Beach on space coast

[marias]

Hi there,

I have read reports that beaches along the space coast are not that good, however i dont think we are going to have time to visit St Pete's or Clearwater on this trip. Does anyone have any recommendations for beaches along the space coast that have been OK in the past?

Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Difficult one, the problem is Cocoa & Daytona beaches are much closer to Central Florida - however, Clearwater/St Petes are much nicer in my opinion.

Cocoa is very quiet, not a lot to do there , Daytona is a bit more livelier but gets mixed reviews - many years since we went to be fair but we didn't like it much to brutally honest, any beach you can drive your car onto is either really cool or a bit daft (afraid the latter is something I relate to more).

There are other quieter beaches on the east coast, but I have not been to any of them apart from Miami/Ft Lauderdale which are much further south.

Not really much help am I?
We are planning a Clearwater visit in August, personally I think it's worth the extra travelling.

 

[Ang1e]

We've been to Daytona - we didn't particularly like it there to be honest.

A friend has recommended New Smyrna beach - I think it's just slightly north of Daytona.

Not much help from me either really. Sorry!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

If you do a search on DAYTONA, for the 'Orlando hotels and attractions' forum you will bring up plenty of questions raised etc, such as:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1154254&highlight=daytona

 

[mandymouse]

We went to Cocoa Beach to view a Shuttle launch and there is nothing there except a pier

 

[marias]

Thanks for all your responses, they confirmed what i already suspected

Maybe we should schedule in a day at Clearwater - at least we would have a rest from walking at the parks

 

[Deedee]

last time we went, we met up with some American friends who live in Orlando they took us to port canaveral beach. we had a lovely day watching the dolphins swimming just off shore and they hire out huts to have a BBQ the beach was clean. Its only about an hour drive so it doesn't eat into your day too much.

 

[Deedee]

sorry forgot to say we sat there watching all the cruise ships go out.

 

[paulh]

we havestayed at ron jons resort in port canaveral not quite up to disney standards but ok for a beach hotel.
Paulh

 

[zara]

Depends on what you are looking for. A nice relaxing day at the beach and in the sea - then Cocoa Beach is good. Been to Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach just for the sand and sea, and I didn't find much difference between them.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks for all your responses, they confirmed what i already suspected

Maybe we should schedule in a day at Clearwater - at least we would have a rest from walking at the parks

I think you won't be dissapointed, Clearwater's white sandy beach is different class to Cocoa or Daytona - in my opinion.

There are also some excellent shopping malls on the route too, especially International Plaza near Tampa airport.

 

[UKPhil]

New Smyrna Beach is beautiful. Small town, unspoiled and lovely clean beach that you can drive on like Daytona but without the "Blackpool" (sorry Johnny !) feel of Daytona or Cocoa.

Playalinda Beach is another one we sometimes visit. Again, totally unspoiled and in a conservation area. Very near to the Space Centre so you can combine the two as a day trip if you want.

Personally I prefer these two to places like St. Pete's and Clearwater. The west coast beaches are better from Sanibel/Captiva south though.

 

[alisonbestford]

Another vote for New Smyrna

We were there at Easter and it's a lovely town
We had a drive up to Daytona but didn't like it at all. Even DH, who customises motor cycles, was disappointed

We stayed at the Islander Resort which has direct access to the beach.
There's a Publix and Walgreens across the road, a crazy golf and loads of yummy, cheap eating places

 

[JohnnySharp2]

New Smyrna Beach is beautiful. Small town, unspoiled and lovely clean beach that you can drive on like Daytona but without the "Blackpool" (sorry Johnny !) feel of Daytona or Cocoa.

Playalinda Beach is another one we sometimes visit. Again, totally unspoiled and in a conservation area. Very near to the Space Centre so you can combine the two as a day trip if you want.

Personally I prefer these two to places like St. Pete's and Clearwater. The west coast beaches are better from Sanibel/Captiva south though.

ok mate , I agree with you anyway.

 

[WDWfan uk]

There are some lovely beaches further down the 'Gold Coast' but for a day trip, they would be too far. Not only that, the currents and waves can be uncertain.

I agree with Johnny - I do not like sand, but the powdery version at Clearwater Beach is great! The sea is calm and the beaches extend for miles. Allow at least 90 minutes drive though.

 

[marias]

Thanks everyone i appreciate all your replies.

 

[nibby]

Thanks everyone i appreciate all your replies.

So do I, and it wasn't even my questions - but one which I was about to post