Closest Beach To Disney World: Discovering The Perfect Getaway

Sep 12, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 23, 2026

Travel Guides

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 to get to Cocoa Beach!

But guys, wouldn’t you want your vacation to be more interesting and filled with fun activities instead of just hustling through Orlando’s city air?

Read this article to learn about Cocoa Beach, the closest to Disney World.

I will also list places to stay and things to do while you’re in Cocoa Beach.

It will make you and your kids happy, since only some adults enjoy the parks at Disney World and Universal.

The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World!

Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World

So, you’re wondering which beach is closest to Disney World? Cocoa Beach it is!

Staying in Cocoa Beach and traveling to Disney World with your children is a small sacrifice, especially with the host of activities I suggest in this article.

If your children are adventurous and a little older than 5, 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’s better than giving them the 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

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’s a perfect place to watch rocket launches while enjoying delicious food at the Cocoa Beach Pier!

Cocoa Beach is well known for its surf shops, such as the Cocoa Beach Surf Company and Ron Jons.

Several parks near the beach are also great for kids or nature lovers.

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 Cocoa Beach’s water, which glows after sunset thanks to the brightest dinoflagellate bioluminescence.

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

Things To Do At Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to visit if you are in Florida or planning a trip 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. Amenities include restrooms, a dog park, a picnic area, service animals, showers, parking, and more.

Considering Cocoa Beach is near Disney World will offer you a variety of activities to do.

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

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! You can buy clothing, decor, or toiletries at the shops.

Further, inside the park, you can go surfing and play volleyball.

2. Ron Jon Surf Shop & Surf School

Ron Jon Surf Shop & Surf School

You must visit this beach lifestyle store for anything surfing-related. Ron Jon Surf Shop is a popular, iconic surf school and one of the best places to visit in Cocoa Beach.

The shop has surfboards, swimsuits, and tourist merchandise throughout! You can also take surf lessons and join camps here!

3. Historic Cocoa Village

Historic Cocoa Village

This village is pretty close to the beach, so don’t confuse it 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, with colorful buildings across the village, some of the best restaurants, and unique shops.

4. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

NASA's Kennedy Space Center

If 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 great way to introduce them to space and watch them fall in love.

The attraction features educational and historical exhibits like the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It also has an IMAX theater with interactive, impressive visual content.

Human spaceflight and rocket launches are done here, as 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: Don’t get your hopes up or anything for the rocket launches, considering the launches get rescheduled or scratched constantly.

5. Eat At A Beach Bar

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 one of the best places to check out Floridian beach bars. The most popular bar joint on Cocoa Beach is ‘Coconut‘!

With a full menu and bar, it’s in a great spot, especially just a step away from Cocoa Beach. For a more laid-back vibe, go to the Beach Shack next door.

You can also catch live music at the shack. Another great beach bar is Rikki Tiki Tavern, where you can enjoy the water because it sits directly 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

Take A Kayak Tour

Take a Kayak tour to enjoy the Banana River Lagoon inside the barrier island of Cocoa Beach.

It is a vibrant ecosystem, and the adventure is one of the best, especially with sightings of dolphins and manatees.

7. Lori Wilson Park

Lori Wilson Park

Visit Lori Wilson Park, with calm, shallow water and open beach space. The park has free parking and a picturesque beach, so you can take beautiful photos.

The park has nature trails, forested areas, and boardwalks. What’s better than being in the park? There is a dog park where you can take your pets for a walk.

8. Brevard Zoo And Brevard Museum Of History & Natural Science

Brevard Zoo And Brevard Musuem Of History & Natural Science

The zoo has almost 900 animals across its 75-acre area, 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 view Windover archaeological artifacts from prehistoric times. The museum is also situated across 22 acres of natural trails.

Places To Stay At Cocoa Beach

Places To Stay At Cocoa Beach

You’ll need to book accommodation when you visit these places and enjoy diverse, fun activities.

Also, when booking, evaluate your budget and how accessible each place is from your accommodation.

Wakulla Suites

Wakulla Suites

Wakulla Suites offers two-bedroom suites with a king-size bed, a double bed, and a twin bed. It is a perfect place to stay, especially for a family vacation.

