First Beach Trip ... Cocoa or Daytona?

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We are planning to enjoy a beach day on our upcoming August trip . I have never seen the ocean before (not live and in person, anyway) and am determined to cross this off my bucket list on this vacation (for the record, both DH and DS have beat me to this milestone, so its not nearly as big a deal for them).

Which would you recommend for a day visit.....Daytona or Cocoa Beach? And why?

We have no interest in visiting either the speedway (in Daytona) or the space center (in Port Canaveral) so neither of those attractions should factor in to our decision. I know Cocoa Beach is about half an hour closer but the 30 minute extra drive wouldn't be a dealbreaker if it would be worth the extra commuting time. Our rental car has unlimited mileage so we're covered there.

Our DS is 16.

Any insight or suggestions appreciated!

 

[Art 1]

If it had to be out of those two it would be NSB. Being that you have never been to the ocean before you may want to choose DB, the worlds most famous beach.

 

[DOOM1001]

I would steer you to the gulf coast for better beaches like Clearwater,Anna Maria and Siesta Key.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

If it had to be out of those two it would be NSB.

DS found an article on Wikitravel saying that New Smyrna Beach was the "shark bite capital of the world". He flatly refuses to go there (no, I am not kidding either.....though I wish I was ). Unfortunately, he's been a shark enthusiast since he was a wee guy, seen every documentary going, and has watched every Jaws movie enough that he can recite parts from memory.

I would steer you to the gulf coast for better beaches like Clearwater,Anna Maria and Siesta Key.

Far as travel time goes, how much more of your day would be eaten up with extra driving if we opt for the other coast? That's our concern.....we really only have a day to devote to the beach, so we wanted to maximize our time as much as possible. What makes the other size more worth the extra distance over Cocoa Beach? Never having been to either, I honestly don't know.....though it seems the Florida locals on these boards certainly seem to prefer the Gulf Coach beaches to the closer Cocoa Beach.

Thanks so much for your input so far....I very much appreciate it!

 

[Art 1]

DS found an article on Wikitravel saying that New Smyrna Beach was the "shark bite capital of the world". He flatly refuses to go there (no, I am not kidding either.....though I wish I was ). Unfortunately, he's been a shark enthusiast since he was a wee guy, seen every documentary going, and has watched every Jaws movie enough that he can recite parts from memory.



Far as travel time goes, how much more of your day would be eaten up with extra driving if we opt for the other coast? That's our concern.....we really only have a day to devote to the beach, so we wanted to maximize our time as much as possible. What makes the other size more worth the extra distance over Cocoa Beach? Never having been to either, I honestly don't know.....though it seems the Florida locals on these boards certainly seem to prefer the Gulf Coach beaches to the closer Cocoa Beach.

Thanks so much for your input so far....I very much appreciate it!

We like the gulf much better. We often go to Longboat, Siesta or Lido Keys. The travel time is not that bad from the WDW area. But since you have never seen the ocean, you should see the ocean. IMO. Don't worry about the sharks. My children and their pals grew up going to NSB on many weekends. I know people who have second houses or condos on the water and they have never had a problem. It's like worrying about being struck by lightning.

 

[tweety38]

Of those two beaches I would choose Cocoa Beach. The last time we went to Daytona Beach it seemed really dirty. I would agree with the others that say the western side beaches are nice. I like the Treasure Island area.

 

[1Grumpy9]

Daytona is "older" but it is it getting cleaner. South Daytona is very nice and you still have the Beach and close enough to go over to the Speedway. I have been going to Daytona most of my life (since I have been 2) and I have never been to Cocoa so I can't comment on there.

I do know that in Daytona they are working on cleaning it up and adding some things to make it better. The last major hurricane really hit Daytona bad and the recession hit hard. I have stayed in Daytona and in Ormond Beach (which is right literally next to it) and loved both, but I have a friend that stays in South Daytona for the races and loves it there.

From that I have seen of Cocoa, it is beautiful but I haven't ever stayed there.

 

[deej696]

As another lifelong Florida resident, I too would say head to the gulf. If you're stuck on these two choices, however, I would pick Cocoa..

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks for all the input, everyone. So hard to make a decision.

Assuming we choose the closest option (Cocoa Beach), do you think we'll be disappointed? I know DS would love to visit Ron Jon's Surf Shop. Not sure if there's anything else worth checking out there or not . Wherever we end up, we'll probably spend a couple of hours relaxing on the beach, and a few hours "exploring" whatever we can find around the area (shopping, dining, attractions, etc.).

