Mar 10, 2023
best beaches in Florida

Spring is in the air and we don’t know about you, but we’re ready to hit the beach and make the most of it. We have incredible beaches right here in Central Florida, but it’s also exciting to take a road trip to explore new shorelines. Our Orlando Toyota dealership has come up with a list of road-trip-worthy beaches for your next vacation – happy travels, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Some of the best beaches for road trips this year

We know there are beautiful beaches all over the country, but we decided to make it easy for you and keep things on the east coast (we know a road trip to California is no easy feat). Here are our top east coast picks to explore.

Beach #1: Destin

Destin is famous for its Gulf Coast beaches – the white sugar sand, the turquoise water, and the party atmosphere make it a top spring break destination. However, partying isn’t all it has to offer. Destin has excellent fishing for Grouper and Red Snapper offshore, so don’t forget to bring your fishing poles. Plus, there’s a wide sandbar that’s only accessible by boat for a more secluded hangout spot. Travel time from Orlando: 6 hours

Beach #2: The Golden Isles 

The Golden Isles are actually composed of four barrier islands – Jekyll Island, Sea Island, St. Simon’s Island, and Little St. Simon’s Island. Jekyll Island is renowned for Driftwood Beach, where giant driftwood has washed up and covers the shoreline for a perfect picture opportunity. The Golden Isles beaches are also famous for their miles of uninterrupted shoreline for walking and biking, as well as quaint houses and shops. Travel time from Orlando: 4.5 hours

Driftwood Beach

Beach #3: Naples 

Naples is located in South Florida and overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, so you can expect warm, calm waters most of the year. It’s not cheap – we won’t lie – but you can experience high-end dining, shopping, and beautiful boutique hotels when you visit. Naples also has excellent spots for kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as fishing off the piers and watching sunsets over the gulf. Travel time from Orlando: 4 hours

South Florida beaches

Beach #4: Assateague Island 

Head north for a little different vibe; Assateague Island is a barrier island off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. It’s not exactly a tropical spot, but it’s famous for a different reason – wild horses roam the beaches, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can camp on the island, and there are great spots for swimming, sunbathing, and horseback riding on the beaches. Travel time from Orlando: 9 hours

beach road trips

Beach #5: Ocean City Beach 

Ocean City Beach is another out-of-state destination to explore; it’s located in Ocean City, Maryland. The beaches are wide and the sand is soft, and there’s a boardwalk along the beach to wander while you shop, eat, and play – there’s even an amusement park for thrill-seekers. Don’t miss out on the fresh crab! Travel time from Orlando: 13.5 hours (so be sure to find a halfway spot to spend the night if you don’t want to power through)

Easy coast road trips

Beach #6: Sanibel Island 

Sanibel Island is another Florida beach that’s a quieter spot perfect for families and those who want to relax. It’s famed for “shelling” – collecting beautiful shells – and offers great nature trails for hiking, swimming, and even picnic spots. Travel time from Orlando: 4 hours

best Florida beaches to see

Get road trip ready at Toyota of Orlando

Is your car ready for a summer road trip? It can be – Toyota of Orlando can help. Call us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.