good, close beach

[eddieras]

any recommendations on a nice ocean beach when down at wdw? i know we're probably looking at an hour or so drive. any ideas? looking for some suggestions for a day trip

thanks!

 

[WDWPinCollector]

Cocoa Beach, not far from where I live, is said to be the closest beach to WDW. It is at least an hour east. The headquarters for RonJon Surf Shop (which is not the original store but the largest) is in Cocoa Beach.

I would suggest as a day trip going to the Kennedy Space Center. Just google the name to get their web address. There are all kinds of attractions there including 3-D movies. Both kids and adults will love learning about the space program, and even walking through some models. If you're into shopping the KSC has the best gift shops around--an unbelievable selection and great prices. Recently went there and friends from up north bought beautiful posters for $2.95 each to take back and have framed to offer as gifts.

 

[spiceycat]

atlantic side (ocean) does not have nice beaches (my opinion) at least not close to WDW

the gulf side has very nice beaches.

It is about the same time wise. but much nicer beaches, very tame, unless their is storm in the gulf.

if you want to get in the water - I recommend the gulf side. (remember even the gulf side has rip tides - see pay attention to the flags).

the ocean beaches are brown, and most have big rocks along them.

plus their drop off point is pretty close.

 

[riu girl]

If you are willing to drive 2 hours, Siesta Key Public Beach is wonderful. We have spent four weeks there over the past two years and love it.

This beach offers beautiful white sand, shallow calm water, bbqs, food/souvie stands, large playground.

 

[eddieras]

thanks for all the tips! while my brother in law (2 families going) prefers the gulf for the reasons cited by spiceycat, i'd really rather battle the surf on the atlantic. we do have two kids tho - 11 and 8.

how's the beach at cocoa? is it rocky and does it have a steep/ quick drop off? can you tell me a bit more about it?

wheres siesta?

thanks again!

 

[riu girl]

Siesta Key is an 8 mile long barrier island on the gulf about 1.25 hours south of Tampa. It is about 2 hours from Disney.

www.siestakeychamber.com

 

[gweny70]

I was interested in this subject too! And I'm definitely interested in the Gulf side! After my first visit to the Gulf side a few years ago (Naples and also Sanibel & Captival Island) I am hooked on that gorgeous, calm water!! I will definitely be checking out the link for Siesta Key! Many thanks!

 

[INdisneyfamily]

We prefer the Gulf side too. The sunsets are gorgeous! Not an early riser so usually miss the sunrise on the Atlantic side. Clearwater Beach is very nice. Lots of things within walking distance...pier, shops, restaurants, etc. Not a bad drive from Disney.

 

[39CINDERELLA]

Siesta Key is an 8 mile long barrier island on the gulf about 1.25 hours south of Tampa. It is about 2 hours from Disney.

www.siestakeychamber.com

any suggestions for dining while there?

which beach of the three do you go to?

tia

 

[spiceycat]

thanks for all the tips! while my brother in law (2 families going) prefers the gulf for the reasons cited by spiceycat, i'd really rather battle the surf on the atlantic. we do have two kids tho - 11 and 8.

how's the beach at cocoa? is it rocky and does it have a steep/ quick drop off? can you tell me a bit more about it?

wheres siesta?

thanks again!

well then if you insist - then Daytona - it is little further than Coca beach and unless you are interested in the space program - KSC - it has more stuff...

besides you can ride along the beach in Daytona - not sure about Coca beach.

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

from cocoa beach
http://www.visitcocoabeach.com/RequestGuide.asp

from Daytona
http://www.daytonabeach.com/
http://www.daytonabeach.com/guide.cfm

 

[Along4theRide]

I researched a lot on this subject as we are going to spend 7 nights at WDW and 2 nights on the beach. I have never seen the ocean and wanted to spend at least a couple days on a nice beach. After doing a lot of reading I found that Clearwater Beach (Gulf side) is about the best beach with a variety of things to do. We reserved a room at the Hilton (on the beach) right by the pier. I'm so excited!!

 

[loveysbydesign]

We're looking for a great, imexpensive beach to stay at on the gulf side as we may fly into Tampa bay and spend 1-2 days at the beach before we head off to WDW. Any tips are appreciated!

 

[spiceycat]

hope this helps.

remember that hotels/villa are less expensive off the beach than on

here is the selection for on the beach
http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/accommodations_beach.php

here are off the beach
http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/accommodations_mainland.php

get their vistior guide if you have the time
http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/visitors_guide.php

 

[lillygator]

any suggestions for dining while there?

which beach of the three do you go to?

tia

restaurants actually on the key:
Javier's (peruvian/american)
Ophelia's
The Daiquiri Deck
Captain Curt's
Siesta Key Oyster Bar

 

[Amity 3]

of the three, Siesta public beach is the most accessible, and the most popular. there are access points up and down the road, with a large, free parking lot as well. there is also a snack bar, showers, an ice cream shack, and a little beach store there.

Siesta Key is our favorite beach on the Gulf side. ours up here like the Clearwater/St. Pete ones are beautiful as well, but Siesta Key village is such a great place to hang out in. it's much more relaxed. places like the Daiquiri Deck and SKOB are fun places to eat. the Daiquiri Deck is an outdoor restaurant:

 

[lillygator]

sunset....

 

[eddieras]

great photos - thanks!
i'm really torn - i'd prefer the ocean -- come on... it's the OCEAN!

i know it's probably be best for the kids at the gulf ... i'm from new england and the kids have swam in the ocean and enjoy the waves and body surfing. i agree, i don't like the quick drop off - also causes the waves to tumble and churn more sharply. are there any ocean beaches that have more of a gradual drop off?

 

[riu girl]

any suggestions for dining while there?

which beach of the three do you go to?

tia

We visited all three beaches and really love the Siesta Key Public Beach as well as Crescent beach.
Sorry, can't help much with restaurants. We only ate at the Daiquai Deck as well as City Pizza. D. Deck is located in the Siesta key village, where many restaurants are located.

 

[gweny70]

Pics are gorgeous!

 

[spiceycat]

sunset....

yea! to get something familiar on the ocean side - you are talking about getting up before dawn.....

I don't know any Atlantic beaches that don't drop off until you get to South florida - which is several more hours than I would drive for a beach.

there is just something angry about the Floridia Atlantic beaches - while the gulf is generally nice and peacefully....

okay my opinion.

I can ask my brother if you want - he has lived in Jacksonville, St Augustine and some place in between that I don't remember - generally close to a beach. Now he loves the St Augustine beach despite it dropping off - I am just not a good enough swimmer to even try to go out in the water than he swims in daily.

besides I want a lifeguard nearby - you know - just in case - his section of the beach has no one....