From Walt Disney World in Orlando, the drive to the nearest beach takes between 70 and 90 minutes. The absolute closest is Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast, which is roughly 71 miles away and takes about 70 minutes via the SR-528 (Beachline Expressway). Daytona Beach is another popular choice, located about 77 miles (80 minutes) to the northeast. If you prefer the calmer, turquoise waters of the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is approximately 88 miles away, but traffic on the I-4 corridor often makes this a 90-minute to 2-hour journey. For travelers in 2026, Cocoa Beach remains the preferred choice for a quick day trip because the drive is relatively straightforward and it offers the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop and the Cocoa Beach Pier.