Astatula FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Astatula, Florida.
1. Lake Louisa State Park
PRISTINE LAKES AND TRAILS
Lake Louisa State Park features beautiful sandy beaches along six distinct lakes, offering visitors a serene escape in a natural Florida setting. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the clear waters, or explore the park's extensive network of hiking and biking trails. The park's camping facilities and cabins make it a perfect destination for weekend getaways with easy access to waterfront activities.
2. Wekiwa Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING WATERS
Wekiwa Springs State Park showcases a stunning natural spring with crystal-clear waters that maintain a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. The emerald pool and sandy beach area provide perfect spots for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation, while the connecting Wekiva River offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors appreciate the park's well-maintained facilities, including picnic areas and trails, making it a beloved destination for families seeking a natural water experience.
3. Blue Spring State Park
MANATEE VIEWING PARADISE
Blue Spring State Park features a stunning first-magnitude spring that creates a vibrant blue swimming area popular during summer months. The spring run flows to the St. Johns River and serves as winter refuge for hundreds of manatees, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities from November to March. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and hiking along the boardwalk that provides excellent views of both the spring and its aquatic inhabitants.
4. Juniper Springs Recreation Area
PRISTINE FOREST SWIMMING
Juniper Springs Recreation Area features a stunning natural spring pool surrounded by the lush Ocala National Forest, offering crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The historic mill house and water wheel add charm to this picturesque setting, while the adjacent Juniper Creek provides opportunities for kayaking through one of Florida's most scenic paddle runs. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities including picnic areas, camping sites, and hiking trails that make this a perfect natural escape.
5. Cocoa Beach
ICONIC ATLANTIC SURF SPOT
Cocoa Beach is an iconic Atlantic coast beach destination famous for its consistent waves and as the hometown of surfing legend Kelly Slater. The wide sandy shores provide ample space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and family outings, while the nearby Cocoa Beach Pier offers dining, shopping, and fishing opportunities. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, spectacular sunrises, and proximity to attractions like Kennedy Space Center, making it a well-rounded beach destination.
6. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE FUN
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Beach offers a sandy shoreline along Bay Lake with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks across the water. The beach area provides supervised swimming during daylight hours, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities in a setting that combines natural beauty with Disney's attention to detail. Visitors appreciate the resort's rustic ambiance and amenities, including nearby hiking trails, playgrounds, and dining options that make it a complete waterfront experience.
7. Stanley Pond Adventure Farm
RURAL WATER RECREATION
Stanley Pond Adventure Farm features a spring-fed pond where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddle boating in a charming rural setting. The farm offers unique water activities including a giant water slide and floating platforms that provide endless fun for families and groups. Beyond water recreation, guests can also explore the farm's agricultural attractions, making it a diverse destination that combines water fun with rural experiences.
8. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
FIRST-MAGNITUDE SPRING SWIMMING
Alexander Springs Recreation Area showcases one of Florida's few first-magnitude springs with exceptionally clear waters flowing at a constant 72 degrees. The spring basin features a gradual slope from shallow to deep areas, making it ideal for swimmers of all ages, while the surrounding tropical vegetation creates a paradise-like setting. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling to observe fish and underwater plants, scuba diving in the spring cavern, or paddling along Alexander Run, all within the beautiful Ocala National Forest.
9. Venetian Gardens
LAKESIDE PARK SYSTEM
Venetian Gardens offers a beautiful waterfront park system on the shores of Lake Harris with interconnected pools, islands, and canals. Visitors can enjoy fishing from multiple piers, paddling through the scenic waterways, or relaxing at the sandy beach area with playground facilities nearby. The gardens feature well-maintained walking paths, picnic pavilions, and a boat ramp, making it a versatile destination for both active recreation and peaceful lakeside enjoyment.
10. Clermont Waterfront Park
SCENIC LAKE MINNEOLA SHORES
Clermont Waterfront Park provides access to Lake Minneola with a sandy beach area perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park connects to the 30-mile South Lake Trail, making it popular with cyclists and runners who appreciate the beautiful lake views along their route. Visitors can enjoy the children's splash pad, beach volleyball courts, fishing pier, and boat ramps, all within walking distance of Clermont's charming downtown area.