Nice beach near Disney?

[paysensmom]

We want to head to the beach one day during our trip next week. Can someone tell me the name of the beach, where it is and how far will I need to drive? I will have a vehicle and an entire day to devot to the beach. I will be alone with a 3 and a 5 year old. Please let me know
Thanks!

 

[JacquiBee]

The Closest Beach to WDW is Cocoa Beach. It is a very nice beach, with good waves. It's about an hour away.

 

[maggiesma]

The beaches at Jacksonville are also nice.

 

[kjs1976]

We prefer Cocoa Beach to Daytona. Its about 45 min. - 1 hr. to drive there and it's an easy drive. There are a few parks where you can park for free and walk over to the beach. We like to park at Ron Jons because of the park in the back with easy access to the store and the beach. Do a search of Cocoa Beach to see what is in line with what your family would most like. There is so much to do and eat there!

 

[paysensmom]

Is there one place on this beach better than the other? I just want a place where the children can sit and build sand castles and splash in the water a bit, look for sea shells. You know the normal kiddie stuff.
Also, is there a closer beach than Cocoa that is worth going to since I dont need all the extra stuff to do?
Thank you all!

 

[paysensmom]

Any more ideas??
Thanks

 

[Cristy]

Looks like all previous responses for beaches to date are on the East Coast. I like the Gulf also which is on the West Coast, -especially at Clearwater Beach which is about 1 1/2 hours from WDW, give or take.

 

[pubugg]

Looks like all previous responses for beaches to date are on the East Coast. I like the Gulf also which is on the West Coast, -especially at Clearwater Beach which is about 1 1/2 hours from WDW, give or take.

My vote goes for Clearwater (though, have to admit, haven't been to the others). Clearwater has parking lots right beside the beach (so not a long haul of "stuff , can rent chairs & umbrellas on beach, there are bath houses & snack bars along the beach. All are very convenient if you have little people with you.

 

[WeCantWait]

We like New Smyrna Beach. It's about an hour and a half away. You can drive and park right on the beach. It's a small surfing town.

 

[musicdude]

I have been to all of the above mentioned beaches and with the ages of your children Clearwater is the best choice because the surf is gentle and the beach has the purest whitest sand in all of florida. It maybe a 15 min. longer drive but well worth it. Have fun and surfs up!!!!!

 

[reginaastralis]

Hmm ... all the pther posters are right ... I love our beaches.

I like Cocoa b/c of it's location to Disney *plus my gma lives there, perfect time to drop by and say hey*, but it's on the Atlantic, which means actual waves, and sometimes pretty big ones. To me, the water is clearer, and it doesn't hurt that you have Kennedy Space Center nearby *this might be a cute place to take your boys ... I'm not sure of the prices, we haven't been since it was free, and it's not free anymore*

I have been to Clearwater MANY times and the traffic to me, isn't worth it. I know with your travel times from your other thread that most of our schools in the area will be back in session, so that may help with the traffic a bit. Also, it does have really pretty beaches, but there isn't much in the way of surf since it's on the Gulf. Another poster is right about this being a good thing with two small children. My friend's family has a beach house off Anna Marie Island, and this is our favorite spot to beach on the west coast. Of course, this is a long drive *to me anyways* from Disney.

HTH

 

[ducklite]

Clearwater wil have the gentlest water--important with the ages of your kids. The east coast beaches have had terrible rip currents this year.
If you want closeness, then Cocoa is the best choice.

Jacksonville is a 3+ hour drive each way--not worth it to go to a beach that's definitely no better than the closer ones.

Daytona is really more for older kids, teens, and adults, IMHO it, and the town around it, it NOT famiy friendly.

I'd wait to leave until about 10:00 am when the commuting traffic has died some, and leave by around 3:00 so you get back before the height of evening rush hour.

Anne