Apopka FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Apopka, Florida.
1. Wekiwa Springs State Park
EMERALD SPRINGS PARADISE
Wekiwa Springs State Park features emerald springs feeding the Wekiwa River surrounded by lush tropical hammocks, perfect for observing abundant wildlife or cooling off on a summer day. Visitors can explore miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback, or enjoy swimming in the azure waters that have made it Orange County's longest-running tourist attraction. The park offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities, allowing guests to paddle past the purple blooms of pickerelweed in this natural oasis just minutes from downtown Orlando.
2. Lake Apopka North Shore
WILDLIFE HAVEN WATERFRONT
Lake Apopka North Shore is a restored natural area that has been transformed from former muck farms into a haven for wildlife. The area features a Loop Trail that follows the lake's edge, providing over 20 miles of hiking and biking opportunities with scenic waterfront views. Visitors can also experience the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the property, offering unique opportunities to observe the lake's ecosystem.
3. Daytona Beach
DRIVE-ON BEACH CLASSIC
Daytona Beach is a spirited coastal city famed for its hard-packed sands that allow visitors to drive directly on the beach. Located about an hour from Orlando, this beach offers watersports, a legendary pier, and world-class dining and shopping experiences. Beyond the beach itself, visitors can enjoy deep sea fishing, golfing, and attractions like the Daytona International Speedway.
4. Ponce Inlet
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH ADVENTURE
Ponce Inlet features a wide, drivable beach with thick sand, perfect for those seeking nature and awe-inspiring beauty without high rises and crowds. The beach area offers numerous watersports including parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, and speedboat rentals for adventure seekers. A standout attraction is Florida's tallest lighthouse, which challenges visitors to climb it for panoramic coastal views.
5. Cocoa Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATLANTIC GETAWAY
Cocoa Beach is one of the closest Atlantic Ocean beaches to Orlando, making it a perfect day trip destination for families. The beach offers a wide shoreline with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing in a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the Cocoa Beach Pier with its restaurants, shops, and fishing opportunities, all within about an hour's drive from Orlando.
6. New Smyrna Beach
SURFER'S PARADISE COAST
New Smyrna Beach is a renowned surfing destination with consistent waves that attract water sports enthusiasts from across the region. The charming beach town features 17 miles of white sand beaches with options for both driving and non-driving beach access. Beyond the shore, visitors can explore a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants just over an hour from Apopka.
7. Silver Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Silver Springs State Park is home to one of Florida's largest artesian springs, creating a stunning crystal-clear waterway perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can take the famous glass-bottom boat tours to observe fish, turtles, alligators, and other wildlife through the transparent waters. The park combines natural beauty with recreational opportunities including swimming, hiking trails, and picnic areas in a lush, subtropical setting.
8. Canaveral National Seashore
PRISTINE UNDEVELOPED COASTLINE
Canaveral National Seashore offers 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline, providing one of Florida's most natural beach experiences. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and beachcombing in a protected environment that serves as an important habitat for numerous endangered species including sea turtles. The park's Playalinda Beach section is particularly popular for its unspoiled beauty and occasional rocket launch viewing opportunities from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
9. Blue Spring State Park
MANATEE VIEWING HAVEN
Blue Spring State Park centers around a first-magnitude spring that creates a stunning blue waterway flowing to the St. Johns River. During winter months, the park becomes a crucial warm water refuge for hundreds of West Indian manatees, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. In summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and kayaking in the refreshing 72-degree spring water surrounded by lush Florida vegetation.
10. Clearwater Beach
SUGAR SAND GULF PARADISE
Clearwater Beach is renowned for its powder-white sand beaches and crystal-clear, shallow waters along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach offers a perfect setting for swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin-watching tours that depart from the marina. Visitors especially enjoy the nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, featuring street performers, artisans, and breathtaking views across the Gulf waters.