When you tell friends you are going to Florida on vacation, many have the same first reaction: you’re headed to the beach! In reality, Central Florida, where Disney World is located, is at least an hour from any beach on either coast. That doesn’t mean that you can’t (or shouldn’t!) plan a beach day during your Disney vacation if time allows. In fact, some of the best beaches are near Disney World, and it can be nice to rest from the theme parks’ hustle to explore some of Florida’s most beautiful scenery.

As a native Central Floridian, I’ve compiled a list of the best beaches near Disney World on either coast and even included some local insider tips! So, look no further — we’ve done all the work for you on the best beaches, restaurants, and activities for families of all ages!

East Coast Beaches

Cocoa Beach

Distance from Disney World: 70 miles – 1 hour and 15-minute drive

Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches near Disney World. An easy 60-75-minute drive will have your toes in the sand in no time! This popular Atlantic Ocean beach is within minutes of the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and the Port Canaveral Cruise Port.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent along the beach, and don’t miss out on taking a walk down the Cocoa Beach Pier. It offers a variety of restaurants with ocean views and shopping huts.

Parking lots in the area cost around $30, though you may be able to find free street parking if you look hard enough. Surfing, fishing charters, and kayak rentals are just some of the additional activities offered around Cocoa Beach.

For anyone who may not want to spend a full day out in the sun, the world’s largest surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop, is just minutes away. And, any space fan should not miss the chance to head over to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. If you’re lucky, you may even see a NASA or SpaceX rocket launch!

Many restaurants with outdoor seating line the Port Canaveral waterways, where guests can watch the cruise ships leave port while they enjoy dinner on the water. Our go-to Port Canaveral restaurant is Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill.

Daytona Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World: 80 miles – 75–90-minute drive

Welcome to the World’s Most Famous Beach! Daytona Beach is known for its popular spring breaks and is the home of NASCAR racing’s most famous race, the Daytona 500. Additionally, many people know Daytona Beach for one of its main features, the hard-packed sand, which allows guests to drive their car on the beach!

An easy drive right down Interstate 4 will dump you right into the scenic beaches and relaxation of the Atlantic Ocean waves.

Daytona Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches near Disney World, as there is a boardwalk right on the beach with arcades, a slingshot, go-karts, shopping, a live music concert hall, beachside eateries like Johnny Rocket’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co., candy shops, and more!

Beach chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, four-wheelers, and more are available for rent on the beach.

Right off the beach is Daytona Lagoon Waterpark and Fun Center, and multiple options for family minigolf adventures. Paid parking garages and free beach lots are scattered around the area, but the free lots do fill up early. Showers and restrooms are set up in most of the public parking lots.

For adults looking to explore Daytona Beach, Ocean Deck is a three-story reggae bar directly on the beach with live music and great food—the rasta sauce is to die for! Main Street is the hub for any motorcycle enthusiast and the home of the popular Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Bike week happens in March, while Biketoberfest is in October, and I would not recommend bringing little kids around these times. Tours of the Daytona International Speedway are available daily, with a small NASCAR museum at the exit.

New Smyrna Beach

Distance from Walt Disney World: 80 miles – 75-90 minute drive

Located just twenty miles south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a postcard example of a small, quaint beach town full of bed and breakfasts, mom-and-pop shops, and restaurants. New Smyrna Beach, a known surfing spot sometimes called the surfing capital of the East Coast, offers a combination of beach relaxation and thrills if waves are your thing.

Over 17 miles of beach are available throughout New Smyrna Beach, some available to drive on, while others are preserved. Restrooms and showers are available at the beach entrance for guests, and beach gear is available for rent at the Flagler Ave Beach Approach.

Fishing charters, jet skis, and pontoons are also available to take a spin on the Intercoastal Waterway.

Speaking of Flagler Avenue, this walkable salty air street offers beachy shops, restaurants, and bars enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. During the day, plenty of family-friendly options are available. Head to The Breakers Oceanfront Bar & Grill for a beachside burger, then take a walk to Treats on the Beach for some homemade ice cream! Flagler Avenue then turns into a nightlife scene at night, with Flagler Tavern and Tayton O’Brians open into the early morning hours, usually with late-night live entertainment.

For those who travel with food in mind, check out Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar or The Garlic, both of which were featured on Guy Fieri’s popular Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

Additionally, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse & Museum is just a short drive from the beach for anyone who wants to incorporate a little history into their travels.

Vero Beach

Distance from Disney World: 115 miles – 2-hour drive

Vero Beach is the farthest east coast beach on the list. I’m not sure I would recommend this spot for a day trip, but one huge factor to consider is that Disney actually has a resort in Vero Beach — Disney’s Vero Beach Resort! This is a great option for guests who may be looking to stay in the Disney bubble while doing a split-stay vacation between the theme parks and the beach.

