Florida is an iconic vacation for several reasons…

… but two of those reasons are 1) Disney World, and 2) Beaches! If you’re looking to build both a visit to Disney World and spend some time at one of Florida’s beautiful coastal beaches, we have the just the info you’re looking for!

One thing you might have noticed is that Disney World is in Orlando — and Orlando is smack in the middle of Florida. So, the downside is, it’s not actually super close to the ocean. The upside is that its central location means it is pretty accessible to visit a variety of beach locations! So, let’s take a look at some of the best beaches for you to plan for your Florida vacation.

Atlantic Coast Beaches

Look for breathtaking sunrises, rolling dunes, and slow crashing waves? There’s much to love about the shorelines of Florida’s east coast. You’ll find miles of beaches on the Atlantic that offer some privacy, beautiful views, and some great swells for those looking to get in some surfing.

5 popular beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coastline are just a little over an hour away from Disney World:

• Cocoa Beach (65 miles)
• Daytona Beach (71 miles)
• New Smyrna Beach (71 miles)
• Canaveral National Seashore (65 miles)
• Vero Beach (102 miles)

Just head east on I-4, and you’ll be well on your way to some of the best beaches in Florida!

Gulf Coast Beaches

Florida has beaches on BOTH sides (peninsula perks), and while you can get some great surfing, beautiful sunrises, and brisk water on the east coast, the gulf coach beaches offer calmer waves, white sands, and warm water. And don’t forget about those mindblowing sunsets you can enjoy as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

We have 3 favorite beaches we frequent on Florida’s west coast:

• Clearwater Beach (92 miles)
• St. Pete Beach (96 miles)
• Siesta Key (122 miles)

These are a bit more of a drive away from Orlando than the Atlantic coast beaches, but if you’re looking for a more serene experience, it could be worth the drive. Your feet will forgive you from pounding the pavement in Disney World all week, when you finally dig your toes into the soft, white sands of the Gulf coast beaches.

Disney World “Beaches”

If you don’t want to travel too far to a beach experience, check out one of Disney’s Water parks, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, which both host lazy rivers, wave pools, and water slides. Or book a stay at Disney’s Yacht or Beach Club Resort to indulge in their beach-like pool, Stormalong Bay.

And though you can’t swim here, there are some sandy coves for picturesque views and romantic strolls at the Polynesian Village, Caribbean Beach, Grand Floridian. Contemporary and Fort Wilderness. Though they aren’t really for swimming, you can get some sand between your toes, let kids play in the sand and maybe even play some beach volleyball. 

That’s a look at the beaches that are closest to Disney World! Keep following DFB for more Disney info.

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Have you added a Florida beach to your Disney World vacation plans? Which beach is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How Far is Disney World from the Beach? first appeared on the disney food blog.