Going to the beach - questions!

[Minnesota!]

The plan is to rent a car next trip and take a day trip to the Atlantic Coast - my kids have yet to see the ocean. Anyway, DH HATES to drive on vacation and I hate traffic 100%. We are going to head out around 7am at the latest to try and beat the traffic and to maximize our time at the beach.

Couple of questions:

1) Tolls - exact change? Electronic? What are the prices and how many will I encounter?

2) I am assuming "the beach" is open that early in the AM? Getting there no later than 8am? Is parking paid hourly or is it a flat fee?

3) Which beach do you recommend? We were thinking Cocoa Beach...but really just want a nice clean beach, with reasonable parking, and a good seafood restaurant within a reasonable distance. Being able to see ships coming/going would be cake!

4) How is traffic heading to the coast? It would be a Friday in late August. I am assuming most local schools would be back in session, so the majority of the traffic heading to the beach would be tourists?

Ugh...I feel like such a noob...and I am SO anxious in traffic in new places...I am freaking out and it's still 3 months away, LOL!

 

[Minnesota!]

nobody?

 

[gmeh1]

The plan is to rent a car next trip and take a day trip to the Atlantic Coast - my kids have yet to see the ocean. Anyway, DH HATES to drive on vacation and I hate traffic 100%. We are going to head out around 7am at the latest to try and beat the traffic and to maximize our time at the beach.

Couple of questions:

1) Tolls - exact change? Electronic? What are the prices and how many will I encounter?

2) I am assuming "the beach" is open that early in the AM? Getting there no later than 8am? Is parking paid hourly or is it a flat fee?

3) Which beach do you recommend? We were thinking Cocoa Beach...but really just want a nice clean beach, with reasonable parking, and a good seafood restaurant within a reasonable distance. Being able to see ships coming/going would be cake!

4) How is traffic heading to the coast? It would be a Friday in late August. I am assuming most local schools would be back in session, so the majority of the traffic heading to the beach would be tourists?

Ugh...I feel like such a noob...and I am SO anxious in traffic in new places...I am freaking out and it's still 3 months away, LOL!

Tolls in this area are all able to accept money, some are manned. I don't know how many there will be.

Do a search for the beaches. All the towns IE: Cocoa Beach have sites that give you information. There are beaches that allow parking on the beach ( I really don't like that). Just type in Cocoa beach in your address bar and a LOT of sites will show up. IE: http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/FlashHomePages/visitors_home.html

I have no idea what the traffic would be like, but, I can tell you rush hour starts pretty early here in the Disney Orlando area. So, no, not all the traffic will be tourists.

 

[NotUrsula]

Once you get onto the Beachline (toll road) traffic should be fairly light, but I-4 north from WDW to there may be quite another matter, unless you leave REALLY early. I-4 is the prime commuting route for those who go from the Southern suburbs to downtown Orlando.

Beach parking is normally open 24-7, so you don't have to worry about that. Last time I was there, most of the beach access spots at Cocoa were metered and take coins, but that may have changed, it has been a while. (Cocoa mostly has spur parking rather than big lots. You head down a small street perpendicular to the beach and there are normally about 10-20 parking spots at the end of the street. See Flagler Ave via Google streetview for an example.) Some of the parking areas further North (closer to the port, such as the Lincoln Ave walkover) are free; that part of the beach has fewer services, and because it is closer to the port the water is a bit more likely to be murky.

 

[nacho113]

