It’s very normal to want to fit in some beach time while you’re at Disney World. As we take family members to Disney World, we find that, more often than not, they want to visit the beach.
I remember the first time we were in Orlando, and someone asked to go to the beach, and all I could think was, “We are literally surrounded by land,” where could I take them?
Well, obviously that led to some research and me uncovering some of the most beautiful beaches ever!
Disney World is a great place to visit, but sometimes you just need to get away from the crowds and relax on the beach. If that’s the case for you, then check out these beaches near Disney World that are perfect for a family vacation.
From sugar-white sands to crystal-clear waters, these beaches are sure to please everyone in your group. So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops, and get ready for some fun in the sun!
Beaches Near Disney World Overview
The beaches near Disney World are a great option for those looking for a break from the theme parks and crowds.
Located just a short drive away from Orlando, there are several beaches to choose from.
One of the most popular options is Cocoa Beach, which is known for its wide stretches of sand and great surfing conditions.
Another option is Clearwater Beach, which boasts crystal clear waters and a lively boardwalk area with restaurants and shops.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, New Smyrna Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy.
Choosing the Right Beach
Choosing the right beach can be an important part of your Disney World vacation. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to consider your preferences and needs.
Are you looking for a more relaxed atmosphere?
On the other hand, you could be looking for more excitement and activities.
No matter which beach you choose, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the day. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all of the memories you’ll make on your Disney World beach vacation!
Best Beaches Near Disney World for a Day Trip
If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Walt Disney World, one of the best options is to visit one of Orlando’s world-famous beaches. From dramatic Atlantic coastlines to picturesque Gulf shores, these sandy havens offer something for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches for a day trip from Walt Disney World.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is the closest beach to Walt Disney World, and it’s also one of the most popular beaches in Florida. It’s famous for its white sand and clear blue waters, as well as its many restaurants and shops. There’s also a wide variety of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating.
If you’re looking for a beach with plenty of activities to keep you busy, Clearwater is the place for you. You can swim, sunbathe, fish, and boat, or check out one of the many restaurants and shops. There’s also a wide variety of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating.
If you want to beat the crowds, it’s best to visit Clearwater during the week. The weekends can be quite crowded, so if you want to enjoy the beach without all the people, plan your trip accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at Clearwater Beach, so be sure to take all necessary precautions.
Clearwater Beach is about a 25-minute drive from Walt Disney World. It’s the closest beach to Disney World, and it’s also one of the most popular beaches in Florida.
Cocoa Beach
If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach experience, Cocoa Beach is the perfect place for you. This small town is located just an hour from Walt Disney World and offers a variety of quiet, family-friendly beaches. You can also find some great restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Cocoa Beach Pier and Ron Jon Surf Shop.
A historic landmark, Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a must-see while you’re in town. The pier is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as an observation deck where you can get a panoramic view of the beach.
Cocoa Beach is about an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World. It’s a small town with a laid-back beach vibe. You can find some great restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Cocoa Beach Pier and Ron Jon Surf Shop
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is another great option for a day trip from Walt Disney World. This beach town is located just south of Daytona Beach and offers a wide variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as the famous Flagler Avenue.
New Smyrna Beach is known for its coastal architecture and personality. The town is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Flagler Avenue.
If you’re interested in surfing, New Smyrna Beach is the place for you. It’s considered one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast, and there are several surf schools in town where you can learn how to surf.
New Smyrna Beach is about an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World.
Siesta Key
If you’re looking for a truly unique beach experience, Siesta Key is the place for you. This small island is located just off the coast of Sarasota and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sand here is incredibly soft and white, and the water is crystal clear. You can find a number of restaurants and shops on the island, as well as a few attractions like the Siesta Key Public Beach.
This beach was ranked #1 in 2022 by Trip Advisor, and when you get there, it’s no wonder why. The sand is quartz-crystal powdery sand between your toes, the waves are soft, and everything is just gorgeous. There isn’t a shortage of things to do to keep your family from getting bored.
Siesta Key Beach is about an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World.
Canaveral National Seashore
If you want to experience a more natural beach, Canaveral National Seashore is the perfect place for you. This national park is located just an hour from Walt Disney World and offers a variety of unspoiled beaches. You can also find some great hiking trails here, as well as a few wildlife viewing opportunities.
For this beach specifically, I would definitely suggest bringing bug repellent with you, as there can be a lot of mosquitoes.
Canaveral National Seashore is about an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World.
