Cocoa Beach is what I would go for, you have more waves and the world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. I am not sure when your trip is but I know March 18th Cary Hart, Parks Bonifay and some other famous surfers, skaters and motocross guys will be there for an autograph and pic meet and greet. (at the Ron Jon) FREE. I live near Clearwater Beach and while it is beautiful it dosent have the waves of Cocoa Beach. Plus living here I feel Clearwater Beach has become the land of condo's a new one pops up every 5 minutes, Cocoa Beach while it does have its condo's has more the old time Florida beachy feel that I miss here in the Tampa Bay area and still has some unobstructed beach views where else driving down thru Clearwater Beach I dont see beach from the road anymore I see condos. Plus a few miles up the coast you can ride your cars on the beach (New Smyrna/Port Orange/Daytona area) that itself is a treat id recommend for anyone and believe me you cant do that on any gulf coast beaches. If it wasnt for the fact that hubby and I have great jobs here in Tampa Bay that isnt avail over there we would live around Cocoa Beach in a heartbeat since we are quite the beach/surf family. Enjoy your trip and have lots of fun! and... if you do Cocoa Beach def check out the pier like the other poster said, good food.. I recommend the MaiTai Tiki Bar thats at the very end of pier (or maybe its called Tai Tiki bar i dont know something to that effect) it has more common food and not pricey where else the Mid Atlantic thats before the Tiki is mainly seafood and somewhat pricey. If you decide to do over here in Clearwater and want more info PM me id be glad to tell you what you want to know.