Are you planning to visit Orlando? Did you know that the closest beach to Disney World is a captivating place to stay and do Disney rounds? I get it! If you book your stay in Orlando, you will not have to drive an hour from Cocoa Beach!
But guys, wouldn’t you want your vacation to be more interesting and filled with fun activities instead of just hustling Orlando’s city air? Read this article to learn about Cocoa Beach, the closest to Disney World.
I will also list the places you can stay and the things you can do while living in Cocoa Beach. It will make you happy along with your kids, considering only some adults enjoy the parks at Disney World and the Universals.
The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World!
So, you ask what beach is closest to Disney World? Cocoa Beach it is! My idea of staying at Cocoa Beach and traveling to Disney World for your children is a small sacrifice, especially with the host of activities I will suggest in this article.
If your children are adventurous and a little bigger than 5 years old, I am sure they will be hooked on the water sports available in Cocoa Beach. Don’t forget the Kennedy Space Center if you have a space junkie of a kid!
What can be better than giving them a treat of watching a rocket launch? So read more about how you can make the trip more memorable for your kid and you! The closest beach to Walt Disney World is the one we are planning around.
Closest Beach To Disney World: Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Disney World, located south of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is, therefore, a perfect location to watch rocket launches while enjoying the delicious food at the Cocoa Beach Pier!
Cocoa Beach is well known for its surfing sports shops, such as the Cocoa Beach Surf Company and the Ron Jons. There are also several parks close to the beach where you can go with your kids or if you are just a nature lover!
The water is shallow enough to wade in, with perfect opportunities to surf! The waves are calm and consistent, and it is one of the safest places worldwide to surf.
The beach is accessible daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors! The weather at the beach is a bit humid! Take advantage of the beauty of the water at Cocoa Beach that glows after the sun goes down due to the brightest dinoflagellate bio-luminescence.
The algae are the brightest from July to October, so as visitors, you cannot miss this beauty. The comb jellies glow during November, so you are in for a show when the sun goes down!
Things To Do At Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to visit if you are in Florida or have plans to go to Disney World. The town has much to offer and is a perfect destination for day trips, water-related activities, family-based activities, and attractions.
I will share some of my favorite spots to visit and activities to try out in Cocoa Beach. All amenities are available, such as restrooms, a dog park, a picnic area, service animals, showers, parking, and others.
Considering Cocoa beach near Disney World will offer you a variety of activities to perform. Read the article to learn about the best spots and activities you must try if you are staying or visiting Cocoa Beach!
1. Cocoa Beach Pier
It is one of Cocoa Beach’s iconic places, perfect for tourists, especially with the wide variety of beach activities, shops, and restaurants. From Sunday to Thursday, the pier is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., while on Friday and Saturday, it is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There is no entrance fee! However, you will need to pay at the shops or the surf stores! There are shops where you can buy clothing items, decor, or toiletries. Further, inside the park, you can go surfing and play volleyball.
2.Ron Jon Surf Shop & Surf School
You must visit this beach lifestyle store for anything related to surfing. Ron Jon Surf Shop is a popular surf school that is quite iconic and is one of the best places to visit in Cocoa Beach.
There are surfboards, swimsuits, and tourist merchandise across the whole shop! You can participate in surf lessons and camps here too!
3.Historic Cocoa Village
This village is pretty close to the beach, and do not get confused with the Barrier Island here! It is some 10 miles inland. When you reach the village, you will realize what a visual treat it is, considering there are colorful buildings across the village, some of the best restaurants, and unique shops.
4. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
You have a kid with you who is a space geek; you have to go to the Kennedy Space Center. Even if your child is unaware, this is a good way to introduce them to the concept of space and watch them fall in love.
The attraction is home to educational and historical exhibits like the Space Shuttle Atlantis. There is also an IMAX theater for visual content, which is interactive and impressive. Human spaceflight and rocket launches are done here, considering it is a primary site.
Check the KSC’s launch schedule when you plan to visit Cocoa Beach. You might catch a rocket launch, a cool site for adults and children.
