Head to the Gulf Coast.

The waves on the east coast can get large and the Gulf Coast doesn't really have waves.

I'd rent a house or a condo over a hotel.

For peacful safe, and fun waves for little girls, I would definitely recommend the west coast. The Gulf is usually pretty calm and good for swimming. Check out places on the beach between Clearwater and St. Pete (Indian Rocks Beach, etc.). We stayed there three different times with our kids when they were small and loved it. I grew up on the east coast, east of Orlando. Though the beaches there are nice, it's never guaranteed that it won't be too rough for little kids.

Enjoy your visit!

I agree, the Gulf coast would be better for little children due to the lack of large waves.

Your question is totally subjective. As a person who grew up on the Coast, I like having the waves & such. The flatness of the Gulf (in general) is not appealing too me. Your kids will be fine - I would also opt for a cottage or Condo.

I lived on the Gulf Coast side and am partial to that, but this spring we also spent a few days in Indialantic on the Atlantic side. It was really lovely and uncrowded, BUT...I was astounded at the waves. Surfers were out in full force and were catching good waves and long rides. The water was still too cold for me to get in, but our friend, fortitude personified, (she was visiting from England), did. The waves were pretty strong for her and she kept getting knocked back as she tried to move out deeper. As I'm not that familiar with the Atlantic side, I don't know if this was an unusual day or not. It certainly wasn't unusually windy. If the kids just sat in a few inches of water they'd be fine, but at least while we were there, it would have been too much for them to do more than that. The beach was beautiful there, I must say, and again, I'm really a Gulf Coast person, so biased in the opposite direction.

Let me give you an educated answer. I lived on the east coast of Florida (Indialantic and Melbourne Beach) for 15 years and have now lived on the west coast (St Pete Beach) for 20 years. I can tell you unequivocally that you will prefer the west coast. Anywhere from Clearwater down through St Pete Beach will be great. The Gulf is indeed much more calm, the beaches in general flatter, and there are plenty of places to eat.

Don't listen to anyone who tells you the Atlantic beaches and the waves in the area east of Orlando are not dangerous. There have been grown men who drowned in the waters off the east coast in that area where you would go. Go to a west coast area, either St Pete Beach or Treasure Island, for the best family atmosphere and accommodations.

The sand is much nicer on the Gulf Coast too.

I'd leave out the part about the sharks in the gulf though...Wayne, generalizations such as yours are much more dangerous. Certainly you have to be aware of any body of water if you intend to get into it. Educating yourself about rips, sharks, jellyfish, tides, wave patterns, etc. should be done by everyone before they ever enter the water. But we both know, this doesn't typically happen. Personally (& I am a frequent visitor, not a resident) I have pulled 6 people out of the ocean that were in trouble. Oftentimes they are kids w/inattentive parents, but I've also pulled out some adults as well. To suggest that the Gulf side is 'safer' may well be misinformation. Knowledge = safety.

SAnParis2-- you are a prime example of a person who wants to be authoritative but isn't. And who mentioned sharks? I left sharks out of my post just because I didn't want to frighten people needlessly -- though I will say now that you mentioned it, there have been shark attacks and deaths reported every year on the east coast around the Cocoa Beach-Indialantic-Melbourne Beach area.

There's no need for me to suggest that the Gulf side is safer. Statistics show it, people who have lived there can attest to it, and your attempt to ridicule my statements indicates your own lack of knowledge.

Plenty of sharks in the gulf too, my friend. In fact, you see pictures of them every year. I'd love to see your statistics. If you are going to throw drivel out as fact, you need to back it up. The point I was trying to make (which perhaps you could have seen, had you stepped down from your pedestal) was that any body of water can be dangerous - a lake, a river, a creek, a stream, a swimming pool, the gulf, the ocean whatever. I think you'll find that shark attacks seem to be more prevalent in the Fla. Panhandle area (ie. Gulf side), not the Coast. If, we are talking about Fla. only.

