My husband, 9 month old daughter and I are going to Orlando for a trip to disney, etc early in December. We LOVE the ocean and I'm wondering if it's worth the drive to see Cocoa Beach, or if there is another beach we should choose instead or if we should just stay in Orlando and enjoy the hotel pool and sites there. We have 2 or 3 days to extend to our 4 days in disney. If you recommend a beach, please recommend a 4 star hotel as well or let me know if we should just go for the day. Thanks

Cocoa Beach is close to Orlando via State Road 528 (AKA the Beachline) and a good choice for your family, however don't expect "beach" weather in early December. I don't know what your expectations are but it will be December after all.

To the OP. The nicer hotels in Cocoa Beach are the Hilton, Courtyard By Marriott, Hampton Inn and Doubletree. Cocoa Beach is about an hour away from Orlando and an easy drive on State Road 528. Cocoa Beach is a good family place, but I agree it may not be beach weather in December.

Cocoa is a closer drive than the Clearwater/St. Pete beach area. The weather will be the same at the time of your visit. Water temp might be a bit warmer in the Gulf, but if you catch nice days, you can sun on the sand or swim in a heated pool, but you aren't going to get into the Atlantic or the Gulf. hpeabody's advice is solid. From the list, I prrefer the Hampton, Doubletree, Hilton and Courtyard in that order. Go with the best rate.

Thank you!

We were at Hollywood beach, FL at the same time 2 years ago and it was amazing beach weather. (We come from cold snowy winter weather.) Can I expect the same type of weather? I'm not sure how far north Cocoa beach is from HB? Are any of those hotels on the beach?

Any suggestions for how to spend a couple of extra days in the Orlando area?

On the beach???? IMO, Hilton is the best bet

I don't know the distance between Cocoa Beach and Hollywood Beach, sorry

hpeabody, what does IMO and OP mean? Thanks!

OP = original poster, IMO = in my opinion

If you love the beach, I think the relatively short drive to Cocoa Beach would be well worth it. A few years ago we stayed at The Hilton in Cocoa Beach. It is right at the water, with a large pool wrap-around deck overlooking the ocean, and an easy staircase so you can walk down to the sand.

When we were there, I believe this hotel was slated for a face-lift, which was needed. Its rooms did not have sliding doors and decks to the ocean view, which was a shame, but for the price we paid it was perfect.

Nice breakfast buffet, too. Try to get a price which includes that.

I would go to Clearwater, I love that beach! The water would be a bit warmer than Cocoa Beach and it might take you longer to get there, but is worth it. Smooth white sand, calm water and great restaurants.

I used www.newwaytours.com for our transportation; they have travel packages to Clearwater and Cocoa Beach. It was very convenient; the driver took our family there and gave us great tips on restaurants in the area. (don’t remember the names right now)

Also, I enjoyed the stay in the doubletree.

Hollywood is several hundred miles south of Orlando, in a different climate. You can swim in the ocean year-round in the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood-Miami area. You can't up north.

"Cade_Kate on Oct 9, 09 at 01:25 PM
Thank you!

We were at Hollywood beach, FL at the same time 2 years ago and it was amazing beach weather. (We come from cold snowy winter weather.) Can I expect the same type of weather? I'm not sure how far north Cocoa beach is from HB? Are any of those hotels on the beach?

Any suggestions for how to spend a couple of extra days in the Orlando area?"

Most of the hotels in Cocoa Beach were renovated in 2005 (following the 2004 hurricane season!) so they are updated and in good shape. The Hilton's rooms don't have decks/balconies that you can sit out on, but it's in a very good location. The Doubletree is also a very good hotel in the same area as the Hilton.

Ocean temperature in December is usually in the lower 70's. For more info: http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/...chPier/seatemp

I surf every XMAS in Cocoa. I think the weather is pretty beachy. Ocean temp was ~72 last year.