Families typically book Florida vacations for one of two things: beaches or theme parks. Most people assume that they have to choose one or the other when visiting Florida and wind up planning either Florida beach vacations or booking Orlando vacation packages, but this is not the case!
It is true, the Orlando area has one of the highest concentrations of theme parks in the country. What many people don't realize however, is that even though Orlando is centrally located it is actually only about an hour away from several different coastal hot spots.
Many Orlando vacation packages can be customized to include days off for travel to the oceanfront. Here is some information on a few of the closest coastal attractions to the Orlando area. Families planning Florida vacations can use this information to incorporate some relaxing beach time into their Orlando vacation packages!
Cocoa Beach
It takes just over 45 minutes to drive to Cocoa Beach, making it the closest beach option from Orlando. It is an easy addition to many itineraries because the shore is wide and facilities such as restrooms, showers and picnic tables are plentiful. There is a rental booth just west of the Cocoa Beach Pier that rents beach umbrellas, beach chairs and other accessories like boogie boards -- so families can turn their theme park vacations into Florida beach vacations even if they are unprepared!
There is great fishing to be had on the Cocoa Beach Pier and the beach is known for its heavy surf and surfing population. Other areas along the coast offer activities such as tennis courts, playgrounds, horseshoe pits and beach volleyball courts.
Cocoa Beach is best known as the home to the original Ron Jon's Surf Shop. This art deco warehouse of souvenirs, clothes and accessories is so massive; it really is worth a look! Cocoa Beach is a great option for families enjoying their Orlando theme park vacations yet still wanting a taste of the ocean.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, located about 60 miles from the Orlando area, is the second-closest coastal attraction to the Orlando area. Probably one of the most famous Florida beaches, Daytona Beach is best known for its NASCAR races and Spring Break parties. Daytona is working hard to change its party-hard image, however, and has a lot to offer vacationing families as well.
With its rows of T-shirt shops, hotels and arcades, Daytona Beach will never be able to call itself laid back. What it does have is twenty miles of beautiful light brown sand and the enticing surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Daytona Beach is also one of the few places in the world where a family vehicle can actually drive on the sand!
Daytona Beach is a good choice for families looking to add a fun and exciting day at the coast to their Florida vacations. There is no lack of shopping, restaurants, arcades or people!
Clearwater Beach
For many people, the beaches they dream about when planning their Florida vacations are not the ones located on the East Coast. To find the white powdery sand and calm warm waters, you have to travel to Florida's gulf coast. Located just over 100 miles from Orlando (or about 1.5 to 2 hour drive,) Clearwater Beach is one of the closest gulf shorelines available to families enjoying Orlando vacation packages.
Clearwater Beach is actually a barrier island near St. Petersburg and Tampa. The white sandy beaches have won numerous "Best Beach Awards" from publications like USATODAY, Conde Nast Traveler, Tampa Bay Magazine and Florida Sports Magazine. With year-round lifeguards, warm gulf waters, soft sand and a good dose of local flavor, it is easy to see why it is a good addition to many itineraries.
Clearwater Beach's Pier 60 is the place to be at sunset where every Thursday through Monday evening a Key West-style celebration occurs. Local vendors, artists, magicians, jugglers and other street performers entertain the crowd as the sun slowly dips into the Gulf of Mexico. It is a perfect end to a wonderful day!
Clearwater Beach is perfect for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of their typical Orlando vacation packages filled with theme park days and dinner theater nights. A day at Clearwater Beach is very relaxing and laid back.
With a little planning, Florida beach vacations and Orlando vacation packages can be combined to create truly memorable Florida vacations.
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