You've seen Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks and now you're wondering what's next? The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful beaches near Orlando along the Gulf or Atlantic coasts to fill your time.
The Gulf beaches have soft white sand and are perfect for sunsets, while the beaches on the Atlantic side offer great sunrise views, better surfing and denser sand.
Only an hour's drive fromOrlandotakes you to many idyllic destinations including Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach.
Cocoa Beach is one of the closest and best beaches near Orlando for surfing. Just ask local surfing legend and world champion Kelly Slater, who learned to surf here.
If you don't mind a slightly longer drive (about 2 hours) further up the Gulf Coast, you'll find stunning white sand beaches and azure waters at Fort de Soto Park, Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
And I've only scratched the surface in this introduction. Read on to discover more beaches near Orlando.
Discover the best beaches near Orlando
- The best dog beaches near Orlando– Canova Beach Park, Ponce Inlet Dog Beach, Fort de Soto Park
- The best beaches near Orlando for surfing– Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park,Anastasia State Park
- The best beaches near Orlando for nightlife– Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, St Pete Beach
- The best quiet beaches near Orlando– Flagler Beach, Brevard Beach, Ormond Beach, Canaveral National Seashore
- The best beaches for families near Orlando– Ponce Inlet Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Clearwater Beach, Vero Beach, Ormond Beach
- The best pristine beaches near Orlando– Caladesi Island State Park, Anastasia State Park, Canaveral National Seashore
- Best Beaches near Orlando for camping– Fort de Soto Park, Sebastian Inlet Park, Anastasia State Park
1. Cocoa Beach - 1 hour
Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando. It is located on Florida's Space Coast, known for launching rockets from the Florida Space Center. Kennedy. The beach is about an hour's drive away, which means yeseasy day trip from Orlando.
Cocoa Beach is a city on the beachwith many shops and restaurants along the Cocoa Beach pier.
It is also home to some of the best surfers in the United States. So if you've ever dreamed of surfing, the waves are suitable for beginners. While here, don't miss the opportunity to see the largest surf shop in the world - Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Cocoa Beach has wide stretches of white sand and clear water that are great for jogging, walking, or swimming.
There are changing rooms, playgrounds, showers, picnic areas with barbecues and snack shops. Basic beach items are sold at the stalls, and lifeguards are on duty in the summer. There are metered car parks along Flagler Street.
You can also check out several beach parks. Alan Shepard Park, named after the famous astronaut, is in the center of the city, but it is also the most crowded. If you prefer a less crowded beach, head to Sidney Fischer Park.
Lori Wilson Park is a great choice if you're looking for a relaxing atmosphere with more locals than tourists. The beach park features an interpretive promenade, three pavilions, and a dog park. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach.
You may be interested in:
Interesting things to do in Cocoa Beach
2-hour boat trip on the Indian river lagoon
Family activities in Orlando
Top rated all inclusive resorts in Florida
2. Daytona Beach - 1 hour
DaytonaThe beach is another great place for a beach holidayjust an hour from Orlando. He has been closely associated with car racing since the days of Henry Ford, who raced on the beach during the winter holidays.
The city is famous for the Daytona 500, NASCAR's annual racing event that attracts thousands of racing fans. But even if there is no race, Daytona International Speedway offers year-round tours of this legendary racetrack.
The beach allows you to drive your car directly onto the sand. It can get crowded here, especially in the "belt" area between International Speedway Boulevard and Seabreeze Boulevard.
If you are traveling with young children, be careful of the traffic on the beach. To keep the kids entertained beyond the sand, visit Daytona Lagoon with go-kart racing, miniature golf, laser arena, and more.
Daytona Beach is also a student favoriteSpring break. The beach has a lively atmosphere. You can swim, do water sports, relax at the beach bars or play beach volleyball.
3. Ormond Beach - 1 hour
Ormond Beach is located north of Daytona Beach and stretches along the Atlantic coast. It has a small town feel and is much quieter than Daytona Beach, making it a nice escape from the crowds.
For a quiet beach holiday, I recommend Al Weeks Sr. North Shore Park. The park has basic amenities and a lifeguard so you can swim safely and clean up after swimming on site. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early to get a spot. The sand is golden, soft and rough.
There isn't anyrestaurantsdirectly on the beach but you will find some options on Granada Boulevard.
Interesting, millionaire John. D. Rockefeller owned the Casements winter home in Ormond Beach. The castle has been restored and turned into a museum. Inside the mansion are several artifacts from the Rockefeller era, including a tall wicker beach chair.
