9 Options for the Closest Beach to Universal Studios Orlando

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Are you eyeing a vacation to The Sunshine State this summer? Wondering what the closest beach to Universal Studios is? Look no further! 

As a Floridian, I’ve spent numerous summers exploring the best of the state from the coastlines to the inland, and every place in between. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan the perfect Florida trip so you can combine a visit to the beaches and the theme parks all into one itinerary. 

Read below to learn more about some of the state’s best beaches, tips and highlights for visiting each, as well as their distance from Universal Studios Orlando Resort. 

Map of the Closest Beaches to Universal Orlando

Closest Atlantic Coast Beaches

1. Cape Canaveral

Made of more than 58,000 acres of barrier island and 24 miles of pristine beach, Canaveral National Seashore is a stunning landscape of lagoons lined with coastal hammock and pine flatwoods. With 3 major beach sections, it’s brimming with numerous species of endangered plants and animals, and is a nesting ground for local sea turtles and species of birds. It’s also home to the sizable Mosquito Lagoon, a waterway that is recognized as one of the most diverse and productive estuaries in North America. 

One of the most popular attractions that brings thousands of people to its shores every year is the Kennedy Space Center. Here, visitors can watch live rocket launches of the nation’s premier space hub from the Kennedy Space Center’s Visitors Complex. 

If you plan to hit up the beach before heading to Universal Studios Orlando, Cape Canaveral National Seashore isn’t far from all the theme park fun. The beach is just 73 miles, or about an hour and 17 minute drive from Universal Studios Orlando via FL-44 and I-4W. Alternate routes that are slightly longer can be taken via State Rte 415 S or FL-528 W.

2. New Smyrna Beach

At just 63 miles away, New Smyrna Beach is one of the closest beaches to Universal Studios Florida. In about an hour, you can go from surf and sun to coasters and world class cuisine. 

New Smyrna might be one of Florida’s lesser known beaches, but this underrated locale is certainly growing in popularity. In fact, it’s one of the best beaches to visit if you’re looking for a quiet day on the shore. It’s far less crowded than neighboring Titusville or Daytona Beach. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends, too!

There are plenty of popular activities visitors can enjoy at New Smyrna Beach. This includes paddle boarding, walking the elevated boardwalk at Smyrna Dunes Park, and dining at Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park. If catching a wave is more your thing, New Smyrna Beach is a great spot for surfing. Want to stay indoors? Check out the nearby New Smyrna Museum of History or the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum.

When you’re ready to head to the theme park, there are a few different routes to get to Universal Studios including I-4 Express, or FL-44 W and I-4 W. 

3. Daytona Beach

If you want to enjoy one of Florida’s best beaches after a day at the theme parks, Daytona Beach is one of the closest beaches to Universal Studios. At just 64.3 miles (a little more than an hour) away, you can drive north east and park on the actual beach thanks to hard-packed sand. It’s a great option for those with limited mobility or those that want their belongings closer to them while they enjoy the coastline. Talk about a front row seat!

Daytona Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Kissimmee, Florida, and great for avid surfers to take to the waves. In fact, it was named the Best Beach in Florida for Surfing by Coastal Living Magazine in 2018. The 23 mile coastline experiences regular swells and has a soft sandy bottom. This makes it an enjoyable experience for surfers of any level.

If you prefer to stay on land, there’s plenty to do there too! From the Marine Science Center to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, it’s a destination that’s fun for the entire family.

4. Cocoa Beach Pier

Next door to Daytona Beach is the Cocoa Beach Pier. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, this historic landmark stretches 800 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can find numerous dining options, bars, shops, and entertainment venues. It’s also a major surf town as it’s home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop headquarters! Visitors come to Daytona beach to not only enjoy the emerald blue surf, but to play sand volleyball or walk the Daytona Beach Main Street Pier.

In a little more than an hour, you can trade in the waves for a Harry Potter wand at Universal Studios Orlando. To get to the theme park, you can take I-4 W for 65 miles, or take FL-429 to I-4 W for 82 miles. Each route takes about the same amount of time, with the later being about 15 minutes more.

For additional airport options, you can also fly into The Melbourne Airport near Cocoa Beach if you want to surpass the Orlando airports altogether.

5. Melbourne Beach

The small beach town of Melbourne Beach offers a serene suburban atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Brimming with parks, lagoons, rivers, and beaches, it’s a great spot to spend time in nature. Here, you can partake in numerous outdoor activities including fishing, snorkeling, swimming, golfing, and much more. You can soak up the sunshine on miles of powdery beaches day or night, walk a nature trail, or take to the waves in this pristine and seemingly untouched landscape. Walk the Melbourne Beach Pier, or have a relaxing picnic at either Ryckman Park or Spessard Holland South Beach Park.

