Orlando Travel Forum

I'm taking my wife and 11 year old son to Orlando and I would like to know of the different beaches we could go to......we will be there for five days

Well... there are no beaches IN Orlando. Maybe you mean within a days drive?

Vero Beach (Atlantic side) is nice. Some like the Gulf side better ~Clearwater Beach. Both are a couple hours drive from Orlando.

The two beaches close to Orlando are Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna - and to a stretch Daytona. Takes about an hour to get to either place.

We always went to New Smyrna - this is where most locals go. Ironically, it was recently reported as the shark capital of the world! We used to go there with the kids all the time. A couple of people have gotten bitten, and they took a famous picture with lots of sharks - but it is sheer sensationalism - everyone still goes, and it is a beautiful beach. I just would not go way out - but it is still the best beach in the area.

Cocoa is by the space center. The bottom can be rockier. Where in New Smyrna you walk on soft sand, in Cocoa you will hit rocks once in a while. Worst thing about Cocoa, however, is a terrible undertoe which will pull you out to sea. My husband had to propel one of my boys out.

I would go to New Smyrna, just don't go too far out. Find a Publix supermarket (can find at www.publix.com) ... get a nice picnic, as they make *great* subs, plus have packages with sliced fruit, and have a great time.

I know it must sound ironic about the sharks, but once you're there you'll see it's beautiful - just be careful.

Hello

A Florida vacation wouldn't be complete without a trip to the beaches. There are several great beaches within a 90-minute drive. Swimming, fishing, surfing and diving are only a few of the great activities to be enjoyed on Florida's beaches namley;

Canaveral National Seashore
With miles of unspoiled, natural shoreline, the visitor will find Canaveral National Seashore the perfect beach. Far less crowded than nearby Indialantic and Cocoa Beaches, quiet and solitude are easy to come by, stretching 25 miles along Florida's Space Coast

Cocoa Beach at the Pier
Want to try surfing or boogie boarding? Boasting the best waves in Florida, Cocoa Beach at the Pier has long been a favorite of surfers. Hosting several annual surfing competitions, the atmosphere remains festive all year long.

Indialantic Beach
The easiest beach to reach from the Orlando area, Indialantic Beach will please young and old alike. Offering good waves for playing in the surf and abundant fishing, the visitor will be assured a great day at the beach.


South Daytona Beach
Want to drive on the beach? One of the few places in Florida that allow beach driving, Daytona Beach has everything from old to new. Visit the historic lighthouse at Ponce Inlet or surf the beach; your options are almost unlimited.



Best wishes