Other tourist attractions in the area include Tomoka State Park and the "Birthplace of Speed", which hosts an annual vintage car show.
Due to its intimate atmosphere, car-free area and sheltered waters, Ormond Beach is one of the popular family beaches near Orlando.
4. New Smyrna Beach - 1 hour
The town of New Smyrna Beach has a long dune beach bordering the Canaveral National Coast. Behind the dunes are comfortable and small beach houseshoteloverlooking the Atlantic coast.
It is also listed as one ofthe most charming seaside townsin America.
New Smyrna Public Beach offers 7 miles of beautiful hard sand and some of the best surf spots on the East Coast. At low tide, it can be incredibly wide in some areas. There is free parking on the beach, clean toilets and outdoor showers.
Cars are allowedon some parts of the beach if you buy a day ticket.
Side note: the New Smyrna Beach dunes are endangered; therefore it is illegal to walk on them, play in them or collect seaweed.
5. Canaveral National Coast - 1 hour
Canaveral National Seashore is 24 miles of undeveloped pristine beaches with no man-made structures in sight. The state park is pure wilderness with many species of plants and wildlife.
Secluded and quiet beaches, wildlife sanctuary,Fishingdestinations and extensive hiking trails make Canaveral the perfect destination for outdoor adventures and a relaxing day at the beach.
The water is beautiful and clean. It's definitely worth the hour's drive from Orlando to get here. There are 13 car parks in Canaveral with bathrooms on each.
Just pack plenty of water, food and other supplies as there are no vendors here.
The most beautiful beach on the Canaveral National Seashore is Playalinda, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
The beaches have walkways, making them wheelchair accessible. If you like more privacy, move away from the promenade.
Just remember that the last beach on the way to the park is beach no. 13, nudist beach. If that's not your cup of tea, you may want to skip this section.
6. Satellite Beach - 1 hour
Satellite Beach is a coastal town sheltered by dunes about 25 miles south of Cocoa Beach.
This is one of the favorite beaches of locals near Orlando for a family vacation due to its slow pace and less crowds.
Satellite Beach has a beautiful park along Canova Beach with playgrounds, pavilions, showers, restrooms, benches and picnic facilities.
The beautiful coastline and plenty of sunshine make Satellite Beach a great place for a quick beach getaway from Orlando.
What's more, Canova Beach Park is dog-friendly with plenty of places to explore with your dog. The beach park is famous for its stunning sunrises, so get up early to catch it.
7. Ponce Inlet Beach - 1h 10min
Between Daytona and New Smyrna Beach, you'll find Ponce Inlet Beach and Lighthouse Point Park. The beach is safe, clean and quiet.
Lighthouse Point Park has a large ship with walls, stairs, ropes and slides. It's great fun for kids aged 3 to 12. Near the playground there are several swings, two picnic tables and a gazebo.
In the north, you will reach the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. At 175 feet tall, it is the tallest lighthouse in the countryFloridaand one of the highest in the US. To the south is a fishing charter and a refreshing patisserie.
The toilets are usually quite clean. If you have a furry friend, be sure to visit the dog beach.
8. Flagler Beach - 1 hour 10 minutes
Flagler Beach is a fancy beach resort about 30 miles north of Daytona, well worth a day trip if not a longer stay. The beach here is huge, with softer sand than Daytona's harder beaches.
The stunning coastal drive north of Ormond Beach is part of the fun, with stunning ocean views stretching for miles.
Flagler Beachfront Winery is a great first stop along the way. And yes, they make their own wine and have outdoor seating. The wine cellar also has a selection of wine gruels and delicious cheeses, platters of cold cuts and flatbreads.
Or try High Tides at Snack Jack, which serves fresh seafood right on the beach, including some of the best spicy steamed shrimp in Florida.
The city center is around Flagler Pier, where you can rent fishing equipment.
9. Indialantic Beach - 1h 20 min
Heading south from Cocoa Beach, you'll arrive at Indialantic Beach, a quaint yet charming town on the Atlantic coast.
This beach has everything you need - sun, surf, sand, water sports and enough waves to keep even the bravest swimmers entertained. The sunrise and views are spectacular.
Indialantic Beach is a great beach near Orlando for families and anyone looking for beach fun. In addition, you can see the rocket launch from the Cape from a greater distance, but with less crowding.