The Cocoa Beach area is definitely closer to Orlando. I'm not getting into this discussion concerning which beach is better - depending on how old your kids are (the younger they are the less chance of you letting them get out into the water much) the size of the waves, etc. may not even be a big issue. What I would like to throw in, though, is that my granddaughter just got back from Cocoa Beach and went on a tour through the Space Center. She's 8 years old and was absolutely thrilled with it including the fact that she was able to meet two astronauts. Personally, I'd be thrilled to do that also! Have fun in Florida.

"If you are going to throw drivel out as fact, you need to back it up"

Great point, SP, so where are your facts to back up your drivel? Or is your "I think you'll find" all the facts we need?

Here is a link to some information about rip-currents and related drownings. If you look at the first sentence of #4 you'll see that 4 to 5 rip current drownings are reported every year in EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA. There is no mention of how many in WEST CENTRAL Florida. I wonder why? Duh. Maybe because they don't happen there? Signs are posted many places about the dangers of rip currents (often incorrectly called undertows) on the East Coast beaches. I've never seen such a sign on the West Coast. I wonder why that is?

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ripnwa/Published.htm

Rips seldom happen on the gulf side, but I'm sure you already knew that NEO. If you reread my posts I don't believe you'll see anything that needs 'backing up'. He is/was the one quoting 'stats', not me. As stated prior, I was referring to water safety 'in general' not a specific water type or location. I'm also not disputing that either coast can be dangerous, particularly when there are storms brewing. What's your dog in this fight anyway ? http://www.news-journalonline.com/special/sharkattacks/

Sorry, I must have totally misinterpreted your post, SP. I honestly thought you were taking issue with someone stating that the West Coast is generally "safer" than the East Coast. That's all.

My vote would be for the west coast. We live just to the north of Clearwater beach and love the area. However, we take several trips to the other coast to ride the waves (surfing, boogie boarding and such). And guess what . . . there are young kids that surf and enjoy the waves. Our kids have been a board of some sort (either riding one or strapping one to their feet) since they were four. As previous posters have mentioned (and I agree) the west coast has beautiful sand, calmer water and also warmer water. But if your girls enjoy a little more action then head for the east coast. But I have to say that a visit to the east coast does not necessarily ensure waves. We cut our end-of-July surf trip short last year because the water was flat! Something else to consider on the gulf coast - there are ferries that can take you to a couple nice islands only reachable by boat. If interested, check out the Caladesi ferry that leaves from Honeymoon Island (north of Clearwater) or the Egmont Key ferry (I think this still operates) which is down south by the Skyway bridge. You can even take a dolphin spotting boat ride or a "Thriller" ride on a fast (and loud) boat. The Clearwater beach area has a playground and activities/vendors along the path and pier in the evenings (I think only on weekends). There are pros and cons for each - really just depends on what exactly you're looking for at the beach.

"there have been shark attacks and deaths reported every year on the east coast around the Cocoa Beach-Indialantic-Melbourne Beach area."

Wayne, really? I live in the area and while I agree that rip currents can be a big problem here, I honestly don't recall attacks and deaths every year. I did find this: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/statistics/GAttack/mapFL.htm which definitely shows far less shark activity on the gulf coast, but the last fatality in Brevard County to be in 1934.

321go - Funny how when you call them out they go away. Particularly after he totally misinterpreted my post to begin with. Everybody should go to the Gulf side....please....Leaves more space for me on the Ocean side.

Another vote for the Gulf coast. Better beaches/sand, no waves, never experienced any rip currents, and my favorite sunsets (I'm not a sunrise type of person). And if I am not mistaken the area around Ponce inlet (east coast) has the highest number of shark attacks. Not that its any more comforting but shark attacks in Florida are hardly ever fatal.

I'm always more concerned about the jellies.

The East coast is nice but St Pete and Treasure Island are better. Lots of nice places to stay, great places to eat, and fun things to do.