I also would need to figure out this whole toll road thing. Frankly, it confuses the heck out of me. From the International Drive area to either coast, would we be facing toll charges and how does that work with our rental car? We have virtually no toll roads here in our corner of Canada (the one exception is the 407 through the Toronto region, which photographs your license plate upon entering and exiting, and we just magically get an invoice for the charages in the mail about 30 days after use). Our only other experience with tolls was a couple of summers ago through the midwest USA on our way to Wisconsin Dells (through Indiana or Illinios, I can't remember which.......my brain was fried from hours and hours of Trivial Pursuit ).

 

[Orlando Vic]

As another lifelong Florida resident, I too would say head to the gulf. If you're stuck on these two choices, however, I would pick Cocoa..

I agree. Daytona has no appeal to me. Too many moving cars and the sand is too hard packed.

I also would need to figure out this whole toll road thing. Frankly, it confuses the heck out of me. From the International Drive area to either coast, would we be facing toll charges and how does that work with our rental car? We have virtually no toll roads here in our corner of Canada (the one exception is the 407 through the Toronto region, which photographs your license plate upon entering and exiting, and we just magically get an invoice for the charages in the mail about 30 days after use). Our only other experience with tolls was a couple of summers ago through the midwest USA on our way to Wisconsin Dells (through Indiana or Illinios, I can't remember which.......my brain was fried from hours and hours of Trivial Pursuit ).

It's very easy. Just take State Road (SR) 528 all the way to A1A at the beach. There will be some small tolls, but just stay to the far right lane and you can pay in cash. If you have a rental car with a Sunpass, just make sure it is turned off. Here is the toll road map: https://www.oocea.com/Portals/0/Images/temp/ExpressMap2009.pdf

 

[RabFlmom]

I would steer you to the gulf coast for better beaches like Clearwater,Anna Maria and Siesta Key.

But she wants to see the ocean not the Gulf.

 

[nkereina]

I'm from the North and have been to Cocoa Beach once about two years ago and Daytona Beach once about 7 years ago. I'm in my late 20s.

We stayed in Cocoa Beach for a night before a cruise out of Port Canaveral. We thought it was dirty and dare I say trashy. The beach was pretty empty though. Other than Ron Jon's, we didn't feel there was anything to see or anything to do. We couldn't even find a nice and unique place for dinner. The beach reminded me of one of the ones we have on a lake back home, even though it was the ocean.

IMO, Daytona felt much more touristy which is kind of what I prefer. It was really different for me to see cars driving on the beach which is not something I had ever seen anywhere else. There's a reason it was Spring Break capital at one time - much more to do IMO. Unless you are going over a holiday weekend where it could be extremely busy, I would pick Daytona.

 

[disneydeal]

I've been to Daytona a few trips, and Cocoa Beach last trip...also have been to clearwater so my out of town opinion is the gulf side is very nice but it's the GULF with calm water BUT you want Ocean with waves and all.... so in choosing between Daytona and Cocoa I'd choose Cocoa just for the reason I feel letting cars drive on the beach at Daytona still seems dirty to me.. from Disney Resorts to Cocoa is 1 hour 22 minuntes and 72 miles. i'll be making a 1 day beach trip in a few weeks myself.
http://www.volusia.org/beach/daytona.htm is a live camera shot of daytona and car traffic on the sand......

 

[PanFan01]

Our family stayed at Cocoa Beach for a few days last year before we spent a week at WDW. Our boys had never seen the ocean before and we hit it at the end of Hurrican Irene so they got to see some major waves. We stayed at the Four Points Sheraton which has it's own surf school and is located right across the street from Ron Jons. In fact the street between Ron Jons and our hotel lead to one of the best beach access/parking areas IMO. We were exactly one block off of the beach - that was so nice. The beach was not crowded at all and it was very clean. However, I had heard that the economy in the Cocoa Beach area has really taken a turn for the worse with the ending of the Space Shuttle program. Many of the NASA workers have lost their jobs and the area is really suffering for it. I don't particularly remember any other "neat" things to see in the area other than Ron Jons, Kennedy Space Center and then the Dinosaur Store (only cool to those who have a love for dinosaurs - like my 12 yo son). If you are only looking for just a beach on an ocean then Cocoa Beach would be fine. However, if you are looking for more you may want to head up to Daytona.