There are clean changing rooms and plenty of parking (paid). They also have lifeguards on parts of the beach.
You'll find plenty of food options and a few surf shops within walking distance if you forget something.
10. Melbourne Beach – 1h 20 min
Melbourne Beach's coastline is vast with beautiful scenery. You have a wide strip of sand to walk on. The water is blue and clear, perfect for swimming or surfing.
Right next to Melbourne Beach you will find Brevard Beach.
Both Brevard and Melbourne Beach are conveniently located close to all shopping centers andrestaurantson Cocoa Beach. They are much less busy than Cocoa, which makes them a better option if you want to relax and prefer less crowds.
Brevard Beach offers free parking and large bathrooms. The beach is also very clean and the sand is soft.
Melbourne Beach has several picnic tables, a bathroom and a lifeguard on duty during the season. If you arrive at the right time of year, you can see baby turtles.
11. Sebastian Inlet State Park - 1 hour 30 minutes
With 3 miles of pristine beaches, Sebastian Inlet State Park is one of the most popularstate parksin Florida. The water is crystal clear. The quiet bay is the perfect place for swimming, where you don't have to worry about the crashing waves.
In terms of amenities, there is paid parking, a restaurant/gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms, and picnic tables.
The park's pier extends out into the Atlantic Ocean, providing a great platform for fishing and viewing marine life. Fishermen are a particularly fascinating species to watch while fishing. You may even spot dolphins and manatees.
The park is also known for surfing. On weekends, there are numerous surfing competitions, as well as board rental.
Also, camping is available if you want to stay longer.
12. Vero Beach - 1 hour 40 minutes
Vero Beach is a quiet, picturesque seaside resort with interesting art galleries, antique shops and trendy restaurants. Most of the fun takes place along Ocean Drive and around the beaches of Orchid Island.
The Vero Beach area offers excellent diving opportunities. You can see dozens of species of tropical fish, corals, turtles, manatees, stingrays and more.
One of the best beaches in Vero Beach is Hamiston Park. The waterfront is quite narrow so it can get crowded, but the lively scene and other amenities make it a great choice if you like action.
It has a playground, lifeguards and lots of stuffhotel, restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance.
Other amenities include free parking, picnic areas, benches, restrooms and outdoor showers.
13. Anastasia State Park - 1h 45 min
If you don't mind paying a small beach access fee,Anastasia State Park is a great beach optionnear Orlando.
There is a playground and a snack bar where you can order sandwiches and juices or rent beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards and other beach equipment.
The park is a good place for surfing. It has wide beach access and extensive nature trails that wind through the wetlands.
Despite the park's popularity, several areas to the south are calmer but have much more turbulent water.
Kayaks, kayaks and paddle boards can be rented from the shop on the island. The camp is also very popular.
14. Clearwater Beach - 2 hours
Families with children love the white sand and shallow, clear, warm water of Clearwater Beach.
This is a great place to play beach volleyball. Another pastime is a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
To top it off, you can watch the sunset from Pier 60 along with musicians and artisans. The beach around Pier 60 is one of the most beautiful and busiest beaches in the area.
The water sports facilities are excellent. All kinds of boat trips depart from the marina, from snorkeling to scuba divingdolphin watchingfor fishing trips
It can get quite crowded, especially around sunset, so get there early.
You can also check nearbyPark Sand Key, which has a nice beach, lots of greenery, a playground, bathrooms, showers and a picnic area.
15. St. Patrick's Beach Fifth - 2 hours
If you're looking for white sandy beaches near Orlando with clean, clear water, St. Pete Beach is a great option.
St. Pete's Beach has an 11-mile stretch of white sand and a lively live music scene. Plus, the sunsets here are hard to beat.
Upham Beach Park is one of the best beaches in the area. The park also has paddle boards to rent and a toy library where children can bring toys to play in the sand. Once they're done, all they have to do is go back to it.
While here, be sure to check out the incredibly beautiful Secret Garden.
16. Fort Fort Park – 2h20min
Fort de Soto Park offers a little bit of everything for everyone.
It has 7 miles of shoreline, two fishing piers, boating, hiking, biking, picnic and camping areas, and a historic fort. It is also possible to rent kayaks and paddle boards.
And for dog owners, there is a long and popular dog beach just north of the main fishing pier.
You can spend a fantastic day at the beach strolling around the fortress, sinking your feet in the sand, hunting for shells and swimming in the blue-green waters.
