skiamoeba

Looks like I'll have to cancel my reservation at Siesta Key for October due to Red Tide situation.
Looking for a nice beach on the East coast. The only places that look decent and seem to have
condo rental availability is Cocoa Beach and Amelia Island/St. Augustine area.
Not much condo availability in Lauderdale area.
Just wondering of the two, which beach do you think is better, Cocoa or Amelia?
I realize they will not compete with Siesta Key, but still would like white sand if possible.
Any ideas appreciated

Macross

New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa has been having a seaweed problem. I love New Smyna's vibe. Amelia island is ok but will be a bit cold in October.

skiamoeba

Thanks! When you say cold, I assume you mean water temperature, correct?

gmoney

Amelia Island and St. Augustine are two totally different places.

skiamoeba

I don't understand your reply. My question concerns Cocoa Beach and Amelia Island.

Fodorite018

I much prefer Amelia Island. To me it has a more relaxed feel to it and more to see.

Macross

Water might still be warm enough in Cocoa beach, the weather will still be warm. People swim here when we Floridians would never unless in a wet suit. The port has the best places to eat in a contained space. The beach has some but hit or miss. Fl beer company in Cape Canaveral is very fun.

Amelia island is nice. Take the evening bring your own bottle cruise.

schmerl

If you go to Amelia Island I recommend taking the Cumberland Island boat tour. It was very enjoyable and we learned so much.
https://ameliarivercruises.com/cumberland-island-tour/

cslasor

It’s been a while since I was at Amelia Island but I remember it as a fairly low-key area with some restaurants and bars in Fernandina Beach but otherwise lots of nice oaks and on Old Florida vibe. Some beaches on the island were better than others but none were bad.

Cocoa Beach, on the other hand, is someplace I’m much more familiar with. Definitely a gorgeous white beach but also a very busy and touristy vibe. Plenty of places to drink, surf shops, Port Canaveral is nearby for watching cruise ships and for eating. October is the off season so it wouldn’t be as crowded as usual, but Amelia would be even quieter.

So so it might depend on what kind of area you’re interested in. As for weather, October’s air temps are plenty warm, usually highs in the low 80s or maybe high 70s. The water temps will feel a little chilly for the locals but it’ll probably be fine for most other people. Just remember that’s still hurricane season and a storm could always pop up. You’d have that problem on the west coast too, though.

Either way, October is one of my favorite months here in central Florida (it means summer’s almost over and cool weather is on the way!) so I’m sure you’ll have a great time.