Orlando - ONE DAY for a beach -- which to choose?

On my trip to Orlando at Spring Break, I will have just 1 day for beach for me & wife & 6 y/o and 8 y/o. Trying to choose between Cocoa Beach & Clearwater Beach.

Positives for Clearwater: I've been there; I know it is nice; objective data show air & water on average a bit warmer than Atlantic in March; I've heard less spring break traffic.

Positives for Cocoa: much closer (save 2+ hours RT driving since we are staying at MCO airport hotel); proximity of Kennedy Space Center if it rains and we have to substitute an activity.

What I don't know is the "niceness" of Cocoa Beach or whether it will be overwhelmed by Spring Breakers (which I DO NOT want with my family).

So those in the know -- which should I choose? I'm leaning towards Cocoa, key factor being driving distance.

My vote would be for Clearwater. Much nicer sand.

My vote would be for one of the Disney waterparks. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are amazing places, closer to you, cleaner and safer than a "real" beach, and offer a lot more to do. Of course the entry fee will set you back a bit, but I think you and your family will have the most fun there.

I made the mistake of calling my bus driver a beach in third grade. I got in trouble, and have learned that it's not a nice thing to say. ;)

My vote would be for one of the Disney waterparks. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are amazing places, closer to you, cleaner and safer than a "real" beach, and offer a lot more to do. Of course the entry fee will set you back a bit, but I think you and your family will have the most fun there.

That makes some sense...except, we have "water parks" here in St. Louis and other places we travel to from time to time. I guess to me, to fly to Florida and go to a water park...is like flying there and going to eat seafood at Red Lobster.

I want the ocean...the smell of salt...gulls...natural sand...and the chance of something weird biting you on the toe. But good suggestion otherwise.

I understand, and so I offered my suggestion with the foreknowledge that it probably wasn't what you were looking for. My last gasp, though, will be to point out that comparing your water parks at home to Disney's would be much the same as saying you don't have to go to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT because you have a county fair and carnival at home too.

Based on the desire for a REAL beach experience, I would actually vote for Clearwater. I used to live in Melbourne and rarely went to the beach (Cocoa or otherwise) because the water's so cold and, to be honest, the beach areas are pretty trashy. I have better memories of going to the beach on the Gulf coast when I was a kid...

As you mentioned, the water at the Gulf beaches tends to be warmer than the Atlantic, although both are a couple degrees below 70 right now, according to local surf shop surf reports.

The Atlantic also tends to have bigger waves, although that is very variable.

I would think that Clearwater would have more spring breakers than Cocoa. If you avoid the central Cocoa/Pier area, there is lots of beach that is not near hotels and such. See my post #4 of this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=688124) thread for suggestions on where to park.

Clearwater is a nicer beach, but if you only have one day Cocoa is much closer to Orlando which means you will waste less time getting there and back.

I used to live in Melbourne and went to the beaches (anything from Cocoa Bch down to Sebastian inlet) for some surfing all the time. There are many beaches for "locals" with free parkings. Head south on A1A for less crowded beaches.

I agree with everyone that Clearwater is a nicer beach with more things to do but will probably be more crowded.

Drew

I live here in Pinellas County (St Petersburg/Clearwater). I can personally vouch for the fact that during spring break, Clearwater Beach is jammed. Avoid it like the plague, especially with a family in tow.

I have attended several conferences at Cocoa Beach, and I love that beach. It's not very crowded at all, structures along the road are not built on top of each other, and there is a lot more beach.

Of the two, I like Clearwater (and all the west coast beaches) over the east coast beaches since the beaches are nicer overall. But if I only had one day, Cocoa is still a great beach to go to and there are plenty of activities to do if it gets too rainy or crowded for you. The difference between the two beaches aren't huge, and since time is an issue, I would choose Cocoa.

Clearwater beach is very crowded during spring break, the traffic is very bad although the new bridge helps somewhat.I'd recommend over all others Ft. Desoto County Park about the same distance as Clw. beach, it's the last exit thru St.Pete before the Sunshine Skyway (I-275) ,the Pinellas Bayway exit and follow the signs.One of the best beaches in the world, I've been going there since I was a kid, my kids all love it as do I still.
Realistically, Cocoa and beaches south of there will be a lot more convenient for you, though.Just hit A1A and head south.Sebastian Inlet is very nice, we like going there when on the east coast.High surf for sure!

Thanks to all. Sebastian Inlet actually sounds perfect (I like a little rough water), except ..... per google maps, R/T driving times.