The fort was built to protect the Gulf's naval border during the Spanish–American War.
17. Honeymoon Island State Park - 2h 20 min
Honeymoon Island State Park is a paradise for beach lovers. This is a great place for shelling and diving. The water is calm and warm, perfect for swimming.
They have a visitor center with lots of great information, fun items to buy and activities for the kids. There are bike paths that you can ride on, as well as sidewalks.
To recharge your batteries, you can grab snacks at the small cafe with tables outside while enjoying the view of the ocean.
For dog lovers, there is a section called the dog beach where you can take your furry family members.
There are public toilets as well as showers where you can wash off the sand after an eventful day at the beach.
18. Siesta Key Beach – 2h 30 min
Siesta Key is rankedFlorida's number 1 beachand for good reason.
The beach, with one of the best powdery quartz sands in the world, is extremely wide and long, perfect for all kinds of beach activities.
The water is warm and crystal clear. The sunsets are wonderful.
In addition, Siesta Key is home to many dining and shopping options, as well as nightclubs.
The beach is quite crowded on weekends, but if you come on a weekday you'll be fine.
19. Caladesi Island State Park – 2h 30 min
Only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park (about 15-20 minutes), Caladesi Island State Park is one of the few remaining pristine beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast.
The park offers clean white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets and a panoramic viewkayakingadventures through the mangroves.
The beaches are quiet, secluded and wild. The views from almost every corner of the beach are stunning.
The park is also one of the best sea shelling locations on the Gulf Coast, second only to Sanibel. You can enjoy the island's many trails and birdwatching spots.
The gradual slope of the seabed makes it an ideal place for children to swim.
The best beaches near Orlando
So you got it. You have a choice of many beaches that will diversify your centerVacation in Florida.
Choose the one that suits you best and get ready to enjoy the sun. Don't forget your sunscreen, water and snacks for the trip and enjoy!
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Casandra Karpiak
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Casandra Karpiak is a travel writer and co-owner of Savoteur. A Toronto native of Danish descent, now based in British Columbia, her travel articles have been featured in The Associated Press, MSN, CBS, NBC, Entrepreneur, 24/7 Wall St, Times Daily and many more.
Her travel adventures can be followed on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
FAQs
What is the closest and nicest beach to Orlando? ›
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach for Orlando residents, located a little less than an hour from Central Florida. It's well known for family fun, relaxing along the beach, a location for eco-tours or for deep-sea fishing.
What is the closest beach town to Orlando? ›1 | Cocoa Beach | Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, approximately 59.8 miles to the east. This famous beach sits on the magnificent Space Coast, so named for its proximity to the iconic Kennedy Space Center and its rocket launches.
Are there white sand beaches near Orlando? ›A resort area on the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is an immaculate white sandy beach with beautiful, calm, blue waters that are excellent for swimming. Clearwater Beach is a popular spot for watersports, snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing, and the beach is only 2 hours from downtown Orlando.
What is the number one most beautiful beach in Florida? ›Siesta Key
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Siesta Beach features 8 miles of white quartz sand and crystal-clear water, plus dining, shopping and nighttime entertainment.
Vero Beach is an incredible vacation destination located on Florida's East Coast, halfway between Melbourne and Palm Beach. It is part of Florida's Treasure Coast and has abundant outdoor attractions, citrus, and was home to the LA Dodgers for years in the past.
What is the best beach on the Gulf closest to Orlando? ›Clearwater Beach
Voted as one of the best Gulf beaches near Orlando, Clearwater offers all the natural beauty you'd expect from the Gulf Coast. Located in Pinellas County around 2 hours west of Orlando it boasts clear waters, white sands, and a beautiful palm-fringed promenade.
The closest Gulf Coast beach to Orlando is Clearwater Beach, approximately a 2-hour drive west on the I-4; there are several other family-friendly options as you head south along the coast.
What beach in Florida has pink sand? ›From the tip of South Florida, those interested in seeing one of the Caribbean's most unique beaches will be happy to know it's just a short ferry ride away. Harbour Island is perhaps one of the most well-captured pink beaches in the world and features sand in pastel hues that seem to defy all logic.
Which beach has the bluest water in Florida? ›Just east of Destin on Hwy 98, Panama City Beach marks the end of the beaches of South Walton. These beaches are widely considered to be the clearest and pure in the country. There is nearly no river runoff in the area and the St. Andrew Bay filters much of the sediment out.
