Beach suggestion in Florida (or near Orlando?)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SJC
Programs: A3 *G, Marriott Plat, AS 75K
Posts: 995
Beach suggestion in Florida (or near Orlando?)
I'm planning a trip to Orlando in mid-July and I was wondering if anyone has suggestion for a good beach. I'll rent a car, so driving a few hours would be okay.
My research indicates Clearwaters would be a good choice for watersport, what do you guys think?
What about a beach for snorkeling and swimming?
Thanks!
My research indicates Clearwaters would be a good choice for watersport, what do you guys think?
What about a beach for snorkeling and swimming?
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,135
Clearwater Beach is nice. Beautiful white sandy beach. Not really much snorkleing from the beach. Swiming is good as there is usually very little surf. There is a marina at Pier 60 so lots of other watersports right there. Lots of food options within walking distance of Pier 60.
Clearwater beach will be about a 2 hour drive from Orlando depending where you are staying, traffic, and how fast you drive.
Clearwater beach will be about a 2 hour drive from Orlando depending where you are staying, traffic, and how fast you drive.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: AAdvantage 2 million, Marriott Gold
Posts: 960
Check out Ft Desoto State Park at the south end of St Pete.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm
No high rises to be seen. Just a lot of wide open beach.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm
No high rises to be seen. Just a lot of wide open beach.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Jupiter, FL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Silver
Posts: 29,389
Depending what you like, you may want to check out Cocoa Beach. An hour or so from Orlando.
Traffic out to Clearwater Beach can sometimes be daunting on a nice weekend day.
Traffic out to Clearwater Beach can sometimes be daunting on a nice weekend day.
#6
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Near Jacksonville FL
Posts: 3,987
I think the Canaveral National Seashore - part of the National Park Service - is great (undeveloped and kind of wild):
http://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Across the bay from TPA
Programs: DSM, USDM, BAEC, AAAdvan
Posts: 284
I reside here in Pinellas County, and I can confirm that Clearwater Beach traffic in July will be very heavy. Plan on at least 2 1/2 hours each way (if you are lucky) for driving. You will hit bottle necks in Tampa, as well as in Clearwater on the way out to Clearwater Beach.
Having experienced the beaches here, as well as Cocoa Beach, I would recommend Cocoa Beach mainly because you will be staying in Orlando. You will spend less than 1 hour in the car each way, and the beach is just as good as any we have here on the gulf coast. If you want to parasail or rent a jet ski, those are also available at Cocoa Beach.
Having experienced the beaches here, as well as Cocoa Beach, I would recommend Cocoa Beach mainly because you will be staying in Orlando. You will spend less than 1 hour in the car each way, and the beach is just as good as any we have here on the gulf coast. If you want to parasail or rent a jet ski, those are also available at Cocoa Beach.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Orlando, FL - MCO
Programs: UA 2P, SPG Gold, PC Plt Amb
Posts: 263
I think the Canaveral National Seashore - part of the National Park Service - is great (undeveloped and kind of wild):
http://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
Another great east coast beach near Orlando is New Smyrna Beach. It is a favorite spot among surfers and driving is still permitted on the beach.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Central Florida, US
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 634
My vote would be for Crescent Beach, about 1 3/4 hours NE of Orlando (via I-4 & I-95). It can be found near the intersection of A1A & SR 206 http://www.city-data.com/w8/bgm3497.gif.
Crescent Beach is a clean, quiet, family beach that is not well known outside the local area. It's where we go to relax. The Volusia County Beaches (e.g. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are not my first choice by any means. Both permit driving on the hard-pack sand. Trying to relax on the sand while having cars whizzing by is not restful by any means. Occasionally, people are hit by these slow moving cars. Regarding New Smyrna Beach specifically, just Google "shark bite capitol of the world", and see what you get! Nuff said?
Crescent Beach is a clean, quiet, family beach that is not well known outside the local area. It's where we go to relax. The Volusia County Beaches (e.g. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are not my first choice by any means. Both permit driving on the hard-pack sand. Trying to relax on the sand while having cars whizzing by is not restful by any means. Occasionally, people are hit by these slow moving cars. Regarding New Smyrna Beach specifically, just Google "shark bite capitol of the world", and see what you get! Nuff said?
#10
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,508
Unlike Vic, I like New Smyrna Bch. Are there sharks ? Yup, plenty. I flew from NSB down the coast to Jupiter one time to play golf and it looked like there was a big bull shark sitting out there, every 100 yds the whole trip. Don't worry, they don't eat much ! As far as the cars, I can help you with that. From 95, take 44 to the beach, go S on A1A about 2 miles and there's no more cars and not many people on the beach. Need more seclusion ? Keep going S into the National Seashore. There's nobody around (except at the nude beach). Since the Gulf has turned into a giant oil can, your closest option would be Cocoa and I like that too. Lotsa great crystal clear springs around Orlando too. wj
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
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My in-laws live an hour north of Orlando and they stay at Cocoa Beach every time they need a multi-day beach fix. I'm sure it's an easy day trip from MCO.