The suites also include a living room. Families can use the full-size refrigerator and oven in the kitchen as needed.

Free Wi-Fi is available, and guests can use the gas BBQ grill.

The property also offers beach volleyball, a shuffleboard court, a game room, a pool, and a kids’ pool. You can also rent beach chairs, kayaks, boogie boards, and umbrellas from the hotel.

One night in a suite costs around $267 and is rated 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor based on 1537 reviews.

If you need toiletries, you can buy diapers or suntan lotion from the online gift store.

Royal Mansions Resort

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 a range of amenities.

The hotel rooms include free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. Barbecue facilities and pools are available during your stay, along with free parking.

If you are craving barbecue, you can book this resort because 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, located close to the resort, as it is one of Cape Canaveral‘s most popular landmarks.

Homewood Suites By Hilton

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, free hot breakfast with your booking, and a heated outdoor pool open 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 pay $25 per room per night, and it is centrally located near the theme parks. According to Tripadvisor, the hotel has a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Every room includes a dining area and a sofa bed. Toiletries are free, and each suite has a private bathroom.

If you want to visit the theme parks, a complimentary shuttle is available.

Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach

Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach

The Marriott Cocoa Beach has almost 156 contemporary, spacious rooms, each with beautiful river and ocean views and a private balcony.

You can access free Wi-Fi and streaming digital services from every room on the HD TV.

The hotel recently opened a new poolside restaurant called the Courtyard Cabana Bar.

You can also enjoy evening room service with healthy food and beverages from the in-house restaurant, The Bistro, which is quite refreshing!

Based on 1,331 Tripadvisor reviews, the hotel has a 4.5/5 rating and costs $275 per room per night.

Surf Studio Resort Cocoa Beach

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 hotel’s air-conditioned rooms include a kitchenette and a refrigerator. You will also get free Wi-Fi at this hotel as well.

Surf Studio Resort Cocoa Beach also offers a picnic area, beach chairs, and sun umbrellas. The property also has a pool you can enjoy year-round. There is also free parking.

Rooms are $205 per day. If you love Chinese food, Yen Yen Chinese Restaurant is nearby.

Where Do We Stop?

You will be busy with activities like surfing, fishing, swimming, wildlife, food, and more!

With children, you have to visit the Disney World theme parks and Universal Studios.

What other plans might you have when you visit Orlando, considering the beach area is one of the best for fun?

You can also visit playgrounds and parks, which can help keep your children in line.

Comment below to share your favorite place in Cocoa Beach or the spot on the list you will visit!

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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READ MORE things to do in salt lake city

The Ultimate Guide To Things To Do In Salt Lake City!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

If you are planning to visit, the first thing you may do is look for the best things to do in Salt Lake City. With more than 220 sunny days annually, it is a popular destination for week-long vacations. Of course, in addition to all the amazing ski resorts that are nearby. As a result, the growth of extremely posh high-end hotels, resorts, and other establishments over time is not surprising. Nowadays, Salt Lake City has an abundance of great dining options, secret speakeasies, salt flats, double-feature drive-ins, and family-friendly attractions. It's a great place to go on a romantic getaway or a family vacation with the kids. Of course, the Utah Olympic Park is at the top of our list. If you're more of an outdoorsy type, feel free to explore this list indefinitely. Things To Do In Salt Lake City If you want to explore Salt Lake City, there is nothing better than its parks and natural beauty. Here are your best options when visiting this beautiful city. 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READ MORE I Keep My Child Occupied When Traveling

How Do I Keep My Child Occupied When Traveling? 

