What beach to visit?

[saberry]

We will be heading to Orlando next month for a week long stay. We plan to spend at least a few of those days at the Universal parks but would also like to take a day trip to the beach. I'm wonding which beache, within about an hours drive, would be best for me, my wife, and our three kids (ages 12, 9, and 4). We aren't looking to do anything in particular - just play in the ocean, eat some lunch and hang out on the beach for a day. I'm sure my wife will want to do a little souvineer shopping as well.

So far, I'm looking at Daytona or Cocoa - any recommendations?

 

[tropical depression]

either one of them would be OK for what you're looking to do, they're pretty much the same kind of beach. Cocoa's an easier drive and the cruise terminals right there. expect to pay $10-$15 to park in a lot. Daytona has a nice indoor/outdoor complex with places like Bubba Gump's close to the bandshell.

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

I'm trying to decide between Cocoa and Clearwater...any advice?? I've never seen the Gulf before...what is there to do in Clearwater?

 

[tropical depression]

I'm trying to decide between Cocoa and Clearwater...any advice?? I've never seen the Gulf before...what is there to do in Clearwater?

what is it that you want to do? everyone seems to have a different idea of what a day at the beach should be.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Between Cocoa Beach & Daytona Beach, I'd choose Cocoa. It's closer from Orlando. The beach & water are pretty much the same. I don't like the way they allow cars to drive on the beach in most of Daytona. Your wife may like Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa. Personally, I think it's overpriced & overrated, but many people think it's the greatest thing ever. There's also Kennedy Space Center, if you don't want to spend the entire day at the beach.

Between Cocoa & Clearwater, I'd choose Clearwater! The water & beach are both much nicer. If you like playing in waves, the gulf isn't for you though. I like to take a fun noodle or float to Clearwater, & lay back & relax. There's a nice park & pier w/ live music much of the time. The beach is really wide, which is perfect for throwing frisbee or tossing a ball. There's also nets for beach volleyball. Clearwater is a little further than Cocoa, but IMO, worth it. One negative about Clearwater is the construction that's currently in progress, which can be a pain. Also, don't go to Clearwater on the weekend. It's a mob scene.

 

[deanac24]

I am a huge fan of Cocoa Beach. It is close to Orlando attractions and the beach is just beauitful. It is rather packed in the summer but still enjoyable nonetheless.

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

Originally Posted by MisunderstoodLilo
I'm trying to decide between Cocoa and Clearwater...any advice?? I've never seen the Gulf before...what is there to do in Clearwater?

what is it that you want to do? everyone seems to have a different idea of what a day at the beach should be.

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I don't want to go in the water...I just want to see it, smell it, and walk on the sand. I guess I'm looking for the prettiest beach with the most non water activities like little shops and resturants.

Thank you!!!

 

[Melisa1]

I like Cocoa beach the best!

 

[robvia]

I'd recommend Clearwater because the beaches are huge. A well known resort you can visit is the Sheraton Sand Key. Here's a link.
http://www.sheratonsandkey.com/index.php
You might be able to park for free, if not just say you want to eat at the restaurant and walk on the beach. Otherwise find a public parking lot near by. If you have the money, book a night at the hotel and stay.

The big splurge would be to drive to Busch Gardens Tampa early in the morning (leave Orlando at 7am), stay at BGT until 2pm, check into your hotel at 3pm, walk the beach, check out the next morning, and drive back to Orlando. They have wave runners and para sailing.

 

[Spidey7]

I too would recommend Cocoa Beach. The Holiday Inn there is very decent with a decent beach bar/restaurant. And it is only about a 45 minute drive from Orlando.

The other side (Tampa area) I was very very disappointed in. I don't know how different each beach is in that area, but I stayed at Treasure Island, outside of TAmpa, and it was the worst beach I have ever seen in Florida. It was very merky/seaweedy water, that I did not even want to get near, let alone swim in, nothing like Cocoa or of course the pan handle area around Destin which is the best beaches in the state IMO.

 

[tropical depression]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I don't want to go in the water...I just want to see it, smell it, and walk on the sand. I guess I'm looking for the prettiest beach with the most non water activities like little shops and resturants.

Thank you!!!

scenery-wise, there's not much on the Atlantic side until you get down to the Miami area and the Keys. same with the sand, it's brown, shelly, and very coarse. shopping along the beach in Daytona on A1A is the same string of tshirt shops over and over. I've never spent enough time in Cocoa to shop. we've been there precisely one time. they have a Ron Jon's there, but there's also one right in Orlando.

I'm more partial to the Gulf beaches not just because we live here. I've been to many on the Atlantic side and in general, they're not as nice. (and we have some of the best sunsets in the country)if the drive is a concern, Cocoa is fine. it's an ok beach and will give you what you're looking for, just don't imagine a picture out of a travel brochure. but a day at the beach is a day at the beach.