Note: Not getting your hopes high or anything for the rocket launches considering the launches get rescheduled or scratched constantly.
5.Eat At A Beach Bar
Planning a day at the beach, and you are not going to try out bar food or, for that matter, seafood? Cocoa Beach is among the best places to check out the Floridian beach bars. The most popular bar joint on Cocoa Beach is ‘Coconut‘!
With a menu and full bar, it provides the best location, especially just a step away from Cocoa Beach. If you want a more laid-back vibe, go to the Beach Shack just next door.
You will also get live music in the shack. Another significant beach bar is Rikki Tiki Tavern, where you can enjoy the water because it is directly situated on the beach.
You also cannot miss the seafood offered in popular restaurants such as Squid Lips, The Fat Snook, Fat Kahuna’s, and Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill. Some of the best food dishes are pompano, snook, or speckled sea trout.
6.Take A Kayak Tour
You have to take a Kayak tour to enjoy the Banana River Lagoon inside the barrier island, Cocoa Beach. It is a vibrant ecosystem, and the adventure you will have is one of the best, especially with the sightings of dolphins and manatees.
7. Lori Wilson Park
Visit Lori Wilson Park, with calm, shallow water and open beach space. The park has free parking with a picturesque beach so that you can click beautiful pictures.
There are nature trails, forested areas, and boardwalks inside the park! What can be better than inside the park? There is a dog park where you can take your pets for a walk.
8. Brevard Zoo And Brevard Musuem Of History & Natural Science
The zoo has almost 900 animals across this 75-acre area, and they are collected worldwide. The place has hands-on experiences where you can kayak along the expedition Africa exhibit, feed birds and giraffes, and zipline across the trees.
Many moments are captured as exhibits across the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Sciences. You can observe Wind-over archaeological artifacts that belong to prehistoric times. The museum is also situated across 22 acres of natural trails.
Places To Stay At Cocoa Beach
You need to book accommodation when you visit these places and participate in diverse, fun activities. Further, when booking the places, you must evaluate your budget and the accessibility of different places from the place of accommodation.
Wakulla Suites
The accommodation at Wakulla Suites is all two-bedroom suites with a king-size bed, a double bed, and a twin bed. It is a perfect place to stay, especially if this is a family-based vacation.
There is also a living room in the suites. Families can use a full-size refrigerator in the kitchen and an oven at their convenience. There is free Wi-Fi, and the gas BBQ grill is open for guests.
There are also options for beach volleyball, a shuffleboard court, a game room, a pool, and a kid’s pool. You can also rent beach chairs, kayaks, boogie boards, and umbrellas from the hotel.
One suite for a night costs around $267 and is rated 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor based on 1537 reviews. In case of a supply of toiletries, you can buy diapers or suntan lotions from the online gift store.
Royal Mansions Resort
The hotel is the most convenient accommodation if you are visiting Florida or, even better, Cocoa Beach, especially because of the mix of convenience, comfort, and value. The Royal Mansions Resort offers a friendly setting where travelers like you can enjoy diverse amenities.
The rooms in the hotel offer free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. Barbecue facilities and pools are available for you while staying at the resort, along with free parking.
If you are craving barbecue dishes, you can book this resort as it is close to Gator’s Dockside, Smokehouse Foods, and Graham’s Smokehouse. You will be charged $133 for a room in the inn.
Take advantage of the exploration tower, which is located pretty close to the resort, considering it is one of the most popular landmarks of Cape Canaveral.
Homewood Suites By Hilton
The hotel Homewood Suites By Hilton has rooms with theme park features. You can access free Wi-Fi, a fitness center that you can access, free hot breakfast as a part of your booking, and a heated outdoor pool accessed all year round.
You can visit the Orange County Convention Center. It is close to the hotel so you can also see it! The hotel has a kitchenette, suites, a coffee machine, and a 50-inch flat-screen cable TV!
