[Scanlonsgirl]

OK so we will be driving from Cincinnati, OH Down 75 south. And I was thinking it might be fun to stay one night at the beach before our wdw vacation.. Anyone know a nice beach that is either close to or north of WDW. thanks

Lisa:)

[Cinderellafifi]

Although I live further South so not as familiar with the "Space Coast" as it is called, Cocoa Beach is VERY nice. It is famous for being the home to NASA but it has many touristy / beachy things to do. I think the Ron Jon Surf Shop there is largest in the world and is open 24 hours. Have fun!:)

[jwdj4lfe]

Im also down there at the end of the florida peninsula lol (I'm right next to Miami), but I may have a recomendation or 2 for you. If you want a little history with this short stop, I recommend St. Augustine. It was Founded in 1565, and is America's oldest permanently settled European city. Thats pretty old! lol. The beaches there are awesome as well! My mom and Little brother just returned from a trip there, and loved it. Its about 1- 2 hours north of Orlando. If you want to be even closer to Disney World I say visit Daytona Beach! They say the waves are pretty good there! lol. If you want anymore info. on Floridas beaches click here: flausa . After the site loads click destinations at the top, a map of florida will pop up and you can then click on any section you want to go to. Hope this is what you were looking for.
Joe:)

p.s. Cocoa beach would be nice too, wasn't that the setting of "I dream of Jeannie"??

[Cinderellafifi]

Ohhh yes, St. Augustine is a GREAT place to visit! You can see the old city in a day and there is beach all around. Another great recommendation!

[PiratesFan]

I definately agree that you should consider St. Augustine as a beach stop. I have travelled there on several Disney trips and absolutely love it. I have not been to the beaches since I have stayed everytime at Marineland, but I hear that they are great, and a lot less crowded than Daytona. The city is also a great place to explore with many historical sites. I would personally just skip the beach to tour the town to later retire in the hotel pool.:laugh

[trishb]

Lisa..where is 75? (I don't have my map with me) Does it run along the west coast of Florida? I know that 95 is close to Cocoa Beach and St Augustine. We manage to go to Cocoa on most of our trips. Very nice. But, if you will be on the west coast, I highly recommend Pensacola Beach. One of our favorite places to go on the whole east coast. We try to schedule a few days there every year. DH spent some time at NAS Pensacola. I highly, highly recommend it!

[Dawn S]

I personally feel that FL's west coast beaches are much more beautiful & especially since you'll already be on 75, it would also be more convenient for you. St. Augustine is great though, as well & I'll never deny that! :-)

My west coast recommendation is Sanibel/Captiva Island. It is positively beautiful. It's not full of great, fast paced entertainment, but most people who are looking for beaches don't want/need that anyway. I always stay at the Tween Waters Inn. It's right on the water & has on-site entertainment & dining. However, it is quite pricey. Their site is at http://www.tween-waters.com/

There are activities & entertainment places in Captiva/ Sanibel as well. They provide lots of water sport & beach recreation. There is also Captain Bob's Excellent Adventure (eco-tours), Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (very cool!), The Children's Science Center, Everglades safaris, day cruises, wildlife preserves....
Not too far from here, you can also visit the Edison-Ford Winter Home and Laboratory (an awesome, AWESOME place!!) For more info on Sanibel accomodations & attractions, visit http://www.sanibel-captiva.org

When we went to Sanibel, the ages of our groups often ranged from 5-40 & everyone always had a great time. If you need any more info, just ask! Have a great trip! :D