Best Beaches Near Disney

5 Best Beaches within 2 Hours of Walt Disney World Resort

When most people think about a Florida vacation, they picture Walt Disney World. Prior to moving down to Florida from Michigan, Disney was always our go-to destination when traveling down with our 5 kids. And while we absolutely love Disney, sometimes the best way to balance the excitement of the parks is with a day at the beach. One of the things we’ve come to appreciate living in Central Florida is that some of the state’s most beautiful beaches are only a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for waves, seashells, coffee shops, lighthouses, surfing, or simply a quieter place to unwind, there’s a beach for every type of family and the experience their hoping for.

The following are our five favorite beaches within two hours of Disney World, and the ones we find ourselves returning to again and again.

New Smyrna Beach

If we had to pick one beach that perfectly captures everything we love about Florida beach days, it would probably be New Smyrna Beach. What makes New Smyrna special isn’t just the beach itself, it’s everything surrounding it.
One of our favorite traditions is driving onto the beach as it’s such a unique experience in itself. The luxury and simplicity of having anything you’d need in your vehicle just feet away makes the experience that much better! No more lugging all of our beach stuff from a parking lot and trudging through the sand. Instead, setting up our chairs, and spending the day with our toes in the sand while still having easy access to everything we need in the vehicle behind us makes a huge difference, especially when you’re hauling coolers, toys, umbrellas, and enough snacks to feed a small army.

Shop some of our favorite beach items on Amazon:

When driving on the beach, you’ll have access to 17 different driving ramps from Daytona to New Smyna with the cost being $30 for a day (annual passes are available as well). Our go to driving ramp has been Flagler Avenue.

Within just a block or two of the ocean you’ll find:
Ice cream shops
Restaurants
Local boutiques
Playgrounds
Coffee shops (Cool Beans Coffee is simply amazing)
Family-friendly walking areas
Convenient bathrooms

Why We Love It!

It’s one of those rare places where everyone in the family can find something they enjoy! Here’s some of the reasons our entire family loves New Smyrna Beach:

• Drive-on beach access (although, you can also park directly adjacent to the bathrooms and easily walk down to the beach too)
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Great food nearby
• Easy parking
• Walkable downtown area
• One of the best beach day experiences in Florida

PONCE INLET

When we want something a little quieter, we head north of New Smyrna to Ponce Inlet.
The first thing you’ll notice is the lighthouse. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse stands tall above the shoreline and creates one of the most iconic views on Florida’s east coast. If you’ve never climbed it, it’s worth adding to your list. What we love most about Ponce Inlet is that it feels more relaxed than many of Florida’s larger beaches.

The crowds are typically smaller.
The pace feels slower.
And the entire area has a more local feel.
Families can enjoy the beach while avoiding some of the congestion found at neighboring destinations.
If you’re looking for beautiful photos, peaceful walks, and a quieter beach experience, Ponce Inlet is hard to beat.

Why We Love It

Here’s why our family loves Ponce Inlet:

• Less crowded
• Beautiful lighthouse views
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Great photography opportunities
• Relaxed pace
• To drive onto the beach in Ponce Inlet, you should use the Beach Street ramp or you can park up top at the Lighthouse Point Park.

COCOA BEACH

Cocoa Beach has a completely different vibe. This is surf culture. Prior to even parking, you’ll want to visit the flagship store of Ron Jon Surf Shop to grab some gear you may have forgotten or need to upgrade as the space and selection is huge!

For parking, you have several great options but I’ll list our two favorite:

• Lori Wilson Park (1500 N Atlantic Ave): Highly recommended for families. It features free parking, a nature boardwalk, restrooms, outdoor showers, and lifeguards. On weekends, this large lot fills up quickly though.
• Shepard Park (299 East Cocoa Beach Causeway): This is paid parking, but the access to a great beach located so close to Ron Jon is worth it.

Another one of our favorite spots is the Cocoa Beach Pier. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, watching surfers, or simply enjoying the ocean views, it’s a fun place to spend part of your day.
Side note: If you’re lucky, you might even catch a rocket launch during your visit, creating a memory your family will never forget as Cocoa is very close to Kennedy Space Center.
Cocoa Beach blends beach relaxation with adventure in a way few places can.

Why We Love It:

• Surfing culture
• Cocoa Beach Pier
• Family-friendly activities
• Close to Kennedy Space Center
• The infamous Ron Jon Surf Shop
• Great waves

VERO BEACH

Sometimes what you need most is a quieter beach. That’s exactly why we’ve come to love Vero Beach. Compared to many of Florida’s more popular beach destinations, Vero feels calmer and less crowded. The beaches are beautiful, clean, and perfect for families looking to slow down and enjoy the day. One of the highlights of the area is Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Even if you’re not staying there, the presence of the resort helps reinforce the family-friendly atmosphere throughout the area.

Vero feels a little more laid back. A little less rushed. And sometimes that’s exactly what makes a beach day memorable. If you’re looking for a place to read a book, take a long walk, hunt for shells, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves, Vero Beach delivers. Added bonus: There’s endless free parking lots all along Vero Beach.

Why We Love It

Here’s why we love Vero Beach:

• Quieter atmosphere
• Beautiful beaches
• Family-friendly environment
• Clean shoreline
• Relaxing pace
• Fantastic shell collecting opportunities
• Ample free parking lots

DAYTONA BEACH

There is something classic about Daytona Beach. For generations, families have been coming here to experience one of Florida’s most famous stretches of sand. Daytona is known for its incredibly wide beach and easy driving access. The hard-packed sand makes it unique compared to many other beaches in Florida. Kids love the space. Parents appreciate the convenience. And there’s plenty of room to spread out even during busy seasons. Beyond the beach itself, Daytona offers restaurants, attractions, shops, and enough activities to easily fill an entire day. If you’re visiting Florida for the first time, Daytona is one of those places that feels like a true Florida beach experience.

Why We Love It

Why our family loves Daytona Beach:

• Wide sandy beaches
• Drive-on access
• Lots of nearby activities (including the boardwalk with shops/restaurants)
• Great for larger families
• Classic Florida atmosphere

BEST OVERALL BEACH CLOSE TO DISNEY AND ORLANDO

If you’re looking for our personal favorite, New Smyrna Beach continues to top the list. The combination of easy beach access, great food, coffee shops, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities creates the perfect day trip from Disney World. Each of these beaches offers something different. Some days call for surfing. Some days call for lighthouses. Some days call for quiet. And some days call for ice cream after a long afternoon in the sand. They’re all close enough to Disney that you don’t have to choose between the magic of the parks and the beauty of Florida’s coastline. You can enjoy both!