Closest Beach to WDW

[DVC2004]

OK, so my husband must take vacation time in July. We can't go to Vero Beach, long story, so what is a good beach on either coast that is not too far from Disney? I was looking at Cocoa Beach possibly. It would just be a day trip and we would have our own car. Thanks!

[Missy_Mouses_Dad]

We always go to Siesta Keys on the gulf side. It is a very nice beach, parking is plentiful, and it's a very easy drive. The seashell hunting is a lot of fun too...

[DVC2004]

We always go to Siesta Keys on the gulf side. It is a very nice beach, parking is plentiful, and it's a very easy drive. The seashell hunting is a lot of fun too...

That sounds nice. Do you know about how long a drive it is from WDW?

[ThanxForNoticin]

Cocoa Beach is probably the closest, but we really love Clearwater Beach on the Gulf. It's clean, lots of public parking, and a beautiful area. It's an easy 80 minute drive from WDW.

[princess0511]

Cocoa beach is great! We drove there last year from Disney for a Day trip. We took out 18 month old son. The beach was very clean. You can rent chairs and umbrellas. Ron Jon Surf shop is also there, which is neat to visit. The day we were they the space shuttle was taking off and we saw it right from the beach. It is only about an hour drive from Disney.

[1DisneyNut]

The water will be much warmer and enjoyable on the gulf side if you want to swim, especially if you have kids. I agree that Clearwater is very nice and its on the gulf side. However, if you have never been to Daytona and just want to check it out it is only about an hour to hour and fifteen minute drive. There is a lot to do around Daytona as well.

[Tink#64]

Another vote here for Cocoa Beach. It's an easy 1 hour drive & very clean & quiet. Ron Jon's is really cool!

[Goofy Pluto]

I've been to Clearwater Beach one time and it's really pretty. Very nice. Recommended. (Plus it's the Spring Training home of the Phillies! )

However, if you see any ads while you are there for the best rated seafood buffet in Clearwater, don't listen to it! I can't remember what it was called but it was AWFUL!

[MMFreak]

We have a timeshare in Cocoa Beach (The Seagull Beach Club) and we go the last week of every July and it is BEAUTIFUL. We love it!!!! The best place to eat is "The Sandbar Sports Grill" It looks like a total dive but has the best comfort food around. They are notorious for their fish tacos and they have great salads served in fresh taco shell bowls. Yum....

[murphy1]

Hi Diane! I grew up near St. Pete Beach and spent a lot of time over in Melbourne/Cocoa with grandparents, Cocoa has grown on me more in the last few years. I agree that the Gulf side is a lot calmer. We stayed out there this time instead of my mom's, so I would recommend the SIrata Beach Resort if you are looking for a place to stay. I like Pass-a-Grille and Ft. DeSoto, too. On the other hand, I think your boys would love Ron Jon Surf Shop over at Cocoa. You could also go visit Cape Kennedy. Have fun!!

[poeticeclipse]

I prefer New Smyrna Beach over Cocoa Beach. I find Cocoa to be in a seedy area and not as clean as New Smyrna. NSB is definitely more "quaint" to me. Lots of small clothing shops, surf shops, and nice restaurants. It's about an hour from WDW I do believe.

[joonyer]

Although not as close to WDW (but not that much farther) We prefer the Gulf beaches to the Atlantic. I think the sand is whiter and prettier and the water (although calmer) is much clearer (great for snorkeling and shelling) than the Atlantic. Any of the beaches from Clearwater down to Sarasota are nice and not that far from WDW down I-4

[DisneyFr33k]

I went to Cocoa Beach for my honeymoon. We stayed in a condo we rented privately. We drove to WDW two days in a row (we didn't sleep there, but drove back to Cocoa Beach). Back then it was only MK and Epcot, so it made sense. We LOVD Cocoa Beach. It was quiet and we had a wonderful time (despite the sun burn)!

[Tygger7]

Another vote for Siesta Beach, or Turtle Beach. We used to vacation there every year and it's beautiful. Siesta Beach is famous for the beautiful, soft white sand. In fact, they consistenly score very high on Travel Channel's Top 10 Beaches. We made the drive many times between Siesta and WDW, and the key is to travel "off" times...don't try the drive during rush hour. Depending on traffic, it will take around 90 minutes but no more than 2 hours. I've been to Cocoa Beach & Daytona Beach and I hate having to dodge cars to walk to the water. Just something about cars driving around and smelling exhaust as I try to lay out...it ruins the experience for me.

[MushuGrl]

We alway stay at St. Augustine Beach on the way to Disney - if I remember right it's about 1 1/2 - 2 hours away. Great beach, and great history!