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INTERCOT - Walt Disney World Inside & Out - Info Central
Florida Beaches
If you
have a car and you are looking for an activity for your off day from the
parks, visiting one of the many Florida beaches within a 1-3 hour drive
is a great option!
Since Orlando is situated near the center of the state (East/West wise),
you have the choice of visiting a beach on the Atlantic Ocean to the
East or one on the Gulf of Mexico to the West. Each destination has its
own allure.
East coast beaches are truly on the ocean. So, if you’ve never been to
the ocean, this may be what you’re after. Keep in mind that the Atlantic
can be a bit rougher than the gulf usually is, so if you’d like gentler
waves, the gulf coast may be for you. The beaches on the gulf coast are
generally softer white sand than the hard packed gray sand on the ocean
side as well. And, the water of the gulf is likely warmer than that of
the ocean. East coast beaches are generally 30 minutes to an hour closer
to Walt Disney World than gulf coast beaches.
East Coast
Beaches
Cocoa Beach
is about an hour away and likely the closest beach to Walt Disney World.
The area features twelve miles of beaches and has activities including
airboat rides, fishing excursions, swimming and shopping and
entertainment.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“I don't know how long you would like to spend driving to a beach, but
going to the west coast is a lot longer than going east. Cocoa Beach is
a straight shot out the Bee-line and takes approximately 45 minutes to
get to. I love the tranquility of the west coast area, but in MHO, going
out to the east coast for a day to play in the surf can't be beat. I am
a little biased because we own condos in Cocoa Beach so we have always
spent time there. I love checking out Ron Jon's surf shop also. There is
a park and a pier out there with a restaurant and often there is some
sort of activity to watch at the pier. Parking is fairly easy and access
to the beach is also easy and open to the public.”
“I just wanted to throw my vote in for Cocoa Beach, too. It's fabulous,
and you won't be disappointed. Plus, it's such a short drive!”
Daytona Beach
is one of the more popular beaches on the ocean coast. Some of the
activities that you can find there include swimming, fishing, surfing,
sail-boarding, skiing, and beach driving. Keep in mind that in February,
the Daytona 500 auto race is held and the area is extremely crowded
during this time.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“I was pleasantly surprised that it was not crowded at all. We go in
mid-August. We have enjoyed it so much that we go back every year now.”
New Smyrna Beach
has 13.3 miles of beaches bordering the Atlantic. The area features a
marine discovery center and in June/July, there are nightly watches for
migrating loggerhead turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“Were you looking to go to a beach that you can drive your car on?
Daytona is VERY crowded...just south of there you'll find New Smyrna
Beach-it is also a drive on beach, less crowded, but not near as quiet
as Cocoa.”
Port Canaveral Jetty Park
features camping, fishing and swimming.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“We have found two beaches we really liked. One is near Cocoa Beach.
Jetty State Park. It is clean and interesting, near the Space Center and
Port Canaveral.”
West Coast
Beaches
(Clearwater/St. Petersburg area)
Caladesi Island
features white sandy beaches, ideal swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving
and shelling. The state park features a three-mile nature trail. The
island is reached via a ferry that departs from Honeymoon Island.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“It is a barrier reef island and you take a ferry out. The ride is fun
and the island is very nice. It is a state park too so it is just a
beach-not a fancy place. You get to stay on the island for 3 hours, I
think. Try to get the first ferry (it leaves around 10am-I believe).”
“A hidden gem is Caladesi Island State Park north of Clearwater near
Dunedin. You need to take a ferry to reach the island and it is very
secluded and beautiful.”
Clearwater Beach
hosts Pier 60 Park where almost every water sport and beach activity
imaginable is available. Soft sandy beaches await you. The beach is
located at the west end of State Road 60.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“Clearwater Beach I believe has the most activities for people to do
where some of the others are more quiet. There is also a very nice large
park that is on a beach if people want to camp etc.”
“Clearwater Beach has a nice public beach and only 1.5 to 2 hours away.
Go on a weekday when it isn't so crowded.”
Treasure Island Beach
is sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Gulf Coast Beaches” and is
a small barrier island on the west coast. Many water sports are
available and the area features several festivals at various times
during the year. From I-275 turn west onto Central Avenue across the
Treasure Island Causeway until it ends at Gulf Boulevard.
INTERCOT Members’ Opinions:
“My favorite beach is in Treasure Island, right next to St Petersburg.
The first time I went I had the special pleasure of two dolphins coming
very close to me in the water and jumping up, it was a beautiful thing!
… It's an hour drive from Walt Disney World to Tampa and another 1/2
hour drive to St Pete or Clearwater.”
If you'd like to contribute a comment on Florida beaches please email:
[email protected]
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