Nearby Beaches - Cocoa or Clearwater?

[scooby9932]

We're combining a short (3 day) beach trip with our Disney trip this May. It's just my DD (20) and me (39).

Since I'm completely unfamiliar with the Atlantic coast and have stayed in Destin, I have reserved a room for Clearwater on the gulf side. Now I'm debating. Should we try Cocoa Beach? Do we stay with Clearwater? The dates are fast approaching & I'm getting nervous about planning the perfect beach side trip!

Ah, the confusion!

Which beach do you prefer? Why? Which beach do you think would meet our requirements (below)?

What we're looking for:

• Clear, blue/green waters.
• Warm water.
• Clean beaches, white sand.
• Shelling
• Boardwalk & other "beachy" tourist locations
• We don't care about nightlife as DD is not yet 21 and I'm not a big drinker.

Any help you could give would be ever so helpful & appreciated!

 

[urbandonovan]

You'll probably like Clearwater over Cocoa. Me, I like the rough & tumble Atlantic coast over the tamer Gulf, but that's just me.

PS: If you're staying in Clearwater, make sure you eat at Sheperds or The Beachcomber. Two best places to eat on that beach.

 

[deej696]

I much prefer Clearwater to Cocoa. You're not really gonna find "clear blue green water" on either side, but the Clearwater is cleaner in my opinion. The only thing that Cocoa has going for it based on your list is that its more touristy...

 

[jobie61]

I second/third Clearwater beach.

 

[csbm]

Another vote for Clearwater!
We were there 2 years ago and in Destin last year.
The sand is very similar, very soft!!!

There is a pier that is very fun to walk around at night! Lots of entertainment and such

It is right next to the Hilton property.
If you are looking for a place to stay this is directly on the beach and great views.

CSBM

 

[Diane♥Disney]

Clearwater gets my vote. It is a beautiful beach.

 

[Sandy Fisher]

Another vote for Clearwater. We've stayed at Destin and Ft. Walton Beach and you won't find anything else quite like it, but Clearwater comes a lot closer than Cocoa. We were at Cocoa once and weren't terribly impressed -- but then we had been at Ft. Walton the year before.

 

[kmvand1]

Clearwater any day!!! We are headed there after our stay at Disney in June, can't wait!!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board.

Since I grew up in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, I'll abstain from voting.




Clearwater.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Clearwater beats Cocoa Beach anyday for all the things you want.

It's a great beach.

 

[rockiesfan]

Definitely Clearwater! It is always listed in the "top 10 US beaches" - just watched a Travel Channel show on this a few weeks ago. The sand is very soft and deep and the water is warm close to shore. There is a pier extending into the gulf, as well as a waterfront walkway with shops, etc. In the evenings there is some low-key entertainment like street performers/jugglers/etc. and a local band in the bandshell. The city has just redesigned the entire area and it is beautiful! (My parents live in Clearwater so we are there often - last time over Thanksgiving 08.) The only thing I think it lacks from your list is shelling - you will find hundreds of "butterflies" (those 1/2 inch pastel hinged shells) but not much else.

If you're looking for a fun local seafood shack, try Frenchies - they have several locations.

Cocoa on the other hand was very disappointing to me the one time we went. Granted that was about 10 years ago but we were not happy with it at all - in fact we cut our "grown-up" weekend there short and went to Disney instead!

 

[keishashadow]

being landlocked, no such thing as a bad beach

we swam @ Jetty park near cocoa beach before watching a rocket launch, forgot how warm the water gets in FLA compared to further north

my DS had never seen a 'non-resort groomed' beach before & was fascinated with all the seaweed lying about .

That said, i am so looking forward to enjoying the Gulf beach if only for a short time this summer

 

[scooby9932]

I've moved this thread to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board.

Since I grew up in the St. Pete/Clearwater area, I'll abstain from voting.




Clearwater.

Thanks, Brian! I wasn't sure where to post, so I appreciate you moving this thread to the appropriate board.

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful input! After reading all the positive things you have to say, Clearwater Beach it is! I've made notes about the restaurants you guys have recommended. DD is a HUGE seafood fan, so we're sure to enjoy some great meals.

We're looking forward to the beach trip almost as much as the Disney trip!

Any other suggestions for fun things to do while in the area?

Anyone know anything about the trolley from Clearwater to St. Pete's?

 

[BellaBaby]

How far is Clearwater from Disney? Is there a main hwy to jump on to take you straight there?

Sorry to hijack the thread!!

 

[VAN]

We normall drive over to Cocoa for the day from WDW. I am also interested in Clearwater ...

How far a drive from WDW?
Is there more than 1 beach or just 1 "Clearwater Beach"
Details please!

 

[deej696]

Its pretty easy to get to Clearwater, basically just head down I-4 into Tampa, and if I recall correctly you take the airport exit which is SR 60. You wont exit at the airport of course, but SR 60 will more or less dead end into the Clearwater beach area. Its about an hour and 15 minutes from WDW I would say. A bit further is the honeymoon island/caladesi state park area which is a great beach as well. Caladesi is an island that you have to take a ferry to, but the beach is amazing and usually not very crowded...

 

[stardebby]

I live in the Clearwater area and it is about a hour and half drive from Disney. The beaches are beautiful here,but keep in mind if your coming this time of year the water is still a little cool.

 

[BellaBaby]

I live in the Clearwater area and it is about a hour and half drive from Disney. The beaches are beautiful here,but keep in mind if your coming this time of year the water is still a little cool.

We're coming early May, how's the water then? We usually do Cocoa too, but want to try something different. An hour and a half sounds fine.

Caladesi sounds cool, how much is the ferry and how long does it take to get over to the island on it? Also, what hours does it run? Any info would be appreciated!!

 

[deej696]

We're coming early May, how's the water then? We usually do Cocoa too, but want to try something different. An hour and a half sounds fine.

Caladesi sounds cool, how much is the ferry and how long does it take to get over to the island on it? Also, what hours does it run? Any info would be appreciated!!

Not sure the answer to your questions on Caladesi, as I always arrive on my granddad's boat and we tie up at their marina. Here is a link to their website though...

http://www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland/

 

[BellaBaby]

Not sure the answer to your questions on Caladesi, as I always arrive on my granddad's boat and we tie up at their marina. Here is a link to their website though...

http://www.floridastateparks.org/CaladesiIsland/

That's perfect! The website mentions a snack bar, do you know if they serve lunch and is it a close walk from anywhere on the beach?

This sounds like a fun day trip for us!!