A day at the beach

[skbaker]

We would like to spend a day at the beach on our upcoming trip to Disneyworld this summer. Is it better to head to the gulf side (i.e. Clearwater Beach) or to the Atlantic side (i.e. Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna Beach)? Looking for any recommendations or tips you might be able to provide.

 

[yulilin3]

For a cleaner, warmer, tamer experience head to Clearwater, if you have time venture further down to Sarasota/Siesta Key

 

[Klayfish]

I very much prefer the Atlantic side. We go to Daytona Beach nearly every summer and love it. It's only 70 minutes from WDW and is a super easy drive. You can literally park right on the beach, can't get any more convenient than that. The beach is plenty family friendly, we enjoy spending an afternoon there.

 

[loves to dive]

I would go to Clearwater Beach but I'm biased since we used to live there. The Atlantic side is closer but I just think it's quieter and nicer at Clearwater.

 

[emchelly77]

Depends on what time you have. The atlantic is going to be much closer. But I do not care for the big waves. I love clearwater or anything south of it on the Gulf.

 

[Cloudy]

Another vote for Clearwater here. We go every year, but summer does get crazy busy with traffic. Best to pick a hotel close to the beach and walk everywhere. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I prefer the Atlantic side, because I like to see and hear the big waves!

 

[Wild4Walt]

We like St Pete beach. It's a nice area and there is enough dining in the area if that's also of an appeal.

 

[Beer Me]

I’m also biased towards the Clearwater area but if I were planning a day trip from Disney and just wanted to see the ocean I would pick whatever is the quickest drive (and would defer to others what would be quickest). I hate the thought of burning Disney time driving for hours.

Personally, I would prefer to tack on a few days before or after Disney and stay on the beach to have a more relaxed time.

 

[gatorlisa]

Another vote for the Gulf side. I grew up on the NW Florida Gulf Coast and find that I don't really like Atlantic beaches.

 

[ucf_knight]

We would like to spend a day at the beach on our upcoming trip to Disneyworld this summer. Is it better to head to the gulf side (i.e. Clearwater Beach) or to the Atlantic side (i.e. Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna Beach)? Looking for any recommendations or tips you might be able to provide.

If you don’t get a chance to go to the beach often I’d choose cocoa otherwise I’d recommend blizzard beach over either of these two options.

 

[Timothy02359]

Clearwater or Treasure Island on Gulf side are both awesome.

 

[Sara_H]

We prefer the Gulf side. Clearwater can get very busy but the beaches south of Clearwater are very nice...or Honeymoon Island north of Clearwater. To me, the water is typically calmer is you plan to swim and the vibe is more "beachy" on the Gulf side versus Cocoa. Plus you will hit a ton of tolls headed to Cocoa versus maybe just 1 leaving Orlando if you head to the Gulf side.

 

[Shir Kahn]

We've only been to Clearwater and Cocoa a few times each, but I have to say that we found Clearwater much cleaner than Cocoa.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I've been fortunate enough to visit most of the top beaches in the world. And IMO, St. Pete Beach easily competes with them -- it's perhaps the most underrated beach in the country. I don't think I've ever been in the water and NOT swam near a manatees. Pretty awesome!

Again, just my opinion, but Cocoa isn't worth visiting unless you're taking a cruise. Dayton is a better beach to visit, but St. Pete handily beats it.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Clearwater beach is the best... my kids also like going clearwater aquarium. That is where the dolphin Winter is.
Last year we went to coco beach great water but so many rocks on the beach.