Beaches

[stokey]

Hi this will be our second trip to orlando this May staying on Internation Drive. Last time we never had time to get to the beaches, this time we plan to spend a couple of days at the beach. Anybody have any good tips for a good family beach close by 1 - 2hrs drive away. Thanks

 

[IAN5150]

Whenever weve gone weve drove up to Daytona Beach straight up I4 its great drive straight on the beach then plenty of food/drink outlets in trailers,Superb!!

 

[SpottyDog]

Clearwater and St Pete's Beach on the Gulf Coast are between 90-120 minutes, dependin on where you head for. Gorgeous soft sandy beaches, and dolphins just off shore.

 

[vernon]

Both of the above are reasonable choices and you can add Cocoa Beach near the space centre into the list.
For a day trip,with it taking at least 3 hours travelling, I prefer to spend a day at a waterpark. If I was looking to take some beachtime I'd book a motel on the coast and make it a 2/3 day break. IMHO there's nothing worse than facing a 2 hour drive when you're hot, tired and sun burnt.
The Atlantic coast ( Daytona and Cocoa) get "real" waves and surf but the seawater is a more comfortable temperature for longer on the Gulf coast ( St Pete's/Clearwater). For June,July August I'd go to the Atlantic side, most of the rest of the year I'd more likely choose the western coast.

 

[UKPhil]

Playalinda Beach near the Space Centre. No facilities at all but the best, most unspoiled beach within a day trip of Orlando. Only about an hour's drive.