Beaches near WDW

[RweTHRyet]

My DW would like to spend a day away from the the parks and relax at a beach. Do any of you have any suggestions of good beaches near WDW (besides Blizzard ). In the past we have gone to New Smyrna and like the fact that you can park on the beach.

 

[kmk1180]

If you take I-4 West, it will take you almost directly to Clearwater Beach.
Very nice.

Or if you take the Beach-line expressway East, it will take you directly to
Cocoa Beach.
Also Very Nice.

Can't go wrong with either. Hard to get lost going to either.

When we went in Jan, Beach web sites said Cocoa Beach water was warmer. But was still chilly at first.

 

[deej696]

I've lived in Central Florida my entire life, and I'm another vote for Clearwater or Honeymoon/Caladesi Island. The west coast is far better than the east beaches in my opinion. They are much cleaner, and I have never been a big fan of driving on the beach...

 

[tikimimi]

Just a little further northwest is St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach. There is a wonderful candy store (old fashioned candy) in Madeira - don't miss the bathrooms if you go. That whole area is beautiful!!! We've also done Cocoa, New Smyrna, and Ormond. All nice - just depends on what you want.

 

[kadesha]

We like Daytona.

 

[twinsplusone]

We're going to WDW next week and plan on spending a day at Cape Canaveral (DH is going to fish) and then we're going to go and check out Cocoa Beach. We've never gone so take my advice accordingly.

 

[Disneyfan71]

I love Ft. Lauderdale but it's too far from WDW

 

[Mich123]

We've done Cocoa Beach and it was lots of fun and not too far. If you're interested in an overnight...the Vero Beach DVC is great and very relaxing!

 

[sbell111]

We like the Canaveral National Seashore.

 

[DWFan4Life]

Go directly to Clearwater Beach, we also spent time there if we have enough time to go to beach.

 

[thadarkslayer]

Just a little further northwest is St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach. There is a wonderful candy store (old fashioned candy) in Madeira - don't miss the bathrooms if you go. That whole area is beautiful!!! We've also done Cocoa, New Smyrna, and Ormond. All nice - just depends on what you want.

I LOVE the Madeira/Treasure Island area, and I know the candy store you're talking about. My name's on the wall somewhere.

I also happen to think the western/gulf beaches are way better. The water is so much cleaner/nicer.

 

[hannahryan]

If you take I-4 West, it will take you almost directly to Clearwater Beach.
Very nice.

Or if you take the Beach-line expressway East, it will take you directly to
Cocoa Beach.
Also Very Nice.

Can't go wrong with either. Hard to get lost going to either.

When we went in Jan, Beach web sites said Cocoa Beach water was warmer. But was still chilly at first.

Could you tell me about how far it is to either beach? Also, which was has a nicer ambiance?

 

[Tink60]

I am throwing in my vote for Clearwater or St. Pete Beach. White sand clear water. But, having said that if just going for a day trip, Coco Beach is fun also, and there is always RonJon's to explore.
Right now I would take any beach in Florida.....

 

[fireflymedic]

I went to Daytona (1.5 hr ride from pop) I live near Panama City Beach so use to the Gulf of Mexico, but was impressed with the sand at Daytona not too full of broken sea Sheals, some times the ocean beach can be so bad you cant walk on it, mabe thats only after a storm or something.

 

[srwarden1928]

We love St Pete Beach. In fact we are planning our next trip to be half St. Pete Beach and half Disney.

 

[tegdig]

without a doubt, Siesta Key...Siesta Key Beach. It is just south of Sarasota on the Gulf coast. It's an easy 1 1/2 hour trip from Disney. The sand is like walking on powdered sugar....One of my very favorite places to be....just got back from there about a week ago and we saw a lot of dolphins just off the beach this time.

 

[TN Davy Crockett]

without a doubt, Siesta Key...Siesta Key Beach. It is just south of Sarasota on the Gulf coast. It's an easy 1 1/2 hour trip from Disney. The sand is like walking on powdered sugar....One of my very favorite places to be....just got back from there about a week ago and we saw a lot of dolphins just off the beach this time.

I'm surprised we made it all the way to the 2nd page before somebody mentioned Siesta Key. Definatley your best option, IMO. Beautiful beach with the whitest sand you'll ever see. Not too crowded, but plenty of places to eat or whatever. Great for a family or couple seeking a nice relaxing beach experience.

 

[Disnsyncey]

go to Cocoa....a beach isn't a beach w/o good waves!!!!

Its straight out 528, really easy to get to, I would say.....an hour?

My friends and I usually go to one of the city (?) parks with the playgrounds, cuz there is a lot of parking and no hotels in the direct area....Lori Wilson Park is what its called I think.....

 

[Livin'TheDream]

don't want to intrude on your post but are there any good beaches to take children ages 11&8 snorkeling??

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here is another vote for Clearwater Beach.