Craving turquoise waters and sun-kissed sands, but dreading the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of popular beaches near Orlando? Fear not, beach bums! A hidden treasure trove of quiet beaches near Orlando with pristine coastlines awaits just beyond the theme park hubbub.
From secluded coves teeming with wildlife to untouched stretches of sugar-soft sand, this guide unlocks the secret doors to paradise. So, ditch the tourist traps, pack your beach bag, and let's embark on an adventure to discover the hidden gems that will leave you feeling truly serene and sun-kissed. Buckle up, beach lovers, your escape from the crowds awaits!
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These quiet beaches are just one of the many theme park alternatives we love! By the way, if you love quiet beach destinations, consider a weekend getaway to Cedar Key.
Quiet Beaches Near Orlando to Escape the Crowds
- Honeymoon Island (Gulf Coast)
- Egmont Key State Park (Gulf Coast)
- Jetty Park (East Coast)
- Ponce Inlet (East Coast)
- Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area (East Coast)
Honeymoon Island
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
Best for: Relaxation and beach activities like bicycling, kayaking, and hiking
Parking and admission: $8 per vehicle
Not too far from Clearwater Beach is Honeymoon Island. This beautiful Florida state park is on my list to get back to someday soon – I visited a few times as a kid, and now, as an adult, it is calling me back. You can rent bicycles and kayaks for the ultimate beach-day recreation.
You can also take a ferry to Caladesi Island for unspoiled natural beauty. Grab a bite to eat at the small cafe near the boat dock here or claim your piece of paradise and rent beach chairs and umbrellas to make the most out of your island time.
Egmont Key State Park
Location: 4905 34th St. South, #5000, St. Petersburg, FL
Best for: Secluded, pristine beaches
Parking and admission: FREE admission, Egmont Key is accessible only by boat. Use the ferry service from Fort De Soto or travel here with your own watercraft to enjoy our beautiful island.
Another Gulf Coast destination with a private island feel is Egmont Key State Park. Just over an hour from the attractions area, it is one of the best beaches near Orlando. Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge – a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches.
Accessible only by boat, this location does take a little extra effort compared to other quiet beaches near Orlando – but it's worth it. Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858.
My husband and I loved exploring this island. We booked the Hubbard’s Marina Ferry, which departs from Fort De Soto Park near St. Pete. With this ferry you'll be on the island for three hours, giving you time to explore the beaches on both sides of the walkable island, explore the ruins, and more. Get all the details at Sail Away to Egmont Key State Park for the Day.
Jetty Park
Location: 9035 Campground Circle, Cape Canaveral, FL
Best for: Calm waters and fewer crowds
Parking and admission: Parking is available at Jetty Park with a pre-purchased pass or annual pass. Parking starts at $15.
Jetty Park is one of my favorite beaches on the Atlantic coast. Because of the jetty at the end of its beach, the water is calmer than the other beaches in the area.
It is also home to a campground, complete with cabins that are almost on the oceanfront. Camping at Jetty Park is a great romantic getaway.
From Jetty Park, you can enjoy the beach, walk out on the pier, and watch cruise ships head out to sea in the afternoon. There are also restroom facilities near the parking lot, which is a rare and helpful feature.
Jetty Park is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Access to parking is available to Jetty Park Passholders only. An Annual pass, 3-month pass, or Daily Pass must be purchased online before arrival at the park.
No credit card or cash transactions can take place at the entrance gate – a parking pass/day pass is required and must be purchased online, in advance.
Ponce Inlet
Location: 4300 South Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, FL
Best for: Excellent surf conditions, laid-back atmosphere, and less crowded conditions
Parking and admission: Parking is FREE
Finally, Ponce Inlet is a quiet beach near the Daytona Beach area. Although the southern tip of Ponce Inlet is open to beach driving, most of Ponce Inlet beaches are closed to vehicular traffic.
Many people prefer the safety and quiet solitude afforded by these less congested areas and elect to walk onto beach rather than driving. Reaching these pedestrian-only areas is not only easy, but free. Simply pull into one of the public parking areas found along South Atlantic Avenue and follow the boardwalk to the beach.
Winterhaven Park is one of the area’s most popular beachfront parks. Conveniently located in the heart of Ponce Inlet, this beautiful 1.3 acre park offers many amenities including private restrooms, fresh water showers, picnic tables, BBQ grills, a handicap accessible boardwalk to the beach, and 82 off-beach parking spaces. Driving is prohibited here and a lifeguard is often posted nearby during busier times, making it one of the safest and most family-friendly beaches around.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Location: 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach, FL
Best for: Relaxation and beach activities like swimming, fishing, and hiking
Parking and admission: $5 per vehicle
Gamble Rogers is a small park tucked gently between the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This 145-acre park located on Barrier Island is named for Florida folk singer and storyteller Gamble Rogers. This is one of the few quiet beaches near Orlando that costs to get in, but it is worth it.
Swim and play in the surf of the Atlantic Ocean, build castles in the golden-brown coquina sand, or watch pelicans glide along the dunes and ocean waves.
Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach combing, fishing, or wind their way through shady nature trails in coastal forests of scrub oak and saw palmetto. Also, the daily low tide is an ideal time to observe shorebirds feeding in tidal pools. Take a walk and explore the plant and animal life in the shady maritime hammock, or enjoy a picnic with watermelon and ice cream at one of the park’s many sheltered tables.
What to Pack for a Day at the Beach
Sun-kissed skin, salty hair, and the gentle rhythm of waves – a day at the beach promises pure bliss. But before you dive into that ocean of relaxation, packing the right essentials is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. From sun protection and swimwear to beach games and unexpected essentials, we've got you covered.
- Sunscreen, shades, and a smile: Florida's sun is no joke, so pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses for ultimate protection.
- Beach essentials: Quick-drying swimsuits, comfy flip-flops or water shoes, and a microfiber towel are your beach bestie trio. Don't forget a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks to keep you fueled!
- Beachside bonus: Elevate your beach day with a portable umbrella, foldable chairs, and a good book (waterproof, of course!). Packing a first-aid kit and aloe vera gel ensures you're prepared for minor mishaps.
- Remember: Pack light, check the weather, and leave no trace behind. Now go forth and conquer those Central Florida beaches! ️