I'm one of the rare people who happens to prefer the east coast, mainly because it feels to me like there is a greater variety of things to do at night. My wife and I mainly travel alone now that our kids are grown, so this seems more important to us these days. But it might also have something to do with the fact that my in-laws are located over on the west coast!

Still, I think the advice you've been given about the west coast being the better place for your family is pretty good. There are many great beach areas on the west coast and I haven't been to them all, but I really enjoy Sanibel/Captiva and Marco Island.

I will throw in a suggestion that has nothing to do with beaches.
We went to Homosassa Springs the last time we were in Florida (West Coast side). There weren't really beaches (as the town is set among the canals, rivers, etc.). But they did have boat excursions where you could swim with the Manatees. I didn't go, but I thought that would be a really cool thing to do if you were a kid!

"And if I am not mistaken the area around Ponce inlet (east coast) has the highest number of shark attacks."

My wife and I go to the Palm Beach area every spring - way south of Ponce Inlet - but during that time of year sharks are migrating up the east coast. We've been there during years where the water very close to shore is thick with Black Tip sharks at times - small, about 3-4 feet in length, but they come in close to chase the bait fish. I've literally seen them flipping around in the surf at the water's edge after chasing fish in with the waves. But believe it or not, there are still many people in there swimming!

I'd base my opinion on "two little girls" and with them in mind I would head to the west coast of Florida. The beaches there are wide, very soft sand - perfect for making castles - and the water is generally warmer with few waves.

Both coasts are beautiful - the Atlantic is spectacular with waves crashing on the beach whereas on the gulf I love to walk through the ripples of the water on the beach.

I try not to be shark-phobic, but when a homeowner jumped off his dock into Boca Ciega Bay as he did every afternoon for a little swim, and was killed by a bull shark (he happened to jump into a school of bait fish), that finished it for me EVER getting into Boca Ciega Bay to swim!! We've got a sailboat there, and the weekend that happened, we'd been planning on anchoring out...and swimmming. That was some years ago and I haven't had a toe in the bay to this day!

For a long time after, I was looking over my shoulder in the Gulf too, but finally relaxed again. They are there, but any problems are so infrequent. That poor homeowner probably had as much a chance of being hit by lightning as he did of being hit by a bull shark, (which I guess is a rotten comparison seeing as Tampa Bay area is considered Lightning Capital of the US! LOL ) You know what I mean though....

I'd suggest the west coast. 1 1/2 drive to St. Pete beach area...or you could be to Anna Maria Island in 2 hours. More to do in the St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, St. John's Pass area than on Anna Maria Island, but they both have beautiful beaches. Don't forget to do the stingray shuffle!

That time of year (unless there is a storm) both the Atlantic and Gulf should be fairly flat and the water will be warm (if not hot on the Gulf side).

I'm looking to move the family from Maine to Florida but have no idea what part of Florida to consider. I'm looking for an area that was a good job market, good schools and low crime. Can anyone make a suggestion? Thanks!

Absolutely, the Gulf coast. I'm a 65 yrs.old women, and have been to quite a few Atlantic coast beaches. Everytime I've ventured in their waters, I've been knocked down and dragged along the bottom of the ocean floor. I soon tired of that and now will go into the waters only of the Gulf coast. We just bought a timeshare in Clearwater, Fl. because of that. Also the Gulf coast beaches mostly have white and softer sand which is superior to most Atlantic coast beaches. The temperatures of the Gulf coast beaches are warmer than their Atlantic counterparts. Also, as far as Clearwater goes, it is very close to the Tampa airport. Try it and I'm sure you'll agree with me.

Also, there's Busch Gardens nearby in Tampa, which is a wonderful place to visit both for adults and children.