I have to say that we have been to several beaches down the coast from St Augustine all the way down to Miami and my favorite beach of all is still Daytona Beach. The sand is clean and white, the boardwalk seems to go on for miles and my favorite part is that you can drive along the beach for miles (or park if you wish) If you want to be in the busy touristy part, stay in central Daytona Beach This is my favorite area, lots of shops, hotel, restaurants, bars etc. , If your looking for a little quieter time, stay at one of the hotels on the southern end (towards Port Orange or even New Smyrna Beach) or go north to the Ormond beach area. Beach parking/driving was $6 per day last time we were here, but you can park on the side streets and walk down to the beach for free if you prefer.
We were just down in April and they are working on the restaurant on the Daytona pier this year, hoping it will be open when we go back in July. (it's been closed the past few times that we have been down)
As far as the drive goes, we usually just shoot straight out on I-4 (northeast). We were staying on International drive in April, it was 46 miles to the exit off I-4 and then about 10 more miles along US92 through town until you hit the ocean. Approx 1 hour and pretty much a straight drive right through. I-4 is built to handle lots of traffic as it's a major highway, it ranges anywhere from 2 lanes each direction once you get outside Orlando to as many as 6/7 lanes wide in the heavily traveled areas. On the plus side, no tolls on I-4
Traffic can be heavy if your driving in the rush hours or during opening/closing times of the theme parks but I've never found it to be anything that I couldn't handle especially after chillin' out on the beach all day.
Cocoa beach is pretty much straight east on the Beachline Exressway (528), about 60 miles also, traffic is lighter but it's going to cost about $8 in tolls in each direction. It's a very nice beach also, but I still think Daytona is nicer (JMHO)
If you have any interest in the space program, Kennedy Space Center is 20 miles north of Cocoa Beach or about 60 miles south of Daytona Beach

 

[nacho113]

nobody?

Just thought I would add the following about the traffic in Florida:
We have been to Minneapolis many times and I am of the firm belief that if you can drive the traffic on I-94, 35W or 694, then I-4 through Orlando is a cakewalk.

If you really hate heavy crazy traffic, never go to Miami. Those people on I-95 in Miami are INSANE. It seems that the 75 MPH speed limit is just a suggestion and you will cause road rage if you drive this SLOW

 

[SiClone]

I've only been to FL 6 times and I prefer the gulf beaches over the Atlantic side.

Also, ppl in FL drive fast as heck - like 85 mph and more on average. We don't drive like that here in MN.

 

[DisneyClown]

We went to Cocoa Beach the first week of July 2010 and the traffic wasn't bad. We parked at Lori Wilson Park and it was free to park and there were also bathrooms there. It was just a quick stroll to the beach, less than 5 minutes.

 

[safetymom]

If you take 417 to 528 you wouldn't have to worry about traffic on I4. It's a much better way to go. You could also go to Jetty Park near Port Canaveral.

 

[Capt_BJ]

1) Tolls - exact change? Electronic? What are the prices and how many will I encounter?

All of the major rental companies now offer the option of having the car enabled for electronic tolls. While paying for this option on a rental used only locally is not typically cost effective, in your case of 1 day rental used primarily FOR toll road use I'd recommend you look into it. With electronic toll paying on your trip you could easily save 20 to 30 minutes otherwise spent waiting to pay the cash tolls. BUT, the cost of this option also varies widely from rental company to rental company so get details for your specifics.

see https://www.sunpass.com/rentalcar read IT ALL

if you decide to pay cash it will cost around $5 each direction and remember to watch the signs and KEEP RIGHT at each toll. The left lanes are the electronic ones and if you do NOT enable electronic tolls on your rental, one missed toll could cost you over $25!

2) I am assuming "the beach" is open that early in the AM? Getting there no later than 8am? Is parking paid hourly or is it a flat fee?

The beach never closes.... well not for the most part. Parking can run the full range from free (down near Patrick AFB) to all day (Jetty Park) to hourly (around Canaveral Pier)

3) Which beach do you recommend? We were thinking Cocoa Beach...but really just want a nice clean beach, with reasonable parking, and a good seafood restaurant within a reasonable distance. Being able to see ships coming/going would be cake!

I'd recommend Jetty Park. Easy to find - right at the end of 528, has facilities, at the port enterance so if you stay 'til 5 you'll see cruise ships leaving and close to all the rest' in "the Cove" at the port (Grills, FishLips etc) http://www.jettypark.org/

4) How is traffic heading to the coast? It would be a Friday in late August. I am assuming most local schools would be back in session, so the majority of the traffic heading to the beach would be tourists?

I too HIGHLY recommend staying off I-4 and 528 west of the airport - especially at your planned start time. Investigate your maps and take 417 which will wrap around the airport to the south then put you at 528 for the run east to the coast

++++++
Atlantic vs Gulf beaches is a preference thing - I've lived on both coasts. One thing is sure tho, the gulf if we're talking St Pete areas is farther aaway and on the return you could find yourself in Tampa for rush hour and I'd avoid that myself . . .

