closest beach to orlando

[suerob]

We would like to combine a beach trip with orlando. Any suggestions? Looking for a family friendly resort on the east coast that is less than a 1 hr. drive to Orlando. Please help.

 

[AJKMOM]

Cocoa Beach is probably the closest, but not less than an hour. Orlando is in the middle of Florida,and depending on the traffic, most beaches are 1 1/2 hours away. We always drive to Daytona because it has more to offer, being that its bigger. I have read here that Cocoa Beach isn't the greatest area.

 

[thumperjr9]

We were thinking about Daytona Beach also. We went to Cocoa Beach a few years ago and we weren't impressed. I have been to Daytona many years ago for spring break. I'm not sure I will be all that thrilled with it either but we are taking a couple of teenager and that is were they want to. If it were my choice I would go to the Canaveral National Seashore I have never been there before but have heard good things about it. Its just north of the Kennedy Space Center and would probably be just a little over 1 hr. from Orlando. Would also love to hear others opinions!

 

[tednvon]

Most folks agree closest is Cocoa, but the best by far for beach, powder sand, shells, sunsets is Clearwater area by Tampa. About another 1/2 hour drive.

Ted

 

[heidijot]

Hi,

Last April we stayed at St.Pete's Beach in Clearwater and drove to Disney twice, about 2 hours each way. The beach area was beautiful and the shops were fun!!! The drive was not too bad, leaving early in the morning we missed the commute traffic!!

Enjoy your trip!!

Heidi
<img height=150 src=http://home.comcast.net/~heidijot/scan.jpg>

 

[Twirly41]

Tednvon - is the water at the Clearwater beach the pretty clear, blue color? We are used to the ugly brown of the Gulf of Mexico on the Texas Gulf. I am looking for somewhere close to Orlando to stop at on the way home to show my daughter how water at the beach is supposed to look! Thanks!

 

[themepark]

The water in the Gulf at Clearwater has always been calm and very clear and pretty when I have been there. The sand is white and beautiful too.

 

[tednvon]

I agree...Ted

 

[taylor1293]

Here is another vote for the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area. The sand and the water are so much prettier on the Gulf than the Atlantic! It's slighly farther, but worth every mile!

Teresa

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Originally posted by taylor1293
Here is another vote for the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area. The sand and the water are so much prettier on the Gulf than the Atlantic! It's slighly farther, but worth every mile!

Teresa

Teresa, I know this is subjective but I disagree that the sand and the water are prettier on the Gulf than the Atlantic. They are different for sure.

On the Atltantic side, there are waves. At Cocoa Beach this past weekend there was a surfing contest near the pier. There are no surfing contests on the Gulf since there normally are no waves. The Atlantic is a clear blue color.

The sand at St. Pete Beach is white and wide. The sand at Daytona is also white and very wide.

It depends on what you like. Both offer a good chance to enjoy the beach in different ways.

 

[taylor1293]

Originally posted by WDWisTheBest
Teresa, I know this is subjective but I disagree that the sand and the water are prettier on the Gulf than the Atlantic. They are different for sure.

On the Atltantic side, there are waves. At Cocoa Beach this past weekend there was a surfing contest near the pier. There are no surfing contests on the Gulf since there normally are no waves. The Atlantic is a clear blue color.

The sand at St. Pete Beach is white and wide. The sand at Daytona is also white and very wide.

It depends on what you like. Both offer a good chance to enjoy the beach in different ways.

I completely agree! It depends on what you like .

I prefer the Gulf. I find it to be nicer. Personally, I don't care for the waves, so that likely influences my decision. I don't like Daytona because I don't care for a beach that cars can drive on.

We were on the beach South of Cocoa this past weekend. I heard that the surfers were disappointed this year because their waves weren't as good as usual .

There are definitely pluses to both sides, depending on what you are looking for .

Teresa

 

[WIcruizer]

Siesta Key is just south of Clearwater and was Travel Channel's best beach in America. Beautiful water and beaches, tons of shells..just really nice. Almost exactly 2 hours from WDW.

 

[maximom]

Originally posted by WDWisTheBest

On the Atltantic side, there are waves. At Cocoa Beach this past weekend there was a surfing contest near the pier. There are no surfing contests on the Gulf since there normally are no waves. The Atlantic is a clear blue color.

The

Okay, I must be CRAZY!! I've only been to FL one time in my life and went to Pensacola Beach which is on the Gulf. I thought it was BEAUTIFUL and there were waves!

I'm confused. Why would there not be waves on the Gulf side?

 

[orvilleair]

The Gulf beaches have waves perfect for small children, but I only saw one surfer the 1 1/2 days I was there. The Atlantic has taller waves.

I don't know if there is a water temperature difference between the Gulf and the Atlantic, but I always thought the Gulf water is warmer.

Siesta Key is beautiful and posh. They have limited parking, but if you can get a space, the place has a concession stand, nice picnic area, good restrooms and changing areas. Should the beach be too crowded, Venice is just to the south and has more parking. St Pete and Clearwater have nice beaches.

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Here's another vote for Siesta Key--beautiful beach! The sand is so soft and white, you'll swear you're walking on flour! I've never been to any other FL beaches though, so I can't compare them.