HI!
My family and I will be traveling to Florida in June. We have our choice of a free stay in either Treasure Island or Cocoa Beach. Having never been to either, I'd love any suggestions. We are mostly looking for some good beach time and a family friendly destination. Thanks for your help!

I have never been to Cocoa Beach so cannot comment on anything there. We spent a month last yr on Treasure Island and loved it. However, there are properties that are oceanfront in TI that are way, way, far from the water. We stayed close to the water where we could not just see the waves and surf but also hear it, which is what we wanted. Just check out accomodations in both places to see what would satisfy your priorities.

We drove over from Orlando last year and spent the day at Cocoa Beach. We enjoyed the beach and would certainly go back. Sorry, never been to TI.

Where is your free stay at TI? Is it a time share? Some people don't like the beach there because it is very wide. It's a short trek through sea oats and sand dunes and flat beautiful beach. We would go down to the beach in the AM and set up camp with an umbrella, cooler and chairs. We'd leave our stuff at the beach all day, even if we weren't there, and come back for sunset. This is the friendliest beach in the world. There's a very popular video arcade in Treasure Island that your kids will love. Lots of goofy golf. Dolphin-chasing sunset cruise boats. Sea-doo rentals on the back bay. Bike rentals. lots of kites on TI beach. A traditional drum circle every night on the beach.

Cocoa has more surf. It's a great town too. Gosh, I'm glad I don't have that dilemma.

You will have great water days in June at either destination. Bring plenty of shade and sunscreen. Waves or flat water? That would be my deciding factor with kids...toddlers or boogie boarders?

I've never been to T.I. - but have stayed at Cocoa Beach many times and really enjoy it. I'm not sure how the beaches will be after last summer, but normally they are pretty good. With the Space Center so close you may get to see a launch or just want to go for a tour. There are plenty of great restaurants around (Frankie's and Rusty's at the Pier, Florida Seafood and Gregory's for more upscale are some of our favorites). Since you have family, you should stop at Ron Jon's Surf Shop for "stuff" - it's amazing in size. Have fun!!

Never been to Treasure Island, but did spend a week last March in Cocoa Beach with my college-age daughter. We had a great time. Cocoa's a low-key place, not a 'happening' place at spring break when we were there, more family-oriented. The beach is very nice, good waves to play in. We even saw them launch a satellite from Canaveral which was very cool. We got a good deal on the Hilton Cocoa Beach-- however it was in need of updating and I think they are doing that now. It has great beach access and a large deck with a small pool. We flew into Melbourne and it's about a 30 minute drive to Cocoa from the airport. Lots of decent restaurants in Cocoa. An easy drive to Orlando for the day, too.

Since no one so far seems familiar with both, I'll chime in. I lived not far from Cocoa Beach for 15 years and Treasure Island for 10 years. I can say unequivocally that the beaches and the water are nicer at Treasure Island unless you want to do some surfing. The Atlantic coast is much better for surfing, but not much else. Also, there seems to be a more rowdy crowd of young folks around Cocoa Beach, and Treasure Island is much more laid-back and relaxed without having to concern yourself about occasionally crazy vacationers that happen more frequently in Cocoa Beach. Good luck.

I've stayed at both and liked them both. Cocoa Beach has the Space Center which is expensive but neat. We really enjoyed our Treasure Island time: playing on the beach, eating at Crabby Bills, parasailing, and going to the clearwater aquarium. The water is generally calmer on the gulf side.

Treasure Island is wonderful! I've only been to Cocoa Beach briefly (maybe an hour or less), and that was a while ago, but my recollection is that Treasure Island was prettier and the beach was nicer. John's Pass is a wonderful place to shop and eat. Although if you want the best grouper sandwich and key lime pie anywhere, head down to the very end of St. Pete Beach and go to the Hurricane.

I've enjoyed both locations in the past, but I prefer the Gulf of Mexico over the Atlantic, so TI gets my vote. (Also you have the benefits of Tampa/St. Pete with TI.)

I love TI. And the Gulf. I have a beach rental on Sunset Beach at the southern tip of TI but I'd like it even if I didn't. TI is all about families.