You need to pay $25 for a room per night, and it is centrally located with theme parks. According to Tripadvisor, the hotel has been rated 4.5 out of 5.
A dining area and a sofa bed accompany every room in the hotel. Apart from that, the toiletries are free while each room of the suite has a private bathroom. If you want to visit the theme parks, there is a complimentary shuttle.
Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach
The hotel by Marriott Cocoa Beach has almost 156 contemporary and spacious rooms, each offering beautiful river and ocean views and a private balcony.
You can access free Wi-Fi apart from the streaming digital services accessed from every room on the HD TV. The hotel recently opened a new restaurant called the Courtyard Cabana Bar at the poolside.
You can also access evening room service offering healthy food and beverages from their in-house restaurant, The Bistro, which is quite refreshing! Based on the 1331 reviews on Tripadvisor, the hotel has been rated as 4.5 out of 5, charging $275 per room per night!
Surf Studio Resort Cocoa Beach
Are you planning a romantic getaway with surf, sand, and water? Well, book your rooms at Surf Studio Resort Cocoa Beach! The air-conditioned rooms of the hotel have a kitchenette along with a refrigerator. You will also get free Wi-Fi in this hotel as well.
A picnic area, beach chairs, and sun umbrellas are also available in the Surf Studio Resort Cocoa Beach. There is also a pool on the property, which you can enjoy all year! There are also free parking services.
The price of the rooms in the hotel charges $205 on a per-day basis. If you are a Chinese food lover, there is a restaurant called Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant close to the resort.
Where Do We Stop?
You will be pretty busy with all the activities, including surfing, fishing, swimming, wildlife, food, and others! With children, you have to visit the Disney World theme parks and the Universal Studio.
What other plans might you have when you visit Orlando considering the beach area is one of the best for fun? You can also access playgrounds and parks, which will help you keep your children in line.
Comment below to let us know about your favorite place in Cocoa Beach or the one spot out of the list that you will visit!
Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.
Travel is not a thing to be taken lightly. The ability to explore the world is well and truly a privilege, born of new travel capabilities and ever-more global communities. Travel is a gift – but choosing where to travel can feel like something of a course. Say you’re looking for somewhere utterly beautiful to visit; where should you go?
Any list of this nature is unavoidably subjective; beautiful places are often bucket-list places, fanned out across a wide-open world and which appeal to very specific sensibilities. Someone who sees the delicate nature of life through the coral reefs of Sharm El-Sheikh might not find that same sublimity in the harsh expanse of the Grand Canyon.
As such, this list doesn’t seek to define or even rank ‘beauty’ from destination to destination. Rather, it’s designed to be a crib sheet – a handy guide by which to inform your own decision-making, should you be planning the trip of a lifetime. And these are just a handful of suggestions, too!
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores are Portuguese territory, but a far cry from the Iberian Peninsula. These nine volcanic islands are way out in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, boasting some of the most incredible island landscapes of the entire world. Secluded bays, beautiful villages, unspoiled sands and so much more await the intrepid traveler.
A private jet rental can bring you to the quiet runways of Ponta Delgada in consummate luxury – from where you can enjoy the unusually lush green landscape that surrounds you. The Lago das Sete Cidades, a crater lake of indescribable magnificence, is a short hop away and unlike anything you have ever seen before.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Kyoto, Japan
On practically the opposite side of the globe, Japan plays host to an incredible array of stunning views and sublime locales. It is especially hard to choose between them, particularly when so much of Japan’s landscape is forever immortalized in art and pop culture. One stand-out bucket-list location is an unassuming one in comparison, but no less popular for its size.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, nestled in the suburban northwest of Kyoto, is a stunning forest of pure green bamboo. Paths run through the trees, allowing you to soak in this utterly unique forest experience – with an outside chance of meeting a few monkeys in the process.
Reynisfjara, Iceland
I challenge you to find any destination in Iceland that is not an emotionally moving location or landscape. Reynisfjara stands apart from the jagged volcanism of the inland, though, being a black sand beach that is every bit as mesmerizing in person as it is in the pictures. Iceland is worth a tour of its own, but Reynisfjara should be high on your list of places to visit.
