Discover sandy shores, beachside vibes and tropical fare in Orlando, no day trip required.
In sun-kissed Orlando, there are so many hotspots to take a dip and grab a tan on a shoreline without having to leave town. Whether you wish to spend your time sunbathing at a sandy resort or savoring the flavors of the sea, we’ll help you discover all the breezy accommodations, restaurants and water parks where the coast meets the city.
Discover: Splash Into Unique Water Activities
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Discovery Cove®: An All-Inclusive Beach Paradise
Catch a wave at Discovery Cove®, an all-inclusive day resort where you can expect exciting animal encounters and all-day entertainment. Swim with dolphins, snorkel among tropical sea life and hand-feed exotic birds before you explore the rocky lagoons and winding rivers of this sun-soaked retreat. Every reservation includes breakfast, lunch, unlimited snacks and drinks – including beer and wine.
Put your shades on, sink into the white sand, and enjoy food and drinks to your heart’s content!
Discover: Perfect Day at Discovery Cove
Beachy Resorts in Orlando
Orlando has no shortage of beachy resorts that bring the tropical escape to the heart of the city. From loungey pool decks to massive man-made beaches with sandy shorelines, your perfect island day waits just around the corner.
Discover: Places to Stay
Evermore Orlando Resort
Evermore Orlando Resort delivers a true beach escape with Evermore Bay, a crystal‑clear lagoon spanning 8 acres of water and 20 acres of sandy shoreline all within close driving distance of Orlando’s premium attractions and shopping spots.
Discover: Multigeneration Fun at Evermore
Evermore offers elevated resort services including personalized housekeeping options and 24/7 guest support along with one‑of‑a‑kind amenities that make your stay feel exclusive, like access to the Grand Cypress Golf Club and luxurious private cabanas.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando Resort is inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and ‘60s, blending iconic architecture with a retro look and feel.
Discover: Inside Look at Universal Cabana Bay
Here, you can take a swim in one of their massive pools or ride the lazy river around the resort. If you’re looking for more energetic beach activities, the resort has a dedicated walking path to Universal Volcano Bay, where you can find the one of the best beach escapes with a variety of rides and attractions near the show-stopping volcano. Please note that valid Universal Volcano Bay admission tickets are required and are not included with your overnight stay.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Decorated with swaying palms and lush vegetation, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort is a beach-like oasis that captures the spirit of the South Pacific. You can spend time walking through their Polynesia-inspired tropical terrace gardens or decompress in the Cove Pool. With an exotic island ambience and exciting world-class restaurants, the moonlit nights here will keep you in oceanic bliss. When you're ready to leave the sand, Magic Kingdom® Park is just a short walk or Monorail ride away.
Discover: Stay & Play at Disney Resorts Collection
Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Inspired by New England’s Old World charm, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort showcase a stunning boardwalk and plenty of coastal vibes just steps from EPCOT®. The resorts share sand‑bottomed pools and lagoons throughout Stormalong Bay, a beachside water wonderland. You can also rent watercrafts at the resort’s Bayside Marina to make the most of this beach‑inspired escape at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a lavish Victorian-style resort that’s steps away from the sandy Seven Seas Lagoon. This is the type of beach getaway where you can find a live orchestra playing ragtime jazz in the lobby before you step out and watch fireworks light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle — or take the Monorail to see them in person.
Here, you can slide down a 181-foot-long water slide as you plunge into the cool Beach Pool or you can rejuvenate your body and mind with the help of their full-service spa. Then, explore all that Walt Disney World has to offer beyond beachy views.
Lake Nona Wave Hotel Pool Deck
The Lake Nona Wave Hotel pool deck is a bold and colorful haven that’s ideal for laid-back stays in a modern setting. Book a private poolside cabana and unplug with a packed mini fridge and an entertainment console, or take a stroll around the hotel’s larger-than-life sculpture garden.