MCO-Cocoa 2 hrs
MCO-Sebastian 3 hrs 15 min
MCO-Clearwater 4 hrs

So Sebastian is damn near as far as Clearwater.

So with time being a major factor on the day trip, Cocoa still looks like a good bet.

I have to agree, Cocoa is your easiest place to go, as traffic from Orlando on I-4/I-275 and SR60(Gulf to Bay) to get to Clearwater Beach is difficult and spring break will make that worse. Take the Greenway (toll road) to Cocoa , your backup plan is great, my kids have loved visiting KSC.The Greenway will get you there pretty quickly from the Disney/Kissimmee side of metro Orlando.

During a previous life, I worked in beach restoration for the state of FL.

If this were my choice, I would head for Cocoa Beach and look for street parking somewhere around S. 1st Street. Last time I looked, Coconuts on the Beach had a nice wooden deck with a view. Decent surfing break and lots of sand. Lots of families on the beach. If you are into chochkes, you might want to check out Ron Jon's at A1A and 520 just to say that you have been there..it is totally unique and, in my opinion, totally overpriced.

Jetty Park in Port Canaveral might be a decent option also.. Lots of restaurants in the port. You will be charged admision to the park. If you are coming over on the Bee Line, this will be your closest beach.

Sebastian is a great place to visit. Some people claim that the best breaks on the east coast are just north of the jetty. I do not know that it would be my first choice for swimming.

One place favored by locals are the pullouts on A1A opposite Patrick AFB just south of Cocoa. They have walkovers to the beach and it will be closer than Sebastian. The Officers Club beach is very popular with the HS crowd...good swimming also. As far as I remember, the beach opposite the pullouts is unguarded. You will see cars parked at the pullouts. Also, dont expect much in the way of infrastructure at this location.

Water temps in the Atlantic are generally about 70 degrees year 'round. The Gulf is subject to seasonal variations...during the winter it drops into the high 50's near my home in the panhandle....during the summer it gets up well into the 80's...think warm bathtub.

Enjoy the trip.

I have to agree, Cocoa is your easiest place to go, as traffic from Orlando on I-4/I-275 and SR60(Gulf to Bay) to get to Clearwater Beach is difficult and spring break will make that worse. Take the Greenway (toll road) to Cocoa , your backup plan is great, my kids have loved visiting KSC.The Greenway will get you there pretty quickly from the Disney/Kissimmee side of metro Orlando.

The Greeneway (SR 417) is the eastern half of the toll beltway around Orlando, the road to Cocoa is the Beachline (formerly Beeline) Expressway, SR528.

If you do decide to come to the west coast, definitely skip Clearwater Beach and try something in South Pinellas. Our favorite Beach is Pass-a-Grille. The other recommendation for Fort DeSoto park is good as well. Both are typically quicker to drive to than Clearwater Beach, especially during Spring Break. Pass-A-Grille is the shortest drive, and it is less crowded than other beaches.

Take I-275 to the Pinellas Bayway, then take a left on Gulf Boulevard and turn right on 22nd Avenue, where a sign says "To Beach". Park as far north along the beachfront road as you can, use the northernmost crossover, then walk a short distance north along the beach until you get to a relatively empty location. There is public beach access north of here, but no public parking, so it is far less crowded just a short distance north of the parking area.

Sorry if I was misleading on the directions, but IF at the far west end of Disney complex or staying in Kissimmee, I'd still take the 417 Toll Road to the end at Beeline to Cocoa.I avoid I-4 at rush hour and anytime possible!I would definitely second the Pass-A-Grille suggestion in addition to Ft.DeSoto but it seems they have limited time.

Thanks to all. Sebastian Inlet actually sounds perfect (I like a little rough water), except ..... per google maps, R/T driving times.

MCO-Cocoa 2 hrs
MCO-Sebastian 3 hrs 15 min
MCO-Clearwater 4 hrs

So Sebastian is damn near as far as Clearwater.

So with time being a major factor on the day trip, Cocoa still looks like a good bet.

MCO-Cocoa bch is about 50 miles. Once you're on the road, it should be around 45 mins each way. You would be taking 528 all the way out to A1A (someone correct me here if i'm wrong). Where are you staying? That would have some bearing on how long your travel will be in each direction.
rgds,
Drew

MCO-Cocoa bch is about 50 miles. Once you're on the road, it should be around 45 mins each way. You would be taking 528 all the way out to A1A (someone correct me here if i'm wrong). Where are you staying? That would have some bearing on how long your travel will be in each direction.
rgds,
Drew

Outbound from MCO (airport hotel), back to the WDW hotels area on the return.

