Long Weekend Getaways: Five Simple Beach Retreats From Orlando

In our series on long weekend getaways, we’re sharing tips to maximize your summer Fridays, school breaks, and the extended days of the season. Check back weekly for fresh itineraries and easy escapes to vibrant cities.

While the theme parks may be the main attraction drawing you to Orlando (or perhaps you’re a local), if you’re ready for a break from rides and character parades, explore the fantastic beach spots just a drive away from the Mouse.

From surfing in the Atlantic to paddleboarding in the Gulf, Orlando is conveniently located near a range of beach towns, each offering its own unique atmosphere. For instance, Daytona Beach is only an hour away, featuring a new Hard Rock Hotel and a wonderfully kitschy vibe. Alternatively, if you’re starting a long Florida getaway after a half-day Friday, consider a trip to Amelia Island, which is a three-hour drive from Orlando.

Regardless of which stretch of Florida beach you choose, you can always sink your toes into the sand and savor the moment.

Daytona Beach

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour

Ideal for: Parents looking to relive their spring break adventures.

With its 23 miles of white sandy beaches and the influx of college students in the 1980s and 1990s, Daytona Beach has developed quite a lively reputation. However, this charming beach town, nestled along a broad stretch of the Atlantic, still retains a delightful Old Florida vibe. Spend a weekend in Daytona Beach exploring vintage surf shops, enjoying a ride on the Ferris wheel at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier, or catching a concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. For breathtaking views, climb the 175-foot Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Sports enthusiasts can watch a game at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the venue for the first integrated professional baseball game, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Daytona International Speedway.

Where to stay: The newly opened Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Featuring a guitar-shaped kids' pool and Taylor Swift's bikini displayed in the lobby as part of the hotel’s famous memorabilia collection, this new beach resort that debuted in March is perfect for music fans of all ages. Set the vibe with complimentary vinyl records to play on your in-room turntable, take a swim in the oceanfront pool equipped with an underwater sound system, or simply gather seashells on some of the world’s most renowned shores. Use the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to book through Hotels.com and earn 10x miles on your stay until January 31, 2020. Plus, the Hotels.com Rewards program offers one free night for every ten nights paid, effectively increasing your return to 20% when you use the Venture card.

Don't miss: All guests at the Hard Rock hotel can choose from a selection of Fender instruments for in-room use, complete with headphones so you can play without disturbing your neighbors.

Anna Maria Island

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

Ideal for: Families seeking a relaxed island getaway — even if just for a long weekend.

Stretching just seven miles and featuring a 35 miles-per-hour speed limit, this barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is home to three delightful beach towns: Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria, and Holmes Beach. It's an ideal spot to explore by scooter or bicycle. Uncover tropical boutiques and quaint ice cream parlors in the island's main villages, and rent a kayak or paddleboard from Beach Bums Island Latitude to glide through the serene bays and back canals, where you're likely to encounter dolphins and manatees.

Accommodation option: Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club

This charming new resort offers elegant suites and convenient boat slips for water arrivals. Guests can embark on family charters, join guided fishing trips, or borrow a kayak from Waterline's Beach Club. Unique activities like fish painting are available for both visitors and locals, fostering connections with the island community. As part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, rooms can be booked for 35,000 to 40,000 points per night. To accumulate points, consider the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card, which provides new users with 75,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months. You can also convert Starpoints to Marriott at a 1:3 ratio.

Must-try experiences: Sip sunset cocktails at the Sandbar and savor fresh seafood at Beach Bistro, both located right by the Gulf of Mexico.

Amelia Island

Travel time from Orlando: 3 hours

Ideal for: Couples seeking a peaceful escape.

Measuring just 18 miles in length and three miles wide, this charming northeast Florida island near the Georgia border features a delightful 50-block downtown area, Fernandina Beach, known for its stunning Victorian, Queen Anne, and Italianate homes and inns, many recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll through the boutiques along Centre Street and indulge in treats at Fantastic Fudge (don’t forget to grab extra for the drive back to Orlando). While on Amelia Island, visit the Palace Saloon, touted as the oldest bar in the state, and enjoy their signature Pirate's Punch. End your day with a scenic narrated horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset.

