WDW and Cocoa Beach?

[joyfulDisneytears]

We were considering a Caribbean beach honeymoon, but then realized we had so much fun last time because we were with a big group of people, and we'd probably get bored with lounging around for a whole week!

So now we're thinking WDW, but I am all go-go-go when we're there, so I'm thinking hitting the closest beach for a few days afterward might be a welcome respite before we head home.

Thoughts/tips?

 

[Mommy2BnB]

Hitting a beach after sounds good but we found Cocoa beach to be a disappointment. I don't have any better suggestions though.

 

[fallschurch]

We like Melbourne Beach better than Daytona. You should consider Siesta Key on the gulf. Very nice beach with excellent sand. It is further away, but that extra 45 minutes of driving will bring you to a world class beach.

 

[vicki_c]

We like Melbourne Beach better than Daytona. You should consider Siesta Key on the gulf. Very nice beach with excellent sand. It is further away, but that extra 45 minutes of driving will bring you to a world class beach.

We always liked the beach at Indialantic which is also Melbourne, just one beach further north.

 

[Ametista]

We usually finish our trip with a few nights at Indian Rocks Beach. It is a short drive to Clearwater but off the beaten path enough that we can get some peace and quiet. If you want more of a party atmosphere (and gorgeous beaches too!) I would stay at Clearwater Beach. It is a nicer beach than Cocoa (white sugar sand) although the waves are small. If you want boogie boarding or surfing I would go to Cocoa Beach. I have never been disappointed by Cocoa, it is really fun, there are just different types of beach out there and that's a good thing.

 

[joyfulDisneytears]

Just looking for some relaxation in the sun and surf really. And some touristy things and good restaurants within walking distance would be nice. Would stay in a Marriott brand/partner hotel if possible since we can use points and get a free room.

 

[Orlando Vic]

We were considering a Caribbean beach honeymoon, but then realized we had so much fun last time because we were with a big group of people, and we'd probably get bored with lounging around for a whole week!

So now we're thinking WDW, but I am all go-go-go when we're there, so I'm thinking hitting the closest beach for a few days afterward might be a welcome respite before we head home.

Thoughts/tips?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/beach/orl-closestorlando-story,0,4514450.story

If going to Cocoa Beach, Lori Wilson Park is a nice place to visit. http://www.beachhunter.net/cocoa-beach/lori-wilson-park.htm

 

[vikster1]

We've finished up in Cocoa and Daytona beach. Both were OK. Hitting the gulf side an hour south is much nicer. Indian Rocks beach Holiday inn is beautiful. Not your typical HI. It is Key west styled. Also just south of IRB is St pete beach. There is a residence inn. SPB is relaxing and the gulf is warmer and clearer.

 

[Belle83]

We went to Cocoa Beach before our WDW trip and I have lots of pictures in my trip report (link in my signature). The beach was pretty (and it's where we got engaged ) and our hotel was fine, but I wasn't that impressed with everything else at Cocoa Beach. It's near Kennedy Space Center which is cool to visit at least once.

Pics of our hotel (at the bottom):
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46975922

Beach pics:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47016857
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47023675

 

[fla4fun]

We went to Cocoa Beach before our WDW trip and I have lots of pictures in my trip report (link in my signature). The beach was pretty (and it's where we got engaged ) and our hotel was fine, but I wasn't that impressed with everything else at Cocoa Beach. It's near Kennedy Space Center which is cool to visit at least once.

Pics of our hotel (at the bottom):
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46975922

Beach pics:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47016857
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47023675

That's where I always stay when I go to Cocoa Beach. It's far enough south of the Pier that you aren't in that sort of tourist tacky area, and it's quiet, and having a Publix right across the street makes getting groceries very convenient (especially with a fridge and microwave in the room). I was actually there for 10 days earlier this month.

I used to live near Indian Rocks Beach (mentioned by a pp), and I can tell the OP that the Gulf beaches are very nice. It really does depend on whether you enjoy larger waves which coast to consider. If you want to swim in gentle waves and find nice shells, and enjoy soft white sand beaches, the Gulf is the better choice. If you want the challenge of the larger waves, and a firmer beach for walking, the Atlantic side is the better choice. Neither choice is a bad one.

One piece of advice though - if you are going to and from the Gulf coast, time your drive so you don't hit Tampa during rush hour. I HATE driving through Tampa during rush hour, and from Tampa to the beach it's very built up so that part of the drive is affected by rush hour as well. The drive to Cocoa Beach is not affected as much by rush hour, although I would recommend avoiding it during the peak hour each way.

 

[RabFlmom]

For a honeymoon, I think you will enjoy the East Coast beaches. They will be different than the Carribean beaches though. You also might have to do a little driving to go out to dinner or a bar other than the ones in your hotel.

1. In Cocoa Beach Highway A1A is not always right on the beach. Sometimes it can be 3 blocks to the beach. So when booking ask if you can walk out of the hotel and be on the sand. Usually then there is a beachside bar and patio area that can be fun after the sun goes down. My sons like the Sand Bar and take their cousins there when they visit http://www.sandbarsportsgrill.net/

2. Cocoa Beach has the pier with shops, bars, restaurants and most of the time bands etc. http://cocoabeachpier.com/cbp/

3. Cocoa Beach has Ron Jons.....worth a visit and place to get pics in front of the Slater surf statues and in front of the surf wagon. Lots of cool souvenirs, clothes, surfboards and you could rent boards and schedule a surf lesson.

4. A little farther South on A1A .....in Melbourne Beachside towns, I would recommend the Crown Plaza or the Hilton with room facing the ocean. Really nice and we love the pool and bar area there in the evenings. Sometimes there is a band and sometimes it is just nice to sit there and enjoy the ocean breeze.

 

[markj2911]

You must visit Cocoa beach.
There are many other things to see such as Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral etc.
Kennedy Space Center is just near to this beach, you can visit the place.