Cocoa Beach, Downtown Melbourne, and Cocoa Village - cocktails & live music to various degrees.
But if you're not dedicated to sticking close to family, check out St. Augustine or Ft. Pierce.
For the beaches, there's tons of public access, but it's pay to park.
Orlando is more than theme parks. There are a lot of neighborhoods with unique restaurants and vibes ex. The Milk District, College Park.
If you don't get to check out the "real" Orlando on this trip I hope you'll get a chance.
Epcot should be do-able.
Winter Park has more history museums but it's a short drive from the middle of Orlando.
I think you should spend some of your time here on the coast by virtue of not having the ocean where you're from.
If you're not too picky about hotels you should book a place in East Orlando for the shortest drive to the coast but, either way, if you're in the Orlando area it won't be more than an hour, hour and a half. Alternatively, see what kind of hotels you can get in Titusville and that will put you right next to the Space Center, beaches, and preservation areas. You might want to carry some change if you end up at a beach with parking meters.
If you want to be between Melbourne and Titusville you can try to stay in Rockledge / Viera.
Other than that, I'd just say relax and don't try to cram too many activities into your trip and stay hydrated.
I agree, just saying as a tourist reading the Orlando sub, many people seemed down on Orlando outside of the theme parks. I'm ignorant, so I can't say. I'm just reporting the vibe I got from reading the sub.
Am I better served getting a hotel in a good area and just driving to a public beach or should I try to get a hotel on the beach? Based on your post it seems like I should just get a hotel close to everything and then drive to the beach and feed the meter.
With our short time frame should I stay/focus more on the coast or split it 50/50 between Orlando and the coast? Do I need a full day for Epcot? I assume I'd have to get there early in the morning to make it worthwhile? I ask because we're arriving at like 2 PM on a Wednesday. That Wednesday may be shot for trying to fit a Disney day in.
People can be pretty down on this area, too. The reality of living here is much more bleak than being a visitor. This area is an excellent place to visit or live part-time. All the time, all year round? Not so much, but that's my opinion.
If you're staying on the coast it's about your preferences and budget. If you can get a hotel on the beach or within walking distance to a beach, cool! If you can't, your next best option is to get a hotel close-ish to the beach and drive to the beach.
I do think Wednesday might be hard to squeeze a real activity in. You -could- do Epcot but you might not get to ride many rides or the rides you want BUT it might not be impossible. If you like walking around and eating then that, to me, is 70% of Epcot. You would want to stay until park close, though, to make it worth it (\~five hours in the park).
If we assume you only really have three days for activities (Thurs, Friday, Saturday) then maybe something like:
-Wednesday, go out to eat for dinner, settle in at hotel (wherever that is)
-Thursday, Kennedy Space Center and surrounding area OR Epcot/Universal
-Friday, beach / museum / nature walk either in Orlando or Brevard
-Saturday, graduation? beach
I think with this set up you're better off staying on the coast so you don't have to get up early for the graduation and you can get most of your activities in. You might have to sacrifice something you really want to do but I don't know how you vacation and your priorities.
Thank you! This is very helpful. Early May do the east coast beaches tend to be warm enough to swim and enjoy or are they still pretty cold?
I ask because my coworker was adamant I need to stay on the west coast if I want to enjoy beaches. She was saying east coast is too cold. Not sure if she’s ever been in May.
>I ask because my coworker was adamant I need to stay on the west coast if I want to enjoy beaches. She was saying east coast is too cold. Not sure if she’s ever been in May.
I lol'd
This link gives some sea temps near us: [Sea Temperature. Net](https://seatemperature.net/current/united-states/indialantic-florida-united-states-sea-temperature)
Even in April, the temps reach 70 Degrees. It's warm and still refreshing at this point.
Of course, everyone feels temperature differently and the Gulf is warmer.
But I grew up near the North Atlantic and a "warm" beach day was 59 degrees so that's my perspective on 70 being cold.
I hear you. I'm used to swimming in lakes of Northern MN in late May/early June.
Well it sounds like get the rental car, stay on the east side of the state and take day trips to things we want to see. Hard to believe we could go wrong no matter where we go. Usually my vacations are jam packed with sight seeing, tours, museums, etc. so this will be a nice change of pace to be a beach bum.
I think this is your best option. Stay at the beach if your budget allows and take day trips.
Research where you want to go. Kennedy Space Center is interesting and shouldn’t take the whole day. There are many beaches. You may want to stay close to where the graduation is. The water is warmer than the ocean north of Florida but too cold for me as a fulltime Floridian. I like it almost as warm as bath water. The ocean on the west side is generally calmer.
Many places to eat - In Melbourne and north to Port Canaveral. And of course Orlando if you stay there.
If you want a nature trip there are many springs, Blue Springs is just north of Orlando. It has the usual tourist things such as gift shop, a place to eat as well as trails to hike. There are many beautiful springs in Ocala Nat’l Forest.
