Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando’s Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Escape to Cocoa Beach - Surfing and Space History

Looking for an under-the-radar beach escape near Orlando? Cocoa Beach delivers laidback vibes, epic surf, and fascinating space history. While its quirky small town charm may fly under the radar, this Atlantic coast gem has plenty to offer beach lovers and history buffs alike.

Facing the open ocean, Cocoa Beach's shoreline serves up prime swells that draw surfing enthusiasts from far and wide. The consistent breaks create rideable waves for all levels, though newbies may want to stick to mellower spots like The Pier. More advanced surfers flock to hot spots like the Cocoa Beach Pier or nearby Satellite Beach to catch hollow barrels. Several surf shops dot the coast renting boards and suits while also offering lessons.
After an epic morning shred session, beachgoers can grab a bite at family-run spots like Florida's Fresh Grill or Coconuts on the Beach. The chiller pace of life becomes apparent as you chat with locals and soak up the salt air. Don't miss examples of old Florida charm like colorful cottages, quirky art galleries, and retro diners.

While the beach scene steals the spotlight, Cocoa Beach also offers a fascinating look into the history of space exploration. As the closest beach town to Cape Canaveral, it served as the home base for NASA astronauts in the 1960s. You can still see landmarks from the Space Race era like the Apollo 1 memorial and the world's tallest sandbox castle built by area students to honor America's first astronauts.
Visitors should also check out the U.S. Space Walk of Fame and nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. At the latter, you can tour massive rockets, sit in a space shuttle, and even meet an astronaut. The Hands on Education area also lets kids and adults alike experience interactive exhibits and simulators.

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1. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Escape to Cocoa Beach - Surfing and Space History
2. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - New Smyrna Beach - The "Shark Bite Capital of the World"
3. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Daytona Beach - Drive on the Famous Sands
4. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Playalinda Beach - Walk with Wild Horses
5. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Canaveral National Seashore - Untouched Beauty
6. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Clearwater Beach - Calm Waters and Funky Cottages
7. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Honeymoon Island - Secluded Splendor
8. Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - St. Pete Beach - Laidback and Local

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - New Smyrna Beach - The "Shark Bite Capital of the World"

Dubbed the "Shark Bite Capital of the World," New Smyrna Beach certainly earns its nickname. While the threat of sharks patrolling the shoreline may deter some travelers, it adds an element of excitement for thrill-seekers looking to get up close and personal with the ocean's apex predators.

Approximately two miles south of Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach extends 13 miles down the central Atlantic coast of Florida. Its quaint downtown historic district provides a lively contrast to the laidback beach scene. Quaint cafes, unique boutiques, and charming bed and breakfasts give it a small town vibe.

However, most head to New Smyrna to experience its world-famous shore. With over 238 documented shark attacks, this beach tops the global leaderboard for most reported bites. Blacktip, spinner, and hammerhead sharks cruise just beyond the breakers in search of prey.

While the sheer number of attacks sounds alarming, most result in minor lacerations to ankles or hands. Only one fatal attack occurred here in 2008. Experts attribute the high frequency of bites to New Smyrna's abundant baitfish, geographic location and research conducted in the area.
Rather than deterring visitors, the shark activity has transformed New Smyrna into a premier shark diving destination. Operators lead trips in protected cages or organize in-water encounters for certified divers. Getting eye to eye with one of the ocean's great predators creates lifelong memories for many.

Of course, those who prefer to avoid becoming shark bait still frequent New Smyrna's shores. Swimming closer to shore significantly reduces your chances of crossing paths with toothy predators. Experts also advise avoiding dawn, dusk and murky water conditions when sharks are most actively hunting.

New Smyrna still offers plenty of fun in the sun even for the shark-averse. Visitors flock here to surf, paddleboard, swim, fish, and explore seashell-speckled shores. Just be sure to heed warning flags and lifeguard instructions to beat the odds of ending your beach day with a shark story to tell.

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Daytona Beach - Drive on the Famous Sands

For over 100 years, adrenaline junkies and beach lovers alike have flocked to Daytona Beach to cruise down its iconic shoreline. As one of the few beaches in the world where you can legally drive on the sand, it offers the ultimate Florida experience.

After parking at an entry ramp, visitors steadily roll onto miles of smooth, packed sand. Driving 10 mph along the surf evokes a sense of freedom and excitement. Many make a beeline for the famous Silver Beach approach to experience the same thrills as racecar drivers.

The landmark Silver Beach ramp conveniently dumps you out near the Daytona Beach Pier. Park and explore this bustling hub offering killer views along with food, drinks and shops. Continue cruising down the shore, taking in spectacular sights like breaking waves, Sunglow Pier, and sandpiper flocks.

