Cocoa Beach Pier

Steve’s take

An hour east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the closest Atlantic beach to Disney — which makes it the perfect beach day if your family needs a break from the parks. The pier has a restaurant at the end, shops along the boardwalk, and the beach is wide and swimmable. The Griswold family recommendation: build a beach day into your Orlando trip. Your kids' legs need salt water after three days of walking. The pier at sunset is the photo that belongs on the wall.