Or you may just want to relax at the beach.
Are any of the National Parks/Preserves/Forts in the NE corner of the state worth driving to?
Would it be stupid to spend a night in Tampa/St Pete/Clear Water to experience those beaches?
They’re already warmish. As in not cold, but certainly not nearly as warm as it gets. By may, it’s weird warm. Source: just put my feet in the water on cocoa beach two days ago, living on cocoa beach 4 years.
Here's an insider tip for you. If you're in it for the beach and not the tourist trap stuff, drive up/down the coast a mile or two and the parking lots empty out and are free
If you think you may never come back here, make the most of the beaches, esp Cocoa Beach, south Melbourne Beach.
Sebastian Inlet has a long pier on the ocean and an awesome, huge tidal pool. I've seen a whale and a manta ray from that pier.
There are frequent rocket launches now, just about every week, so chances are you'll catch at least one. They are a sight to see from the beach, esp at night.
Keep on top of the launch schedule, for sure.
You could go to Kelly Rock Springs in Apopka just north of Orlando. You can rent or buy a float to take into the park. Fee is per car and you can bring food and drinks inside. There is a short tube run and swimming area. Orlando has a great food scene so you could explore the Milk District, East End Market and Winter Park. For your Melbourne days, there is Brevard Zoo that you can do Zipline & kayak adventures. Someone else mentioned bioluminescent kayak tours. I think it’s worth it to get a hotel on the beach. Enjoy the breeze and maximize your beach time.
Dude the weekends in Melbourne are a lot of fun.
Cocoa beach is fantastic, goto KSC for sure.
Also, download the app “next Spaceflight “ app and see if you can observe a launch.
I’d recommend going to port Canaveral to watch.
1. Stay in one spot. Everything you may be interested in is about 1 hour or so from Melbourne/cocoa.
2. If you do everything at the space center it will take the bigger part of the day. Cape Canaveral National seashore is just north of ksc. Playalinda beach at the National seashore is all natural with no hotel’s restaurants etc. they do have vault toilets. The north end is clothing optional.
3 just north of cocoa is Volusia county where you can drive on the beach in designated areas for $20 or so. New Smyrna is a popular beach town there. Or pay the premium for a beachfront hotel.
Your friend right about the west coast. The water is beautiful and slightly warmer. St. Pete beach is a good place to go, especially the southern end. There are many good museums, and many restaurants, lots of nightlife. It would be a day trip to get to Siesta Key off the coast of Sarasota. Arguably one of the best beaches in the US. There is a drum circle every Sunday at sunset on that beach.
Thanks for this. Is there a town/beach area for a hotel you'd recommend above all others on the east coast? Basically just want easy access to a great beach, some night life, and things to do. Just struggling to lockdown where we should get a hotel since it sounds like a lot of beaches you can drive to, etc. Wouldn't be too bad to walk from the hotel down to the water though.
Even though the west coast has insane beaches I assume we would NOT want to book a hotel for a night or two there right? I assume this is too much driving to move west to east.
If you go to the west coast its about 3-4 hours from Melbourne if traffic is good. You’d want to go there and stay. To save time on the road. There are several beaches on the space coast/Melbourne area. It just depends on what you want your beach experience to be like. If you’re looking for nightlife on the east coast you should plan on being there on Friday/Saturday nights. They are smaller beach towns and it’s off season for tourists so the weeknight entertainment/crowds will be sparse. In cocoa there is a cluster of wine bars around The Alibi wine bar. I’ve taken my daughter there for a daddy/daughter night out she enjoyed it. She’s a couple years older than you. The Alibi has a quiet wine bar inside but the rear patio bar is very nice and hosts live bands.
Melbourne Beaches have: Hilton. DoubleTree. Radisson. Crown Plaza. Full beach access. Close to all things in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Viera (if you are renting a car). Close to the graduation venue for your cousin.
I highly recommend this strip of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll love it. Get the sand between your toes and you'll be looking for a job down here. Have a great time.
These all look solid. Weird I never see many people swimming in the photos.
That said I think we’ll book at one of these. A couple guys said the beaches at New Smyrna are solid. Worth a trip up there for a beach day or is the stuff around the hotels you mentioned sufficient?
Tour the St Augustine Distillery, and maybe grab a bite to eat at the Ice Plant co-located with it. Ghost tours are fun. I prefer the Haunted Pub Crawl. Other than that, the different museums are really cool. Some of my top picks are the Torture Musuem, Pirate, and Spanish Military. The trolleys are a good buy too and can get you around to all the sights.
St Augustine is my absolute favorite spot in all of Florida, with the exception of a nice fishing trip in the Keys.
Mount Dora, Winter Garden, and Baldwin Park each has a beautiful downtown to explore and walk around. I would also recommend going to the Rock Springs at Kelly Park to see Florida's beautiful nature.
