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Beaches

The state of Florida offers some of the most wonderful beaches in the world! Several of these beaches routinely receive awards by various rating organizations. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the Disney World area.

FLORIDA'S EAST COAST BEACHES

Daytona Beach - known as the "World’s Most Famous Beach"
Directions: From Orlando, take Interstate 4 East to Daytona

Located on Florida's Central East Coast, just 53 miles from Orlando, it stretches 23 miles along the Atlantic. Well known for being the home of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, spring break, and BikeWeek, Daytona is popular with young people and families alike. The gentle slope and tides have packed the white sands near the ocean which allows for driving of cars as well as the rental of many different types of beach bikes and buggies.

Of the 23 miles of beach, 16 miles allow driving and parking during the day and when the tide permits. Simply pack a lawn chair or blanket and cruise over to Daytona, park within feet of the water and deploy your lawn chair, sandals and suntan lotion - all while declaring this a sun and surf lovers paradise. On the flip side, if you are a nature lover or prefer a more "serene" retreat you will have to look a little further. Whether you’re cruising the boardwalk, hanging out on the pier or just kicking back with your favorite book, Daytona Beach is fun.

The Daytona Beach area is only an hour's drive from greater Orlando and even closer to St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center.

Ormond Beach - lots of options, nice beaches.
Visiting Ormond Beach can be one of your most rewarding vacations. Ormond Beach is located on the northern end of the greater Daytona Beach Resort Area in Northeast Central Florida. This area is known for it's famous drive-on beach, one of the few available in the world. Ormond Beach's nickname, the "Birthplace of Speed" comes from the turn of the century speed records set here on the beach. Today, millions of visitors come each year to witness automobile racing at nearby Daytona International Speedway.

Ormond Beach has areas to suit every need. Some of the beach areas permit driving, however the northern areas do not. All offer breathtaking beauty and water related fun! It's easy to see why our beaches are considered among the best in the world. Whether your day at the beach is to relax and read a book; cast a line into the surf; build sand castles with the children; or cruise along the shoreline with the top down, Volusia County beaches can accommodate your desired experience.

New Smyrna Beach - South of Daytona - nice beaches
Location: New Smyrna Beach is located on Florida's east coast, just north of Cape Canaveral. Off 1-95, exit 84A. Directions: East off I-95, Exits: Southbound 84A; Northbound 84.

New Smyrna Beach boasts over 13 miles of beautiful white sandy beach. Wide and flat with vehicle access like Daytona but much less crowded than its northern neighbor, (75 minute drive from Orlando) New Smyrna begins at Ponce Inlet and continues on to Canaveral National Seashore and Apollo Beach."The World's Safest Bathing Beach" is great entertainment in a clean, peaceful setting (sunbathing, swimming, surfing, jet skiing,wind surfing, fishing, shell collecting).
Located at the mouth of the Ponce de Leon Inlet, New Smyrna Beach serves as the gateway to the historic and picturesque Indian River Intracoastal Waterway and 13 miles of Atlantic Coast beach.
Rich in history and sunshine, New Smyrna Beach is often referred to as "Florida’s Original Theme Park." Bound at the southside of the island by the pristine 57,000-acre Canaveral National Seashore park and at the north end by Smyrna Dunes Park, with its 1.5 mile boardwalk loop around the Inlet area, nature comes alive here. Watersports abound, with some of the best surfing in the area and fishing that is absolutely first-class. Palm trees border Flagler Avenue, a true seaside beach street lined with quaint boutiques, surf shops and restaurants. Historic Canal Street in downtown New Smyrna Beach has enjoyed a renewed emphasis on its old town charm.

Cocoa Beach - closest beach to Orlando!
Location: Just 60 miles from Orlando on the Beeline Expressway! Come it's an easy drive!
Directions: Simply drive east from Orlando (or the Orlando International Airport) on the BeeLine (SR 528) Expressway. Cocoa beach is just south of Port Canaveral which the Disney Cruise Line's Magic and the Wonder call home port.

Cocoa Beach is just an hour from Orlando so it is very popular with tourists and residents alike. The beaches are not "serene" but offer a wide variety of fun with wide sands, gently sloping beaches and moderate but fun surfing and swimming waves. There are quite a few parks on the beach which offer direct access to the ocean. Most are from 2 acres to 40 acres in size and some offer picnic pavilions, surf fishing, nature trails, playgrounds and surfing or swimming. Many resorts, hotels, and restaurants adjoin the parks.

One major highlight of Cocoa Beach is the pier which stretches 840 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is open year-round. Food and beverages are readily available, with four restaurants, souvenir shops and frequent live entertainment. From an outdoor cafe table, guests can dine and see for miles down the beach making this a great spot to view a space shuttle launch and enjoy the ocean and sunshine.

Fishing equipment can be rented nearby for the angler in the family. Dress is casual since most patrons are beachgoers still in their bathing suits. The Cocoa Beach Pier is located on the North end of Cocoa Beach off A-1-A at Meade Avenue.

Lori Wilson Park at Cocoa Beach - Located at 1500 N. Atlantic Ave.
This 32 acre oceanfront park is operated by Brevard County and has seasonal lifeguards. Facilities include restrooms, three pavilions along a 1,000' boardwalk, six dune crossovers, maritime hammock, volleyball court, a playground, barbecue grills, and a 274-space parking lot located on both the north and south sides of the park.

Melbourne Beach - beaches, parks
While most of Melbourne is located on the Florida mainland, a small portion is located on a barrier island. The Indian River Lagoon separates the island from the mainland. The area is the perfect side trip for the Orlando vacationer with beach dreams.

Bonsteel Park - 8455 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach is popular for surfing and shoreline fishing, this peaceful 2.34-acre community beach park is located 15-miles south of U.S. Hwy 192. Preserving the natural environment, facilities at this quiet south beach include a stabilized parking area and dune crossover.

Coconut Point Park - 3535 Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach Located 5.5 miles south of U.S. Hwy 192, this 36.9-acre community beach park and sea turtle nesting site preserves the natural environment. Popular for surfing, beachcombing and fishing, the park amenities include a small pavilion, restrooms, and an outside shower. One of the 2 dune crossovers is wheelchair accessible.

Spessard Holland North Beach Park - On the beach 8 miles south of US Hwy 192, this 4.53 acre community beach park is a popular fishing site and recreation area.

Spessard Holland South Beach Park - Across from Spessard Holland Golf Course & 3.5 miles south of U.S. Hwy. 192, this 6.5 acre community beach park with seasonal lifeguards is a popular family park with a 150' boardwalk. Many a memorable vacation has taken place on a stretch of sand not unlike Spessard Holland Park.

FLORIDA'S WEST COAST BEACHES

Clearwater Beach - Offering just about every water and beach activity imaginable, Clearwater Beach has been named the top city beach in the Gulf region. Pier 60 Park features a family recreation complex on Clearwater's expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. The Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features music, entertainment and a beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset throughout the year.

St. Pete Beach - This seven-mile-long barrier island is home to spectacular sites that include five miles of white sandy beach and the renowned Don Cesar. St. Pete beach is a tourist mecca filled with unusual gift shops, evenings of entertainment and watersports galore. A free parking lot is located across the Dolphin Village shopping center. Visitors can also park along residential side streets and slide in between hotels to the beach.