Outbound from MCO (airport hotel), back to the WDW hotels area on the return.

Then, it will be easier on the way to cocoa bch from MCO using Beachline. On the way back, Beachline will merge onto I4 S assuming that you are staying in Lake Buena Vista.

Would the mrs want to do some shopping? I like the Premium Outlet in Lake Buena Vista. The stores are smaller than the Prime Outlet on I-Drive but I like the brands in Premium better.

I still think your best bet is Cocoa beach. Have fun in the sun.

Drew

Then, it will be easier on the way to cocoa bch from MCO using Beachline. On the way back, Beachline will merge onto I4 S assuming that you are staying in Lake Buena Vista.

Would the mrs want to do some shopping? I like the Premium Outlet in Lake Buena Vista. The stores are smaller than the Prime Outlet on I-Drive but I like the brands in Premium better.

I still think your best bet is Cocoa beach. Have fun in the sun.

Drew

Yes, that's the entirety of the plan, except we'll be going I-4 N on the return to visit "the world's biggest McDonald's". (5 & 7 y/o get their choice of meal that evening, lol). Everything is solidifying, with the only variable now being possibly going to Melbourne instead of Cocoa, just because of the quality of the beach described. Only about 10 min diff per google.

Yes, that's the entirety of the plan, except we'll be going I-4 N on the return to visit "the world's biggest McDonald's". (5 & 7 y/o get their choice of meal that evening, lol). Everything is solidifying, with the only variable now being possibly going to Melbourne instead of Cocoa, just because of the quality of the beach described. Only about 10 min diff per google.

I think that Mc is on Sand Lake and I-Drive. I ate there before but never put much thoughts into its size. I think Melbourne Bch and Cocoa Bch is more than 10 mins apart but I am partial to Melbourne Bch as well since I lived there :)

drew

i went to cocoa last summer..it's really easy to get to and the OP is right that it's close to the space center which i went to while i was in the area.

From WDW, It'll be appx 50 minutes to the port on the Bee Line. Cocoa Beach is 10 minutes south of the port on A1A.

It's abt a 30-40 minute scenic drive on A1A from the Port to Melbourne Beach.

Beach quality about equal all along the the Cocoa/Patrick/Satellite Beach/Indialantic/Melbourne Beach strip.

I still think that your best bets are (from N-S):

a) Jetty Park in the Port--appx $5 admission per car. Decent beach but not exceptional, acceptable swimming but not great, walk on the jetty, intimate view of ship traffic (cruise ships, subs) in the channel. Lots of restaurants in the port (I like Rusty's)

b) S. 1st Street in Cocoa Beach..nice beach, restaurants nearby (I like tables against the railing at Coconuts on the Beach) but also lots of places to eat in the strip centers along A1A Lots of family stuff. Lifeguards in season (not sure abt this time of year)

c)The pullouts on A1A accessing the beaches opposite Patrick AFB...locals exclusively. Wonderful beaches. No food nearby. No lifeguards.

Any of the other beaches along this strip are also nice. Of course, you will also enjoy the gulf beaches if you decide to go in that direction.

BTW, I just got back from a weekend trip to Orlando but did not go over to the coast. The outlets formerly known as Belz on I-drive are undergoing a major renovation and, due to construction, it is very difficult accessing the entire complex on foot. My better half was dismayed that her shopping style was severely cramped.

...

BTW, I just got back from a weekend trip to Orlando but did not go over to the coast. The outlets formerly known as Belz on I-drive are undergoing a major renovation and, due to construction, it is very difficult accessing the entire complex on foot. My better half was dismayed that her shopping style was severely cramped.

Prime Outlet bought the property. They are transforming it to compete with Premium Outlet in Lake Buena Vista. A lot of nicer stores are either there or being put in.

rgds,
drew

Cocoa Beach, for all the reasons others have mentioned. Far less crowded and commercial, plus you can drive south a bit and find some even less crowded beaches with good public parking and access.

I'd do Cocoa just to save on the drive. If you do Clearwater, you'll kill most of the day driving (assuming you're not planning to overnight at the beach). It will be somewhat crowded with local springbreakers (Clearwater would too), but you won't get the out of towners.

Cocoa isn't a GREAT beach, but its fine.