Does anyone have any thoughts on what beach to visit

[marksberyj]

while in Orlando? I was considering Cocoa, Daytona or New Smyrna Beach. Just want to hang out at the beach and go to the beach shops and restaurants/bars for the day. Any ideas on a fun sailboat day or sunset cruise?

_________________________________________________
"Here for a good time, not a long time" - JB

[StlBeachBum]

I am wondering the same thing. Staying over for a few days after orlando and want to know which beach to head to.

[C-Dawg]

both coasts are within 1 to 2 hours of Orlando.....I'd look at the weather for both coasts and see where the better weather is....beaches in St Pete/Clearwater are awesome. I'm heading there next week.

[nutmeg]

I prefer the beaches on the gulf coast. All that white sand and lots of interesting shells.

We used to hang out at the county park south of Lido Beach (Sarasota area) My folks used to live in Sarasota every winter. I suppose that would be a bit of a drive from Orlando. Personally I'd skip Orlando or only stay there a day and spend the rest of the vacation somewhere on the gulf. (I'm the only person I know who doesn't really care for the Disney thingie...I went a couple of times and kept wondering what it was everyone saw in it)

[HULA GIRL^]

I prefer the beaches on the gulf coast. All that white sand and lots of interesting shells.

We used to hang out at the county park south of Lido Beach (Sarasota ara) My folks used to live in Sarasota every winter. I suppose that would be a bit of a drive from Orlando. Personally I'd skip Orlando or only stay there a day and spend the rest of the vacation somewhere on the gulf. (I'm the only person I know who doen't really care for the Disney thingie...I went a couple of times and kept wondering what it was everyone saw in it)

I agree, the gulf beaches are way better!

[dnw]

Come on down to Fort Lauderdale for the next concert.

[nutmeg]

Oh wait! Are you going to Buffett in Orlando? Then I'm all for it! One track mind for Orlando

[StlBeachBum]

Now way would I be heading to Orlando, unless JB was playing there! Sorry Orlando, but Disney doesn't do much for me either!! Heading to a coast (one side or the other) Friday morning after the show for a few days of beach time. Still looking for condo or hotel recommendations on the beach.

[catsway]

True that the West Coast beaches are better, but for a day trip, Cocoa Beach is a straight 45 minute drive via Toll Highway 528 (Beachline Highway) from the Disney/Universal Studios area. For beach activities, try the public park behind Ron Jon's. For nightlife, try Rusty's Restaurant near the cruise ship port or any of the other local pubs and bars along A1A. For an evening cruise, try Sun Cruz Casino Cruises (if they are operating this time of year). They offer a dinner cruise to the three mile limit and then gaming for a few hours and a nice Lido Deck party on the return. Have phun!

[StlBeachBum]

Well catsway, if you are in the Miramar Beach, I am thinking about...I much prefer your beach!! A bloody mary for b'feast at the Whales Tail, a day in the sun on the best white sand beach around, and a night at the Boathouse!!! Doesn't get any better!!

[Lightning Bolt]

Wrong side of the country, I say.
You may have sun and sand, but real waves over there only happen in hurricanes

Come out West, where it's the best!

[StlBeachBum]

AKA...Surfing in a Hurricane!
I do love Pebble Beach all the way up to Napa (Half Moon Bay Ritz is the best!!). Also just made the drive up to Whistler BC from Vancouver. WOW. The coast by Portland isn't to shabby either.

[ScarletB]

Another vote for the Gulf Coast, though Cocoa Beach IS a really easy run from Orlando.
Clearwater Beach or if you want to drive further Sanibel and Captiva area are beautiful and peaceful. Also Lover's Key (I think that's what it's called)

[surfpirate]

Wrong side of the country, I say.
You may have sun and sand, but real waves over there only happen in hurricanes

Come out West, where it's the best!

You may have *real waves* more often, but our water is warmed by the gulf stream. Yours is WET SUIT COLD year round. Brrrrrrr.

[Dr.Corona]

Another vote for the Gulf Coast, though Cocoa Beach IS a really easy run from Orlando.
Clearwater Beach or if you want to drive further Sanibel and Captiva area are beautiful and peaceful. Also Lover's Key (I think that's what it's called)

That's a pretty lonnnnnnng haul for the day!!

[catsway]

Well catsway, if you are in the Miramar Beach, I am thinking about...I much prefer your beach!! A bloody mary for b'feast at the Whales Tail, a day in the sun on the best white sand beach around, and a night at the Boathouse!!! Doesn't get any better!!

Ah yes, alas the Whale's Tail....burned down on March 28, 2009 and is expected to reopen the middle of February, 2010. Since it burned, the neighborhood is completely disfunctunal. Us Mirarmartians need our little bar on the beach so we can keep up with the coconut telegraph. Hurry back down and say hello. I am the guy that rings the cow bell at sunset at the Tail.

[bravedave]

Bunky's, Satellite Beach (just south of Cocoa Beach)
I'll take one of everything on the menu, and a beer.
Keep 'em coming.

[sailorkid94]

both coasts are within 1 to 2 hours of Orlando.....I'd look at the weather for both coasts and see where the better weather is....beaches in St Pete/Clearwater are awesome. I'm heading there next week.

I cant speak for too many beaches on the orlando side, but if you are willing to drive a little I've always liked Treasure island/Johns Pass. Theres some Ok shopping that they just put in too.

[bravedave]

Bunky's, Satellite Beach (just south of Cocoa Beach)
I'll take one of everything on the menu, and a beer.
Keep 'em coming.

My mistake. They moved.
I can't vouch for the new location.

Bunky's Raw Bar and Grill in Indialantic . 2372 N Highway A1A, Indialantic, FL. Previously located at 1390 Highway A1A Satellite Beach, FL. The Famous, Original Bunky’s. Serving the Space Coast since 1981. With delicious, fresh Seafood, live entertainment and a full bar we offer the best dining and nightlife experience in Brevard's Space Coast. Over 25 years and still shucking. http://www.bunkysraw.com/

[marksberyj]

Thanks for all the great ideas and Cocoa Beach sounds like fun for a day trip. I googled SunCruz Casino Cruises and see their parent company filed for bankruptcy in December, 2009. Have any other ideas for sailing or a day cruise?

___________________________________________

"Here for a good time, not a long time" - JB

True that the West Coast beaches are better, but for a day trip, Cocoa Beach is a straight 45 minute drive via Toll Highway 528 (Beachline Highway) from the Disney/Universal Studios area. For beach activities, try the public park behind Ron Jon's. For nightlife, try Rusty's Restaurant near the cruise ship port or any of the other local pubs and bars along A1A. For an evening cruise, try Sun Cruz Casino Cruises (if they are operating this time of year). They offer a dinner cruise to the three mile limit and then gaming for a few hours and a nice Lido Deck party on the return. Have phun!