St. Pete Beach
Saint Pete Beach is a world-famous beach located just south of Tampa. It’s well known for its soft white sand and crystal clear waters, and it’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals. You can find a wide variety of restaurants and shops here, as well as a number of attractions like the Saint Pete Beach Pier and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
We mentioned the #1 2020 TripAdvisor Beach before, but St. Pete’s Beach is the 2021 #1 Beach! This beach is laid-back with a classic beach town feel, perfect for aspiring beach bums.
St. Pete Beach is about an hour and a half drive from Walt Disney World.
Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island Beach is a beautiful beach located just off the coast of St. Pete Beach. It’s known for its stunning scenery and its many amenities, which include a wide variety of restaurants and shops. You can also find a number of attractions here, including the Treasure Island Beach Pier and the Johns Pass Village.
Treasure Island has been named the best beach for snorkeling and exploring the tucked-away coves throughout. With a name like Treasure Island, this just about sounds like the perfect beach after a Disney vacation exploring all the parks.
Treasure Island Beach is about an hour and a half drive from Walt Disney World.
Beaches Near Disney World to Add to a Disney Vacation
If you can wing it, I would definitely add a beach trip to finish off your Disney World vacation. Though a Disney World vacation is amazing and magical, it does take a lot of energy.
If you’re like most people, your Disney vacation is the highlight of your year. But what do you do when it’s over? Many families choose to take a beach trip to finish up their summer. Here are a few tips on making the most of your post-Disney beach getaway.
First, make sure to book a hotel close to the beach. You don’t want to spend hours in traffic every day.
Second, plan some fun activities for the entire family. Going to the beach is great, but it can get boring after a while if you don’t have anything else planned.
Finally, pack plenty of sunscreen and swimsuits! You’ll need them for all of the sun and fun that awaits you. More on packing in a bit!
Cape Canaveral
Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular beaches in Florida, and it’s located just an hour from Walt Disney World.
This beach is well known for its wide variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, deep-sea fishing, lighthouse tours, and wildlife tours. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Kennedy Space Center.
If you want to stay overnight at Cape Canaveral, there are numerous hotels available, like the Cocoa Beach Marriott, Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, and Radisson Resort at the Port.
The best restaurant in Cape Canaveral is undoubtedly the Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. This restaurant is located right on the water, and it offers a wide variety of seafood dishes. You can also find a number of other dishes here, including steaks, ribs, and chicken.
Cape Canaveral is about an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World.
Vero Beach
Vero Beach is located just north of Cape Canaveral on Florida’s east coast. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it offers a wide variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Brevard Zoo and the Indian
Vero Beach is a beautiful beach located just an hour from Orlando, but there is an awesome Disney Vacation Club resort in Vero Beach you can stay at.
But if you want to stay at Vero Beach for a few days and experience everything it has to offer, there are plenty of other hotel options like the Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, The Driftwood Resort, and the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience both the beach and Disney World. This resort is located on a beautiful stretch of Florida’s east coast, and it offers a wide variety of activities and amenities. You can find more information on Disney’s Vero Beach Resort here.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Florida and it’s located just an hour from Walt Disney World.
This beach is well known for its wide variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Daytona International Speedway and the Boardwalk.
If you want to stay at Daytona Beach for a few days, there are plenty of hotel options available, like the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, and The Shores Resort & Spa.
The best place to eat at Daytona Beach is definitely the Ocean Deck. This restaurant is located right on the beach, and it offers a wide variety of seafood dishes. You can also find a number of other dishes here, including steaks, ribs, and chicken.
St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is located just south of Jacksonville on Florida’s east coast. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it offers a wide variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marcos.
If you want to stay at St. Augustine Beach for a few days, there are plenty of hotel options available, like the Hampton Inn St. Augustine Beach, the Sea Vista Tiki Bar & Grill, and the Surf’s Edge Club.
The best place to eat at St. Augustine Beach is definitely the Beachcomber Restaurant. This restaurant is located right on the beach, and it offers a wide variety of American and seafood dishes.
Anna Maria Beach
Anna Maria Beach is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast just south of Tampa. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it offers a wide variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Anna Maria Island Pier and the South Florida Museum.
If you want to stay at Anna Maria Beach for a few days, there are plenty of hotel options available, like the Beach House Resort, the Bradenton Beach Club, and the Paradise Bagels Café.
