Daytona Beach
Promising 23 miles of wide flat sands, Daytona Beach is just two hours' drive from the Melbourne airport. Famously the home of NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway, it's also one of few places in the US where it's legal to drive on the beach.
New Smyrna Beach
For a more relaxed vibe, head to New Smyrna Beach where fine white sands, gentle surf and a classic boardwalk offer a quintessential Florida beach holiday.
Cocoa Beach
A 30-minute drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Cocoa Beach on the Space Coast is the Surf Capital of Florida. On the six-mile stretch of buttery sands you'll find surf schools, tiki bars and seafood diners.
Melbourne Beach
Even closer to the airport is Melbourne Beach, a laidback beach town with colourful murals and an independent bar and dining scene, as well as dune-banked beaches that are great for families.
Fort Lauderdale
A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport is Fort Lauderdale. Known as the Venice of America, the beachfront city has 165 miles of inland canals and waterways best seen on the Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise.
Miami
A little further south is Miami, famous for its heavenly white-sand beaches, pastel-hued Art Deco hotels and lively party scene. Stay at South Beach for the ultimate Miami holiday.
Naples
Known for its pristine beaches, championship golf courses and high-end shopping, Naples is a chichi beachfront city on the southern Gulf Coast. It’s less than a four-hour drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
Everglades National Park
Naples is also one of the gateways into the 'gator-filled wetlands of Everglades National Park. Take an airboat tour of Florida's protected swamps and marshland and see wild alligators, bald eagles and roseate spoonbills.
Clearwater
The quartz-white sands and turquoise seas of Clearwater and St Pete's are only a two-hour drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Ride the Sea Screamer, the world's largest speedboat, enjoy a fresh grouper sandwich and see the sunset over Pier 60.
St Pete Beach
Nearby, St. Pete's has a world-class art scene, including the Salvador Dalí Museum, alongside its miles of pristine beach and nearby untouched barrier islands to explore.
Orlando
The undisputed theme park capital of the world, Orlando is an easy hour's drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Home of Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida, Orlando is at the heart of family holidays to Florida. After riding the white-knuckle 'coasters at Universal Studios and seeing Mickey Mouse and friends at Walt Disney World, hit up International Drive for some retail therapy and restaurant hopping.
