Beach Trip???

[shaycamp21]

We are going to be at WDW in Aug (21-30 POFR) for nine days and were thinking of taking a day off from the parks and heading out to the beach (even checking out the outlet mall). Are there any decent beaches within a reasonable driving distance (1-2hrs) from WDW?? I know it's hurricane season and we'll have to take things one day at a time but if there is a nice day I love to spend one day at a beach.

This means renting a vehicle for a day (not sure if that is possible on Disney property).

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[betsyboop]

We were just there, and drove to Daytona Beach one day.
It took about an hour each way - straight out I-4. The drive was
not bad at all, and the beach was pretty decent!

 

[AJKMOM]

Cocoa Beach is closer. A lot of people think it's worth the extra time to drive to the Gulf Coast beaches.

 

[2plus2]

we are doing a beach trip as well in April, when we go to WDW. We have been told to go to clearwater . Any body been there??

 

[AJKMOM]

It's been a while, but I remember the Gulf side had really white clean-looking sand, and calm water.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Have you guys been listening to the whole shark attack thing lately. You sound like my DH. I said in no way would I go to a beach this summer in Fla.

I have been to Daytona but that was a while ago. Do they still allow you to drive your car on the beach. For me it definately takes away the "beachie" atmosphere when I am sitting next to my car.

 

[cleo]

Clearwater's beaches are cleaner and the water in the Gulf is warmer, with less chance of undertow. St. Pete's has some lovely beach area. I think it's worth the extra time (about 2 hours) for a much nicer experience.

 

[Jason71]

I lived in Volusia County (home of Daytona Beach) for several years, here's a run-down on some of the beaches.

The drive to Daytona Beach takes an hour and change, if there's no rush hour or special event traffic. Straight out east on I-4, then exit to US 92 and continue on about 7 or 8 miles (past the NASCAR racetrack, if you're into racing, and over a scenic bridge with mosaics of Florida wildlife). Beachside is very, very touristy (similar to International Drive--lots of T-shirt shops, themed bars and mini-golf). For $5 you can drive and park on the beach, or there is also a parking garage across the street.

FYI, there are a lot of special events throughout the year (particularly February thru April) that tie up traffic--races around Valentines Day and Independence Day, "Bike Weeks" in March and October, Spring Break and Black College Reunion in February/March, Turkey Rod Run on Thanksgiving weekend, and I'm probably forgetting some. Just something to be aware of.

New Smyrna Beach is a few miles south, a little less touristy, with more of a "local" crowd. From I-4, take SR 44 East (probably a 90 minute trip total, again depending on traffic and weather). There are a couple of other cities to the north and south that are about the same, beach-wise.

Hope this helps.

 

[shaycamp21]

Thanks for the advice. Does anyone know if you can rent a car on WDW property (if so where)??

 

[Dream1]

There is a rental site at the Disney Care Care Center. Alamo is the designated rental car service for WDW, and National is on site as well. I belive there is also a rental station in the Swan and Dolphine resorts (can't remeber which one it's in)....I was able to arrange for a driver to pick me up at the CBR and take me to the Care Care Center at no charge. You may want to look into that service. Good luck and have fun. I will be be in WDW 08/07-08/11/2005 and am going to make the trip to ClearWater. I hear it is great.