klmama Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 We're going to be in Orlando for a few days, and the dc want to swim in the ocean. Is it worth driving to Merritt Island or Cocoa Beach? Can you recommend a nice beach where the huge waves are blocked by the island so it's more like being on the Gulf? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I think Clearwater or St Pete's is doable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 We usually drive toward Cocoa when we want to go to the beach. It's less than an hour from downtown Orlando. I can't speak to the question of waves, though, because we like to swim in the surf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aelwydd Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 We're going to be in Orlando for a few days, and the dc want to swim in the ocean. Is it worth driving to Merritt Island or Cocoa Beach? Can you recommend a nice beach where the huge waves are blocked by the island so it's more like being on the Gulf? Cocoa Beach is totally doable. We went there for a day last time we visited Orlando. Although, be aware that currents will be stronger regardless of the presence of barrier islands. NC, where I grew up, is bracketed by many such islands, but the tide was still very strong. Also, be aware of jelly fish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Thanks for the tips! I didn't realize the Gulf coast was so close. Maybe we'll look at that option, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Both are really doable. We typically go to New Smyrna Beach on the Atlantic, but you could easily drive to the Gulf. Maybe 2 hours away, give or take, while NSB is about an hour. (Depends on where you're staying, of course. If you're in the Disney area, then you're probably even closer to the Gulf…1-1/2 hours or so.) It's cold though. :) Even though it's 80 degrees, the water is still too cold for swimming for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral are definitely doable. Merritt Island is not on the ocean. Waves aren't big this time of year. They run around 1-2 feet, but you do need to be aware of riptides. Just choose an area with lifeguards (Google Cocoa Beach year round life guards). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Waves aren't big this time of year. They run around 1-2 feet, but you do need to be aware of riptides. Just choose an area with lifeguards (Google Cocoa Beach year round life guards). Thanks. I didn't realize wave size varied at different times of the year. Are they bigger in the summer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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