Banff National Park, Canada
While globe-hopping can help with getting up close to the best sights on the planet, there are those that are little more than a stone’s throw away. A brief stint north of the border could take you to Banff National Park in Canada, where you can explore the Rockies like nowhere else: above and below. This mountainous terrain hides incredible views, stunning glacier lakes, and a network of caves and basins that defy your eyes.
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If you are planning to fly out of an airport this travel season, you need to spend a little time thinking about how you will get there.
Transportation to an airport can quickly get expensive, and perhaps you do not have a whole lot of extra cash at the moment, especially if you’ve spent a lot on tickets, hotel accommodations, etc.
Finding a more reasonably priced option means you can save money that will likely come in handy at another point during your trip.
Maybe you need to save cash for a Los Angeles van rental or for getting into museums and other attractions once you arrive at your destination.
In these circumstances, keeping as much money in your pocket as possible when heading to the airport is often crucial. We will discuss seven modes of transportation that are worth your consideration in the following article.
Most Cost-Effective Way to Reach the Airport
Read this article till the end to know which is the most cost-effective ride to the airport.
You Can Walk
Is it possible to walk to an airport? Sometimes it is, but that would have to mean you would already have to be pretty close to it.
The most practical time to walk to an airport is if you stayed at a hotel adjacent to it the previous night. Most other times, it is not possible or practical. Whenever you can manage it, though, you will presumably pay nothing.
It really does not get much better than that if you are attempting to conserve your money. You will even get some exercise by walking, which is nice.
If you can walk to the airport, make sure to watch out for traffic and only use roads with sidewalks. Using airport access roads or ones only intended for cars is dangerous. Saving money is great, but not if it comes at the possible price of being hit by a taxi or airport shuttle.
You Can Consider Hiring an Uber or Lyft
In the past decade, hiring an Uber or Lyft has become a piece of common knowledge in the urban scene. You can book a ride on these rental cars within seconds with the help of apps on your phone. If you are not a very tech-savvy person, you can still get the Lyft or Uber app, order a vehicle for yourself, and ride to the airport with someone else handling the driving duties.
The real drawback with either Uber or Lyft is the expense. During surge hours pricing can become quite expensive in the case of these rental cars. At certain hours when the demand for these rental cars increases, Uber or Lyft increases their pricing as well. Hiring a rideshare vehicle off hours is almost always cheaper.
You Can Hire a Taxi
The option of hiring a taxi can be efficient and expensive. For example, if you book a cab from Midtown Manhattan to JFK it will easily cost you $50 or more. This cost varies based on the demand of the cab, city or state, and other circumstances affecting the booking prices.
If you are in a smaller city with a less busy airport, getting a taxi may not break the bank. If you are considering this option but have a tight budget, it never hurts to go online and do a little research before you flag down the nearest taxi on the street.
Take a Hotel Shuttle
Hotel shuttles are usually free if you are staying at that hotel, so getting to the airport that way is certainly an attractive prospect. Hotel shuttles are usually clean and well-maintained. They are also generally air-conditioned, which is nice.
You should have at least a couple of dollars to tip the driver if you go this route. $5 for a tip is usually the expected amount, but the driver will likely be happy if you give them anything, since not all travelers do.
Get a Public Bus or Train
Cities that have public buses and trains you can take to the airport are another one of the cheaper options in most instances.
These choices can save money, but they often take much longer to get to the airport because they make many stops. If you decide to grab a train or bus, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time for this reason.
Rent a Town Car
You might also rent a town car if you have enough money. A town car offers a VIP feeling, meaning you get a ride to the airport in style. Then this experience comes at a high cost so you will try this only when you feel like treating yourself.
Again, if you can afford the cost of renting a town car then that is a great advantage. Your advantage is that you get to enjoy the ride alone without sharing it with anyone.
