The closest and most popular beach to Orlando is Cocoa Beach, located approximately 45 to 60 minutes east on the Atlantic coast. It is famous for its laid-back surf culture and the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. However, if you are looking for what is widely considered the "nicest" beach near Orlando, many travelers prefer Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast. Although it is a further drive (about 90 minutes to 2 hours west), Clearwater is renowned for its sugar-white quartz sand that stays cool to the touch and its calm, turquoise waters which are ideal for swimming and families. Another top-tier option is New Smyrna Beach, which is closer than Clearwater (about 1 hour east) and offers a more "local" feel with beautiful wide sands and the ability to drive your car directly onto certain parts of the beach. For those seeking untouched natural beauty, Canaveral National Seashore offers 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped coastline just an hour away, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling theme park environment of Central Florida.