Did you know that no matter where you are in the state of Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the coastline? Of course, how long it takes to get to a beach depends on traffic. It can be hard to decide which beaches near Orlando to go to for Labor Day Weekend. This practical guide to Central Florida area beaches will help you find the right beach for you.
What is the closest beach to Orlando?
Although Orlando is part of Central Florida, the majority of the Orlando area is a little closer to the east coast of Florida. And besides the slight lean towards the Atlantic coast, there is generally less traffic and congestion driving from Orlando to the Space Coast and the Volusia County beaches. Labor Day weekend at the beach is bound to be busy, so consider the East Coast for less traffic and less crowds.
Let's take a look at some of the closest beaches near Orlando:
- Melbourne
- Titusville
- New Smyrna Beach
- Ponce Inlet
By the way, if you have kids with you, check out these beaches with playgrounds in the Daytona Beach area!
Beaches near Orlando for Labor Day weekend
Melbourne Beach
Location: 30 minutes south of Cocoa Beach, with beach access along A1A from 1st Street to Surf Road
Best for: A quieter, more relaxing beach that's still close to Orlando
Parking and admission: There are free lots along Atlantic Avenue / A1A starting at Ocean Avenue down to Surf Road, but they are small
Situated along Florida's Space Coast, the city of Melbourne is located a little less than 90 minutes from downtown Orlando. Melbourne Beach is quieter and more relaxed than Cocoa Beach. History Point Melbourne (194 Ocean Avenue) is a great place to start when visiting Melbourne Beach. Free parking along A1A fills up fast, so Melbourne Beach is best for early risers.
If you're coming from the Kissimmee / St. Cloud area, Melbourne Beach is closer to you than Cocoa Beach. And if you'd rather not get your toes sandy, Historic Downtown Melbourne and the trendy Eau Gallie Arts District are great to explore on Labor Day Weekend.
Playalinda Beach in Titusville
Location: Playalinda Beach is reached via Fla 402 (also known as Beach Road)
Best for: The ultimate Space Coast destination
Parking and admission: There is a park entrance fee of $20 for one vehicle, it is valid for 7 days
Not too far from Cocoa Beach is Titusville. It is about 30 minutes north of Cocoa Beach, so if you are coming from the north side of Orlando, towards Seminole County, it is convenient. Here you’ll find a smaller beach town with a charming historic downtown. Celebrating Americana in a historic area like this is great for Labor Day weekend.
Titusville celebrates the unique culture of the space program and is a very popular spot for viewing rocket launches. There aren’t as many public-access beaches here, but you will find a nice selection of restaurants and lounges. Make sure to also stop by Playalinda Brewing.
Playalinda Beach in Titusville is where to head for beach access. This beautiful beach is housed within a natural reserve, the Canaveral National Seashore. FYI: it is home to a nude beach (around parking lot 13, the farthest pier). If you wish to avoid this area there is plenty of space — just park at one of the lots before parking lot 13. And if you prefer to explore the nude beach, well, you know where to go!
New Smyrna Beach
Location: Volusia County, closest beach to Seminole County and West Volusia County
Best for: Charming small-town feel with great local dining and shopping
Parking and admission: Free parking in select small parking lots along Flagler Avenue and side streets – walking involved, parking lots closest to the beach are $20 per day
New Smyrna Beach is small, but mighty. Charming small businesses make up this town, and there are plenty of great restaurants for a delicious Labor Day weekend meal. Locals call New Smyrna Beach “NSB” and you're sure to see “NSB” stickers on cars as you approach the area. Plentiful beachside parks give you another way to enjoy the beach. One of my favorites is 27th Avenue Beachfront Park, with its beachside playground and picnic facilities. There is also a dog-friendly beach at Smyrna Dunes Park (though it is very popular on the weekends and usually reaches capacity by 11:00 am).
Important note: Driving on the beach is allowed through most of New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach. Please be extremely careful around children.
BONUS IDEA: Ponce Inlet is a quiet beach in between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Although the southern tip of Ponce Inlet is open to beach driving, most of Ponce Inlet beaches are closed to vehicles. Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet is a great choice for free parking and access to a quieter beach.
Jetty Park
Location: 15 minutes north of Cocoa Beach
Best for: Small beach with calmer waters
Parking and admission: $15 to park – a parking pass / day pass is required and must be purchased online, in advance.
Jetty Park is one of my favorite beaches on the Atlantic coast, and it is so fun for Labor Day. 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.
From Jetty Park, you can enjoy the beach, walk out on the pier, and watch cruise ships head out 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 prior to 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.
Quiet Beaches Near Orlando to Escape the Labor Day Weekend Crowds
- Honeymoon Island (Gulf Coast)
- Egmont Key State Park (Gulf Coast)
Not too far from Clearwater Beach is Honeymoon Island. This beautiful Florida state park is perfect for Labor Day weekend. You can rent bicycles and kayaks for the ultimate in 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.
Another Gulf Coast destination for Labor Day Weekend 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 for Labor Day Weekend.
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.
Feature image credit: Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier