The Best Beaches Near Disney World in Florida

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From Cocoa Beach to Clearwater, here’s your guide to the best beaches near Walt Disney World Florida—distance, vibe, and where to stay.

Spending a day at one of the best beaches near Disney World is a great way to break up your trip—or wind down before heading home.

Disney can be exhausting, so adding a beach day to your vacation is a great way to relax and recharge. The closest beach to Disney World is Cocoa Beach, just over an hour east of Orlando. Even though it’s relatively close, it’s still a stretch for a full day trip. If you really want to slow down, turning your beach day into an overnight stay is the way to go. You won’t be stuck doing a long drive twice in one day, and you’ll actually have time to enjoy the ocean instead of squeezing it all into a few rushed hours. Adding a night or two at the beach after your Disney stay is the perfect way to unwind before heading home—it gives you a real break at the end of a busy trip.

But Cocoa Beach isn’t your only option, there are plenty of beaches near Disney World in Florida. From east coast surfing spots to quiet Gulf Coast hideaways, the white sand beaches near Disney World are worth the drive. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the best beaches near Disney World in Florida, including how far they are from the parks, what each area offers, and where to stay if you want to split your time between a theme park and beach trip.

If you’re still planning your Disney itinerary, check out my post on the 8 Best Disney Resorts to Stay At, the Best Disney World Value Resort, or Split Stays.  And if you’re looking for more to do outside of the parks, What to Do at Disney on Non-Park Days, Things to Do at Disney Resorts, and my Disney Resort Hopping Guide can help you get the most out of your non-park time. And don’t forget to download my Disney Day Bag printable packing list.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which beaches near Disney World are the right fit for your family and how to plan your time so you’re not scrambling for ideas on your rest days.

Table of Contents

Does Disney Have a Beach?

Disney Beach

If you’re wondering if there are any Disney resorts with beaches the answer is sort of. While there are several Resorts that have beaches, you can’t actually swim in them. These are lakeside areas with soft sand, places to lounge, and a nice view—but no swimming is allowed.

Want a Beach Vacation Without Leaving the Disney Bubble?

While you won’t find a real ocean beach at Disney, a stay at Beach Club comes close. You’ll have access to Stormalong Bay—a sand-bottom pool with a lazy river and water slide, plus a lakeside “beach” area right across from it. You can also enjoy a lakeside beach day at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian, Riviera, or Contemporary/Bay Lake Towers, giving you several “beach” options on-site.

These are all Deluxe resorts, but you don’t have to pay full price. With David’s Vacation Club Rentals, you can rent DVC points and stay for significantly less.

Prices are based on a single night during Value season (January 12-13).

You still get all the same perks as booking direct—Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours, 60-day dining reservations, and Lightning Lane access 7 days ahead.

👉 Check prices and compare your dates before you book.

If you want to include a true beach vacation in your Disney trip, you can also consider a split stay. Spend a few nights at a Disney resort, then switch to a hotel on the coast. It’s an easy way to balance theme park days with actual downtime by the water.

The Only Beach Resort in Orlando

Evermore Orlando Resort

If you want to stay closer to the parks but still want a true beach day, Evermore Orlando Resort is the only real beach resort in the area. It’s not on the coast, but it features the massive man-made Evermore Bay with white sand and crystal-clear water. This resort has 2- and 4-bedroom villas, large flats, and even homes with up to 11 bedrooms, which is perfect for bigger groups.

There are plenty of water activities to enjoy like paddleboarding, kayaking, a rope swing, and a water slide. The resort also has two golf courses. Evermore is a great option if you’re craving a beachy vibe but don’t want to drive all the way to the coast.

Best of all, it’s less than 3 miles away from Walt Disney World.

East Coast Beaches Near Walt Disney World

If you’re looking for the nearest beaches to Disney World with a more active coastal vibe, head east. East Coast beaches have more waves and coarser sand compared to the Gulf Coast, which can make them more fun for surfing, fishing, or water sports.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Disney, around an hour and 15 minutes from Orlando. It’s located on Florida’s Space Coast and is known as the “Surfing Capital of the East Coast”. The waves here are calm and consistent, making it one of the best family beaches near Disney World.

It features golden sand and a laid-back beach town atmosphere. You’ll find miles of shoreline, plenty of local restaurants, and fun attractions like the 24-hour Ron Jon Surf Shop. Activities include surfing, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife boat tours.

Where to Stay

If you want to stay in Cocoa Beach, The Resort on Cocoa Beach is a great choice. Located directly on the sand and just 2 miles from the pier, this resort offers 2-bedroom condos with balconies, whirlpool tubs, and full kitchens. The property includes a heated outdoor pool, movie theater, indoor play area, and courts for tennis and basketball.

Other great choices

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is about an hour and a half from Disney World and offers 23 miles of shoreline. It’s livelier than Cocoa Beach, with amusement rides, arcades, and plenty of beachside attractions. Families can enjoy mild waves ideal for beginners learning to surf or paddleboard.

In addition to the beach, Daytona is famous for the Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500. This gives the area a busier, more energetic vibe.

Where to Stay

If you’re staying overnight, the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach is a top pick. Located right on the beach, it features music-themed rooms, ocean-view suites, a VIP pet program, an outdoor pool facing the ocean with a tiki bar, and even a kids’ club for ages 5-15.

Other great choices

Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach

About an hour and a half from Disney World, Melbourne Beach is a peaceful town located on a barrier island south of Cocoa Beach. If you’re looking for quiet beaches near Disney World, this is it. It has a residential feel, less commercialization, and wide sandy beaches with far fewer crowds.

It’s a great place to unwind, walk along the Melbourne Beach Pier, or explore historic downtown Melbourne. It’s also a good area for spotting sea turtles, especially between May and October.

Where to Stay

There aren’t any high-rise hotels, most lodging options here are smaller- inns, motels, and vacation rentals. The Melbourne Beach Resort is a simple, two-story beachfront property with studios and suites. There’s an outdoor pool and direct beach access, but not a lot of on-site activities.

Other great choices

Vero Beach

Vero Beach

Vero Beach is about an hour and 35 minutes from Disney World and offers a quieter, more upscale beach experience. It’s located on a barrier island across the Indian River Lagoon and features parks, gardens, and family-friendly beaches with lifeguards.  Jaycee Beach and South Beach Park are both good choices for safe swimming.

Where to Stay

Vero Beach is home to Disney’s first standalone DVC property. They have beach chairs and umbrellas, cabanas, boogie boards, kayaks, sailboats, banana boats, and jet skis available to rent or borrow. Booking through David’s Vacation Club Rentals during Value weeks can make a 4-night stay as low as $900.

If you want a non-Disney option, Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful beachfront hotel close to shops and restaurants. It offers ocean-view suites, direct beach access, an infinity pool, beach loungers, and rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and beach cruiser bicycles.

Other great choices

West Coast Beaches Near Disney World

The west coast of Florida is known for its prettier beaches, calm Gulf waters, and powdery white sand. These are great choices if you want to relax and swim without strong surf.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is about an hour and 40 minutes from Disney World, making it the closest west coast beach to Disney. It has soft white sand, calm waters, and lots of family-friendly activities like boating, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and water tours, including a pirate-themed tour ship.

The Pier 60 area is a great place to visit, with a 360-degree view of the ocean and nightly sunset celebrations. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home to Winter from Dolphin Tale until he passed away in 2021) is also worth a stop, especially for families. If you want a quieter beach, Honeymoon Island State Park is about a 20-minute drive north.

Where to Stay

Dolphin Sands Clearwater Beach is a top hotel option. It’s family-friendly, and eco-conscious, and features rooms for 3-5 (including some poolside rooms) and family suites for up to 6, cabana rentals, a beachside pool, easy beach access, and bike rentals.

Other great choices

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is about a 2-hour drive from Disney World and regularly ranks as one of the top beaches in the U.S. (coming in #1 on Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for the Best of the Best Beaches) thanks to its white quartz sand and calm turquoise water.

It’s perfect for families or couples looking for a more laid-back beach day.  You can explore the island by free trolley, visit Siesta Key Village for shopping and dining, check out the local art galleries, or visit the Historical Society Museum. Plus you can enjoy the usual beach town water activities like kayaking and swimming, or join a dolphin tour.

Where to Stay 

The Residences on Siesta Key Beach (a Hyatt Vacation Club property) offers 2- to 4-bedroom condos with whirlpool tubs, kitchens, and access to a private beach area. There’s also a pool, gym, cafe, and complimentary light breakfast.

Other great choices

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island

About 2 hours from Disney World, Anna Maria Island is on a 7-mile barrier island with a no-high-rise, laid-back vibe.

It’s full of quiet, uncrowded beaches and small-town charm.  Visitors can take free trolleys around the island, rent bikes, go kayaking, or take a horseback ride along the shore. If you want a true beach escape with a slower pace, this is a great pick.

Where to Stay

Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages offers 1-bedroom apartments or beachfront cottages with full kitchens, that sleep up to 6 guests. It has hammocks, beach chairs, cruiser bicycles, a bocce ball court, and a casual, homey feel.

Other great choices

Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach is about an hour and 45 minutes from Disney and is one of the best quiet beaches near Disney World. Located just south of Clearwater, it’s a peaceful option if you want a low-key beach day close to the Gulf Coast’s larger towns.

Visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or explore the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve. It’s also home to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary.

Where to Stay

Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel is a five-minute walk from the beach. It offers standard rooms for up to 4 or family suites for up to 6 with kitchens. There’s a heated outdoor garden pool with a waterfall, a tiki bar, and an on-site mini-golf course. Plus, the property is right next to Splash Harbour Water Park.

Other great choices

Whether you’re planning a full beach getaway or just want to squeeze in a day of sun and sand, these beaches near Disney World in Florida offer something for every travel style. From the lively boardwalks of Daytona and Clearwater to quiet beaches near Disney World like Indian Rocks and Melbourne, you’ve got no shortage of options.

Combining a few park days with some relaxing time on the coast is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds.  No matter how you do it, adding a beach day to your Disney vacation is one of the easiest ways to recharge—especially when there are so many great beaches near Disney World.

Need more ideas for your non-park days? Don’t miss these:

Looking for tips on where to stay at Disney? Check out my recommendations:

Planning to do some resort hopping? Check these out:

Doing Disney with someone with Autism? Check these out:

Need help eating gluten-free at Disney? Check out my reviews of the best spots.

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