Nearest, pretty beach in December?

[Familymoon]

I realize that it will likely be waaaaay too cold to swim (or even wade) in the ocean...but DDs and DH have never even seen a beach!!! So, we are taking Wednesday "off" from the parks (going for 7 days total) and thought we'd take a trip to a beach to walk around and play.

I heard New Smyrna (?) is nice - but I have NO clue where it is or what that means, really! LOL

Any other recommendations - I can't see us killing a whole day at the beach - with it being windy and cold in December.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Technically, Cocoa Beach is the closest to WDW. It is due east, not hard to find at all. New Smyrna isn't bad either. You may get really lucky and have a nice day. Never discount the possibility that you could have weather warm enough to swim. I've seen it happen! Have a great time!

 

[Snoopymom]

How exciting to see the beach for the first time! Daytona is an easy straight shot, and you can drive on the beach (which in my opinion just seems wrong unless you are into the whole history of Daytona racing on the beach thing, LOL) but if it's cold it may be a nice way to spend more time or see more, especially if your ds is a little one. There's a parking garage by the Adam's Mark where there's a pier, some shops and a Bubba Gumps. The pier reminds me of something out of the 50's and has a sky ride. There's also some fun quaint/tacky arcades and the lighthouse at Ponce's inlet is...I think the tallest in Florida? There's a restaurant on the water near the lighthouse called Down the Hatch which is pretty good with a gorgeous view. Last time we were there, we saw the most incredible sunset complete with sailboats and pelicans. We also love a restaurant called Parkes which is on the water at the end of one of the bridges, we always have to ask for directions, lol, it's very family oriented with lots of neat aquariums and a good children's menu. The only thing about Daytona is I've never seen big shells there, so that might be disappointing to a first timer. We've walked around in shorts and waded into the water lots of times at that time of the year, and it's never been crowded which I think is nice, oh, and don't forget to take a Mickey kite, my ds's favorite part! Have fun!

 

[jeffreyml]

We've been to both coast's over the years and prefer the Gulf coast. Recently we've been staying in the Maderia Beach area. It's about an 1-1 1/2 hour drive south to reach the beach. Lots of great places to eat and just spend the day. The water is much calmer and beautiful than the Atlantic. The sunsets are also beautiful. We've seen numerous Dolphins during our visits both in the Gulf and back waters.

As far as swimming, here is a link to area Water Temps

You also would be able to collect more shells on the Gulf side.

This is a link to a greaty shopping area directly across from the beach that your family can enjoy.John's Pass

Map of Florida Map

 

[Pixie_Dust]

I hope it isn't too cold and windy in December, because we are taking a whole weekend to go to the Gulf Coast beaches. When I researched the trip here I didn't get any replies about the weather being non-beach friendly.

Of course in northern CA we are used to cold windy beaches anyway. I'll be happy with the white sand and shells.

Cheers

 

[Familymoon]

So, on the gulf side is it warmer?

What is the nearest beach on the gulf side? It mapquested the link above and it was 2 hours...so do-able, but kind of a long trek. I'd rather not have crowded touristy stuff, either, if it is up to me. I think the kids would appreciate just playing in the sand...and after 3 days at Disney, I will be ready for some relaxation.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Tampa area, St. Pete's, Clearwater are all within a reasonable distance from WDW and all have several options for beach visiting, from elaborate to pull off on the side of the road and park in the sand. Depends upon what you want.