I would recommend the western coast also for small children.  I'm not a swimmer because when I was 16 swimming in the Gulf, I was pulled out by an undertow.  It was steadily pulling me out, but somehow I got my legs up on top of the water and was able to dog paddle out of it, but it caused a lifelong fear.  I have never been in the Atlantic very deep because the water there is much more "active".  Although, that is exactly the reason I love the Ocean more than the Gulf; it is so much more active! Undertows and riptides are present in both. I would take my children to the Gulf for their first experience, then, later when they are accustomed to the waves there, they will enjoy the new experience of the ocean!  Both are wonderful experiences!  Also, the suggestion of going on the ferry to one of the islands is great.

Don't forget Hollywood Beach, in between Fort Lauderdale and Miami...it's very family friendly, a beautiful beach and kinda kitschy. Lot's of free events scheduled all year. The winter months belong to French Canadians.

Definately the Gulf Coast. I just read an article on this site that Fodors named Clearwater Beach one of the top beaches ont he E. Coast. It is touristy, but pretty nonetheless. I think the Gulf Coast is a better choice because in my opinion the beaches are much, much prettier, water is calmer (E. C. is to rough for children, the incline can drop very, very quickly, can be rough and extremely wavy) where as the Gulf Coast has a much more gradual incline. The sand is beautiful and great shelling there.

I love both sides of Florida, but prefer the waves on the east coast. As others have said, the gulf coast is calm.

Seems to me you have to be aware of something no matter what side you're on. Lot of stingrays along the water's edge and red tide are two things that I've experienced many times on the gulf side. Also, last year two men from my city drowned in a rip current just a few feet from the water's edge on Longboat Key. I stayed in the same hotel a few weeks before and the water was too cold to swim. It amazed me that the same calm water I stared at longingly a few weeks before could take two men's lives so quickly.

So, there's always something to look out for not matter what side you're on.

The water is beautiful on the gulf. If you go to Treasure Island be aware the sand is very coarse and you have to shuffle your feet in the water.

If you choose the Atlantic side, I hear that Disney's Vero Beach resort is great. My SIL and family just returned from there and loved it.

Have fun!

Whoa! That's alot of stuff to absorb -- some inaccurate. As a 3d/4th generation, Cracker, I'll put my 2 cents in. First, if your kids are young, then the West Coast would have the best beaches in terms of less intimidating waves, usually. However, the East Coast can be flat and calm, too. July, on both coasts, is usually flat and calm, except during afternoon storms. It's really not that much different, since, I trust you would be watching you kids on the beach. The best beaches on the East Coast, in my opinion: Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet and New Syrmna (running north to south). West Coast: Indian Rocks, St. Petersburg, Ana Maria and Cayo Casta (north to south). Alot, also, would depend on what you're looking for, in terms of non-beach activities. Incidently, as long as you're not in the water early in the morning, or, from, dusk on, sharks are not a problem other that in bait-running season, which, to my knowledge, isn't in July. Also, black tip sharks aren't "attackers", they're just good game fish and very good eating!

I believe another important point that should be mentioned is that re: of the age of the afore-mentioned 2 little girls is that they should be educated about the ocean. My kids (now 4 & 7) have been going to the 'beach' since before they can remember, but we learn something everytime we go. Water safety, should be lesson #1. Lesson #2 should be (as a parent) be w/your kids in the water. Should something happen, being 75 yards in a beach chair, may not make much difference. I've been going to the beach for 40+ years & have pulled out countless people who have gotten in trouble in the water. Most often kids, w/inattentive parents.

Here is what I say, rather than bicker back and forth search and see for yourself.

I too have lived on both the West coast and the East coast, the preference is up to the person deciding.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/statistics/GAttack/mapFL.htm

http://www.sccf.org/content/45/Alligators.aspx

The Gulf seems to run a lot flatter in wave class as well as about 8 to ten degrees hotter in temp than the Atlantic.

One of the really great things about Fl is that it has an East and a West coast that are only a few hours apart from each other. While on vacation, you can take a day trip and see for yourself

Another vote for the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida. The beaches are nicer, the water is better, etc.

No contest.