Recommended accommodation: Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

This expansive resort spans 1,350 acres along the beachfront. Rent a bike or a golf cart from Amelia's Wheels to discover scenic nature trails and tranquil marshes and lagoons, where the only sounds are the cheerful birdsong. Wander through the Shops at Amelia Island Plantation, featuring a delightful French deli, Marché Burette, and the Natural Slice pizzeria—two standout dining options nestled beside a charming pond. Golf enthusiasts can choose from three championship courses, while the plantation’s miles of private beaches offer a perfect retreat for sunbathers with a good book. Stay by the beach after sunset and reserve a private campfire experience complete with s’mores. Use the Capital One Venture Card to earn 10x miles on your Hotels.com booking, or leverage the Citi Prestige Card for a fourth night free when reserving through the Citi concierge.

Don't miss: Experience horseback riding on the beach or through Amelia Island State Park with the family-run Kelly Seahorse Ranch.

St. Pete Beach

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

Best for: Families looking to step back in time.

This relaxed, central Florida beach town along the Gulf of Mexico is characterized by pink sunsets and gentle waves. The dress code is all about flip-flops and swimsuit cover-ups, as relaxing on the beach with a frozen cocktail is the main draw. When you need a break from the sun, catch the free beach trolley to explore the quirky shops in the historic 8th Avenue shopping area, book a ride on the Shell Key Shuttle for a quick trip to Shell Island for snorkeling and shell-collecting, or visit the historic Merry Pier for some great fishing.

Where to stay: The Don CeSar Beach Resort

This iconic hotel, with its striking pink exterior and charming bell towers and turrets, has been a landmark since opening in 1928. The Gatsby-esque atmosphere combines beachy vibes with luxurious comforts, all while being family-friendly. The resort features spacious suites, several oceanfront pools, a vintage ice cream shop named Uncle Andy's, and a range of water sports—Jet Skis, banana boats, paddleboards—available right on the beach. Kids can join Camp CeSar while you indulge in a rooftop spa massage with stunning Gulf views. If you book through Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection—accessible to cardholders of options like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Ink Business Preferred, and United Explorer—you'll enjoy perks like complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, and late checkout.

Don't miss: The Don CeSar's lobby bar features a resident pianist who serenades guests with smooth jazz every evening. Savor an Old Fashioned as you soak in the atmosphere, reminiscent of a scene straight out of Gatsby's era.

Cocoa Beach

Distance from Orlando: 1.5 hours

Ideal for: Adventurous souls keen to dive into Florida's vibrant surf scene.

Cocoa Beach, a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, boasts six miles of stunning sandy shores. Known as the home of world champion surfer Kelly Slater, it features the flagship Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf shop globally, making it a prime spot for wave riding during your Florida getaway. The historic Cocoa Beach Pier, stretching 800 feet into the ocean, is a lively venue for dining, live music, and unique shopping. Grab a fishing rod and tackle on the pier or explore the Indian River Lagoon's 1,000 Islands with Cocoa Beach Kayaking. Enjoy fresh seafood on the tiki deck at Coconuts On the Beach, where you can watch cruise ships and enjoy a game of beach volleyball. Visit historic Cocoa Village, a charming riverside area filled with shops, eateries, and art studios.

Recommended accommodations: The Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Perfectly situated in the heart of the action, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront offers surf lessons, boogie boards, and rentals for bikes and beach gear. After soaking up the sun, relax by the pool at Longboards Tiki Beach Grille. Take a stroll to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop and the famous "I Dream of Jeannie" Lane, known from the 1960s sitcom. You can use points from cards like the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, which currently gives new cardholders 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, to book stays starting at 40,000 points a night.

Must-see: Just a short 20-minute drive from Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center, NASA's main hub, draws curious visitors of all ages. Here, you can tour launch pads, meet real astronauts, and possibly witness a launch in action.