Further south, beach driving passes by the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and its captivating carnival atmosphere. Vintage arcade games, thrill rides and greasy boardwalk food beckon visitors to stop for family-friendly fun. Pristine beaches seamlessly connect it all for miles of scenic driving.

Aside from the iconic beach, Daytona also hosts exciting motorsports events for speed demons. The city immortalized itself in history when pioneer drivers tested the sand's land speed potential back in 1902. This kicked off decades of racing along the shoreline that ultimately led to the creation of NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway.
During certain events, select areas open up for beach driving exhibitions that attract modern thrill-seekers. Feel the rumble of roaring engines as souped-up hot rods tear down the coast during events like Speedweeks. From vintage hot rod shows to Jeep events, Daytona offers many opportunities for vehicular adventures.

Of course, responsible beach driving remains critical to preserving Daytona's treasured shore for future generations. Avoid vegetation, stay on marked paths and beware of pedestrians. Also, keep in mind that most beach access ramps close around dusk when driving is prohibited.

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Playalinda Beach - Walk with Wild Horses

Tucked away on Florida's Space Coast, Playalinda Beach offers a wild escape where land meets sea. Miles from the crowds and chaos, this protected shoreline provides a peaceful setting to experience unspoiled natural beauty. One of its star attractions? Wild horses that roam the sands and add to the remote ambiance.

Unlike some beaches littered with high rises, Playalinda wows with natural scenery. Towering dunes blanketed in sea oats rustle in the breeze as waves gently lap the shore. During nesting season, sea turtles lumber onto the moonlit sands leaving tracks in their wake. Just inland, oak hammocks draped in moss create shady sanctuaries on humid days.
The highlight for many are the small herds of wild horses that call this refuge home. Descended from domesticated stock, the hardy mustangs adapt easily to the harsh barrier island terrain. Visitors may spot the striking horses grazing on coarse grasses or galloping down deserted stretches of sand. Seeing them in their untamed state creates quite a magical beach memory.

The National Park Service manages Playalinda as part of Canaveral National Seashore. To protect the fragile ecosystem, strict regulations prohibit driving on the beach or disturbing any plants and animals. As you explore on foot, be respectful by keeping your distance from the elusive horses. Let them retreat to the shadows of the trees if your presence alarms them. Their well-being hinges on our responsible actions.
Reaching the horses requires a journey, adding to the mystique. After passing through security into Kennedy Space Center, you'll drive 6 miles down a road canopied by scrub before reaching lot 13. Hike the boardwalk over the dunes, and endless beach unfurls before you. Scan the seaside and distant tree line for any twitching ears or swishing tails. While the ponies roam up and down the coast, some diligence improves your chances of spotting them.

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Canaveral National Seashore - Untouched Beauty

Tucked between popular beach towns like Cocoa and Daytona, Canaveral National Seashore protects over 58,000 acres of untamed coastal wilderness. As one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, its remote strands, marshes, and lagoons transport you to earlier times before massive development. Prepare to lose yourself amid hauntingly beautiful landscapes unchanged for generations.

Unlike packed tourist beaches, Canaveral offers refuge, solitude, and connection with nature. As you stroll down deserted shores, snowy-white sand threads between your toes while waves serenade with soothing susurrations. Gazing out at the sea, there’s not a condo or hotel in sight - just endless blue blending seamlessly with the horizon. The National Park Service wisely prohibited commercialization here, allowing ecosystems to thrive as intended.
Leisurely beachcombing often reveals prehistoric relics hidden along the coast. Massive fossilized tree stumps get unearthed, remnants from an ancient forest predating the Ice Age. You may also discover sharks' teeth millions of years old scattered amongst the shells. Other rarities like ivory-hued bone and coral fragments reward those with a watchful eye. Let your imagination run wild picturing the landscape eons ago when lumbering mammoths roamed.
Venture inland and become enveloped by moss-draped oaks in the coastal hammocks. Winding mangrove estuaries beckon kayakers and canoeists to navigate their tranquil channels. While paddling through Mosquito Lagoon, keep eyes peeled forWest Indian manatees grazing on aquatic plants below the surface. These gentle giants swim in from the Atlantic seeking the warm, shallow waters. Nesting pairs of bald eagles are also frequently spotted perched above their massive nests along the lush waterways.

As an International Dark Sky Park, Canaveral offers unmatched stargazing opportunities within its minimal light pollution. Night skies come alive with celestial shows featuring thousands of twinkling stars. Come during a new moon and see the hazy band of the Milky Way painted across the heavens. Canaveral’s remoteness makes it one of the best places on the Eastern Seaboard to observe meteor showers and other astronomical events.

