The Magic of Walt Disney World can be both amazing and also very exhausting!
As fun as Disney World is, nothing beats the relaxing beaches with sand, splashing waves, and pure tranquility.
The swaying palm trees and clear warm water temperatures leave you wanting more. There are so many beautiful beaches near Disney World that you can easily drive to.
I am sure you want to relax at some beaches nearby
Why not?
Florida is a beach haven since it is filled with miles of beautiful white sands and blue waters BOTH on the East and West Coast.
Beaches come in different shapes and sizes.
Some are boisterous where you will find heavy crowds and even loud concerts.
Others tend to be quiet and tranquil where you will hardly come across someone.
Overview
- Ormond Beach
- New Smyrna Beach
- Cocoa Beach
- Flagler Beach
- Vero Beach
- Canaveral National Seashore
What do want when you come to a beach?
Do you prefer beaches that are more tranquil and peaceful.? There are plenty of perfect beaches for families that are not too busy.
Don’t be caught off-guard like many others. Equip yourself with our top favorite 5 essential beach must-haves and avoid common beach pitfalls! 🏖️🌞🌊
1. YETI Wheeled Cooler: Keep your drinks and snacks chilled under the sun.
2. Kelty Tent: Seek refuge from the sun with a lightweight, easy-to-set-up beach tent.
3. BeachBub Umbrella: Stay cool and protected with a durable, stylish UPF beach umbrella.
4. Trailhead Chair: Sit back and relax with a comfortable and sturdy beach chair.
5. CGear Sand-Free Mat Sand Blanket: Keep the sand at bay and stay comfortable with a sand-resistant blanket.
Six Beautiful Beaches near Disney World Florida
If you find yourself in Orlando and want a weekend getaway. Try these:
1. Ormond Beach:
What: This beach has a lot of long stretches of white sand and small crowds. Once frequented by Timucuan Indians but never really inhabited. There is 39 miles of city and 32 sq miles of land.
Location: Is located about about 77 miles from Walt Disney World and only 68 miles from Orlando itself.
Best way to get there? Take the I-4 East and follow signs for Ormond Beach; approximately an hour drive but it depends on traffic.
Fun Fact: John D Rockefeller was a hotel guest at the Ormond hotel back in 1914; he later bought an estate that he called home in the latter part of his life
Why:
- Quiet low-key beach.
- NO cars are allowed on this beach (i.e some stretches are permitted).
- Plenty of room to run, lay, play, spread out
- No crazy crowds.
- No crazy buildings blocking your view.
2. New Smyrna Beach
What: This beach consist of stretches of white sand and a hip vibe town. There are loads of restaurants, bars, and shopping shops along Flagler Avenue. There is history from the time when the Spanish from Mallorca inhabited this city.
Location:
About 71 miles from Walt Disney World and only 65 miles Northeast of Orlando in Volusia County.
Best way to get there? Take the I-4 east and FL-44 E
Fun Fact: National Geographics named this beach one of the “Top 20 surf towns” in 2012
Why:
- If you want a quieter beach, but with plenty of things to do to keep you entertained, then look no further than this beach.
- Catch amazing sunrises and sunsets.
- Walk Flagler Avenue
- Visit the restaurants, shops, and bars, and even a plant nursery
- Surf the waves
- If you’re lucky you’ll see a dolphin
- There’s also boutiques and art galleries
There of plenty of other things to see, be sure to check out the cheat sheet of things to do in New Smyrna Beach before you visit
3. Cocoa Beach
What: This beach is found on the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean and west of the Banana River. One of the most popular beaches near Orlando due to its proximity. The pier consist of mostly eateries and fishing premises.
Location:
Approximately 66 miles from Walt Disney World and about 70 miles from Orlando
best way to get there? Take the 528 toll road directly to cocoa beach
Fun Fact: the Cocoa beach pier was first named as cape canaveral pier and was built in 1962
Why:
- Cocoa Beach pier
- Volleyball nets on the sand
- Fishing pier with restaurants
- Ron Jons surf shop is one of the most visited
- Surfing is common
- Kennedy Space Center is only about 15 miles away
- Miles of walking beach spots
- Many things to do in the city such as escape rooms, jungle fun activities
- Perfect for families
- Beach rentals are common here
Cocoa Beach is one of the nicest places to visit and there a lot more things to do in this beach. These are some things you should know before you visit Cocoa Beach
4. Flagler Beach
What: This beach offers beautiful beach city with plenty of activities that include jogging, biking, hiking, fishing, and even shopping.
Location:
Approximately 92 miles from Walt Disney World and about 77 miles northeast of Orlando.
Best way to get there? Take the I-4 East and hop on the I-95 N
Fun Fact: It was named “ One of America’s Coolest beach towns” by Budget Travel magazine
Why:
Walk the Flagler Beach Pier which is 806 feet into the Atlantic Beach
Perfect place for fishing
Perfect for families to have a picnic
Rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles
Walk to the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic Park
Check out the Flagler Beach Historical Museum
Enjoy the outdoors by birdwatching at the Betty Steflick Memorial Preserve
5. Vero Beach
What: This beach offers a beautiful scene of city life and a casual relaxed vibe. Along the way you will find a beautiful botanical garden, water activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding, and many art galleries.
Location:
Approximately 101 miles from Disney World and without traffic about an hour and half.
Best way to get there? Take the 528 East to the I-95 South
Fun Fact: The botanical garden was a once a housing ground for lions, elephants, tigers and monkeys back in the year 1715
Why:
Unique museums and boutiques
Disney Vero Resort is located here
Pet friendly shops and places
Art galleries, photography Print stores to visit
Museums
Some parts of the beach are lifeguard protected
Water recreational activities are popular because of the Indian River Lagoon
26 miles of beach to walk
6. Canaveral National Seashore
What: This beach is a beautiful quiet and outstretched beach with wildlife. You can spot anything from turtle nesting sites, to wildlife bird species that inhabit this beach.
Location: This beach is located approximately 71 miles from Walt Disney World and only 60 miles from Orlando.
Best way to get there? Take the I-4 and 44 E straight into the Apollo Visitor Center.
Fun Fact: Parts of this beach are considered nudist areas so just a heads up
Why:
Quiet beach
no large crowds of people
peace and quietness
Nature is common; you can see turtle nesting areas, lots of bird species
Best for bird watchers
Nature lovers
25 miles of pristine beaches
Rocket launches can be seen from Kennedy Space Center
It can close early if there is a rocket launch that day so be sure to check the website beforehand
Conclusion
Walt Disney World is full of thrilling experiences, but after spending some time there head over to some nearby beaches. The clear warm waters of Florida and white powder sands paint a perfect picture of what a beach sanctuary is like. These are my favorites and what I highly recommend if you are visiting the East Coast.
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