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I live on the Gulf coast, and I have visited both sides. The gulf waters are warmer, and the beaches are much nicer. The atlantic side has ok beaches but the water is pretty cold. The water temp there stays pretty constant for most of year, and it's not very pleasant to swim in. St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Honeymoon Island on the Gulf coast are really nice. Probably the closest beaches on the route from Orlando. Just take I-4 West.
I'd say go for the Gulf... it's so pretty and the beaches are nice. I'm fond of the Clearwater Beach area or nearby there.
This is funny cause actually my fiance and I are taking a 7 day cruise on the Disney Ship. We're taking the carribean one! Super exctied. I'd rather do that then stay on shore at Disney, unless we were renting out the cinderella castle for a night. :)
I also live in Central Florida. I second what others have said about the gulf coast if you only have one day, but it depends on what you like. I go to the Atlantic probably more often because we have family over there and it's closer, but the beaches and the water is SO much nicer on the gulf side for just swimming and such. The Atlantic side has a lot more waves coming to shore, so if you want to surf or ride waves that would be a better place to go. The gulf side has very small waves typically so it's more like a swimming pool that you can just go and hang out in. The Atlantic side is much more work because you have to be constantly jumping the waves and aware of what's going on- you can't just sit and float. So I guess it kind of depends on what you're in the mood for. Both are fun in my opinion.
We went to Longboat Key for our anniversary in September and it was AMAZING. That might be a little far for a day trip, but Clearwater is nice too. If you decide you want to ride waves, then I like Wilbur by the Sea / Inlet harbor area (near Daytona beach, but a little south- you can't drive on the beach there like you can at Daytona which I find really annoying and not relaxing) or New Smyrna Beach is nice too. They are only about an hour from Orlando, whereas Clearwater / Tampa area is around 1.5 hours. Orlando's 'closest' beach is Cocoa Beach, which you'll see signs for when you get here, but I'm not really a fan. The sand is hard to walk in and it's just a dirtier beach in my opinion. Alot of people really like Coconuts on the beach at Cocoa Beach if you're into a party atmosphere though. Hopefully that helps!
Great ideas here. Sounds like the Gulf is the clear winner. Im glad I asked, I had no idea that it had warmer water and less dodging of waves. So yeah, it looks like it will be the Gulf. Thanks ladies!
I think if your unfamiliar with the ocean you will like the Atlantic side more. The gulf reminds me of lake Michigan. You may be disappointed. I personally love the sand at new Smyrna beach or ormond by the sea. That's my preference.
Clearwater is beautiful!! And if I remember correctly, it only took us about an hour and a half to two to get there from Orlando. Their aquarium is pretty neat, too. In fact, Winter, the dolphin with the mechanical tale lives there and was the inspiration for the movie "Dolphin Tale".
I live here...I way way way prefer New Smyrna Beach to anywhere else...Theres sooooo much to do and everyone is so friendly! Go off of Flagler ave...I would go everyday if I could
Depends on what you want. :) I voted Gulf just because I like the sand and the warmer water better. FI prefers the Atlantic side because the water is usually more "fun" <-- his word choice.
I live in Florida, and my favorite beach is St. Augustine on the Atlantic coast.
Which coast people like better depends on what they like out a beach, but either way, the Gulf is NOT the ocean. It's a gulf. Some people love that. The water is very calm and shallow. The sand is soft, so though sometimes the water is crystal clear, it's usually cloudy because there is so much sand suspended in it. Clearwater is certainly stunning, but it's a very different experience than the Atlantic.
The Altantic is the ocean. There are waves, and the sounds of waves (my favorite part). There are shells in the sand. Sure, that makes the sand hurt a bit more, but it also means that you can collect shells!!! and the sand isn't that rough, really. In St. A, since it's the oldest European-style city in the USA, there are so many wonderful things to do besides the beach. You can go to the Castillo de San Marcus, the "Fountain of Youth," the oldest school house in America, etc. A little further south is Crescent Beach... also stunning.
I agree with PP. Gulf Water is sooooo much warmer. Worth it.
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Bees,
We will be doing a honeymoon in Central FL but would also like to see the ocean. But which side of FL is better for a newbie to oceans??
Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico? It will probably be a day trip, so if you,when u were at Disney World and you decided to head to the beach, where did you go??