Crazy to cross the state?

[v.t.]

We will be driving down in June, planning a week at the beach before Disney. The kids want to see the Space Center, but the beaches on the gulf side look so nice. DH will be flying down midway thru. Should we do a few days at Cocoa Beach and then over to the gulf side when we pick up DH at the airport? We will be a party of 6 then 7. Any suggestions for beaches and affordable hotels (condos) would be most helpful.

 

[spiceycat]

you are driving from Texas - then you want to do the ocean side first, then gulf, then WDW - that is alot of driving.

but hey once you have driven from Texas - not a big deal at all.

Cocoa Beach does not have good hotels - Dayton north a little ways does.

on the gulf side - depends upon the beach - Clearwater is nice near Tampa.

 

[swilshire]

It's not a very big state. The Gulf beaches are definitely nicer. We went to the Space Center earlier this month and had more fun than I expected. DH already wants to go back.

Sheila

 

[RN4Babies]

I haven't been there, but Sannibel Island on the gulf side was recommended as a wonderful area with terrific beaches, and they're known for having plentiful shells. Itis about 3 hours southwest of Orlando according to the sites I was looking at, but the pictures look absolutely lovely.

 

[spiceycat]

yea both gulf and ocean from Orlando are around 90 minutes each direction.

think ocean is a little closer. but there is more traffic that way.

believe me driving from Texas is a heck of alot longer and harder.

 

[Pembo]

We love Anna Maria Island...beautiful beach and quiet.

 

[v.t.]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It is not a summer vacation if we do not spend at least 50 hours in the car! But Anna Maria looks beautiful. Any suggestions on a place to stay?

Thanks,
Vicky

 

[srwarden1928]

On the Gulf side, I HIGHLY recommend St. Pete Beach. I have been going there for MANY years (since I was two). I have been to a number of other beaches FL and elsewhere, and this is my all time favorite.
I think that the Space Center would be interesting, but I would personally only stay on the Atlantic long enough to see it, and then go to the Gulf. The Atlantic beaches just dont appeal to us as much.

 

[LindaBabe]

I've liked the Radisson in Cocoa Beach. There's also a Residence inn and a Country inn & Suites, and the Ron Jon resort that could probably accommodate a family of your size.

 

[MattM]

It really doesnt take that long to drive from Titusville (space center) to the Tampa/St Pete beaches.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I've liked the Radisson in Cocoa Beach. There's also a Residence inn and a Country inn & Suites, and the Ron Jon resort that could probably accommodate a family of your size.

I was going to suggest the Ron Jon Resort too. It's a timeshare so you could probably get a condo. Not sure how expensive it is but heard they have great water play area, (lazy river, slides) not just beach.

 

[NancyIL]

We used to spend our Easter break in Sarasota when I was a grade school kid in the 60's. When my mom first moved to FL in 1981, she settled in Sarasota. I haven't been there since 1987, but I remember beautiful beaches. My mom eventually migrated to the Atlantic coast and lived in Cocoa until her death a few months ago.

I went to a wedding in Ft. Myers last summer, and I agree that Sanibel Island has very pretty beaches, too. However, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota are closer to WDW.

 

[*disgal*]

I have been to the beach near Jacksonville, Miami Beach, Hollywood beach, Daytona, St. Pete, Clearwater (a long time ago), and Destin. My favorite so far is Destin but that's too far away for you.

We are looking into going to Siesta Key next spring. (This would be doable for you) Don't know yet....the family wants Destin again but it's still a little on the chilly side mid April so I want to go further south.

My friends LOVE Anna Maria island and I can hardly remember St Pete/Clearwater but I'm sure I'd love the beach. Just not sure if I'd love the crowds/busy-ness.

All this is to say although I go to Myrtle beach a lot and love the Atlantic, it's nothing compared to the Gulf. And that white sand is awesome. Did you know you can walk on it midday and not burn your feet? It doesn't get hot because it reflects the sun. At least Destin was like that. Anyone know if Central/South gulfside beaches are the same?

We used to spend our Easter break in Sarasota when I was a grade school kid in the 60's. When my mom first moved to FL in 1981, she settled in Sarasota. I haven't been there since 1987, but I remember beautiful beaches. My mom eventually migrated to the Atlantic coast and lived in Cocoa until her death a few months ago.

I went to a wedding in Ft. Myers last summer, and I agree that Sanibel Island has very pretty beaches, too. However, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota are closer to WDW.

 

[collcass]

It really doesnt take that long to drive from Titusville (space center) to the Tampa/St Pete beaches.

We left Tampa @ 8AM (Sheraton Riverwalk) and arrived in Cocoa Beach/Titusville area just a wee bit after 10 AM. Not a bad drive at all