As the lockdowns are finally letting up and Disney is opening up its doors, avid Disney-goers are flocking to the theme park and are ready to enjoy a much-needed vacation. It would be best if you didn’t spend all of your time in the resort and park, though, since you’ll miss out on all the natural beauty of the sunshine state. Orlando is in a perfect location in Central Florida, allowing you to reach both the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast in only a few hours. Although the closest beaches to Walt Disney World are lovely, it’s also worthwhile driving a bit further out to reach other pristine beaches, especially if you want to avoid crowds. If you need a break from your vacation, visit any of these family-friendly beaches close to Disney World!
New Smyrna Beach
If you want the beauty of Daytona Beach without the insane crowds, you should visit New Smyrna Beach. Just under an hour’s drive from Orlando, this 17-mile shoreline offers pristine white sands, lovely architecture, fantastic swells for surfing, and a small beach town vibe. The community is kind and welcoming to visitors, and the local restaurants and boutiques are unique and worth a visit! It offers a bit of everything so your entire family will stay entertained. There are even pet-friendly beaches like the Smyrna Dunes Park at the northern end of the peninsula!
Cocoa Beach
If you want to try your hand at surfing, you must visit Cocoa Beach as it’s considered Florida’s surfing capital. This beach has the best waves on the entire Atlantic Coast, which anyone can enjoy, from beginner to expert! You can choose from many different companies for surfing lessons, for kids and adults, although the most famous is the Ron Jon Surf Shop. If you just want to enjoy the beach, visit the family-friendly Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, which sits right on the beach. You and your children can play in their waterpark and ride their trolley to the renowned Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can enjoy delicious food and entertainment while you sit 800 feet over the ocean and enjoy stunning 360-degree views. Cocoa Beach is just an hour away from Orlando, making it the perfect destination for a beach day trip! However, you should note that its proximity to Orlando and popularity make it one of the most visited and touristy beaches in the state.
St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is most famous for the bright pink Loews Don CeSar Resort that sits on its beach. At 90-years-old, this historic five-star luxury hotel is a popular attraction, as people come to enjoy drinks at the pool or on the soft white sand. It only takes two hours to get to the renowned beach from Orlando. If you want a bit more quiet stretch of sand and more of a beach town feel, travel to the southern tip of St. Pete Beach to find Pass-a-Grille Beach instead! You are also allowed to camp out on the beach in the Fort De Soto National Park, which is just a quick ride away. There’s a reason why St. Pete Beach has been consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the United States!
Canaveral Beach
Canaveral National Seashore is located just an hour from Orlando and features unspoiled and remote beaches with warm and gentle waves, perfect for families with young children. It’s a part of the Florida National Parks system, so it remains undeveloped and has strict building regulations. With that being said, it offers no facilities, so you should bring your food and gear with you to enjoy the perfect beach day. If you come during the week, you’ll most likely have the entire beach to yourself! You’ll have to pay about $10 for entry, but the quiet is worth it.