It will also most likely be air-conditioned and comfortable. The only danger if you decide on this option is a chatty driver. If you do not mind making small talk, though, that might not be a significant source of concern for you.
Take an Airport Shuttle
Many airports operate shuttles that will pick you up throughout the city. Generally, you can find the operating routes of these airport shuttles through the airport’s website and choose the shuttle accordingly.
On the other hand, a hotel shuttle is free, unlike an airport shuttle which can be expensive.
Conclusion
To recap, walking is usually your only free option. Taking public transportation can keep the price down while getting a hotel shuttle is generally free.
Other options can be expensive for you such as Lyft, Uber, or hiring a taxi or town car. Then again this expense comes with an advantage of not sharing the ride with anyone.
If these options don’t work for you, then just ask a family member or a friend to drive to the airport if they are available. This is only an option in cities where you know someone, though.
If someone you know is willing to give you a lift, you might be obliged to buy them breakfast or something along those lines as a way of saying thank you.
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Florida provides one of the best and most exciting vacation destinations that the US has to offer.
From the stunning island paradises of the Florida Keys and the glam party vibe of Miami to the rich biodiversity of the Everglades National Park, not to mention the thrills of Orlando, the history of Saint Augustine, and the peace and tranquility of Sanibel Island, Florida provides a gorgeous experience for every type of traveler.
If you are planning a trip to Florida, chances are you’ve considered booking yourself into an all-inclusive resort. Whether you are staying in Miami for a short spell before cruising for 3 days around the Caribbean or seeking out the hidden gems of the Sunshine State on a longer Florida getaway, an all-inclusive resort can offer an incredibly convenient, relaxing, and enjoyable vacation experience.
Here Are Six Prime Reasons To Stay In An All-Inclusive Resort In Florida
To help you plan your Florida adventure, let’s explore some of the reasons why staying at an all-inclusive resort in Florida can be a fantastic choice.
1. Comfort
First up, the convenience. All-inclusive resorts provide an unmatched sense of comfort and ease. With all of your expenses paid upfront, you won't have to worry about keeping track of spending or sticking to a budget, and you don’t have to organize anything yourself. Instead, you can lie back, relax, and focus on fully enjoying your vacation without any stress.
2. Activities and amenities
All-inclusive resorts are packed to the rafters with things to do and awesome experiences to take part in that are guaranteed to make your vacation more enjoyable. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, or take part in exciting activities like water sports or golf, an all-inclusive resort has everything you need to relax and have fun.
3. Drinking and dining
One of the best parts of an all-inclusive resort is the dining experience. These resorts often offer an array of drinking and dining options, from cozy cocktail bars to world-class gourmet restaurants. And the best part? It's all included in your package! You can indulge in delicious meals without worrying about the cost or the hassle of finding places to indulge yourself in unfamiliar areas.
4. Location
Florida is a pretty spectacular place to visit in general, but the locations of most all-inclusive resorts are usually something else entirely. Most luxury resorts are situated in stunning locations, from the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast to the lush, tropical landscapes of South Florida. With an all-inclusive resort, you are pretty much guaranteed to be staying in paradise.
5. Cost
One of the great advantages of an all-inclusive resort is not having to worry about money. With everything taken care of, you can leave your wallet in your room. And an all-inclusive resort almost always works out as cheaper than an equivalent vacation, as you can take advantage of buffet dining and amazing experiences on-tap, safe in the knowledge that everything is included!
6. Service with a smile
All-inclusive resorts pride themselves on their top-notch levels of service. From the moment you arrive to the final farewell, you are guaranteed to be treated like royalty, with friendly and attentive staff catering to your every need and thoughtful touches like fresh towels and snacks at every turn. And it goes without saying that if you encounter any issues, the staff is always there to help and ensure that you have the best experience possible.
While not for everyone, an all-inclusive resort provides a stunning and convenient vacation option, with all your needs taken care of, and luxury and enjoyment guaranteed. For the perfect Florida vacation, an all-inclusive resort is hard to beat!
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