Beach from WDW

[doodleboy]

We are taking ten days at WDW in early May. We were thinking of incorporating a beach day into our trip this year. Could someone recommend a family friendly beach area we could get to for a day trip? Should I go east or west? Is west not even possible for a day trip? Any feedback would be helpful.

[TinkiTime1989]

We've enjoyed trips to Ormond Beach in the past. It's about an hour and a half drive northeast of the WDW area.

[murphy1]

I would recommend my favorites (where I grew up!) St. Pete, Ft. DeSoto/Passagrille (more a local and European spot) I really prefer the West Coast. My grandparents are on the East Coast and I find the water more choppy (it's the open Atlantic) and the beaches not as sandy white. You can get to St. Pete Bchs in a little over an hour.

[Ed]

I agree with Shari. I prefer the Gulf coast over the ocean. Our favorite is Clearwater Beach. It's about a 90 minute drive... west on I-4 to Tampa, I-75 south, and follow the signs. Beautiful beaches, calmer seas, nice scenery.

[busterthebronco]

we're a split family.
ilike the atlantic with real waves and real shells but DW likes the gulf with clear water and better sand.
daytona is the straight shot east.
ormand is thye same thng just a bit north and a bit nicer.
it depends on if you want to ride waves or lay out in the sun.

[tinka]

I grew up in DeLand, just outside of Daytona, so I tend to be partial to Daytona, it is a nice beach but tends to get crowded-Clearwater is a beautiful beach though!!

[poeticeclipse]

Stay clear of Cocoa Beach

Head for New Smyrna Beach instead.