Tell me about Cocoa Beach(or your fav beach)

[alohamom]

What is it like? Is it too cold the second week of March?Could the kids play in the surf? We have been to the gulf side and it is ok but we thought we might throw in a beach/exploration driving day and Cocoa Beach came to mind as we have not been to the east side as a family. I spent time at Daytona as a teenager and I liked it then but that was many moons ago. Anyone have a favorite beach that is drivable and back from Disney in one day? I guess the gulf side would be warmer though...Any input is appreciated...

 

[encinc]

Gulf side is definitely warmer and less choppy. We were at Cocoa Beach last March, and while the kids loved playing in the sand and running on the beach, playing in the surf was not an option because of the wind. We probably got unlucky in terms of weather the day we were there, but for comparison, we've never had a problem wading in the Gulf side beaches when we're there in December.

Cocoa Beach is a fun, touristy, beach town, so there are things to do other than wade in the Atlantic, so I wouldn't let the weather stop you from going!

 

[LSmith]

We go to Cocoa Beach every time we are in Florida. We were there last March Break for a day. The water was really nice.

One thing though that had never happened to us before was I actually stepped on a stingray (not on the barbed stinger). I felt this rubbery thing under my foot, jumped back and saw a stingray. It freaked me out of course. There were lots and lots that day. It is the first time I have ever seen them at Cocoa Beach. They swim very close to shore and close to the bottom. You can actually watch them from the beach.

I made my kids come out of the water but a lot of people were still in the water. They were about the size of a large frisbee and seemed to swim in pairs. No one else seemed too concerned at all that they were there and one woman was trying to catch one in a bucket.

We also saw two dolphins swimming around the dock which was very cool.

One thing to watch out for is the sun. We were with another family and the kids were playing in the sand and I told the mother that she should make her kids wear t-shirts or they would get really burnt. She didn't seem to think it was necessary and sure enough both kids got so burnt that the next day people were commenting on it. The sun is much stronger there and it's deceiving especially when it's overcast.

Try to see if there is a shuttle launch while you are in Florida. You can watch from Cocoa Beach. We did this in April 1998.

 

[minnie56]

Can't say what March would be like as I was there in July..it was a great beach. We had a great day..only drawback--there was a Shark hanging around (and we were told the day prior too) so there were many spells where the Lifeguard got everyone out of the water for long periods of time.

The Atlantic is certainly choppier and the East coast always cooler..

 

[ktdaiwik]

We were at Cocoa Beach in December and loved it.Next time we go to Disney World we are going to plan to spend more time there.Coming from New Zealand and now living in Edmonton Canada it was soooooooooo nice to spend some time by the seaside!The water was not too cold and people were walking around in bikinis!

 

[Waiting]

So, it is better to go to the Gulf beaches? In February? Any recommendations?
No to crazy about sting rays and sharks.

 

[LSmith]

The golf beaches are gorgeous, at least in the summer when they reach a boiling point. Don't discount Cocoa Beach though. If you are traveling from Disney then it is much easier and faster to get to. The water will still be fairly warm in February (especially compared to Nova Scotia waters). You could also do half a day (or more, they give you a 2 day ticket) at Kennedy Space Centre.

Yes, there are stingrays and sharks but I'm sure the Gulf must have them too. Also, that was the first time in 14 years that we saw stingrays.

Last March we drove to Indian Shores (Gulf). We left Davenport at 4:00 pm and landed around 7:45 pm. The traffic was insane. Something to think about if you go to the Gulf coast.

 

[Ham Ham]

We like North Redington Shores and prefer the Gulf side to the Atlantic. But a day trip to Cocoa Beach is still a great day out.


North Redington Shores
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=...82.830321&sspn=0.081673,0.152264&ie=UTF8&z=13
Here's a family owned motel in NRS.
http://www.sailsresortmotel.com/
Rooms are dated but spotless. Beach is magnificent. Great for families.
Here's a local dining establishment. Great fish and ribs.
http://www.conchrepublicgrill.com/

 

[SplashMom]

We have done Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach and St. Pete's beach and we really liked all of them. I think Daytona was our favorite. Last March we were in St. Pete's and we found the water quite cool, and we are used to Nova Scotia waters! It was a cool day though so that may have been a factor. Any beach in February is great!