Maitland FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Maitland, Florida.
1. Sybelia Beach Park
LAKESIDE OASIS DOWNTOWN
Sybelia Beach Park is a 1.5-acre lakeside retreat offering wonderful views of Lake Sybelia conveniently located near downtown Maitland. Visitors can enjoy picnic tables, restroom facilities, and peaceful lake views from sunrise until sunset. The park provides a serene escape with easy access from the city, making it perfect for a quick nature retreat or relaxing afternoon by the water.
2. Wekiwa Springs State Park
NATURAL SPRINGS PARADISE
Wekiwa Springs State Park features crystal-clear springs with year-round 72-degree water perfect for swimming and snorkeling near Maitland. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the Wekiva River, plus hiking trails through lush Florida wilderness. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife viewing, and camping in this natural oasis just a short drive from Maitland.
3. Blue Spring State Park
MANATEE VIEWING HAVEN
Blue Spring State Park is home to a first-magnitude spring that creates a stunning blue swimming area and serves as winter refuge for hundreds of manatees. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and tube in the refreshing 73-degree water during summer months while enjoying the park's natural beauty. The park also offers river boat tours, hiking trails, and camping facilities for a complete nature experience.
4. Cocoa Beach
ICONIC ATLANTIC PLAYGROUND
Cocoa Beach is a famous Atlantic Ocean destination about an hour from Orlando featuring wide sandy shores and consistent waves perfect for swimming and surfing. The beach is home to the renowned Ron Jon Surf Shop and Cocoa Beach Pier, offering dining, shopping, and entertainment right on the ocean. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, ample parking, and proximity to other Space Coast attractions.
5. New Smyrna Beach
SURF AND DRIVE BEACH
New Smyrna Beach offers 17 miles of white sandy beaches where visitors can drive directly onto the hard-packed sand for convenient beach access. Known as one of Florida's best surfing spots, the beach features consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The charming beachside community includes restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions that complement the natural beauty of this Atlantic coast destination.
6. Daytona Beach
FAMOUS DRIVING BEACH
Daytona Beach is renowned for its hard-packed sand that allows cars to drive directly on the beach, creating a unique coastal experience less than an hour from Orlando. The vibrant beachfront features a famous boardwalk and pier with rides, games, and restaurants overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore the Daytona International Speedway, museums, shopping districts, and a variety of water activities from parasailing to deep-sea fishing.
7. Canaveral National Seashore
PRISTINE UNDEVELOPED COASTLINE
Canaveral National Seashore preserves 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped Atlantic beach offering visitors a glimpse of Florida's natural coastline untouched by development. The protected area provides habitat for thousands of plant and animal species, including nesting sea turtles and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking while experiencing solitude and natural beauty rarely found on Florida's east coast.
8. Fleet Peeples Park
DOG-FRIENDLY LAKE RETREAT
Fleet Peeples Park offers access to Lake Baldwin with a popular dog-friendly beach area where pets can splash and swim off-leash in designated areas. The 23-acre park features sandy shores, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp for non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards. Visitors appreciate the shaded areas, walking paths around the lake, and the relaxed atmosphere just minutes from Maitland.
9. Ponce Inlet
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH GETAWAY
Ponce Inlet features wide, drive-on beaches with thick sand and fewer crowds than neighboring beach towns, creating a more natural coastal experience. The area is home to Florida's tallest lighthouse, which visitors can climb for panoramic ocean views spanning for miles. Water enthusiasts enjoy excellent conditions for parasailing, jet skiing, fishing, and boating in this scenic destination just over an hour from Maitland.
10. Satellite Beach
SERENE SPACE COAST SHORES
Satellite Beach offers a more relaxed alternative to busier beaches with its clean, wide shoreline and family-friendly atmosphere along Florida's Space Coast. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and beachcombing while occasionally witnessing rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. The beach community provides convenient amenities including free parking, restrooms, and picnic areas while maintaining a less commercialized environment than many Florida beaches.