Robin

Our extended family (10 in total) have booked a week at a private home in Orlando March 23-30th this year. We want to spend a day or two at the beach, and it looks like cocoa Beach is the closest to Orlando. Is it a real busy spot? Is there any day of the week where the crowds are less....Been to Vero Beach many times and love it there. Any suggestions would be helpful .

Laura

A much better choice and only a 90 minute drive is Clearwater beach. I would definetly choose it over Coca beach. Much better crowd and cleaner.

Lesley

I don't know the answer to your question of which days are less busy at Cocoa Beach. Cocoa is more commercial with restaurants, hotels, etc. The water is good for little ones because it stays shallow for a good way out. If you are looking for natural beauty and no buildings along the beach, head straight east from Orlando and veer a tad north to the Canaveral National Seashore. This beach drops off a little more suddenly, so good to keep little ones close by, but it's more pristine than Cocoa. You can see one of the shuttle launching pads as you're approaching the parking lots here, it's kind of neat. Also, on the roads that lead to these beaches, there are airboat operators that can take you through the marshes. If you're not from the Florida area, this could be quite interesting. Also there's the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. This is not a beach, but there's a drive and some walking trails with lots of birds and wildlife. It's in that same general area. Have fun!

Kathy

I agree, Best choice is Clearwater Beach. If you don't care for crowds, five minutes south, from Clearwater Beach is Sand Key Beach. Ask for directions. As soon as you cross the bridge at Sand Key it is on the right. They are building a new firestation. It is wonderful.

HarryR

Clearwater and Sand Key for sure.

Kathy

I recall being in Orlando many years ago drove to New Symrna on the east coast a few times. I think it took about an hour. The beach was a nice, wide one. Several years ago we were in Cocoa Beach and I was very surprised at how short the beach was.

Cindi

I think you will enjoy Clearwater Beach more than Cocoa Beach if you don't like waves and if you don't care about Ron Jon's Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.