COCOA BEACH FLORIDA VACATION
Families often book Florida vacations for one of two things: beaches or theme parks. Most people assume they have to choose one or the other when visiting Florida and end up planning their Florida beach vacation or booking Orlando vacation packages, but this is not the case!
True, the Orlando area has one of the highest concentrations of theme parks in the country. However, what many people don’t realize is that while Orlando is centrally located, it’s actually only an hour from several different coastal hot spots.
Family Vacation In Florida
Many Orlando vacation packages can be customized to include days off for beachfront travel. Here’s information on some of the coastal attractions closest to the Orlando area. Families planning a Florida vacation can use this information to incorporate a relaxing time at the beach into their Orlando vacation packages.
Cocoa beach
It takes just over 45 minutes to get to Cocoa Beach, making it the closest beach option to Orlando. It’s an easy addition to many itineraries because the shoreline is vast and facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables are plentiful. There is a rental stand just west of the Cocoa Beach Pier that rents umbrellas, beach chairs, and other accessories like surfboards, so families can turn their theme park vacations into a Florida beach vacation — even! if they are not prepared! You can find cheap hotels in Cocoa Beach for your accommodation.
There is great fishing off the Cocoa Beach Pier and the beach is known for its large surfing and surfing population. Other areas along the coast offer activities such as tennis courts, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and beach volleyball courts.
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Cocoa Beach is best known as the home of Ron Jon’s original surf shop. This art deco store for souvenirs, clothing and accessories is huge; It’s really worth checking out! Cocoa Beach is a great option for families who enjoy their Orlando theme park vacations and still want to get a taste of the ocean.
Daytona beach
Daytona Beach, located about 60 miles from the Orlando area, is the second closest coastal attraction to the Orlando area. Probably one of the most famous beaches in Florida, Daytona Beach is best known for its NASCAR races and Spring Break parties. However, Daytona is working hard to change its party image and has a lot to offer families on vacation.
With its rows of t-shirt shops, hotels, and game rooms, Daytona Beach can never be considered laid-back. What it does have is twenty miles of beautiful light brown sand and the inviting waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Daytona Beach is also one of the few places in the world where a family vehicle can drive on sand!
Daytona Beach is a good option for families looking to add a fun and exciting day on the coast to their Florida vacation. There is no shortage of shops, restaurants, galleries or people!
Clearwater beach
For many people, the beaches they dream of when planning their Florida vacations are not the ones found on the East Coast. To find the powdery white sand and calm warm waters, you must travel to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Located just over 100 miles from Orlando (or about 1.5 to 2 hours by car), Clearwater Beach is one of the closest gulf shores available to families who enjoy Orlando vacation packages.
Clearwater Beach is actually a barrier island near St. Petersburg and Tampa. The white sand beaches have won numerous “Best Beach Awards” from publications such as USATODAY, Conde Nast Traveler, Tampa Bay Magazine, and Florida Sports Magazine. With year-round lifeguards, warm gulf waters, soft sand, and a healthy dose of local flavor, it’s easy to see why it’s a nice addition to many itineraries.
Clearwater Beach Pier 60 is the ideal place to be at sunset, where a Key West-style celebration takes place Thursday through Monday nights. Local vendors, entertainers, magicians, jugglers, and other street performers entertain the crowd as the sun slowly sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. It is the perfect ending to a wonderful day!
Clearwater Beach is perfect for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of their typical Orlando vacation packages filled with theme park days and dinner theater nights. A day at Clearwater Beach is very relaxing and laid back.
With a little planning, Florida beach vacations and Orlando vacation packages can be combined to create a truly memorable Florida vacation.
