Cocoa Beach or Daytona?

[Brander]

My sons (12 and 14) and I will be in sunny Fla. in mid July. Prior to going to Disney, we have about 5 days to enjoy the beaches and other sights and sounds.
In past years, we have always spent time at Cocoa Beach, and have a great time there. We like the warm water, the fair-sized waves, the family atmosphere mixed in with the fun teen atmosphere as well as the close proximity to our place where we stay in Titusville.
I haven't been to Daytona since i was a university student 20+ years ago. Do you think that we will have a fun time there as we do in Cocoa? are there ggod waves in Daytona in July? Do the cars on the beach "detract" from the beach experience?
Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[sweetheart2576]

I think you will love Daytona Beach. My kids (7and10) love it, as well as their father and I. It is one of our favorite places. The waves are great, perfect for our 2 kids. The driving on the beach in my opinion does not detract from the beach experience. There are parts of the beach that are non driving parts. Our favorite place to stay on the beach in the oceanwalk resort. www.oceanwalk.com
If you have any ?'s pm me. Also if you go to daytona beach Inlet harbor is a really great restaurant. www.inletharbor.com Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[disneymom3]

I do not like Daytona beach nearly as well as Cocoa. I don't like the cars on the beach and just the overall atmosphere there. However, I didn't know there were area there weren't cars and I haven't stayed there for any given period of time--just day trips.

 

[Jakesmom1]

We recently moved here from NY, We are just accross the bridge from the Ocean, and I have to tell you it takes my breath away every time I cross it....

Daytona is a beautiful beach, and there are other things to do here, I am not familar with Coco but if you have been there youve probably done it all.

If your kids like fast cars, there is always Daytona USA which is a pretty neat attraction and is only minutes from the beach.

There is also a new water park called Daytona Lagoon, (right accross from Ocean Walk) that also has go carts, mini golf, etc..

You could also drive up the coast from Daytona to St.Augustine, (aprox 45 min trip) we did this on Mothers day and its a beautiful ride, and there is so much to see in St. Augustine, Great day trip.

There are alot of hotels on the Beach, some nice, some not so nice. Last years hurricanes did a number on many of the hotels. Ocean Walk is very nice but probably the most pricey. There are some other modertly priced hotels , The Sun Vicking Lodge is family owned , on the ocean and is very nice and clean. Also the Ocean resorts, Treasure Island is a very nice moderate hotel, although we havent stayed there in years.

Good luck with your decision, but I think you would enjoy Daytona.