Clearwater Beach or Cocoa Beach with kids??

[sarahg311@hotmail.co]

Hi all....my hubby and I decided to do a 12 day trip to Orlando in the beginning of June with our 3 boys! We are not spending the entire time at Disney so we decided to do 3 days at either Clearwater Beach or Cocoa Beach in between. I have 3 boys ages 9,5&3 so which one of those is the most kid friendly that won't cost us an arm and a leg? I saw that Clearwater has a dolphin and pirate cruise but I know nothing about Cocoa Beach....also any recommendations for nice clean lodging at a resonable rate?? Thank you sooooo much!

Sarah

 

[Microcell]

I am a Clearwater fan myself. Also, Treasure Island is literally littered with seashells that kids love! It is in Tampa as well. For a nice beach experience, like people think of Clearwater is the way to go, and my DS4 just got stung by a Jellyfish there even! BTW if you or anyone in your family gets stung, just take along some meat tenderizer and make a paste of it, takes the sting away without the $500.00 hospital bill!

 

[mrsmom]

I vote for clearwater , My kids loved it there , White beaches and alot going on.
Kim

 

[Along4theRide]

Hi all....my hubby and I decided to do a 12 day trip to Orlando in the beginning of June with our 3 boys! We are not spending the entire time at Disney so we decided to do 3 days at either Clearwater Beach or Cocoa Beach in between. I have 3 boys ages 9,5&3 so which one of those is the most kid friendly that won't cost us an arm and a leg? I saw that Clearwater has a dolphin and pirate cruise but I know nothing about Cocoa Beach....also any recommendations for nice clean lodging at a resonable rate?? Thank you sooooo much!

We too are spending a few days at a beach after a week at Disneyworld. We chose Clearwater Beach!! After all the good reviews I heard we couldn't pass it up! We already have reservations at hotel facing the water! I can't wait!!

 

[cougar242]

I would definately chose Clearwater Beach!!! We have been there many times and it is so nice!! Have a great time!!
Kim

 

[rkwells]

Clearwater beach is much more beautiful....the one time we were there, at about sunset, street type performers showed up on the pier. The kids had a great time!

 

[sarahg311@hotmail.co]

Well Clearwater wins the vote!! Thank you so much! Now where is a decent hotel for a good price?? Any recommendations?

 

[Lisa_M]

has anyone been to clearwater beach recently? I heard there is alot of construction going on right now for a new boardwalk. I've never been to Cocoa Beach, so I pick Clearwater too, but it may not be the best time to go now.

 

[maraki527]

been to clearwater almost every summer since i was born very nice. there is alot of construction going on. one of the better hotels to stay at is the hilton and make sure you eat at Post Corner pizza.

 

[jjj444]

Just hope that when you go is not around a red tide time. I have been during one at it really messes up the water. Way too much seaweed!

 

[Mom2Ashli]

If you stay on Clearwater Beach, make sure to go to Frenchy's Rockaway on the beach. The She Crab Soup is SO YUMMY!!!

 

[Grand Canyon]

I would do Clearwater Beach if I had 3 days to spend. We got a little condo on the beach there 6 years ago for $50/night during the week. weekend cost more

 

[loveysbydesign]

Anyone ever stay at Treasure Island Beach? We're trying to decide between Clearwater/Treasure Island and Daytona. I went to Daytona as a child and loved it but that was 22 years ago!

 

[sarahg311@hotmail.co]

Thanks for all the suggestions however now I'm nervous about all of the construction. Oh well we will make the best of it. Post Corner Pizza here I come!!

 

[hahmood]

We have a condo in Belleaire Beach which is right by Clearwater Beach - my friend is it right now and says there is a lot of construction right now. But it is a great place with kids - about 40 minutes to Busch Gardens, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has boat trip and a cute dolphin show of recued dolphins, there is a bird sanctuary down in Redington Beach, the park at Clearwater Beach is great for small children. Cody's Roadhouse has kids under 10 eat free monday & tuesdays - Frenchy's is good too for kids but a little loud. Lots of neat minature golf courses on the blvd also

 

[hahmood]

oh, and Tampa has a great aquarium & and IMAX theatre across the street .. and Lowry Park Zoo is nice in Tampa - all close by to Clearwater Beach

 

[hahmood]

And there is a ferry from Honeymoon Island over to Caledisi Island which is a great beach park, we pack a picnic lunch, last time TONS of sandollars (if there isn't red tide)

 

[lovetotravel]

Hey,

I am in the area right now for 4 months! Yes there is a little bit of construction in Treasure Island and near Clearwater, but it's not bad. Driving through is not a problem. I recommend the DoubleTree near Treasure Island or of course the Don Cesar in St. Pete. I am in Redington Shores now in a house rental and it's a great area for my family! Weekly condo rentals on direct beach properties is a great idea. I don't like the look of little motels in the area, but that's just personal preference.

Let me know if you have specific questions for the area.

 

[gweny70]

Try looking for reviews of Clearwater lodging at tripadvisor.com. That way you can get a better idea exactly what you are getting and also find some great places to stay!

 

[hahmood]

I agree some of the little hotels are kinda scuzzy looking