What is the nearest ocean beach to Orlando? Thinking of taking our kids. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks Andy

You might want to search this forum for Cocoa beach and New Smyrna beach (west coast) as there have been lots of posts on this topic in the past. There are also gulf coast beaches (Clearwater area and south) that have mulitple posts.

Head for Cocoa and take the kids to Kennedy Space Center, too. Great attraction!

West coast beaches are far nicer than east coast--Clearwater or Sarasota area is your best bet.

I'm sure Andy is coming to Orlando from a place that does not have beaches like Florida's, east or west coast. I wouldn't spend my time making that drive to the west coast when there are so many gorgeous beaches on the east coast. You know those kids won't be able to tell the difference. Cocoa, Ormond, Daytona, Melbourne, you pick it, they're all really great.

Cocoa Beach - and buy boogie boards anywhere in town to ride the waves!

Tandoori_girl what don't you think our michigan beachs are great this time of year?

andyg, i would love to try your michigan beaches but not at this time of the year. When are they best? I'll bet it can be nice in the summer, no?

july 13 other then that it's to cold.

I have been to many beaches in Florida on both sides and my personal favorite is still Siesta Key near Sarasota. They have a public beach access and the sand is powder white that feel like flour under your feet. I definately would vote for the Gulf side with kids. Calmer waters!!!!!

Ditto west coast beaches. For me, it's St Pete beach. Nice and wide, not too crowded, and you've got lots of good eats and shopping near by.

Our family of four (2 boys ages 13 and 11) often vacation in Florida because driving from Illinois makes for a relatively inexpensive trip. Hubby and I love to sit on the beach and RELAX, while our 11 year old prefers water parks. Thanks to info found on this message board I've booked a couple of nights at the Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort in Cape Canaveral. It looks like a great place for kids!