If you’re looking for where to eat while at Anna Maria Beach then you should definitely check out the Island Time Bar & Grill. This restaurant is located right on the beach, and it offers a wide variety of American and seafood dishes.
Sarasota Beach
Sarasota Beach is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast just south of Tampa. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it offers a wide variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. You can also find a number of restaurants and shops here, as well as a few attractions like the Mote Marine Laboratory and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
If you want to stay at Sarasota Beach for a few days, there are plenty of hotel options available, like the Lido Beach Resort, the Longboat Key Club Resort, and the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.
If you’re looking for where to eat while at Sarasota Beach, the best place to go is the Crow’s Nest at the Sarasota Yacht Club. This restaurant offers a wide variety of American and seafood dishes, as well as a great view of the Sarasota bay.
Packing To Fit In a Beach Trip During Your Disney Trip
Are you trying to figure out how to pack everything you need for a day at the beach into your luggage without exceeding the weight limit? Here are some tips that should help!
Pack lightly when going on a Disney trip. Here are some tips for packing everything you need for a beach trip into your luggage.
First, try to pack items that can be used for more than one purpose. For example, instead of packing a separate swimsuit and T-shirt, pack a rashguard that can be used as both.
Second, use packing cubes to keep your items organized and to save space. You can find these at most stores that sell luggage.
Third, use a lightweight backpack or tote bag as your Disney park bag and a beach bag. This will be easier to carry than a heavier beach chair or umbrella.
This is a quick list to keep your beach trip in the back of your head as you pack for your Disney trip.
I put a few links in there to items that are super compact and basically, a must-have for all traveling families. Definitely check them out!
TOILETRIES TO PACK
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair Brush
- Styling Tools
- Facial Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Shaving Supplies
- Contact Lenses
- Contact Solution
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover
- Feminine-Hygiene Products
- SPF Lip Balm
- Aloe Vera
- Nail File
- Nail Clippers
- Tweezers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Bandages
- First-Aid Ointment
- Medications
- Pain Relievers
- Vitamins
BEACH GEAR TO PACK
- Beach Blanket
- Portable Speaker
MISC. TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- Tissues
- Reusable Baggies
- Water Bottle
- Books
- Passport/Visa/ID
- Itinerary
- Maps/Directions
- Guidebook
- Cash
- Credit/ATM Cards
- Face Masks
- Insurance Cards
- List of Medications
- Emergency Contacts
- Copies of Documents
- Smart Phone
- Electronic Chargers
- Adapter
- Camera
- Copy of Vaccine Card
- Snacks
- Laptop
- Portable Charger
- Suitcase Locks
- Headphones
Finally, if you’re flying, remember that there are weight restrictions on luggage. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for your airline before packing.
FAQ: Best Beaches Near Disney World
Q: How far are the beaches from Disney World?
A: The beaches are located just a short drive away from Orlando, ranging from about 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on which beach you choose.
Q: Are the beaches crowded?
A: Some beaches can get crowded during peak vacation times, but there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for a quieter spot, consider visiting during the off-season or opting for a less popular beach.
Q: What kind of activities are available at the beaches?
A: The beaches near Disney World offer a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and more. Some beaches also have boardwalk areas with restaurants and shops.
Q: Which beach is best for families with young children?
A: New Smyrna Beach is a great option for families with young children, as it has a more laid-back atmosphere and calm waters. It also has plenty of natural beauty to enjoy, such as sand dunes and wildlife.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks to the beach?
A: Yes, most beaches allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Q: Do I need to bring my own beach equipment, like chairs and umbrellas?
A: Some beaches offer rental options for chairs and umbrellas, while others do not. It’s a good idea to check ahead of time and bring your own equipment if necessary.
Q: Are there any fees to access the beaches?
A: Some beaches may have a small fee for parking or access, while others are free. It’s a good idea to check ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
What do I recommend?
The only thing that holds us back from vacationing more, because we are budget savvy, is not having enough PTO/Vacation days at work.
That being said, if you can swing a beach vacation during or after your Disney vacation, I absolutely suggest it. But I would also say to make sure you are planning your trip itinerary to not overstress yourself and your family.
Choose the beach you are going to visit based on the distance and vibe you are looking for. As you can see, there are ample options that bring you all types of beaches.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation that is close to Disney World but offers a more relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere, then check out the beaches we’ve listed. A Disney travel agent can help you book your trip and make sure everything goes smoothly – from airport transfers to accommodations. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your post-Disney beach getaway today!