Beach resort nearest to WDW

[sunshineNJ]

We are planning a mid to late Aug trip. We would like to stay at a beach resort for a couple days after WDW. We have never been to a beach in Florida. Could someone reccomend some good places? Thanks

 

[sleepydog25]

There's always Disney's Vero Beach Resort. It's under two hours from the World. An hour's drive takes you to Melbourne/Indialantic, and there are several beach resorts there from which to choose.

 

[wiserabbit]

You are about 1 to 2 hours away from either the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic - IMO the Gulf beaches are prettier - the sand is softer, water more clear, etc. We did the same thing you are planning and really enjoyed St. Petersburg Beach - look at the Grand Plaza Hotel - right on the beach, restaurant(s) on site - great views - not tooooo much $$$$.

Have a great time on your trip

 

[sunshineNJ]

Thanks!

 

[Sue M]

Cocoa Beach is maybe a 40 min drive (Atlantic side) and the Gulf Coast beaches ( St. Pete, Clearwater) is 90 min drive.
We like both, the Gulf has fine white sand and calm water, the Atlantic is the ocean, so bigger surf. One daughter loves taking surf lessons from the Cocoa Beach Ron Jon's. last time she had the same instructor who gives the lessons at Wdw Typhoon Lagoon! My other daughter prefers floating in the gulf on her pool noodle!

 

[goofy4tink]

Cocoa Beach is about an hour east...true ocean type beaches there, with a fair amount of stuff to do. We stayed at a Doubletree right on the beach in Cocoa Beach a few years ago..it was quite wonderful.
Or, if you head west, you're about 90 mins from the gulf. My ds lives in Tampa and it's wonderful to spend time with him at the beach. We always go to Ft Desoto, but that's another 30 min drive from Tampa itself. The drive from WDW to Tampa is about 70-75 mins, then another 30 to the beaches. St Petersburg is beautiful as well.
If you head west, you can always leave from Tampa International if you are flying out. Very nice airport!!!

 

[dismom58]

My daughter goes to USF in Tampa and told me they all go to Clearwater Beach around 70 miles west of Disney. It has great sand she told me and lots of restaurants right on the beach. Maybe an option.

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Or you can try the Daytona Beach/New Smyrna Beach area. Our beaches are fantastic and so are the "natives". We're about 1 1/2 hours max from WDW front door to either resort area. There's lots of condos/hotels, etc right on the beach in New Smyrna Beach and great restaurants and lots of stuff to do on the East Coast.

 

[Jaco5nc]

Ron Jon Resort in Cocoa is fantastic!! We also stayed at the Marriott Courtyard. It isn't really a resort but it is lovely. Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach is very laid back and lots of fun. Only an hour from WDW and an easy drive (although there are tolls). I am here now! Loving it!

 

[Sue M]

Ron Jon Resort in Cocoa is fantastic!! We also stayed at the Marriott Courtyard. It isn't really a resort but it is lovely. Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach is very laid back and lots of fun. Only an hour from WDW and an easy drive (although there are tolls). I am here now! Loving it!

We stayed at the Hampton Inn next to the Courtyard! Loved the Appies hour My daughter loved the surf lessons from Ron Jon's.