Best Family Friendly Beaches in Florida near Orlando & Disney

Planning that dream vacation to Florida to make all of those magical memories that will last a lifetime? You want pics with the Disney princesses and thrills with Harry Potter, but why not also enjoy what Florida is most known for? Its beaches near Orlando.

When we think about Florida, the first thing that pops into our minds is the beautiful sunny coastlines. But, it takes only a glance at Google Maps to make us feel we’ll be stuck land-locked smack-dab in the middle of the state.

Fear not though, because so many incredible beaches actually can be accessed from the amazing central location of Orlando. Taking a nice day trip away from “the Land of the Mouse”, Universal Studios or Legoland is sometimes the best medicine for recharging your batteries and getting you ready to tackle another day in the adrenaline-filled parks.

Let’s take a look at the best family friendly beaches in Florida near Orlando and Disney World.

1. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

If you want to get some snorkeling in during your trip to Orlando, your best bet is Egmont Key. It’s a little further away than some of your other options at about a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Disney and along the Gulf Coast, but it’s totally worth it.

Once you get to the bay pier inside Fort De Soto, take a ferry or tour over to the island. There are several options, so I suggest checking which boat would fit your needs best. Some can get you there in as little as twenty minutes, while others take a leisurely route that gives you the opportunity to spot dolphins, turtles, and manatees along the way.

Get ready for a real deserted island feel when you step off the boat. There are no restrooms, food, or fresh water, so preparation is key. But if you did book a ferry that stays at the dock, they often have a bathroom that you can use. Now that we’ve gotten business taken care of, let’s get to the fun stuff, right?

Why don’t we start right off with the main reason we want to head to the beach, the water! Known for being gorgeous and calm, this beach’s water is ideal for snorkeling. The easiest place to do some shore snorkeling is right along the eastern beach.

Although challenging to get to, there is another incredibly cool area on the southwestern side of the key only accessible by water. There once was a Spanish-American-era fort on the island and now most of it is now below sea level, providing an epic environment to swim around in and for sea life to live. You will need to book a private tour to get there

Wherever you go, the beaches aren’t crowded here and during the summer the ocean is a nice 80 degrees. Sometimes you go to the beach, but the sand, sun, and plethora of pretty seashells just aren’t enough. Well, Egmont Key’s got you covered there too.

Are animals your thing? Well, get excited because the island is well-known for hosting a thriving habitat of endangered gopher tortoises. Plus, sea turtles find the area perfect for nesting. Birds are in abundance as well, with one-third of the key being a bird sanctuary. You have the chance to see laughing gulls, brown pelicans, black skimmers, and more.

History more your speed? This key was utilized in the 3rd Seminole War, the Civil War, and then the Spanish-American War. Drench yourself in mosquito repellent and take a walk along the trails and red-brick roads through the forest, exploring the ruins of Fort Dade and the famous lighthouse.

Most tours only give you three or four hours on the island, so soak-up every last ounce of paradise and head on back to Orlando with plenty of time to get a late evening meal in Disney Springs.

2. Cocoa Beach

Our next beach is both amazing and close by, you don’t need to go all the way to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy the coast. You’ll only have a little over a 1-hour car ride on FL-528 due east to reach the vision that is Cocoa Beach.

The best thing to do is head to Lori Wilson Park where you’ll find free parking, a wonderful refurbished boardwalk, clean restrooms, and showers. Did you bring your pooch along for the ride? Fear not. This park also has a well-maintained dog park you can unleash your furry friend and let them stretch their legs.

You can’t ask for a better beach either. It has great soft sand and calm consistent waves great for learning to surf. Sometimes you’ll find cloudy water and more seaweed than you’d like, and there’s a pier that was nice in its heyday, but lately looking a little worse for wear.

Take heart though. All in all Cocoa Beach more than makes up for those with chair and umbrella rentals, fun hiking trails, and places you can do kiteboarding and kayaking.

Once you get done by the water, the extravaganza’s not over. Cocoa Beach is home to the world’s largest surf shop, Ron Jon which even has exhibits on display at the Florida Surf Museum located inside the store.