Which beach to drive to?

[1st Timers]

I am researching which beach would be a good trip for a day from Disney. Anyone have any suggestions for a nice place to go with young children?

 

[Lovin' Disney]

Have you been to Daytona Beach? It's about 1 hour each way from Disney. The road you take takes you right to the ocean...you will literally drive into the water if not careful. You get to park on the sand right next to the beach and it's never crowded. That's what I recommend!

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

funny, i just did nearly the exact same post in another part of the DIS boards. Looking forward to hearing replies...

 

[Feralpeg]

I would recommend Clearwater. The water on the gulf side is much calmer and easier for kids.

You must be very careful on the Atlantic side. There are always lots of riptides. There are often jellyfish. The surf is often very rough. I hear of shark bites on the Atlantic side every few weeks. I never hear of that on the gulf side. I'm not saying it couldn't happen there, but I just don't hear it.

In general, I hear of a lot more people getting in trouble on the Atlantic beaches than on the gulf beaches. It is not unusual for lifeguards on the Atlantic beaches to make multiple saves in one day.

 

[stopher1]

We did a beach day trip 5 years ago, and had a blast at Cocoa Beach. The ONLY bad part of the day was getting a flat in the rental on the Beeline - and when I was down on the ground getting the flat off, I was attacked and bitten by tons of fire ants!! OUCH!! But even with that - we had a great day / beach experience.