sunrise of all the Orlando, Florida beaches. Once inhabited by indigenous Timucuans, the beach boasts of many historical sites and ruins. Savour the local flavour at the beach side restaurants which serve traditional local cuisines or follow the famous Daytona Ale trail tasting some of the best local brews. Isn’t it really one of the exciting beaches near Orlando? 

3. New Smyrna Beach

A beach of choice for many Orlando residents, New Smyrna Beach is perfect for having moments of quietude along the sandy beach shore. The crashing waves of the sea lures expert surfers to test the waters here. Invest your time exploring the 1880’s lighthouse – Ponce de Leon Inlet, one of the tallest lighthouses in USA. Take your pets for a stroll in Smyrna Dunes Park which has an array of land and water activities. You can also visit the numerous art galleries and historical museums if it interests you.

4. Clearwater Beach

The calm and clear waters of Gulf Coast is what entice people to visit this beach. One of the family-friendly beaches near Orlando, it is known for its dazzling sunsets and numerous attractions. One of which is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium with the famous movie star Winter from “Dolphin Tale,”. If solitude and quietude are the two things you are expecting from your beach holiday, then this Gulf Coast Beach is where you should spend your weekend. If you have time on your hands, take the 20-minute ferry ride to the spectacular Caladesi Island.

5. Madeira Beach

If fishing in the calm waters of the sea is all you want to do over the weekend, head straight away to Madeira Beach. Join the fishermen in John’s Pass Village for a fishing excursion in the day and a karaoke session later in the night. Taste the delectable seafood at the popular Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Explore the beach side restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood and chilled beer. There is also a local market area from where you can shop beach stuff and trinkets. It is incontestably one of the happening beaches near Orlando.