I'm sorry if I am posting this under the wrong topic but I couldn't find another suitable one. I was wondering if any of you out there could possibly tell me of a great beach to visit, the Atlantic side, while we are in Orlando. I would like one as close to WDW as possible but also a pretty one. This will be my DH and children (can you write DC for dear children?) anyway, it will be their first time to see the Atlantic Ocean and I want a pretty spot if we could. We are going in the month of January so we don't need 'beachy' type activities just a nice one to walk along. We live along the Pacific Ocean, northern Pacific Ocean so I am excited for them to see the ocean in a warmer climate. I was raised in my early youth in Florida (moved away in 92)and I still, in my heart, just love the Atlantic ocean over the Pacific. It all stems from memories, no? Anyway, I am aware that this is probably silly to most of you but I am excited to show them and would like to have a particular beach in mind so we just don't have to drive till we hit one, you know what I mean?:) Thanks so much!!

Well, I think there will be other posters with a lot more Florida knowledge, but we like Cocoa Beach for day trips from WDW. If we're staying overnight at the beach and willing to drive a little bit further we like Ormond Beach, north of Daytona.

Another thought, which I've never done but would love to, is to try the Canaveral National Seashore.

Another vote for Cocoa. It was a $5 charge to park at the city park's parking lot, although I suppose you could find some on-street parking.

The beach itself was clean and lovely when we were there. Hubby loved it and went back later in the week--I don't "do" beaches, so once was enough for me!

thanks for the advice! I have never heard of Canaveral National Seashore so I will be getting my atlas out:) I do LOVE the beach and am almost as excited to go there as the parks, is that blasphemous?:)

Here's a link to the Canaveral National Seashore web page.

http://www.nps.gov/cana/

I really enjoyed Cocoa Beach when we stayed there for a few days before our RCCL cruise. We ate at Fish Lips for dinner which is right near the port so you can see the cruise ships pull out if you are there at the right time. The food was good, but the place next door (Grillz) is supposed to be better, but seemed like it was more for the adult crowd.

thanks anniedg for the link and iwishiwasthere for the restaraunt tips. I didn't even know Cocoa Beach was a cruise ship port. Learn something new everyday :)

It's not a cruise ship port. Port Canaveral is. They are within 5 minutes of each other though.

The very first time I visited Florida, we went to the beach as we didnt think that we would be going back again. To cut a long story short a local advised us to travel east on the 192, keep going until you literally reach the beach. We did this and we found a very nice beach which I understand was more locals than a tourist beach. I dont know the name of this beach, (if anyone does would love to know!) but it was very nice. It was about 50/60 miles drive.

Another vote for Cocoa Beach. My family has been going there since I was a child. A beautiful beach! Don't forget to stop by Dixie Crossroads (http://www.dixiecrossroads.com/) for some Rock Shrimp. Bring quarters to feed the fish.