Beaches
Daytona Beach - With 23 miles of soft and sandy shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach is one of the few places in Florida where you can drive onto the beach. It is approximately one hour from Orlando by traveling east on I-4. Daytona Beach is also home to the Daytona International Speedway including NASCAR Racing Experience and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, as well as Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. For more information on Daytona International Speedway, call 800-748-7467. For more information on NASCAR Racing Experience, call 704-886-2400. For more information on Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, call 386-871-0031. For more information on Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, call 386-761-1821.
New Smyrna Beach - The star attraction in New Smyrna Beach is its 13-mile stretch of white sandy beaches. Sunbathing, swimming, bicycling, strolling, or doing nothing at all is the choice of most visitors. However, the beach is also well known to surfers offering some of the finest wave action on the Eastern Seaboard, treasure hunters in search of rare coins and jewelry, as well as anglers who say surf fishing is the only way to go. Sea turtle nesting season is from March 1st through October 31st. Sea turtles generally emerge from the surf at night to lay their eggs in the dry sand. After covering their nests, they return to the sea. Two months later, nearly 100 hatchlings emerge and crawl to the ocean. Nests are marked clearly and should not be disturbed. Lighting from beachfront property is restricted during sea turtle nesting season. This beach is situated south of Daytona Beach and is less commercialized than some beaches. You are also able to take your car onto the beach.
Cocoa Beach - Located on Florida's Space Coast, Cocoa Beach offers a sunny shoreline with activities such as parasailing and casino cruises. It is the closest beach to Orlando, so you can enjoy the area’s attractions and also get to relax on the East Coast of Florida. It is also the gateway to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For more information on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, please call 855-433-4210.
St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach - The shores of St. Pete Beach include the longest undeveloped stretch of public beach in the county at Pass-a-Grille Beach. Live it up with a variety of water activities from parasailing and stand-up paddle boarding to windsurfing and kiteboarding. In beautiful Clearwater Beach, you can enjoy seeing the dolphins, sharks, and stingrays at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, as well as the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 celebrations where sunsets, music, magic, and fun create lasting memories. The beach boasts sugar-white sand that you will only experience here. Whether your pleasure is world-class fishing charters, relaxing on the beach, unique food and beverage experiences or visiting one of their many spas, there is something for everyone. Situated on Florida’s Gulf coast, both of these beaches are approximately 90 minutes west on I-4. For more information on Clearwater Marine Aquarium, please call 727-441-1790. For more information on Sunsets at Pier 60, please call 727-871-8060.