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 2, 2024

So, how to keep my child occupied when traveling? Most of the parents wonder about the same thing every time they plan for a trip! Summer vibes mean vacays, road trips, and the classic "Are we there yet?" soundtrack. But let's face it, keeping kiddos entertained during long car rides is no easy feat. The struggle is real! And we all know too well that screen time takeover – not the best road trip memo. Why miss out on the fun? Road adventures are a golden chance for your little explorers to try new activities, discover cool stuff, and play some classic road trip games. Because let's be real, they won't remember the drive if their eyes are glued to a screen. Time to make those miles memorable. I mean, if you're living in a place for a few days, I think you might be looking for soccer camps all around. However, if you can’t find anything like that, we suggest you try the following tips instead. 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READ MORE closest beach to New Orleans

Closest Beach to New Orleans | A Beach Holiday Guide In Louisiana

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The specific geographical location of New Orleans, especially the proximity to Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, blesses the city with a vast coastal landscape.  So, along with the local heritage and culture of the city, the beaches and beach activities on the Gulf Coast can be a prominent factor in boosting tourism here.  From Bay Saint Louis, the closest beach to New Orleans, to more beautiful options like the Biloxi Beaches, await you with a lot of excitement! No wonder people are opting for vacation rentals near the New Orleans beach locations and cruise trips in the Mississippi River.  Adventure Life is such a service, organizing a Lower Mississippi River Cruise. You can contact them at +1.800.344.6118 to know more about the cruise trip.  Along with these cruise trips, many other activities like fishing, nature strolls, hiking, and bird watching make the beautiful beaches in New Orleans a lot of fun!  Charmed and impressed with these beaches, we have created a beach tour guide at Tour and Travel. Let’s explore the places!  Closest Beach To New Orleans | Explore The Gulf Shores At Their Best  Summer days in New Orleans can be extra balmy. So, winter, especially January, is the ideal time to explore the beaches here. The average temperature in New Orleans ranges between 43-62 degrees F and rarely there is snowfall in the city. All these weather conditions add to beach fun and vibe in New Orleans, and these are places you need to be at for some beach fun.  1. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi | The Closest Beach To New Orleans Distance from New Orleans: 58.7 Miles An hour's drive from New Orleans will take you to Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. The water here is shallow, but the peaceful ambiance and stretches of white sand more than makeup for it.  Enjoy sunbathing and crabbing here on a sunny day, and let your kids build adorable sand castles.  2. White Sands Lake Day Beach  Distance from New Orleans: 74 Miles Franklinton, on the north of New Orleans, has White Sands Lake Day Beach. This is a man-made and spring-fed lake that has become a popular tourist destination near New Orleans.  The Aqua Park is the prime attraction here. Your little ones will love playing on the slides and with inflatable water toys here. You can even play beach volleyball, kayaking, and boating here.  For a relaxing experience, you can even try full-day cooking. The entry fee to the Aqua Park is $18 for adults and $12 for children. 3. Biloxi Beaches Distance from New Orleans (90.2 Miles) The City of Biloxi has been one of the forerunners in restoring the beaches after the rampage of Hurricane Katrina. On its southern border, Biloxi is surrounded by a beautiful white sand beach, the Harrison County Sand Beach. With a whopping 26 miles of shimmering white sand, the Harrison County Sand Beach is the largest man-made white sand beach in the world. You can take a stroll along the pedestrian pathway here and on your way, you will also find some magnificent sand dunes.  The beach is also known for hosting special events. You can contact the Harrison County Sand Beach Authority at (228) 896-0055.  Moreover, you can take a drive along Beach Boulevard to enjoy the sound of the Mississippi and meet the historic oak trees. You will even find the antebellum homes here.  4. Grand Isle State Park Distance from New Orleans (110 Miles) Grand Isle State Park is next on our list of closest beaches to New Orleans. 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Dauphin Island, Alabama Distance from New Orleans (148 Miles) Dauphin Island on the border of Alabama and Mississippi, is a great spot for family vacation near New Orleans. This will be your ideal destination if you especially want to relax and have a low-key holiday.  Like many other beaches in New Orleans or beyond, it does not experience a rush of visitors. However, if you want to know about the local history, you will love visiting  Fort Gaines here.  This historical site has an association with the American Civil War. You must pay $10 for adults and $5 for children to visit this historical fort.  Moreover, Dauphin Island is a wonderful location for avid birders. It is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Covering a span of 165 acres, this bird sanctuary will allow you to walk through the trails and meet winged wonders. 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