Discover: Orlando’s Coolest Pools
Once you’ve had your fill of sun, step inside and treat yourself to a selection of fine dining that includes the eloquent Garni Cafe for some small bites and cocktails, MICHELIN Recommended BACÁN for refined Americas-inspired cuisine, and MICHELIN Recommended Nami for contemporary Japanese fare.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Margaritaville Resort Orlando is a sun-drenched hideaway that’s minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. You can sit on soft sands and swim through warm waters in their Fins Up Beach Club, or take a moment to unwind at their St. Somewhere Spa, where they offer massages, skin care, head spa and many other services.
Book a room here and you’ll get complimentary admission to Island H2O Live! water park just steps away from the resort, a perfect way to upgrade the day with fun and play.
Beachside Bliss at Orlando Water Parks
What is a water park if not a small beach, only splashier and packed with thrilling attractions? Orlando is home to a variety of sandy water parks where you can find high-energy thrills or just some time to slow down and recharge.
Discover: Guide to Orlando Water Parks
Discover waterfront fun for the whole family at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Aquatica® Orlando, Universal Volcano Bay, Island H2O Live!, and LEGOLAND® Water Park — each offering its own unique world of aquatic adventure.
Coastal-Inspired Seafood Restaurants
Looking for some coastal flavors? Orlando brings the ocean to your table with seafood restaurants ranging from MICHELIN Recommended stunners to local favorites brimming with nautical flair, making it swimmingly easy to dive in and taste the sea without leaving the city.
Discover: Orlando Food & Dining
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar
Winter Park’s Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar is a modern iteration of the Southern fish camps that used to pop up around coastal shorelines, complete with a rustic atmosphere and a menu spotlighting freshly caught seafood.
Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park
With daily blackboard specials and signature dishes that are sourced directly from local Southern waters like fried seafood platters and country boils, this coastal dining experience is a must.
Landry’s Seafood House
Experience a slice of the Gulf Coast at Landry’s Seafood House, which is just a short drive away from Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando.
Menu favorites range from Fire‑Roasted Oysters, Blackened Mahi‑Mahi and Chilean Sea Bass to premium steaks and poultry — perfect for seafood lovers and carnivores alike.
Canvas
Canvas is one of Orlando’s prime waterfront dining spots, located in the heart of Lake Nona at the Laureate Park Village Center. This neighborhood treasure serves up beloved American cuisine that focuses on seasonal, regional produce and fresh seafood.
Discover: Things to Do in Lake Nona
With standout dishes like Tequila Shrimp, Baja Fish Tacos and Oven-Roasted Salmon — coupled with their Lakeside Happy Hour cocktails — you’re shore to have a great time.
Paddlefish
Paddlefish at Disney Springs® is a luxurious steamboat that doubles as an award-winning seafood restaurant with 360-degree views of Lake Buena Vista and the excitement of Disney’s renowned shopping and dining district.
Discover: Things to Do at DISNEY SPRINGS
Their menu features a special Daily Catch as well as Whole Maine Lobster, King Crab, Scallops and even Filet Mignon for those who prefer some turf with their surf.
The Nauti Lobstah
The Nauti Lobstah is a family-owned Orlando gem in Apopka, just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. This award-winning spot offers a variety of New England and Northeastern seafood in a warm, casual setting.
Highlights on the menu include steamed snow crabs and their legendary “Biggest Lobster Roll in Florida”: a 2‑foot Lobstah Roll stuffed with 2 pounds of tender lobster!
Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe
Explore an Orlando staple at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe, which offers dining right along the historic waters of its namesake lake. This upscale‑casual restaurant and bar is known for its craft cocktails and popular brunch and dinner menus, featuring a diverse selection of dishes with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
Some standout favorites include the New England Lobster Roll, Crispy Duck Confit, Escargot and Seared Scallops Pappardelle, while their brunch-time bottomless mimosas are sure to keep the celebration going well into the afternoon.
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