Cocoa Beach or Clearwater Beach?

[Befferk]

We (myself, DH, and DS will be 4) will camping be at FW in May 2006. We have never been to Florida before. We will be staying for 10 days. Planning 5 days at the parks. We want to also plan at day at the ocean. Is there any real difference between going to the Gulf side vs. the Atlantic side? The two beaches I have looked into so far are Cocoa Beach and Clearwater. Does anyone have any opinions on these two?

Thanks!
Beth

 

[DianeV]

We like the Gulf side better..smoother water and alot more nice shells. We have been to both Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach and I would recommend Clearwater Beach

 

[Befferk]

Oh, thank you so much!! I am so happy to hear from someone that has been to both! Does Clearwater Beach have a playground? I thought I read that somewhere here.....

Beth

 

[disneydude]

Clearwateer Beach has a great playground, right on the beach! It also has the whitest "sugar sand" you will find anywhere. Clearwater Beach over Cocoa any day!

 

[NotUrsula]

Depending on WHEN in May you're visiting, the Atlantic side waters may be too cold for swimming. The Gulf is much warmer for most of the year.

 

[lisa and john]

Hi there,

Could you tell me what the driving distances are for both Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach from Orlando? Thanks!

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

bumping, I too want the answer to the last question. What is the difference in time to each beach, Cocoa vs Clearwater?

 

[disney momma]

Clearwater--hands down.

 

[mamato2princesses]

Another vote for Clearwater!

 

[mama4]

We ususally go to the Atlantic side because we are closer. We are going to Cocoa Beach next weekend for a couple of nights. But we go to the Gulf side when we are visiting my sis in St Pete and it is MUCH better! Clearwater beach is a little under 100 miles and Cocoa is a little under 70 miles from WDW.

 

[surfer_ed]

We love Cocoa Beach and usually make a trip each time we go but I agree that it is not good for little ones. The water temp doesn't bother me...growing up on the east coast of Nova Scotia, but the angle of the beach can be steep and the wash is a little rough for smaller children.

Ron Jons is pretty cool.

 

[dkal95]

We went to both on our trip 2 years ago and I say Clearwater hands down.

The water was rough on the Atlantic side, there's no way the kids could get in it.
Also the sand is so much nicer on Clearwater beach, nice shells and calmer water.

Just my 2 cents. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Vickibean]

Have you considered Siesta Beach? It's a little further, but it's wonderful!

 

[DW2006]

I've vacationed several times in Clearwater...BEAUTIFUL

 

[Tiffer]

Clearwater beach is nice, but don't expect waves on the gulf like you would in the Atlantic ocean. I agree that the Gulf will probably be warmer.

 

[FSUGrad97]

I've been to both, and I would go to Clearwater Beach. There is a reason that it's usually named one of Florida's best beaches.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would say that Cocoa Beach is about an hour away, while Clearwater is at least 90 minutes. It took us about an hour and 20 minutes to get to Tampa, just past the airport, from WDW in May, and Clearwater is a ways further west...about 30 minutes or so. When we were in Tampa, I asked my ds to find a nice, scenic beach, not a touristy one..one that really showed what the gulf coast was. We went to Ft. DeSoto....it was absolutely incredible. It's down the peninsula from Clearwater Beach....not crowded at all...I can't even begin to describe how beautiful it was. Can't wait to go back again.

 

[smnornes]

Ditto what most others have said...CLEARWATER!

Cocoa is about an hour away, Clearwater is about 90 minutes but well worth it. Its not a bad drive at all. I think it is "Pier 60" on Clearwater that has all the activities...powder white sand, warmer waters, etc. I have pictures of our trip to Clearwater on my web site...shellistravel.com...just go to the travelogues.

 

[NotUrsula]

Just one caveat on the Gulf side; before you go, always check the red tide situation. Normally I love those beaches, but if the r.t. concentrations get high, they can be nasty.

Beaches that are covered with dead fish are just not too pleasant.