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Clearwater Beach - Calm Waters and Funky Cottages

With its sugary sands and tranquil turquoise waters, Clearwater Beach serves up a soothing seaside escape. Just west of Tampa, it exudes a delightfully retro vibe reminiscent of old Florida. Funky cottages and motels with vintage neon signs line the quiet coast. Swaying palms and tiki bars add to the laidback atmosphere.
Clearwater’s calm, shallow waters create prime conditions for families and water sports enthusiasts. Protected by offshore sandbars, the gentle surf rarely exceeds 3 feet. Young children can splash safely in the shallows while older kids try standup paddleboarding or kayaking. Parasailing offers thrilling aerial views for the height-inclined.

Diehard beach bums appreciate the wide stretches of sand that accommodate everyone without overcrowding. Beach chairs and umbrellas stay spaced apart, allowing you to soak up the sunshine in peace. If you tire of lounging, take a leisurely stroll to hunt for shells or enjoy spectacular sunsets.

While the beach scene steals the spotlight, don’t miss the old-fashioned pleasures of Clearwater’s historic downtown. Just a mile inland, Cleveland Street comes alive with boutiques, ice cream parlors, and craft breweries in preserved 1920s architecture. Grab a scoop at Big Olaf Creamery, an ice cream institution since 1975. The lines stretch down the block for their famous flavors like Keylime Pie.
At the end of Pier 60, witness a nightly festival as artists craft and sell their work until midnight. Kids scurry about collecting shells after the sun dips below the horizon. Watch them excitedly inspect sand dollars still covered in velvety sea urchin spines. Street performers wow growing crowds with magic tricks and musical acts.
Clearwater Beach positively charms with its low key atmosphere and old Florida aesthetic. Funky architectural holdouts from the 50s and 60s like the historic Palm Pavilion Inn preserve beloved remnants of the past. KookySigns from the Space Age era advertise motels like the Wave and Surf Style. The rustic cabins at the Pier 60 Resort & Bungalows channel a cozy retro vibe.

Unlike other resort towns, this beach retains its local flavor since massive hotels can’t obstruct Gulf views by law. Those funky pastel cottages house locally owned shops and eateries instead of mega chains. Grab an acai bowl and iced coffee at Clearwater Beach Essentials as you gear up for a sun-filled day. Later, kick back with a grouper sandwich and cold beer at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, a neighborhood institution.

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - Honeymoon Island - Secluded Splendor

Just north of Clearwater, Honeymoon Island exudes secluded splendor and old Florida charm. Cross over the scenic Dunedin Causeway to reach this state park, where more than 4 miles of beach unfurl along the Gulf Coast. With its sugary white sands and tranquil turquoise waters, Honeymoon Island feels worlds apart from more crowded beaches.

Nature takes center stage in this protected oasis. Osprey and pelicans soar above the windswept palm trees as tiny ghost crabs scurry through the powdery sand. While shorebirds patrol the tide line, gopher tortoises lumber through coastal dunes blanketed in sea oats. Exploring the rugged interior trails rewards hikers with glimpses of white-tailed deer, great horned owls, and other wildlife.
Those seeking peace, relaxation or romance flock to Honeymoon Island to unwind. Gentle waves barely break along the shallow shoreline, creating ideal conditions for swimming and kayaking. The spacious beach has plenty of room to spread out without dodging crowds. Relax in a nest of dunes and watch dolphins leaping along the horizon.

Venture to the northernmost tip of the island to Oriole Beach for the ultimate tranquil escape. Strong currents prohibit swimming here, but the stunning scenery and isolation are unparalleled. Walk hand-in-hand along the untrammeled sands seemingly stretching to infinity. Pick up rare junonia shells, once highly coveted by royalty, scattered amongst the surf-tumbled debris. Scan the beach for nesting shorebirds and tiny hatchling tracks in the sand.

As the sun dips low, the sky ignites in dazzling shades of tangerine and magenta. The island lives up to its name during the dreamy sunset hour. Find a picturesque spot to savor the sunset together before the glowing orb vanishes into the sea.
While amenities are limited, you’ll find tons of hospitality at the old-fashioned Island Inn Restaurant. Kick back on the outdoor deck for nachos and bushwackers after a day of sunbathing. Watch pelicans swooping low over the sea, hoping to snag some discarded french fries. Save room for their signature key lime pie, made from scratch with creamy home-churned ice cream.

Sun, Surf and Sand: Uncover Orlando's Best Beach Getaways from Cocoa to Clearwater - St. Pete Beach - Laidback and Local

Just west of downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach exudes easygoing vibes with its retro motels, mom-and-pop eateries, and unpretentious attitude. Locals embrace the area’s old Florida roots, with many families residing here for generations. Minimal glitz and glamour helps this Gulf Coast gem retain its down-to-earth appeal.