 

[hockeymomNS]

We are just back from our WDW vacation.
We did Cocoa Beach this year and the kids loved it. The waves were a hit with our clan - 24, 23, 19, & 17.
We have been to Daytona, Clearwater and now Cocoa and hands down, the kids fav. is Cocoa.

 

[disneydeal]

ok i can't decide I just changed my mind again.. a few hours ago it was cocoa.. but we went there last time so maybe just daytona and avoid the parts where cars drive on... and also catch the lighthouse all in the days trip... plus the water play area and game area at beach front... live feed of ocean sound and activity from daytona http://www.volusia.org/beach/daytona.htm

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks for all the great input, everyone. I think I'm definitely leaning towards Cocoa Beach. Who knows, if we actually get our buns out of bed early enough in the day and the weather co-operates , maybe we can tour both Cocoa Beach and Daytona in one day (one in the morning, one in the afternoon?).

You know what interesting tidbit I never would have known without the great replies from you Disers? The fact that cars can actually drive on the beach in Daytona . Now *that* was surprising to me. Definitely not a draw for these tourists.

 

[RabFlmom]

Our family stayed at Cocoa Beach for a few days last year before we spent a week at WDW. Our boys had never seen the ocean before and we hit it at the end of Hurrican Irene so they got to see some major waves. We stayed at the Four Points Sheraton which has it's own surf school and is located right across the street from Ron Jons. In fact the street between Ron Jons and our hotel lead to one of the best beach access/parking areas IMO. We were exactly one block off of the beach - that was so nice. The beach was not crowded at all and it was very clean. However, I had heard that the economy in the Cocoa Beach area has really taken a turn for the worse with the ending of the Space Shuttle program. Many of the NASA workers have lost their jobs and the area is really suffering for it. I don't particularly remember any other "neat" things to see in the area other than Ron Jons, Kennedy Space Center and then the Dinosaur Store (only cool to those who have a love for dinosaurs - like my 12 yo son). If you are only looking for just a beach on an ocean then Cocoa Beach would be fine. However, if you are looking for more you may want to head up to Daytona.

There is also the Cocoa Pier North on A1A with shops and restaurants. another good beach. Or you can go South to Lori Wilson Park-one section has the nature walk just off the beach.

And since the OP has not been to an ocean driving North on A1A to the port and seeing whatever cruise ships, cargo, or coast guard ships are there can be fun.

There is also Merritt Square Mall and historic Cocoa Village.

http://visitcocoavillage.com/


Also if the OP gets bored at the beach...Brevard Zoo in North Melbourne is not too far away and it is a cool zoo with Tree top Trek, zip line, and kayak to see animals. http://www.brevardzoo.org/plan

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

There is also the Cocoa Pier North on A1A with shops and restaurants. another good beach. Or you can go South to Lori Wilson Park-one section has the nature walk just off the beach.

And since the OP has not been to an ocean driving North on A1A to the port and seeing whatever cruise ships, cargo, or coast guard ships are there can be fun.

There is also Merritt Square Mall and historic Cocoa Village.

http://visitcocoavillage.com/


Also if the OP gets bored at the beach...Brevard Zoo in North Melbourne is not too far away and it is a cool zoo with Tree top Trek, zip line, and kayak to see animals. http://www.brevardzoo.org/plan

Excellent suggestions, RabFLmom! You rock!

Exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for from those "in the know".

Off to check out your links..........I know my teen son will be particulary interested in the details on the mall .

 

[RabFlmom]

Excellent suggestions, RabFLmom! You rock!

Exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for from those "in the know".

Off to check out your links..........I know my teen son will be particulary interested in the details on the mall .

Sort of like most malls-not as good as they used to be, but clean with same major stores as anchors . Been awhile since I have been there, but my guys when teens loved Ron Jons-it has regular surf brand clothes in addition to all the touristy Ron Jon clothes, Florida T-shirts etc. Has surf and boogey boards and usually has a band on weekends etc. You can walk from the parking garage on the next lot to Ron Jons. The garage actually opens to the other surf shop that is there, too. It has all the surf brands, too. There are other surf shops south on A1a but you have to drive to them. The pier has shops, too.

If he is at all interested, I would check about the surf lessons and let him try that. My guys loved it at his age. One is down in Costa Rica surfing right now. Many of the surf instructors and board makerxs are older surfers who have been on the pro tours.