Located on the Treasure Coast, Vero Beach has a more relaxing, slow-paced vibe compared to somewhere like Daytona Beach. Sea Turtle nesting is popular in Vero Beach between March and July, and you can head to the Sebastian Inlet State Park during select times for a Turtle Walk at night to learn about sea turtles; you may even witness the nesting and egg-laying process!

Multiple beach access points are available, with a combination of free and metered parking along the way.

For golfers, the area offers an abundance of golf courses. The Indian River Lagoon is home to rare and endangered animals, and botanical gardens and nature preserves are also nearby.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a family resort with beach access at your doorstep. Table service and quick service dining options are available at the resort, making this a great overnight stop if you want to stay in one location. Mini golf, a pool and waterslide, bike rentals, tennis courts, fishing, and water sports rentals are also available at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

West Coast Beaches

Clearwater Beach

Distance from Disney World: 95 miles – 2-hour drive

Clearwater Beach is the closest of the west coast beaches near Disney World. The calm, clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico make this beach a popular family spot, perfect for finding seashells, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Visitors can walk down Pier 60 Clearwater for 360-degree ocean views, then stop at one of Clearwater Beach’s beachside restaurants. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is home to a trendy grouper sandwich!

In addition to beach chairs and umbrellas, watersports such as jet skiing, kayaks, and parasailing are available on the beach.

Inside the channel, fishing piers, deep sea fishing charters, mini golf courses, and tiki boat tours are available. Sand Key Beach is just a few miles south of Clearwater Beach, and it has a more calming, less touristy vibe.

Beyond the beach, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is nearby and is an excellent spot for the whole family. The Caladesi Island State Park is also just north of Clearwater Beach, with hiking trails, kayak trails, and picnic facilities available.

St. Pete Beach

Distance from Disney World: 100 miles – 2 hours 15-minute drive

St. Pete Beach is home to the famous Don Cesar Hotel and Tradewinds Resort. Its immaculate, soft white sand beaches make it one of the most picturesque beaches on this list.

Up and down Gulf Way is mostly metered parking, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars. Paradise Grill is a walk-up restaurant directly on the beach, while restaurants like Brass Monkey are right across the street and have upstairs beach views.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent on the beach as well.

A massive perk of St. Pete Beach is the Pass A Grille Dog Beach. Those traveling with pets can bring the dogs along for the ride. Yes, even pets like the beach, too! Additionally, John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is located on the north side of St. Pete Beach. This fishing hub has shops, restaurants, breweries, family entertainment, and scenic views. There is even a Pirate Adventure Cruise available for families to book.

Tropicana Field is also located in St. Petersburg, home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team. Families interested in baseball should check out this all-indoor stadium, which has decently priced tickets. Additionally, St. Petersburg holds a popular Saturday morning Farmers Market.

Anna Maria Island

Distance from Disney World: 120 miles – 2.5 hours

Just south of St. Petersburg, down the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, is Anna Maria Island. A lesser-known spot, this small beach town has a vibe that is similar to the East Coast’s New Smyrna Beach.

The crystal clear blue water of the Gulf of Mexico and sandy, quiet beaches run miles around Anna Maria Island. The island is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, though parking may be tricky. Walking is a must, as parking can be far from the beaches.

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits is a must-do beach restaurant that you should try at least once. And, on the east side of the Island is Bayfront Park, a spot with covered picnic tables, charcoal grills, a playground, and covered restroom areas. At the end of the Anna Maria Island City Pier is City Pier Grill and Bait, a restaurant offering breathtaking views and fishing essentials.

Fishing charters are popular on the island, and golf cart rentals are available to get around the quaint street of Anna Maria Island. Otherwise, Anna Maria Island prides itself on its character and charm, and outside of kayak rentals or beach chairs, you won’t find a build-up of activities here like you will on other beaches.

Which Beach is the Best for Your Disney Vacation?

Well, the answer to this question is up to you! Each beach offers something unique, and almost everyone will be able to find enjoyment at any of these locations. East coast beaches are closer, with rougher surf and a more “active” feel, while west coast beaches have longer drives but focus more on relaxation.

Regardless of your chosen beach, your next Walt Disney World vacation will thrive from a day at the beach. Plus, who wouldn’t want to experience all that Florida offers while you’re here?

Comments

Which beach near Walt Disney World is your favorite? Which would you choose? Let us know your thoughts on the beaches near Disney World in the comments!