We'll be visiting Disney World and want to spend one day at a Florida beach. What beach would you recommend that's close to WDW, has nice sand and lifeguards?

Thanks for your help.

I don't know if they have lifeguards, but we enjoyed Clearwater Beach near Tampa.

Due east to Melbourne/Indialantic Beach on US-192 or east on the Beach Line, formally the Bee Line, to Cocoa Beach. Cannot help with the lifeguards situation.

Clearwater Beach has been rated the best family beach in Florida. Nice sand, playground area for children, restrooms.

Here is some good information:
http://www.floridasbeach.com/cms/index.php?id=406

More good info on Clearwater Beach:

http://www.internet-ad.com/default.htm

Agree with RedRock!

That is probably the closest beach to Orlando, particularly the Disney/Lake Buena Vista/ Kissimmee area.

On the return trip, stop at Conchy Joes' for dinner. It is located just off the Eau Gallie Causeway (US 192) at 1477 Pineapple Avenue in Melbourne. The phone number is (321)253-3131.

There are many good beaches on the west coast of the state. The very best with the sugar white sand are in the general area of Panama City in the Panhandle. The ones that are the closest to the Mouse are on the Atlantic side, drive time, an hour or a bit more....

The question being the closest, I believe that Coco is much closer than beaches near Tampa.

In Cocoa Beach, Lori Wilson Park has lifeguards on the weekends now through the end of October. Cherie Downs Park in Cape Canaveral, the same. I believe there is year-round lifeguarding at Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral.

All of these parks have good facilities.

Hit post too soon.

Very sadly, Conchy Joe's is no more. It closed this year. A shame - along with Orlando Vic, I was a fan of their food and atmosphere.

As the wording was "close", not "closest" , I'd definitely go for Clearwater Beach/St Pete Beach--much prettier beaches, much nicer sand, and not enough further than Cocoa/Melbourne to matter.

I can't help with the lifeguard situation, but personally I'd head straight to the Atlantic side....Cocoa or Melbourne. I haven't been to that area in quite a while, but have really enjoyed it in years past.

Have fun!

Oh, and if only for a day....it's really the closest area and fastest way to WDW.

Cocoa Beach is the closest (1 hr). The beach and water is nice (very little waves).

I've spent a lot of time in the Cocoa Beach area so I guess I'm biased, but I like the beaches in that area. They are rarely crowded and the water isn't usually too rough.

For dinner, I've been to the Cove many times and liked it. There's also the Dove if you're looking for something more upscale.