Fun in the Orlando sun: The best beaches for your family vacation
Discover the top family-friendly beaches near Orlando, where relaxation meets adventure.
Edited by Taylor Cahan | October 9, 2025
A family vacation to central Florida wouldn’t be complete without a trip to either coast. And with so many beautiful beaches near Orlando, it can be hard to choose the perfect spot. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil morning collecting shells or an exciting afternoon spotting wildlife, get ready to find your perfect mix of sun, sand, and hospitality.
Discover Orlando’s best beaches for families
Cocoa Beach: Space launches and surf lessons for young swimmers
Cocoa Beach is Orlando’s closest beach, about an hour drive east. This family-friendly paradise offers wide, sandy shores, and a variety of activities for families, especially those with young swimmers. Kids can take surfing lessons from local instructors, build sandcastles, or explore nearby parks filled with playgrounds and picnic areas. This stretch of shoreline is also known as “Space Coast,” as the hub of U.S. space exploration and home to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — so keep an eye on the sky if you happen to visit during a rocket launch. After the beach, head into town or stroll the famous Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier to discover local eateries, ice cream and shaved ice stands, and surf shops. Look forward to unwinding at Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, where your family will enjoy spacious rooms and suites with Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton™, private beach access, and a sparkling outdoor pool.
Daytona Beach: Boardwalk fun and oceanfront retreats for all ages
Further north up the east coast and about one hour from Orlando, you’ll find the lively destination of Daytona Beach. Famously the host of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, this coastal hotspot is also known for its 23 miles (37 kilometers) of shoreline. Your family will love the expansive white-sand beaches, shallow surf, and the iconic Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier with amusements like arcade games and mini-golf, as well as beachfront dining options. Located just steps from the boardwalk and across the street from the family-favorite Daytona Lagoon waterpark is the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. The family-friendly hotel provides direct beach access with gear rentals, two outdoor pools, spacious rooms and suites, and plenty of things to do without ever leaving the property.
Clearwater Beach: White sands, calm waters, and kid-friendly adventures
On the west coast of Florida in the Tampa Bay area, about two hours from Orlando, is stunning Clearwater Beach. This family-friendly destination lives up to its name with dazzling shores and powdery-white sand. The gentle Gulf waves make it ideal for families with young children, while year-round lifeguards help add peace of mind during waterside play. Beyond the beach, your family can enjoy a variety of memorable activities, like the entertaining Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, family-friendly dolphin tours, a day of discovery at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and sunset strolls along Pier 60. Stay at the nearby Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa to enjoy oceanfront accommodations, beachside covered decks, private cabanas, a tiki bar on the sand, and a spa specializing in lava shell massages and sunburned skin therapies.
Family beach day checklist:
Freeze water bottles the night before to keep snacks cool and ensure you have cold drinks later in the day.
Check the weather and tide reports the morning of to prepare for any last-minute changes.
Bring plenty of sun protection and apply the first round of sunscreen before leaving your room.
Pack baby powder or cornstarch — it's excellent for easily brushing sand off feet and skin before getting back in the car.
Arrive early to get a good spot on the beach and take advantage of upgrades like shaded cabanas and premium picnic spots.
Check in with your hotel’s concierge team to get the inside scoop on which family-friendly amenities and kids' activities should not be missed.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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