Beaches

[javamoma]

What is the best beach within driving distance of WDW (1 1/2 hours or less)? We have been to Cocoa Beach several times and are looking fir some place new. Last month we went to New Smyrna’s public beach and it was crowded. We love a pretty beach but are looking to avoid crowds. Our kids like the nature aspect of a beach rather than chasing waves.
Any ideas? I would love to try somewhere new.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Try the gulf side.. the family love clearwater beach, it's all sand that's brought in so it's super soft and rock/weed free. Last time we went to clearwater aquarium and saw Winter and Hope
( dolphin tale) then went to the beach.

 

[Brett Wyman]

I second Clearwater. My grandparents retired there(Safety Harbor). Wonderful beaches.

https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/list/best-hidden-gem-beaches

 

[fla4fun]

The Gulf coast will be more like a 2+ hour drive. I used to live almost exactly halfway between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach and it always took a little over two hours to drive to WDW or to drive home, and that’s if there are no traffic issues. We very rarely would do a day trip just because of the drive, although we generally stayed off property back then. You aren’t going to find a beach under two hours drive unless you go to the Atlantic side.

Once you get there, though, the Gulf beaches are fabulous. If you are looking for quiet, you might want to consider some of the smaller communities instead of Clearwater or St. Pete beaches. I have stayed at Sand Key, Indian Rocks, Indian Shores, North Redington, and Madeira beaches, and they all had moderate crowds. As you get into Treasure Island and farther south toward St. Pete, the beaches get busier.

Another nice beach area is Fort Desoto Park, which is a group of undeveloped islands. There is a campground there, but no hotels. We used to spend the day there, and it was rare to see more than six people all day. The park is right at the mouth of Tampa Bay, so there is water everywhere. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles as well. Depending on when you are going, if you choose Fort Desoto, you might want to check the Pinellas county parks online to see if everything is business as usual.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I like Daytona Beach.

I did visit Clearwater Beach once, but the gulf side doesn't have big waves. and without the sights and sounds of surf, the beach experience just isn't the same. It was also tough to find parking there.

 

[smwisc]

What is the best beach within driving distance of WDW (1 1/2 hours or less)? We have been to Cocoa Beach several times and are looking fir some place new. Last month we went to New Smyrna’s public beach and it was crowded. We love a pretty beach but are looking to avoid crowds. Our kids like the nature aspect of a beach rather than chasing waves.
Any ideas? I would love to try somewhere new.

If you want to avoid crowds, Fort De Soto on the Gulf side or Canaveral National Seashore on the Atlantic side.

 

[Capt_BJ]

We have been to Cocoa Beach several times and are looking fir some place new. Last month we went to New Smyrna’s public beach and it was crowded.

Sounds like you are hitting the most popular places and then don't care for the crowds ..... most of the recommendations I see here are not going to be much different altho Canaveral Seashore and Ft De Soto are a bit less crowded (altho it depends where exactly you go at De Soto and be aware there's an unofficial clothing optional part of National Seashore)

From the Port Canaveral inlet south to Sebastian inlet is 40 odd miles of unbroken beach .... only a couple of areas in the main/larger towns are developed and get crowded. Between you can usually find stretches with few folks around. The south end of the beaches at Patrick AFB is one I'd recommend. There are several developed areas with showers and restrooms and parking but on an average day you'll find maybe a dozen people within sight. This is a popular area when the surf gets up! All the beach in the circle is nice and usually quiet ... the star area is where we go. Travel time to here will be the same as going to Cocoa Beach ... just take 95 south to exit 188, that will put you on 404 and 8 miles straight shot to the beach. Parking is free . . . at the star is a small parking area with a simple restroom and shower facility. bring your own food/drink .... there's some places to get fast food / etc south on A1A not far but no 'beach services' for MILES . . . and no life guards. There are several larger parking areas to the north and still adjacent to Patrick AFB. <food/drink hint ... there's a (ONE) WaWa on 404 between 95 and the beach ....>

 

[jsmla]

If you want natural I highly recommend Canaveral National Seashore. We were there during 4th of July week and it was lovely. There are no amenities but no condos either.

 

[Judique]

I like to go to Honeymoon Island State Park. There is a small admission charge $4 for one person in your vehicle or $8 for 2-8 people per vehicle.

Inside the park are some nature trails, a small visitor center(closed right now), loads of beach parking, a play ground area and tons of wildlife sighting opportunities, but primarily birds.

There are very good facilities in two sections with showers, bathroom facilities and also food options at various times(closed right now). This advice is all subject to Covid 19 as I haven't been there to see procedures so check before visiting. The beach is about 1 and 3/4 hours or 95 miles from Lake Buena Vista area.

There is a ferry to another natural area, from Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island State Park, a 20 minute boat ride. Beautiful natural gulf beaches.

 

[hrhdhd]

We go to Madeira Beach from our house 30 minutes from Disney and can make the trip in two hours, so an hour and a half is doable. Now that much of the construction on I-275 through Tampa is complete, the drive is better. Of course, one lousy accident and it'll take forever.

Definitely the Gulf beaches are nicer, quieter, and more family-friendly if that's your bag.

 

[Jennasis]

Can anyone suggest which part of cocoa beach or nearby would be the least crowded? We would like to spend some time one day this week at a beach near to Kissimmee but are BIG on social distance. Like...nobody within 20 feet.

 

[Capt_BJ]

my recommendations at Patrick AFB area are good

 

[Beer Me]

Also recommend the gulf and the smaller communities mostly between Clearwater and St Pete if you’re concerned at all about coronavirus.

Last month we stayed at Indian rocks and it was very nice, quiet and easy to keep our distance. Then we spent 2 days at the Clearwater Hilton and it was extremely crowded and busy with most people seeming completely oblivious to the pandemic.

So if you want to party without a care Clearwater is the right place. Otherwise getting just a few miles away from the busiest beaches makes a huge difference.