 

[goofy4tink]

If you take 417 to 528 you wouldn't have to worry about traffic on I4. It's a much better way to go. You could also go to Jetty Park near Port Canaveral.

That would be my suggestion as well...that's how we get there. Love heading to Cocoa Beach. There's lots to see and do there as well as the beach. Check out Fishlips..on the water...a ton of fun.

While my favorite beach in Florida is Ft DeSoto, on the gulf below Tampa/St Pete, I think that those who have never seen the 'ocean' should head to the Atlantic first. It's not to be missed if at all possible. Now, I live in Mass and spend a ton of time on Cape Cod, so the Atlantic is no 'biggie' for me. But, I still love it there, on the beach, in Florida.

 

[aubriee]

I'm not at all familiar with the beaches in Florida. However when we go down there Oct 27th-Nov 4th, we are going to have to rent a car to go to Clearwater one day to see someone and drop something off (D-I-L's sister). We shouldn't be at their home more than a couple of hours at the most. Are there any beaches there? How long is the drive from WDW to Clearwater?

 

[Capt_BJ]

I'm not at all familiar with the beaches in Florida. However when we go down there Oct 27th-Nov 4th, we are going to have to rent a car to go to Clearwater one day to see someone and drop something off (D-I-L's sister). We shouldn't be at their home more than a couple of hours at the most. Are there any beaches there? How long is the drive from WDW to Clearwater?

In round numbers WDW to mid - Clearwater (highway 60 & 90 intersection) is 90 miles.

You can find nice beach by continuing east to Cleawater Beach - another 6 miles or so on 60.

Just watch your time wrt to passing thru Tampa - their rush hours are killer. As bad or worse than the I-4 mess in Orlando.

 

[gmeh1]

That would be my suggestion as well...that's how we get there. Love heading to Cocoa Beach. There's lots to see and do there as well as the beach. Check out Fishlips..on the water...a ton of fun.

While my favorite beach in Florida is Ft DeSoto, on the gulf below Tampa/St Pete, I think that those who have never seen the 'ocean' should head to the Atlantic first. It's not to be missed if at all possible. Now, I live in Mass and spend a ton of time on Cape Cod, so the Atlantic is no 'biggie' for me. But, I still love it there, on the beach, in Florida.

You just like FL beaches cause they are WARM!!! I am a Hampton Beach survivor and a Plymouth and Cape Cod survivor. LOL

 

[gmeh1]

1) Tolls - exact change? Electronic? What are the prices and how many will I encounter?

All of the major rental companies now offer the option of having the car enabled for electronic tolls. While paying for this option on a rental used only locally is not typically cost effective, in your case of 1 day rental used primarily FOR toll road use I'd recommend you look into it. With electronic toll paying on your trip you could easily save 20 to 30 minutes otherwise spent waiting to pay the cash tolls. BUT, the cost of this option also varies widely from rental company to rental company so get details for your specifics.

see https://www.sunpass.com/rentalcar read IT ALL

if you decide to pay cash it will cost around $5 each direction and remember to watch the signs and KEEP RIGHT at each toll. The left lanes are the electronic ones and if you do NOT enable electronic tolls on your rental, one missed toll could cost you over $25!

2) I am assuming "the beach" is open that early in the AM? Getting there no later than 8am? Is parking paid hourly or is it a flat fee?

The beach never closes.... well not for the most part. Parking can run the full range from free (down near Patrick AFB) to all day (Jetty Park) to hourly (around Canaveral Pier)

3) Which beach do you recommend? We were thinking Cocoa Beach...but really just want a nice clean beach, with reasonable parking, and a good seafood restaurant within a reasonable distance. Being able to see ships coming/going would be cake!

I'd recommend Jetty Park. Easy to find - right at the end of 528, has facilities, at the port enterance so if you stay 'til 5 you'll see cruise ships leaving and close to all the rest' in "the Cove" at the port (Grills, FishLips etc) http://www.jettypark.org/

4) How is traffic heading to the coast? It would be a Friday in late August. I am assuming most local schools would be back in session, so the majority of the traffic heading to the beach would be tourists?