What is the best white sand beach in Orlando? ›Cocoa Beach
If you are just wanting to do a day trip to see one of the best beaches near Orlando, this is the one. The beach is perfect for families with its soft white sand and clear waters. The calm waters of Cocoa Beach make it also a great place to learn how to surf.
Is Cocoa Beach clear water? ›
This beach town is known for its clear blue waters, white sand, long coastline, tons of water activities, and exciting tourist attractions. Cocoa Beach is a fun destination for a winter vacation as you can escape the crowds of the summer season.
Does Cocoa Beach have white sand? ›The beaches in Cocoa Beach have beautiful white sand. It is not as brilliant white as the fine, sugary beaches on the Gulf Coast, but it is still very nice. The sand on the Atlantic coast does tend to be a bit darker, which can make it hotter under the intense Florida sun.
Can you swim in Cocoa Beach? ›Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, surfing, sunbathing and the oceanview. Open year-round, the pier has lifeguards on duty. Additional onsite amenities include volleyball courts, fresh water showers and free parking after 4 p.m. For more information about access/use, please contact 321-868-3252.
What is the rich beach in Florida? ›The richest city in Florida is Palm Beach. The median household income in Palm Beach is $169,500. It's also the Florida city with the most billionaires, with an estimated 30 billionaires living in Palm Beach as of 2022.
What is the least popular beach in Florida? ›St. George Island is one of the most secluded beaches in Florida, nestled on a 22 mile barrier island off the “Forgotten Coast” in the northwest corner of the state. The uncrowded beaches are perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the sugary sand.
What is the most packed beach in Florida? ›Daytona Beach, Florida
Approximately eight million visitors flock to Daytona every year, especially during the July NASCAR races.
Key Biscayne beachfront in Florida on a sunny day. With a population of 15,547, Key Biscayne is widely known as one of the most scenic and laid back Florida beach towns.
Where is Florida's clearest water? ›The area from Destin, Florida to Panama City, Florida is known to have the clearest water in Florida. This area has been awarded the Blue Wave Beach Award for clarity, water quality, and beauty.
What celebrities live in Vero Beach FL? ›Many famous people have invested their time and energy in Vero Beach. We can cite Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, Jay Leno, Jennifer Lopez, and Taylor Swift.
Why is Vero Beach so cheap? ›Why is Vero Beach so cheap? With sandy shores and the best surfing on the East Coast, this coastal town offers balmy weather, low property taxes, and the cost of living 3% lower than West Palm Beach.
How many millionaires live in Vero Beach? ›
Known as the “Hamptons of the South,” Vero Beach has the fourth highest concentration of wealthy households in the country, with 14% of its residents being millionaires.
What is the closest beach to Disney World? ›The closest beach to Disney World is Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach is about 70 minutes away from Disney World and will be the closest choice for a day trip when visiting Disney World. This is probably the easiest beach to get to from Disney, since it is the closest and it's on the Atlantic Ocean.
Can you see manatees in Orlando? ›There are two manatee viewing areas at SeaWorld Orlando, including an underwater viewing area. Or at Walt Disney World's EPCOT head to the Seas with Nemo and Friends.
What is the closest beach to Kissimmee Florida? ›How far is Kissimmee, Florida, from a beach? You can find a sandy paradise at Discovery Cove, about 40 minutes away. The closest beaches along the ocean are Cocoa and Daytona Beach, each about 90 minutes away.
Which side of Florida has warmer water? ›During the cooler months, the farther south you go, the warmer it will be. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Keys, Marco Island and Naples will have the warmest water during the winter. During the summer months, the Gulf of Mexico will be five or more degrees warmer than the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the closest Gulf beach to Disney? ›Clearwater beach is about 90 minutes drive away and the closest gulf coast beach to Walt Disney World Florida.
What beach has orange sand in Florida? ›Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach have sand that here and there in patches looks quite orange. It isn't the sand that is orange but the coquina shell fragments that have absorbed the rusty color of iron oxide.
What is the rarest color sand beach? ›Green sand is the rarest color of sand in the entire world. It's caused by a special type of volcanic eruption in which olivine crystals (which are green) are brought to the surface of the earth.
What beach in Florida has black sand? ›Black Rock Beach in Jacksonville, Florida
Black Rock Beach at Big Talbot Island, is not only beautiful, but also a geological wonder. Discover this Found #onlyinjax spot!
- 8 Destin Beach.
- 7 Siesta Key Beach.
- 6 Anna Maria Island.
