When it comes to beach vacations, the priority for most people is to have a lovely stretch of sand where they can forget the stresses of home. If you're planning a beach vacation near Orlando, don't forget the other things you need to plan ahead for, including accommodations and food. While the city of Orlando is not directly on the beach, it is close enough for you to dip your toes in the white sand every morning.
So you've come to Orlando in search of white sands, but you didn't realize that Orlando is an hour from the beach, and the kids are clamoring for a day or two at a Disney resort. If traveling back and forth doesn't work, you can go for the next-best thing -- staying on one of the man-made lagoons or lake beaches in the area.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort offers you that tranquil time on the water you were hoping for, all in close proximity to Epcot, the Disney Boardwalk and the Hollywood Studios theme park. So what if the sand is trucked in? Rates at the hotel range from mid-range to astronomical, depending on your budget.
For the real beach experience with authentic sands and the ocean spray, you'll need to drive about 45 miles east of Orlando. On the Atlantic coast you'll find Cocoa Beach, a favorite among surfers. While the white sands there aren't the most bleached-looking among all beaches in Florida, it likely won't put a damper on your vacation.
Hotels abound in the area, as do vacation homes and condos that give you bit more homey feel, and allow you to cook a few meals yourself. A good place to start finding places to stay is to browse the Family Vacation Guide at CocoaBeach.com. Hotels near the Cocoa Beach pier are probably the closest to the highway that leads back to Orlando, including the family-friendly La Quinta Cocoa Beach and the Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel and Suites. Also look for accommodations in Titusville and Port Canaveral, as they are also close to Orlando.
When you think of Orlando, your mind will probably wander to Disney-related things first. While it is true that a good portion of the approximately 45 million Orlando tourists each year are there to visit Disney's spread of attractions, there are many other things to do, as well. Try fishing on the Cocoa Beach pier or the Veteran's Memorial Fishing Pier in Titusville. Many boat captains will be willing to take you for a tour. Get a fishing permit at a local bait shop, or from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Surfboard rental shops abound on the beaches, as do surfers willing to take you out for a lesson.
Whether you're staying in Orlando proper or on the beaches nearby, there are a few things that you'll need to make your stay most enjoyable. Since public transportation can be spotty in the area, you'll likely need your own transportation. Renting a car is the easiest option, but you can also hire a car service from the many available in the Orlando area. If you're not sure where to start, ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.
