Which Beach for Pre-Disney trip???

[Minnie]

Cocoa Beach in Cape Canaveral is only an hour away from Orlando and has the Space Center to visit while Siesta Key in Sarasota is 2.15 hours away.

Which would be a better choice for our pre-Disney vacation? We will likely be staying at one of these locations for 3 nights and then going to WDW for 4 nights. BTW – the cast this is my mom, son (12), and myself.

Also if one is better than the other do you know of a nice resort in the area? I would love one that has a private beach.

Also I would like to do some snorkling while there in a safe location. Is one of these better than the other for that?

Is there another area I should consider instead????

Thanks you!

 

[alexcturner]

Hi, We like to go to St Pete's Beach. The Don Cesar has a great beach and two pools. It is a very nice resort. It is not far from Disney, (Maybe an hour..). We have friends that have gone to Cocoa Beach for the day and enjoyed it. Have fun!

 

[swimmom]

try the Ritz in Sarasota - very nice or if you prefer the east coast of Florida, the Ponte Vedra Inn, just south of Jacksonville is lovely.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

It really depends on what your looking for. The best beaches are on the gulf, no doubt. But, if you want nightlife or shops, your best bet is the east coast in either Daytona Beach or Cocoa Beach. I myself prefer the west coast, but then again, its all what your looking for.

 

[hiimfiffy]

i live in sarasota and the last few times ive gone on disney/orlando trips its only taken an hr and a half. the drive doesnt seem bad at all
the beaches here are really pretty, but if you go get there earlyyyy. parking is horrible on siesta key

 

[dreams91]

Just got back from Cocoa Beach yesterday. We enjoyed it there. Not much for gift shops, but if you just want a beach trip, we had a good time. Let me know if I can answer questions or show you pics.

 

[ukwildcat]

I vote Siesta Key. Not sure about hotels though. The Ritz in Sarasota is really nice, but not directly on Siesta Key.

We live just south of Siesta Key, and are there very frequently. Parking is terrible, but the beach is about the best I have come across.

I also like the Don Cesar if you don't want to travel as far south as Sarasota. Good luck.

 

[judykay53]

Not intending to highjack this thread but we are going to Cocoa Beach for a day during our November trip.

dreams91 - any recommendations on exactly where to go. I would like to see pictures. We are just wanting a day at the beach to play.

 

[TravelinGal]

I asked around on this before our trip and the answer was a resounding "Siesta Key"! Everyone said how beautiful the beach is and how nice the water is too. (West coast has nicer beaches and water than the East coast.)

Unfortunatly we got sick on our trip, so the beach day was the one that got dumped. We hope to go there on our next trip.

 

[Motherfletcher]

The Gulf beaches are far better than the Atlantic. If you are willing to drive 2.5 hours you should consider Lover's Key south of Ft. Meyers. Otherwise Siesta Key or the Pink Palace (Don Cesar). My daughter(12) and I spent New Year's Eve at the Don and had a good time on the beach.

 

[judykay53]

So how early should we get to Siesta Key. We will be there the Monday before Thanksgiving.

 

[DisneyDotty]

We did Cocoa Beach last summer--stayed at Doubletree which was right on the beach--beautiful. Loved Ron Jon's, the Space Center. Unfortunately, my DS got sick and needed to go to the ER, which was also excellent!
This time we're trying Clearwater--staying at the Hilton and planning to do Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise as well as wander around the beach.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[flatline]

So how early should we get to Siesta Key. We will be there the Monday before Thanksgiving.

the main parking lot usually gets busy by 10:00. there are much smaller lots with access along Midnight Pass Rd to the north as well, all are free.

 

[judykay53]

Thanks