Beach near Orlando?

[Disneymommy2006]

We are driving for the first time ever to Orlando in June...this will actually be a Sea World trip but we plan on staying a couple of extra days at a nearby beach. Since we've never done this I was hoping someone could suggest a beach to us. Also, if you have a favorite/cheap but clean hotel at that beach we would really appreciate it! Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

Since Orlando is inland there isn't a beach "near" We did go to Cocoa Beach before our trip to WDW and that is just an hour away. We stayed at the La Quinta. Did get a good rate it was clean no frills at all. There was a free breakfast. We enjoyed Cocoa Beach we had a good time there.

 

[rapmarks]

I second cocoa Beach. It is a nice beach, and a beautiful area too.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I have stayed several times at the Daytona Bahama House in Daytona Beach - nice beach - clean hotel - free breakfast....

 

[twinsplusone]

We went Siesta Key Beach and it was beautiful. Clean and white powdery sand.

 

[Disneymommy2006]

We went Siesta Key Beach and it was beautiful. Clean and white powdery sand.

How far away for Orlando...I know we will have to drive a ways to get to any beach. Thanks

 

[alwaysmom]

I just checked this out. Beautiful looking and just what I wanted. It's on the gulf. I just checked mapquest, drive is about 2 1/2 hours. Hmmmmmm

 

[rdona24]

I went to this beach last May, I don't remember the drive from the Disney area to be more than about 90 minutes or so, it was really easy to get to. It is absolutely beautiful, well worth the drive!

 

[Princess Pudding Pop]

We have been to Daytona Beach and Indians Rock Beach & Clearwater, this time we will visit Cocoa Beach.

 

[NotUrsula]

Which direction will you be coming from (NE or NW), or if you are willing to overshoot Orlando to get to the beach, by how many hours? That info will give us clearer parameters for suggestions.

 

[mh1973]

Anna Maria Island is also very beautiful, it's north of Siesta Key.

 

[Princess Pudding Pop]

We have been to Daytona Beach and Indians Rock Beach & Clearwater, this time we will visit Cocoa Beach.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

We had the greatest time at the Ice cream Junction at Cocoa Beach the oners were fabulous and sang karaoke with the kids.

 

[nd5056]

How little are the kids?

Going East (Cocoa Beach) the water is cooler, deeper with bigger waves.

Going West (anywhere between St. Pete & Clearwater) the water is shallow, warm and waves are not as big as from the East.

IMO, Clearwater Beach feels like a frying pan compared to anywhere south of it, as soon as you cross the bridge. Besides, traffic is terrible there, but you have greater dinning choices within walking distance.

Last time we were in a Condo right on the Indian Rocks Beach and our kids loved the shallow water there.

.

 

[taylor3297]

Choose a beach that is on the gulf. The water is very nice, clear and the beaches are beautiful. I grew up going to beaches along the Atlantic, but after experiencing the gulf, I now drive 12 hours to go there instead of 2 to go to the an Atlantic beach.

 

[PatriciaH]

West coast is nicer. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi are beautiful and near Clearwater (but much nicer.) About 90 minutes.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland/

 

[nd5056]

Oh. And there’s something else that gives the West Costa advantage – beautiful sunsets.

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