Beaches Near Orlando

Most people know Orlando for its amusement parks and other outdoor recreations, but a lot of them are not aware that the one can also soak in the glorious sun and frolic in the sand when staying in the area. It is true that there are no beaches in Orlando because it is located off the coast of Florida, but the one does not have to drive to far to get to clear, blue waters and gorgeous sunsets. There are beaches that are just an hour’s drive away from Orlando, which is a great option if you want to take a break from visiting amusement parks.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular beaches, which is located east of Orlando and the one closest to the city. Known as the quintessential beach town, Cocoa Beach is perfect for all types of vacationers, whether they are on a business trip or leisure travel. It is also considered an affordable vacation spot, where you do not have to spend as much as you have to when you go to the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Cocoa Beach is located just minutes away from Port Canaveral, the fastest growing port in Florida. This is where you can hop aboard world class cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Disney Cruise Line.

Enjoy some old school skating fun at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park, which is the home base of Team Pain. Learn the moves on the street course and the crazy bowl section. When you get famished after all that skating, you can head to Cocoa Beach Pier, which has a wide array of restaurants which will satisfy your taste buds.

Aside from the usual beach activities, Cocoa Beach has lots of attractions to offer to tourists. Some of them include the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory, the largest planetarium in Florida. It features laser shows and an IWERKS movie theater. After touring the planetarium, you should head to the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex to see NASA space shuttles. Know how a space shuttle looks like from the inside by touring the full-size replica of the shuttle. You can also check out intergalactic galleries and view IMAX movies.

For animal lovers, Brevard Zoo houses more than 400 animals, which include kangaroos, jaguars, alligators, river otters and marmosets. You can get up close and personal with domesticated animals through the zoo’s playground and interactive learning area.

Those who are in for some miniature golf should check out Funntasia Fantasy Golf, which has two 18-hole golf courses set on refreshing streams, waterfalls and magnificent landscapes.

If you want to experience good old Vegas fun without leaving the beach, then head to the Sterling Casino Lines. It is the world’s largest casino ship port at Port Canavera, with lots of table games, slots, live entertainment and deli-style buffet. Free cocktails are provided for gaming participants. You should also check out Sun Cruz Casinos, which is aboard the SUNCRUZ XII. The casino has 35 table games, more than 500 slot machines, buffet, a la carte meal and live entertainment.

Another beach near Orlando is the Clearwater Beach, which attracts lots of loyal visitors every year. This is because the beach appeals to all types of visitors, from honeymooners to families. Clearwater Beach is a beautiful and relaxing vacation spot with lots of options for accommodations and recreation.

You will never run of things to do here at Clearwater Beach. You can go on a dolphin boat tour, where group of professionals will take you to the spot where the dolphins are. You can take your own boat or get a special charter. If sailing is your pleasure, then you should check out the Kai Lani Catamaran, a high-performance sailing boat which is built with safety and comfort in mind. Even the most experience sailors will have a thrilling ride in the Kai Lani. You can get a gorgeous tan while sunning at the deck with a cool drink in hand, served by the boat’s efficient and friendly crew.

For the really adventurous, then Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is the perfect boating trip. Get aboard the PIRATES RANSOM and cruise into a deserted island. If you prefer deep sea fishing adventure, then you can avail one of the Queen Fleet Boats, which can host parties for up to 150 people. Boats are available for inspection before you avail of its services.

For those with a soft spot for marine animals, Clearwater Marine Aquarium houses sea creatures rescued and taken care of by the stranding response team. Check out the delightful North American river otters and sea turtles residing in the facility.

Clearwater Beach has lots of accommodation options for visitors, even for those with moderate budgets. Those with lots of cash to spare can stay at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort located at Sand Key Island. Or they can stay right beside the harbor and book rooms at the Holiday Inn Hotels & Suites Harbourside, which is located between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. The hotel is just steps away from the beautiful Indian Rocks Beach and offers sunset cruises, boat rentals and fishing charters.

For those looking for more affordable places to stay, they can check out the Blue Wave Motel Suites, which consists of one-bedroom suites in reasonable prices. The hotel is located between the Intra-Coastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

Of course, no vacation here at Clearwater Beach is complete without sampling the best of the area’s mouth-watering cuisine. Make sure to check out the following restaurants in Clearwater Beach:

Jimmy Guana’s fun and lively atmosphere makes this a perfect place for sumptuous meals with friends and family. Located on Indian Rocks, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features live entertainment.

Looking for freshly-grilled seafood and meat? Salt Rock Grill is just the place for you. The restaurant was inspired by the old Indian beach tradition of grilling food in open pits made of piled salt rock.

Enjoy sumptuous food while enjoying a magnificent waterfront view at Jimmy’s Fish House and Iguana Bar at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the restaurant guarantees a relaxed and satisfying dining experience.