side trip after auto train?

[Tallent]

Taking the auto train on June 24, arriving June 25 and driving south to west palm beach for a few days to visit with friends before we all caravan back up to WDW for a week. Considering a side trip on the way to Cocoa Beach....is this an easy drive? Are the beaches crowded? Will we fry arriving at the beach late morning/early afternoon? Worth it for the hour or two we'd be there? I'm the only driver with 3 kids (dd and friend both 11, and ds 8) if it makes a difference. Also a factor is how easy a drive is it to WPB from the beach.....

 

[Capt_BJ]

Make your route from Sanford to WPB I-95 south and a detour to Cocoa Beach is a piece of cake. From the Amtrak Auto-Train station you can take 417 south to 528 then east to Port Canaveral which leaves you on A1A and the beaches of Cocoa. 417 & 528 are toll roads . . .

or what I do is 46 east to 95, then south to 528 and east to the beaches. 46 is two lane but little traffic. Either way it will take you a little over an hour: 69 miles via 417 and 63 miles by 46

"nicest beach" would be Jetty Park in opinion of many but there is a fee per vehicle to park - but there are facilities and food and life guards and it is right at the port. Or head south on A1A for a few miles and pick a place. Beach access is free but depending on where you stop you may still have to pay for parking. Just south of SR-520 is Ron Jon where local laws require you to buy a t-shirt. No real need to much past 520 - and 520 can be used as a straight shot back out to 95 ... or DO continue south on A1A for a few more miles and just after Patrick AFB take 404 the Pineda Cswy out to 95 which is MUCH faster than 520 (only 3 stop lights versus MANY)

Your date is midweek so I wouldn't worry about the beach being crowded.

from the 404/I-95 junction (mile marker 188) to the WPB exit on 95 is about 110 miles

 

[Tallent]

I'm copying your post and taking it with me! I don't mind the fee for parking if it means it's safe and hopefully close. Thank you again!

 

[Capt_BJ]

http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/park_map

Jetty Park Location Map

We are the closest beach to Orlando with life guards all year round.

We are located in Port Canaveral at the east end of SR528 (Beach Line Expressway).

 

[Tallent]

Any opinions on Alan Shepard park beach? Remembered we were there two years ago just on a cruise excursion and liked it.

 

[Capt_BJ]

Alan Shepard Park

Located at the east end of State Road 520

Shepard Park is a five-acre, ocean-front park providing picnic, shower, and restroom facilities for guests. The park was named after astronaut Alan Shepard and provides an excellent view of space launches. Facilities include 10 large picnic pavilions, several smaller covered picnic tables and a bathhouse. More than 300 parking spaces are available for automobiles and recreational vehicles. Many popular tourist related retail shops are within easy walking distance. The parking fees for Shepard Park shall be $7.00, except for: weekends and holidays from March 1 to the first day after Labor Day, in which the parking fee shall be $10 per vehicle space. Buses are not permitted. This is the beach area behind Ron Jon & at the end of SR-520 - free shuttles for visiting cruise ships drop people here.

I think you'll find all of the beach from Jetty Park to Patrick AFB to be fine - near the parks is where you'll find some facilities and life guards - most areas have no guards ...

Jetty Park keeps you nearest to 528 and an easy on off

in addition to the areas mentioned:

Lori Wilson Park, This 20-acre, ocean-front park is operated by Brevard County. Facilities include restrooms, two pavilions, a nature boardwalk, a volleyball court, a playground, barbecue grills, and a 274-space parking lot. Park closes at dusk.

http://cocoabeachpier.com/cbp/

From north to south

Jetty Park
the pier
Alan S
Lori Wilson
Patrick AFB