Melbourne Beach, Florida - Thoughts/Reviews

[Just Love Disney]

We are trying to plan for a few days at the beach during our upcoming trip in October. We have been on a day trip to Cocoa and also spent a few days at Clearwater Beach during previous vacations. This year we are looking at Melbourne Beach but wanted to get some feedback/thoughts/reviews from those that have been there and know the ins and outs.

Our main focus would be ocean time (kids are 16 and 13). In addition, maybe some shopping, and eating is always high on the priority list for our oldest son. Walking distance between beach, hotel, eating, shopping, would be ideal. Is this the place???

We have read something about a "shelf" where the ocean bottom drops into the "abyss" of rocks. Scary thought! Does anyone know how far out you have to be, when swimming/riding the waves, before the big drop off?

If staying at a hotel on the beach, are there restaurants/shopping within walking distance of the bigger hotel chains (Holiday Inn, Fairfield, Crowne Plaza)?

Is there a hotel that you would recommend?

Or, if Melbourne isn't a good location, is there a better beach location that you would recommend? We don't want to drive too far as the ocean is our break in between the Disney part of our trip and the Universal/Sea World part.

Thanks for your help and sorry for the numerous questions!

 

[lbmiller77]

Melbourne Beach is nice and tends to be less crowded than some of the beach areas in Cocoa. The drop off can be seen in the Google Maps image (The image is darker near the drop off). The distance depends on where you are on the beach. If you are just going to spend time at the beach then I would recommend it; however, if you think you want to break up your beach day by going to a restaurant or shops, there are not many options nearby so expect to drive a little north to Indialantic.

If you're willing to drive a little further south on A1A, I would recommend Sebastian Inlet. The beach is nice and is a great place to surf. If you turn towards the west off A1A at the inlet, there is a great cove off the inlet to explore. A few years back we found a baby hammerhead shark and a few rays in the shallows.

I lived there for 7 years so I can't say I have any beachside hotel reviews I can offer.

Personally, we love to drive over to St. Pete or Clearwater. Fort De Soto Park is also another favorite of ours. The beach is a lot nicer on the west coast. The water tends to be more calm and the sand is better. There is also a lot of options for shopping and dining. I think it is well worth the drive.

 

[Just Love Disney]

Thanks so much for taking the time to offer your advice! We are flying into Tampa so will have a day at Clearwater but then wanted a location that's closer to Orlando for a break in the middle of our vacation. Seems like Melbourne, although not as pretty as the Gulf side, may be a decent location to try. We are still concerned about the drop off but according to the legend scale, it appears to be almost a mile offshore...or not?!

Thanks again

 

[Woodview]

For Safe Swimming ......

Stay within your depth ... ( Which is when you can just touch the bottom )

Swim parallel to shore . & Be AWARE of What you are doing .

Keep an eye on others & they on you.

Obey The Lifeguards & Markers ....... They are there for a reason .

 

[JimMIA]

Our main focus would be ocean time (kids are 16 and 13). In addition, maybe some shopping, and eating is always high on the priority list for our oldest son. Walking distance between beach, hotel, eating, shopping, would be ideal. Is this the place???

Probably not. For that combination of activities, I would go further north -- to Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral or to Daytona Beach. Both offer much more "touristy" activities like you are looking for. From WDW, Cocoa Beach/Canaveral is a little more than an hour drive; Daytona is a little further, but not much. Both are expressway most of the way, so easy driving once you get through Orlando.

Personally, I might choose Cocoa Beach simply because the boys might enjoy that surfing mecca more...especially Ron Jon Surf Shop. Daytona is more busy and crowded, but also has more to do.

We have read something about a "shelf" where the ocean bottom drops into the "abyss" of rocks. Scary thought! Does anyone know how far out you have to be, when swimming/riding the waves, before the big drop off?

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Don't worry about it. It's called the Continental Shelf, and it's WAY beyond where you will be swimming. Not something you should worry about in the real world.

That said, you will find a significant difference from what you've experienced on the Gulf side. The Atlantic is real ocean, with real waves, rather than the often lake-like waters of the Gulf. But use common sense, obey signs and lifeguards, and you'll be fine.

 

[Ali]

I live in this area and I suggest this hotel - http://www.doubletreemelbournebeach.com/contact-us/directions. mY husband's company has the Holiday party here a lot. we've been in all of the hotels, and I prefer a hotel with a full on ocean view.

Across the street and nearby are some local favorite eateries, Longdoggers, Dos Amigos, Bizarros pizza, Blueberry Muffin. Shopping is beach related stuff. Its a nice area for a family. Not saying it is filled with nightlife, because melbourne isn't filled with a lot of night time stuff, but with kids who are spending the day in the ocean, they will be tired anyway.

When we go to the beach we go to Spessard Holland North, which is a ibt further south, or we go all the way up to jetty park near 528 in Cocoa.