Beach suggestion

[rdominy]

if you were going to take a day trip to the beach for a couple of hours from Orlando where would you go and why? It will be me, my mom, and my DD11 and DS5

 

[HopperFan]

I think you need to decide if you want the Atlantic OCEAN or the GULF of Mexico.

For ease, closest distance and a nice beach ...

For the ocean I'd likely go to Cocoa Beach area

For the gulf I'd likely go to Clearwater Beach

 

[rdominy]

I think you need to decide if you want the Atlantic OCEAN or the GULF of Mexico.

For ease, closest distance and a nice beach ...

For the ocean I'd likely go to Cocoa Beach area

For the gulf I'd likely go to Clearwater Beach

My kids want to see clear water lol. They’ve only been to the beach in Galveston Texas and it’s more the color of coffee.
I’m thinking the gulf side though just because seems a bit calmer but I’ve never been to the beach in Florida so I’m open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks

 

[skramer100]

Gulf gonna be about 90 minutes away. Clearwater beach is very nice. Cocoa Beach about an hour, nice as well. If they want calm, clear water go gulf side. Be aware it will be much warmer. In the summer Gulf temps are about 90ish, Ocean 85ish.

 

[4kids4karen]

I have never been Cocoa Beach, so I cant' speak of it. We go to Clearwater often. Google Pier 60, Clearwater. That is a popular public beach area.

https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/profile/pier-60-clearwater-beach/1570

Live Webcam of Pier 60 from the left.
https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/united-states/florida/clearwater/clearwater-beach.html

Live Webcam of Pier 60 from the right.
http://www.fox13news.com/weather/webcams/live-clearwater-beach-cam

If your kids would enjoy a water island and large waterslides, check out St. Petersburg Tradewinds Resort. You do not have to stay at the resort, you can pay to use their slide and water island, etc.

https://www.tradewindsresort.com/explore/gallery?gallery=beachcam

Tradewinds Live WebCam
1) http://www.truelook.com/tl/app/?twresort=twresort2015&app=beachcam&appmode=yes

2) https://app.truelook.com/?twresort=twresort2015&app=funcam&appmode=yes#tl_live

Tradewinds Splash Island Water Park is up most days in the summer, but depending on weather may not be put up. During the winter, it is not up every day.

The sand is nicer at Clearwater than St. Pete.

Have fun!

 

[4kids4karen]

This link you can choose cameras on the left for Cocoa Beach. I noticed a few of the cameras turn/change the angle if you watch long enough. LOL.

I see a lot of surfers this morning, so that is a big difference as there ware not surfers in Clearwater (waves not big enough).

http://www.visitspacecoast.com/beaches/surfspots-cams/hilton-cocoa-beach-surf-cam/

 

[dish rag]

Easily Longboat or Lido Key.

 

[pattyw]

Siesta Key is beautiful!

 

[Klayfish]

The water on either side will be relatively calm. Unless there's a big storm, waves are small.

We love Daytona Beach. It's only 1hr 10min drive from WDW and it's super easy. Shoot straight east on I-4 and you'll pretty much run right into it. From there, follow Daytona International Speedway Blvd (you'll pass the racetrack) and keep going until you drive onto the beach...literally. You can pay $20 and park your car directly on the beach. That way you don't need to lug your stuff from a parking lot, you can have it right there with you. We went to Daytona last week and had a blast. We love it!

 

[dish rag]

The water on either side will be relatively calm. Unless there's a big storm, waves are small.

We love Daytona Beach. It's only 1hr 10min drive from WDW and it's super easy. Shoot straight east on I-4 and you'll pretty much run right into it. From there, follow Daytona International Speedway Blvd (you'll pass the racetrack) and keep going until you drive onto the beach...literally. You can pay $20 and park your car directly on the beach. That way you don't need to lug your stuff from a parking lot, you can have it right there with you. We went to Daytona last week and had a blast. We love it!

Over looking it right now. Came for the Canada Day and 4th week.

 

[nkereina]

We've been to the Atlantic beaches (Cocoa, Daytona, New Smyrna) as well as Clearwater Beach. Clearwater wins by MILES in my opinion. The beach is a powder white sand, clear warm water, great family beach, tons of stuff to do and places to eat at in immediate walking distance. From Orlando, its about a 2 hour drive and you're inclined to hit some traffic. St. Pete Beach is another good option there but probably about the same driving distance.

The Atlantic side will be closer with less traffic, but its just not as nice IMO. Rougher, cooler water (not cold this time of year though), darker sand beaches, less built up in the immediate area around the beach. You could certainly have a nice day for a few hours, but wouldn't be my first choice.