Driving to the beach for a day from Disney?????

[calablovedisney]

I know this is not really an Orlando question, but hoping some can answer. If you were going to drive from Disney to a beach for the day, which beach would you go to and how long a drive is it?
TIA!!

 

[BigredNole]

The east coast beaches are about an hour drive. Cocoa, Canaveral, New Smyrna, etc. Not sure if you actually want a saltwater beach specifically because there are a lot of nice clear water springs around too.

 

[spiceycat]

the gulf side is a bit further like 90 minutes might be more. the ocean side can be wild at times I don't like it when the waves are over my head and they are on the ocean side.

 

[spiceycat]

also the weather man has been mentioning rip tides - so be sure and check before you go in either the gulf or ocean

 

[writerguyfl]

Whichever direction you heard, be sure to factor in traffic. At times, Interstate 4 between Disney and the greater Tampa area can be ridiculously busy.

Major mapping sites like Google Maps and Bing Maps let you enter a day and time for your trip. The results will include total time estimates based on historical traffic information. For example:

• Disney to Clearwater Beach (Gulf side): 1:39 (1 hour, 39 minutes) is only 1:48 with traffic if you leave at 7am
• Clearwater Beach to Disney: 1:42 becomes 2:07 with traffic if you leave at 4pm

Going to Cocoa Beach is generally quicker, but it's on a toll road.

• Disney to Cocoa Beach (Atlantic side): 1:10 no traffic but only 1:13 with estimated traffic leaving at 7am
• Cocoa Beach to Disney: 1:12 or 1:18 with traffic leaving at 4pm

 

[dish rag]

I know this is not really an Orlando question, but hoping some can answer. If you were going to drive from Disney to a beach for the day, which beach would you go to and how long a drive is it?
TIA!!

I would head to the Sarasota area, you'll be glad you did.

 

[katallo]

I agree. We love siesta key!

 

[Ambehnke]

Clearwater beach!

 

[Klayfish]

We like Daytona Beach. It's a super easy drive...no traffic, just a straight highway shot. You can get there in a little over an hour and literally park on the beach.

 

[calablovedisney]

Thank you for all the replies. Lots of choices. Haven't made one yet, but probably would be decided while we are there anyway. I am not sure which side we would head to. We spend a a good amount of time in Maine at beaches so have been in the Atlantic of course, but cold that far north! My dds may want to see a Gulf side beach. At least I have lots of choices now either way!

 

[Belle83]

I have heard great things about Clearwater. That's where I would head if I wanted actual swimming or with kids.

We've been to Cocoa Beach a few times and got engaged there. It's pretty but didn't seem too inviting as far as swimming goes and parts of it are kind of trashy (strip clubs etc.). We went that direction because of Kennedy Space Center and then later because we went on a Disney Cruise.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Oh if you haven't been to the Gulf, you must go & see that clear, turquoise water!

 

[TamaraQT]

When we go to Florida, we head to Clearwater for Gulf side since we are from NJ and can see the Atlantic side anytime!!! I think we are going to try Cocoa beach eventually now that we have extended our vacation from 7 days to 10 days and now we stay for 14 days!!! We can't get enough of Florida, and 1 or 2 days at the beach are NOW a necessary part of our vacation !!! I will have to look into Siesta Key and the Sarasota area. We are DUE to try something different.

 

[pcstang]

Yes, head to Clearwater. I grew up on the Atlantic side and love it. I also lived in Panama City beach for years and the beaches and sunsets are much prettier. I still love the Atlantic side though, was just there in Savannah GA last week.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Yes, head to Clearwater. I grew up on the Atlantic side and love it. I also live in Panama City beach for years and the beaches and sunsets are much prettier. I still love the Atlantic side though, was just there in Savannah GA last week.

Ahhh, wish Panama City Beach was closer to Orlando. That sand - it's like walking on baby powder!

 

[dish rag]

Ahhh, wish Panama City Beach was closer to Orlando. That sand - it's like walking on baby powder!

Then you might like Siesta Key. We are heading over this weekend.

 

[Belly Button Lint]

You can't go wrong with Siesta Key or Clearwater Beach. We drove to both during our last Disney visit. They both have won best beach in the USA recently...

 

[Macprincess]

Another vote for Siesta Key, but I'm a local so my choice is a bit bias. White sand, cool to the touch, no burning your toes to walk to the shore line. It truly is one of the most beautiful beaches. The parking lot was just redone and its free. Very family friendly, bathrooms, snack bar, volleyball, kids playground and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you will ever see. I also suggest Captain Curt's at 1200 Old Stickney Point Road, decent prices, great clam chowder and sea food and a full bar.

 

[Beer Me]

We have been vacationing at the beaches just south of Clearwater my whole life. Clearwater would probably be the easiest to get in and out of for a day trip from Orlando.

Personally I hate to leave WDW for day trips. 90 minutes each way will be tiring. I would prefer to tack on a few beach days at the beginning or end of my Disney stay and find a place right on the water.

 

[kp_plus3]

I can't tell you enough how much we love the gulf side!! Truly is such a prettier beach...we flew into Miami and rented a car last year and went all over Florida... two nights in Cocoa beach...my daughters were less than thrilled...my oldest thought it was the slums of Florida beaches
St pete beach is our fave...but I'm also partial to Venice beach..the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming near you!!