- 5 Florida Keys.
- 4 Smathers Beach.
- 3 Jupiter.
- 2 Biscayne Beach.
- 1 Dry Tortugas.
Who has the whitest beach in Florida? ›
Siesta Key has the whitest sand in all of Florida, and some say it's the softest sand in the world.
Where is the most turquoise water in Florida? ›- The Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are the ultimate Florida boating destination for gin-clear water. ...
- Jupiter. Jupiter is another one of Florida's amazing boating destinations with gin-clear water. ...
- Destin. ...
- Panama City Beach. ...
- Freshwater Springs. ...
- Miami. ...
- Palm Beach. ...
- Tampa.
You know what to look for and how to look for it. Where you specifically want to go are the two best beaches on Sanibel Island for sand dollar hunting, and that is Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach. The best places on the beaches are of course the shallows, specifically at low tide, and after a storm.
What is sugar sand in Florida? ›Some beaches have little rocks or pebbles in with the sand, and others just have grains of a coarser texture. White sugar sands are made of ultrafine mineral sand with a significant percentage of organic granules. This forms fine silt that is often too light to support cars and trucks on the beach.
What beach has the whitest sand? ›The Hyams Beach is a beautiful Jervis Bay beach, located in New South Wales, Australia. According to the Guinness World Record, it boasts the whitest sand on our entire planet. The Hyams Beach sand it made up of microscopic quartz particles – tiny sand crystals that are almost fluorescent.
Which is nicer Clearwater or Cocoa Beach? ›Clearwater Beach is what you want. It has the whitest, softest sand and calmer waters. But, with it being just a day trip, you need to weigh if it will be worth it to you to spend the extra time in the car and traffic.
What beach is water crystal clear? ›The Maldives
The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.
Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach
It's one of the most beautiful, quiet beaches in Cocoa Beach to spend your time. The beachfront here is a secluded 24-mile stretch where sea and space meet.
Cocoa Beach is rich in surf history including producing the 11-time world surfing champion, Kelly Slater. Point of interest: Check out the world's largest surf shop and other area attractions. Check out the world's largest surf shop and other area attractions.
Can you go on Cocoa Beach at night? ›An hour or so after the sun sets, the beach gets significantly empty, with visitors packing up for the day. And if you're looking for some quiet and relaxing time near the water, then you should definitely visit at night.
What Florida beach has the softest sand? ›
Siesta Key boasts some of the softest, whitest sand on the planet.
Can you drink alcohol on Cocoa Beach? ›No Glass on the Beach – Cocoa Beach is one of the few that allows alcohol on the beach, but glass bottles are against the law. No Animals on the Beach – not even on a leash! The penalty is a fine.
What are the rules for Cocoa Beach? ›- Fires are only allowed on the beach with a permit, allowed in certain areas of the City during certain times of the year. No open fires, including any type of charcoal. ...
- No Fireworks on the beach.
- NO Glass on the beach.
- No Holes - for safety reasons, please do not dig large holes.
- No camping.
Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are prime Florida destinations but have unique attractions and features to consider. Most tourists agree Cocoa Beach is more "chill" and family-friendly, while Daytona Beach can get a bit rowdier with partiers and NASCAR fans.
What is the closest clear water beach to Disney? ›The closest clear-water beach to Disney is Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. These beautiful Gulf Coast (Gulf of Mexico) clear-water beaches are located about a 1.5-hour drive from Disney World.
What is the closest beach to Magic Kingdom? ›Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Disney World, less than 70 miles away via State Road 528 (a toll road). The drive time is just over an hour. Cocoa Beach is a world-famous beach on Florida's Space Coast.
Which Florida Gulf Coast beach has the clearest water? ›Just east of Destin on Hwy 98, Panama City Beach marks the end of the beaches of South Walton. These beaches are widely considered to be the clearest and pure in the country. There is nearly no river runoff in the area and the St. Andrew Bay filters much of the sediment out.
Where is the clearest water in Florida? ›The area from Destin, Florida to Panama City, Florida is known to have the clearest water in Florida. This area has been awarded the Blue Wave Beach Award for clarity, water quality, and beauty.
What celebrity lives in Vero Beach? ›Many famous people have invested their time and energy in Vero Beach. We can cite Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, Jay Leno, Jennifer Lopez, and Taylor Swift.
Is Vero Beach swimmable? ›Beaches. Vero Beach has some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. You can go swimming, boogie boarding or relax on the beach.