What beach would you recommend for a family visiting Orlando?

Question

Family with small children. Love to see the ocean.

Answer 1

To answer your question really depends on how far you want to travel, as when you are in Orlando you are basically in the middle of the state. I live near the east coast in central Florida but to tell you the truth I prefer the west coast beaches such as clearwater. The gulf of Mexico water is warmer and cleaner in my opinion and the color much more beautiful, both are a good long drive and depending on the time of day quite a bit of traffic to deal with. If you choose to go east I do not recommend Daytona Beach as they are still not recovered from the Hurricane damage of a few years ago, it is run down, old and dirty and not small child friendly in my opinion. I do think you would love Ponce inlet beach which is just down the road a few miles south and much more quiet and very clean which is where I go often with my family. Enjoy your visit.

Answer 2

Siesta Key is much better than Cocoa if you have small children. While Cocoa is the closest beach ( a 45 minute drive east), it can get really large waves.
Siesta Key is a bit further drive (hour and 45 minute south to Sarasota), but well worth it. Since it is on the gulf side, you won't have any waves. And this beach has more of a tropical feel with pure white sand, a great cabana area with food and ice cream and a lot more!
If you would like help planning for your next trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services My space page, at:

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Have a great time!

Answer 3

Since you say you want to see the ocean, you'll need to go to the east side of the state. That being said, my favourite on that coast is Coco Beach, which isn't far from Cape Canaveral. It would be a little more than an hour's drive from Orlando. Personally, my favourite in that area of the state is Clearwater beach but that's the Gulf side so if you want to see the ocean, go to Coco Beach.

Answer 4

First of all Orlando is in the middle of the state. If you are looking for a family place try the panhandle area. Panama City Beach and Destin are great beaches and beautiful water, and there are tons of things to do.
If you just want to relax on the beach, try St. George Island, Mexico Beach or Cape San Blas...very quiet, the "old florida" stay. Small cute towns, great shops.
It just depends on what you're interested in.

Answer 5

Its all a matter of Prefrences. I would go to Clearwater beach over Cocoa Beach anyday. Some comparisons. Cocoa Beach 45mins from Disney Atlantic Ocean, bigger waves, rougher waters, Sand is coarse brown and gets hot in the sun Off beach entertainment is typical surf shops and restuarants Clearwater Beach (Most Tampa Bay beaches) are an hour and half to two hours from Disney Gulf waters, Warm and calm. Typically you can walk out a few yards and still be barely waist deep. Its a beautiful sea green blue water. The sand is a sugar white soft sand that stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days off the beach there are a lot of beach bars, typical surf tourist shops and some great restaurants. Frenchies Rockaway gril is right on the beach and serves amazing drinks and seafood. It just feels more tropical over on the gulf

Answer 6

< Clearwater is rated in the top 10 in the country and Ft De Soto was rated #1 in 2005. It's about 1 1/2 hrs from Orlando on I-4 and I-275.

Answer 7

We prefer Sebastian Inlet. It's a gorgeous stretch of beach! Here's what GoCityKids has to say about it:

Location: 9700 South A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
• Neighborhood: Southern Brevard County/Melbourne
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Hours: Daily, 24 hours
• Cost: $5 per vehicle
• Web: http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet

One of the most popular surfing locations on the east coast, the park also boasts two museums, hiking trails, picnic areas and full-facility campsites.

Three miles of beautiful beaches provide opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, shelling, and sunbathing. Canoeing and kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon are also favorites of locals.

The park is host to many top pro surfing events throughout the year, so look for national names and up-and-coming groms (young surfers) to frequent the beaches.

Multiple restrooms, showers, and changing facilties are located throughout the park.

Getting There: Located on State Road A1A 15 miles south of Melbourne Beach

GoCityKids Tip: View local wildlife, like pelicans, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales from the park during specific times of the year.

I recommend www.gocitykids.com and enter the dates you are going to be in town. There are so many festivals, indoor events, great parks, water themed activities, and kid friendly things to do every day. Check it out.

You are going to have a blast!! Best of luck to you all and take care.

Answer 8

I agree, Orlando is in central Florida. If you want to drive a couple of hours west you can see the gulf coast beaches. Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key -- there are plenty to choose from.

Answer 9

We did Coco Beach - which was great. Also visited Kennedy Space Center on the way back.
Good Luck