Clearwater Beach/Cocoa Beach???

[Dsnylvr8]

We are looking for a vacation for this summer. Generally for us, it is too hot to do Disney, so we are thinking of spending a week at a beach area in Florida, and maybe going to Sea World or Universal for one day or so. I have heard that Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach are within driving distance (Clearwater being farther from what i understand). Has anyone been to either of these areas? Are the beaches nice?? Are there enough good restaurants/things to do, to spend a week there? We aren't looking for crazy activities everyday, we want a more relaxed pace, but do not want to be bored either. Please feel free to post any thoughts/ opinions/ Pros&Cons of either area!! Thanks

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I have been to Clearwater Beach on many occasions and I would highly recommend it. We also stay at the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, which is a great location.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpams-clearwater-beach-marriott-suites-on-sand-key/

 

[Dsnylvr8]

Thanks! Do you ever drive to Universal/SeaWorld/ Disney area.. is it a bad commute, or is it manageable?? How are the restaurants and shopping around Clearwater?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Well during the summer my family and I visit Clearwater Beach first and then we are off to WDW, which is about an hour and a half and never had any problems with it.

 

[rockets971997]

We have stayed in Siesta Key (Sarasota) area on the gulf coast once and then Cocoa Beach several times due to a family meber's timeshare there. We love both areas for different reasons but only have visited Orlando from Cocoa Beach.

The beach in Siesta Key was absolutely incredible and is world famous for it's powdery white sand that will not get hot. We haven't ruled this out for april if we don't go back to Disney! There were plenty of restaurants and the pace was relaxed. It did seem busier up around Clearwater when we took a roadtrip up that way one day but we really didn't know our way around there. The area was great for our family and the crystal blue water and powdery white sand is incredible.

Cocoa Beach doesn't have the best sand or the crystal blue water but it does have a good beach and a little more surf than the gulf. It seems a little older but it is close to the Kennedy Space Center, Ron Jon's and a lot of great restaurants. It is an easy drive into Orlando as we have done Seaworld s couple times, Downtown Disney once, and even outlet shopping!

I probably haven't cleared much up but I can tell you both places are good places for a family looking to relax. Pick a good place to stay and have an awesome time. Good luck and let us know if you have more questions.

 

[valeriemouse]

I personally love Cocoa Beach. I've been there about 3 times, the last time being about 8 years ago. Its very nice, and quaint. There are great shops, and a very cute pier to hang out on and the beach is nice. I'm used to NY beaches, so in comparison Cocoa Beach is very nice and clean. And most importantly has warm water! I believe it is only about an hour east of Orlando, so the distance isn't too bad. I prefer beaches on the Atlantic than the Gulf, but thats just my opinion.

What's really cool about the area is if a shuttle is scheduled to land, you can here it break the sound barrier. It's so loud! If it's at night, you can even see it's pathway in the sky if you are sitting on the beach. I remember I think it was late July or early August of 1999 we witnessed this. I believe you have to look north. And there is like a close-circuit tv channel where you can see it land too. It wasn't a normal tv station, but I can't remember exactly what it was. But you saw the space shuttle land and sit on the tarmac. I'm a bit of a space nut, sorry for the off-topic adventure

Lot's of nice timeshares and condos right on the beach to rent too! It is a nice vacation. I know everytime i've stayed we've done Universal for a day or two.