We will be vacationing at "the beach" for four days with extended family before visiting WDW. We will be five adults & three boys ages 7, 6 & 4.

Looking for a nice, clean, fun beach to play in the waves, maybe boogie board? play miniature golf, etc. Are there any real dieffernces between the above mentioned? Or any other recommendations?

Thank you for your time & have a great week!

Cocoa Beach would be my preference.
You could also add on a great tour at the Kennedy Space Center.

Second vote for Cocoa Beach.

Emily, there are a lot of family-fun things to do in and near Cocoa Beach. This will give you an idea:

http://www.visitcocoabeach.com/VisitorInfo.asp

Thank you all for the great information! Have a great weekend.

We have stayed in New Smyrna and loved it. We had 4 teens with us and everyone was happy with the area. Great beaches and a beautiful state park at the north end of the island. Daytona is close enough to take advantage of things there, but far enough that you feel separate. Really good restaurants.

I love New Smyrna too.The folks are really nice there.Some fun shops and restaurants on Flagler. It is nice and small but enough to do so you don't get bored.

Where do you recommend staying at either New Smyrna or Cocoa Beach? We could possibly rent a house? Would definately want beachfront & we would like a place with a kitchenette or something to keep costs down before going to WDW.

Thank you for your time!

Try VRBO.com for condo rentals in either New Smyrna or Cocoa Beach.

In south Cocoa Beach, there are a number of "mom and pop" beachfront cottage places that have kitchens/kitchenetters. Try Beach Island, http://www.beachislandresort.com/ or Beach Placehttp://www.beachplaceguesthouses.com/ . In the center of Cocoa Beach, Wakulla Suites has two-bedroom suites (not all have ocean views, but the property is oceanfront). http://www.wakullasuites.com/