Day trip to coast? And Dh's 1st time

[Dawneesue]

My DH and I are in our 50's and planning our trip for the end of March. I've been to Disney numerous times, but this will be his 1st time even to Florida. We have a condo rental for 5 days, but I want to take a day (possibly overnight) trip to either Cocoa beach area or Clearwater area. Any preferences?? And if so, why do you choose it and do you have specific recommendations? Also, any recommendations for a "must do" for any older 1st timer? Thanks!

 

[NH-to-FL]

First, to DISboards posting!

I am not sure I can help much with your beach question. Neither DW nor I are beach people. We have gone over to the Atlantic side a couple of times when we had visitors looking for a day trip to a beach. Since we needed handicap access we ended up at Jetty Park just north of Coco Beach. The combination of a beach and a nice jetty to walk along was perfect for our needs. We even saw dolphins off the end jetty. That said DW reports that her sisters had a nice time over in the Clearwater area, Indian Rocks Beach. I don't think you can go wrong with either coast.

As to your older first time visitor I would suggest starting with the basics. DW and I started our WDW vacations in our late 40's over twenty years ago. We are now Disney snowbirds. Does your first timer have any recollection of Disney from his youth? I grew up watching the Wonderful World of Disney and watching Disneyland being built. I would suggest starting with the Magic Kingdom which for me is the essence of Disney. There are the classic rides from the 1964 World's Fair, It's a Small World and the Carousel of Progress. Then there is the Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Peter Pan, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room. Just wandering around the MK and taking in all the details can be special for a 1st timer.
Wishing you a visit!

 

[lorenae]

Clearwater is “the” classic Florida beach, and it’s not all that far from Orlando, so that’d be my pick.

 

[bankr63]

For March I would choose Clearwater. The Atlantic can be very cold that time of year. If you want to enjoy the water at all, the Gulf water is generally more temperate in March.

 

[dish rag]

Go further south to Sarasota. I never cared for Clearwater.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Clearwater is “the” classic Florida beach, and it’s not all that far from Orlando, so that’d be my pick.

What does "the" classic Florida beach mean?