When you’re ready to head to Universal Studios Florida, simply hop on FL-528 W for roughly an hour and 20 minutes for 78 miles. You can also take US-192 W for a slightly longer 74 miles.

6. Satellite Beach and Pelican Beach

Cocoa Beach may be known as the surf capital of Florida, but Satellite Beach certainly gives it a run for its money. In fact, many famous surfers have taken to the waves here – the North Dune Crossover in particular – to learn their trade. However, if you’re looking for a quaint and private beach along Florida’s Space Coast, Satellite Beach likely won’t be it. It’s pretty lively, but still worth a visit! 

Pelican Beach is a newly renovated beach that is a favorite among locals. Not only is it family and pet-friendly, and full of facilities for outdoor fun it’s also educational. Every week, experts offer sea turtle “walks n’ talks” that allows visitors to safely walk along the beach to learn about – and potentially spot – sea turtles. It’s home to volleyball courts, numerous picnic pavilions, BBQ grills and bathroom facilities. 

The best part? It’s just one hour and 9 minutes – about 73 miles – to Universal Studios Florida down FL-528 W. There are two other routes that can be taken using I-95 N.

Closest Gulf Coast Beaches

7. Clearwater Beach

This soft white stretch of powdery sand with striking blue waters is one of the most popular vacation spots in Florida. It draws millions of visitors a year to parasail, paddle board, jet ski, snorkel, and simply relax in its serene waters.

The main beach in Clearwater Beach is lined with casual seafood restaurants, fun bars, and outdoor facilities. The nearby pier, Pier 60, comes alive every night at sunset with street performers and vendors selling handmade items and food. A little more than two hours drive away at 101 miles, it’s one of the closest beaches to Universal Studio Florida on the Gulf Coast.

8. Pass-A-Grille Beach in St. Pete Beach

At the southernmost point of St. Pete Beach, you’ll find the quiet beach of Pass-a-Grille. This beach is great for sunning, surfing, wildlife spotting, or snorkeling.  The sandy coastline extends far out into the water, creating a shallow basin great for basking in the sun or searching for hermit crabs. It gradually gets deeper where you can dive, snorkel, or keep your eyes on the horizon for a breaching pod of dolphins.

This quaint, laid back beach is near plenty of upscale bars, casual rooftop restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, outdoor facilities in the nearby town. In fact, they are all within walking distance! If you want to visit another iconic Florida beach, St. Pete Beach is just a 20 minute drive away.  

When you’ve had enough beach time — if that’s possible — head to the city to take in the theme park of Universal Studios Florida. It’s just 107 miles, or a 2 hour and 17 minute drive down I-4 E. 

9. Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach

Looking for a taste of “old Florida?” The Anna Maria Island peninsula is brimming with a classic Florida feel. From stunning natural coastline with sand dunes, native flora and fauna, and emerald green gulf waters, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a watercolor painting. 

Two of the most popular beaches include Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach. Cortez begins where Coquina ends, so it feels like one big beach. However, both offer completely different vibes and landscapes.

While there are no outdoor amenities or lifeguards on duty at Cortez Beach, you can enjoy the beach and clear waters off the coast at your leisure. While you might be able to find a picnic pavilion or restrooms within walking distance, you won’t find much of anything extra here. It’s a great place to simply enjoy nature, so bring water, snacks, and beach chairs and umbrellas!

If you prefer lifeguards on duty to swim or snorkel, Coquina Beach is also a great option. There are also more facilities and amenities, and it’s a great spot to look for wildlife including sea turtles, dolphins, and species of birds. 

After a day at the beach, head back to Orlando for a weekend of fun at Universal Studios Florida! It’s a longer route than if you’re coming from Florida’s East Coast, but still doable at 119 miles, or a 2 hour and 43 minute drive.

Related read >> Top things to do in Orlando

What is the closest beach to Universal Studios Orlando?

New Smyrna, Daytona Beach, and Cocoa Beach are all within close proximity to one another, meaning they are all some of the closest beaches to Universal Studios Orlando. However, in terms of drive time, Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando where the drive is an hour. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are about the same distance away at an hour and 10 minutes. However, drive time can be longer depending on traffic in and around Orlando. 

How far is the beach from the Universal parks?

The answer to this ultimately depends on which direction you are traveling to, but the closest beach is less than an hour east of Universal Studios Florida. All of the closest beaches to Universal Studios lie on Florida’s east coast, and include Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna, Titusville, Melbourne, and Satellite Beach. Further north, on Florida’s Historic Coast, you have St. Augustine Beach, Flagler Beach and Ormond Beach.

What is the nicest beach near Orlando?

There are too many amazing beaches near Orlando to pick just one! Some of the nicest beaches nearby that are loved by locals and visitors alike include Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach, Flagler Beach, Daytona Beach, and Clearwater Beach. If none of these beaches fit your fancy, there are dozens of others less than an hour and a half drive from Orlando that certainly will!

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