Which beach for our beach day???

[MinnieMe2DW]

Any suggestions???

I was just reading about Siesta key and although it sounds ideal, with 3 toddlers under 3, I think we're looking for somewhere a bit closer to Disney. I think Clearwater is about 1.5 hours from Disney too, isn't it??? Sigh.. Maybe Coco or daytona??? I've never been to any, so any thoughts are welcome and appreciated.
The big people want to go parasailing too, so we'd need a beach that offers that.

Thank you !

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

We are probably taking a ride to Cocoa Beach because it's closer than Clearwater. We went to Clearwater on a previous trip and we've been told by some dissers and by brother that Cocoa beach is nice. Linda

 

[highland3]

We spent a day over at Cocoa Beach. It was excellent. The waves were fun to play in and the beach was beautiful. The water temp was fine, even though it felt a little chilly at first.

 

[spartn1]

We will be in Orlando June 11-24 and want to spend 1 day at the beach, just can't decide which one.

 

[NYTinkerbell]

We prefer Clearwater including Treasure Island over Cocoa Beach. It is farther but the white sand and crisp blue, warmer water is worth it! The causeway to Clearwater Beach is breathtaking!!!

 

[MikeKV]

We spent a day over at Cocoa Beach. It was excellent. The waves were fun to play in and the beach was beautiful. The water temp was fine, even though it felt a little chilly at first.

Wow, someone from Canada saying that the water temp was chilly? Must have been freezing for everyone else .

 

[MattM]

In June, water temps wont be a problem. They will be in at least the upper 70's by then if not the low 80's. I always tend to like West Coast beaches better than the east coast for the reasons mentioned above. White, sandy beaches, and clear blue water. And the overall area is nicer, IMHO.

Hope that helps!

 

[mom2aredhead]

I've been to both and prefer Clearwater over Cocoa.

As soon as you go over the bridge, there's a Hilton Hotel that has (last I knew - may have changed) daily parking rates for beach-goers, and about 1 block to the left is a public parking lot and beach access.

Pier 60 pier and park is right there as well...there's a really nice playground which would be great for the kids and every night they have craft vendors, music and street performers on/around the pier...it's the nightly "sunset party" (I think they started charging admission for actual pier access, but it's nominal - less than a dollar) There's a few family friendly restaurants right around that area for lunch/dinner too.

And the gulf water is VERY calm and generally VERY warm, which is perfect for toddlers.

 

[Promomx2]

My Vote is for Madeira Beach!

 

[spartn1]

In June, water temps wont be a problem. They will be in at least the upper 70's by then if not the low 80's. I always tend to like West Coast beaches better than the east coast for the reasons mentioned above. White, sandy beaches, and clear blue water. And the overall area is nicer, IMHO.

Hope that helps!

We'll be coming from Orlando...with 3 Boys: 17, 7, and 5 and are looking for a fun 1st trip to the ocean for the day. Sounds like a lot of people recommend the West Coast of Florida...now which beach? Are any of them under 2 hours from Orlando?

 

[MattM]

Yes!

Clearwater Beach, St Pete Beach, Ft Desoto Park, Longboat/Siesta Key (although they are pushing it). All are good choices.

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Hello! I live about 30 mins from clearwater beach. Yes, it is gorgeous, and the water is beautiful and calm, perfect for children to enjoy! The sand is white and soft like sugar. The only down side, is the traffic right now can get backed up due to construction on the island. If you have extra time, it is worth it. St. Pete beach and Treasure island are a very easy drive off the interstate, and are equally as gorgeous. The sand is more shelly, though. But we frequent both areas, and love them! We do go to the east coast beaches when we take our Disney cruises. Cocoa is good, but the Ocean is rougher than the Gulf. The water is also cooler. My choice would always be the Gulf beaches. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you!

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

Thank you so much. About how long of a drive is Clearwater from Disney? I have been on the Gulf side as well and admit I LOVE the white sandy beaches.. I think we were considering the convenience of the closer beach. But we'll see.

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Thank you so much. About how long of a drive is Clearwater from Disney? I have been on the Gulf side as well and admit I LOVE the white sandy beaches.. I think we were considering the convenience of the closer beach. But we'll see.

I have to be realistic, and say it's about a 2 hour drive from Disney to Clearwater beach. Just because it gets so backed up coming over the causeway to the beach due to construction that has a main road on the beach closed. If you come over earlier in the morning, it's not as bad.
If your thinking of a closer beach, Cocoa is a much shorter drive.

 

[momof3littlelilos]

Our favorite beach when we lived in Orlando was at Canaveral National Seashore:

http://www.nps.gov/cana/

http://www.nbbd.com/godo/cns/

We lived on the east side of the county and it took us 30 minutes to get there, so I think it would take about an hour from Disney.

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

My Vote is for Madeira Beach!

What a gorgeous picture!

 

[Cory's Gal]

The Gulf Coast is warmer, and like a previous poster said, it isn't as rough as the ocean. I can't think of a Gulf beach, but Cocoa Beach was nice on the ocean side. I personally thought Daytona was dumpy.