We have stayed there three times. The beaches are fine for swimming and for walking along. The surf conditions depend on the time of year you will be going. You have about a mile walk up to Jetty park where you can watch the cruise ships depart, they have gambling ships leaving once or twice aday and you can also Disney Wonder or Magic. The Coca beach pier is about two miles south from the Mansions resort, where they have beach volleyball and fishing off the pier. This is right near Ron Jons surf shop, that is open 24hrs for t-shirt shopping etc.. There is a couple of chain style restaurants nearby. If you are so inclined you are only a few miles away from the Kennedy Space Center, it is a full day to see all the attractions there. Hope this helps, we just got back from 1 week at WDW and 1 week Magic Cruise.