New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach, FL · Space Coast$
Smyrna Dunes Park, on the inlet at the north tip of New Smyrna Beach, has the only beach in the area where dogs are allowed, on a leash. The inlet shapes the waves off its jetty…

Photo: Cathylaurenzi / CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Cocoa Beach is about 45 minutes east of Orlando, with some of the closest rocket launch views in Brevard County. The Space Coast Launches app has a map of where to watch. The surf school at the pier gives lessons every day from 9 to 5, board included, and the lifeguard stand there is staffed from 10 to 5. Lori Wilson Park has free parking. The city lots and the A1A street ends charge from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the only way to pay is the Passport Parking app.
Others worth the drive in this corner of Florida.
Gardens & wildlife
Attractions
Attractions
Beaches
Beaches
20 placesStart here if you haven't picked a coast yet. The wild beaches and the busy ones are mixed together on purpose; the separate Gulf and Atlantic lists split them out once you know which you want.
13 placesEvery one of these has a town right behind the sand. Bring the friend who gets bored on a beach.