Melbourne Beach is about an hour and 25 minutes southeast of Universal Orlando Resort. This is the southernmost part of the region known as the Space Coast because of its proximity to Kennedy Space Center. The barrier island and coastline that make up this strip of mostly undeveloped beaches runs along Florida's east coast from Titusville to Melbourne, a distance of around 55 miles. Surf, sand and sun stretch for miles on the virgin sands of this barrier island destination. Fishing, snorkeling and sunbathing are local favorites. Besides the beach, Melbourne is known for special events including the April Melbourne Art Festival and the Melbourne Oktoberfest in mid-October. Enjoy a romantic stroll down the beach, browse in shops downtown or sample the local cuisine and fresh seafood.
Canaveral National Seashore, about an hour and 10 minutes northeast of Universal Studios, falls just outside Titusville on the northern border of the Space Coast. This undeveloped beach maintained by the National Park Service is 24 miles of virgin white sand beaches and unspoiled wilderness. Mosquito Lagoon, on the eastern edge of the reserve, is one of the few places where you can see one of the estimated 1,800 to 2,000 West Indian manatees left in Florida. Bottlenose dolphins, northern right whales and bobcats are known to frequent the area. Apply for a backcountry hiking permit from the National Park Service to visit the shores of Klondike Beach, the park's most secluded spot. Hike, hunt, fish or boat around the lagoons in quiet solitude. Parts of Canaveral National Seashore may be closed during shuttle launches or when parking lots are full.
About 30 minutes north of Canaveral National Seashore sits New Smyrna Beach. It takes roughly the same amount of time to drive directly from Universal Studios, 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, the scene here is more of the classic beach vibe with 13 miles of white sand beaches and excellent waves. National surfing championships are several times a year in nearby Ponce Inlet, just north of town. Plenty of specialty shops are on hand to rent surfboards, body boards and other water toys. The southern tip of this relatively quiet beach is the north entrance to Canaveral National Seashore, making it convenient to visit both in a single day. New Smyrna offers plenty of family friendly accommodations, fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views.
Daytona Beach is the most famous of the five most popular beaches near Universal Studios. The drive from Orlando is an almost straight line to the expansive beaches, biker rallies, boardwalk attractions, spring break craziness and Nascar races that have put Daytona on the map. The area is blessed with 23 miles of lifeguard-patrolled beaches, 11 of which allow vehicles onto the sand. Try parasailing, snorkeling, taking an inflatable Banana Boat ride, renting personal watercraft or a jet-boat excursion. Main Street and the boardwalk have carnival rides, games and boutique shops to keep you busy when you are not at the beach. Plan your trip outside of Daytona 500 and Speedweeks in late January and February, Bike Week in late February and early March, spring break in March and April and Biketoberfest in late October if you want to avoid the crowds and the often alcohol fueled problems associated with those events.
Cocoa Beach has several beachfront parks with year-round parking access to help visitors enjoy the 6 miles of gorgeous beaches. Both Shepard and Fischer parks charge a fee, but parking at Lori Wilson Park is free. Lifeguards are on duty year-round at Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, the Minuteman Causeway and the Cocoa Beach Pier; additional lifeguard stations are open summer weekends and between Easter and Labor Day. The most popular of the six beaches is Alan Shepard Beach Park. Named for the first American astronaut sent into space, this 5-acre area offers excellent views of Cape Canaveral during shuttle launches. Stores, restaurants and beach boutiques combined with the 300-space parking lot, picnic tables, outdoor showers and restrooms attract Central Floridians in droves. Pets and glass containers are not allowed on the beaches, but beer is permitted as long as it is in a can. In an effort to preserve the coastline, driving on the beaches is also forbidden.