I too HIGHLY recommend staying off I-4 and 528 west of the airport - especially at your planned start time. Investigate your maps and take 417 which will wrap around the airport to the south then put you at 528 for the run east to the coast

++++++
Atlantic vs Gulf beaches is a preference thing - I've lived on both coasts. One thing is sure tho, the gulf if we're talking St Pete areas is farther aaway and on the return you could find yourself in Tampa for rush hour and I'd avoid that myself . . .

EXCELLENT post!!! I am keeping this one for myself. Just one thing, the Alamo/National Toll pass does not require any activation. Just drive through the toll, it will take a picture of the license plate and charge you. It is a great plan and certainly eliminates that nasty "fine" if you miss the toll.

 

[goofy4tink]

You just like FL beaches cause they are WARM!!! I am a Hampton Beach survivor and a Plymouth and Cape Cod survivor. LOL

Oh dear God...the waters that turn you blue!!! You are so right. I don't go in at Hampton until the end of July!!! The Cape isn't bad if you're on the bay side...ocean side and all bets are off.
Heck yeah...love the gulf beaches. Problem is the sea life in Pompano...let the winds blow in from the SE and you get some very pretty jellyfish!!!
Give me Ft DeSoto any day...that water is so warm that you forget you're in it!!!

 

[gmeh1]

Oh dear God...the waters that turn you blue!!! You are so right. I don't go in at Hampton until the end of July!!! The Cape isn't bad if you're on the bay side...ocean side and all bets are off.
Heck yeah...love the gulf beaches. Problem is the sea life in Pompano...let the winds blow in from the SE and you get some very pretty jellyfish!!!
Give me Ft DeSoto any day...that water is so warm that you forget you're in it!!!

I could look this up, but, I am in a lazy mood today.....too much math. BUT....where exactly is Ft. DeSoto?
The first time I hit the water in Jamaica, it was a shock to my system. I used to avoid the ocean because of the incredible cold, Jamaica was a very pleasant surprise. FL is almost as pleasant, not quite as warm.

 

[goofy4tink]

I could look this up, but, I am in a lazy mood today.....too much math. BUT....where exactly is Ft. DeSoto?
The first time I hit the water in Jamaica, it was a shock to my system. I used to avoid the ocean because of the incredible cold, Jamaica was a very pleasant surprise. FL is almost as pleasant, not quite as warm.

Head out of Tampa, go to St Pete...you can take the Sunshine Skyway, but I won't go up there. So, we go as far south as you can go...take Pinellas Bayway...to Tierra Verde. Stay on Pinellas Bayway and you come to Ft DeSoto. It's really beautiful.

 

[NotUrsula]

I could look this up, but, I am in a lazy mood today.....too much math. BUT....where exactly is Ft. DeSoto?
The first time I hit the water in Jamaica, it was a shock to my system. I used to avoid the ocean because of the incredible cold, Jamaica was a very pleasant surprise. FL is almost as pleasant, not quite as warm.

Ft. deSoto County Park is at the far southern tip of St. Pete; the causeway that leads to it is very near the approach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The North beach is the best one in the park; it has a concession stand and good shower facilities, but is otherwise primitive, and the water is very clear for that part of Florida (not Caribbean clear, but nice.) There is also an old Spanish-American War fort to explore, a GREAT fishing pier, and kayaking through the mangroves if you are into that.

 

[Capt_BJ]

Ft. deSoto County Park is at the far southern tip of St. Pete; the causeway that leads to it is very near the approach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
The North beach is the best one in the park; it has a concession stand and good shower facilities, but is otherwise primitive, and the water is very clear for that part of Florida (not Caribbean clear, but nice.) There is also an old Spanish-American War fort to explore, a GREAT fishing pier, and kayaking through the mangroves if you are into that.

When I (we) lived in St Pete we lived off 54th ave south now also FL 682 - the east west link from which you reach FL -679 (Pinellas Bayway) which takes you south to Ft DeSoto county park . . . about another 5 miles south from there.

It is AS FAR SOUTH as you can be on land and still be in Pinellas County!

The water is nice and clear and the sand is clean. There is no surf (wanna surf? go to Cape C / Cocoa). When we lived there we decided for swimming it offered nothing more than our pool did aside sand ... but riding the 'cycle down there to sit on the fishing pier or fly kites was always enjoyable.

For reference if looking at this beach from WDW add another 40 minutes to the Clearwater times I posted.