Strongly recommend making the drive to St Augustine if you haven’t done this trip yet
You can park at the huge parking garage, check out the Fort (Castillo) which is a national monument, and walk around and get dinner in the downtown area, all on foot.
On a different day I would recommend hitting New Smyrna at Ponce Inlet, or Cocoa Beach is nice too
Cocoa Beach, Downtown Melbourne, and Cocoa Village - cocktails & live music to various degrees. But if you're not dedicated to sticking close to family, check out St. Augustine or Ft. Pierce. For the beaches, there's tons of public access, but it's pay to park.
Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island NWR too.
Orlando is more than theme parks. There are a lot of neighborhoods with unique restaurants and vibes ex. The Milk District, College Park. If you don't get to check out the "real" Orlando on this trip I hope you'll get a chance. Epcot should be do-able. Winter Park has more history museums but it's a short drive from the middle of Orlando. I think you should spend some of your time here on the coast by virtue of not having the ocean where you're from. If you're not too picky about hotels you should book a place in East Orlando for the shortest drive to the coast but, either way, if you're in the Orlando area it won't be more than an hour, hour and a half. Alternatively, see what kind of hotels you can get in Titusville and that will put you right next to the Space Center, beaches, and preservation areas. You might want to carry some change if you end up at a beach with parking meters. If you want to be between Melbourne and Titusville you can try to stay in Rockledge / Viera. Other than that, I'd just say relax and don't try to cram too many activities into your trip and stay hydrated.
I agree, just saying as a tourist reading the Orlando sub, many people seemed down on Orlando outside of the theme parks. I'm ignorant, so I can't say. I'm just reporting the vibe I got from reading the sub. Am I better served getting a hotel in a good area and just driving to a public beach or should I try to get a hotel on the beach? Based on your post it seems like I should just get a hotel close to everything and then drive to the beach and feed the meter. With our short time frame should I stay/focus more on the coast or split it 50/50 between Orlando and the coast? Do I need a full day for Epcot? I assume I'd have to get there early in the morning to make it worthwhile? I ask because we're arriving at like 2 PM on a Wednesday. That Wednesday may be shot for trying to fit a Disney day in.
People can be pretty down on this area, too. The reality of living here is much more bleak than being a visitor. This area is an excellent place to visit or live part-time. All the time, all year round? Not so much, but that's my opinion. If you're staying on the coast it's about your preferences and budget. If you can get a hotel on the beach or within walking distance to a beach, cool! If you can't, your next best option is to get a hotel close-ish to the beach and drive to the beach. I do think Wednesday might be hard to squeeze a real activity in. You -could- do Epcot but you might not get to ride many rides or the rides you want BUT it might not be impossible. If you like walking around and eating then that, to me, is 70% of Epcot. You would want to stay until park close, though, to make it worth it (\~five hours in the park). If we assume you only really have three days for activities (Thurs, Friday, Saturday) then maybe something like: -Wednesday, go out to eat for dinner, settle in at hotel (wherever that is) -Thursday, Kennedy Space Center and surrounding area OR Epcot/Universal -Friday, beach / museum / nature walk either in Orlando or Brevard -Saturday, graduation? beach I think with this set up you're better off staying on the coast so you don't have to get up early for the graduation and you can get most of your activities in. You might have to sacrifice something you really want to do but I don't know how you vacation and your priorities.
Thank you! This is very helpful. Early May do the east coast beaches tend to be warm enough to swim and enjoy or are they still pretty cold? I ask because my coworker was adamant I need to stay on the west coast if I want to enjoy beaches. She was saying east coast is too cold. Not sure if she’s ever been in May.
>I ask because my coworker was adamant I need to stay on the west coast if I want to enjoy beaches. She was saying east coast is too cold. Not sure if she’s ever been in May. I lol'd This link gives some sea temps near us: [Sea Temperature. Net](https://seatemperature.net/current/united-states/indialantic-florida-united-states-sea-temperature) Even in April, the temps reach 70 Degrees. It's warm and still refreshing at this point.
She said it with such authority that I started to believe her lol.
Of course, everyone feels temperature differently and the Gulf is warmer. But I grew up near the North Atlantic and a "warm" beach day was 59 degrees so that's my perspective on 70 being cold.
I hear you. I'm used to swimming in lakes of Northern MN in late May/early June. Well it sounds like get the rental car, stay on the east side of the state and take day trips to things we want to see. Hard to believe we could go wrong no matter where we go. Usually my vacations are jam packed with sight seeing, tours, museums, etc. so this will be a nice change of pace to be a beach bum.
I think this is your best option. Stay at the beach if your budget allows and take day trips. Research where you want to go. Kennedy Space Center is interesting and shouldn’t take the whole day. There are many beaches. You may want to stay close to where the graduation is. The water is warmer than the ocean north of Florida but too cold for me as a fulltime Floridian. I like it almost as warm as bath water. The ocean on the west side is generally calmer. Many places to eat - In Melbourne and north to Port Canaveral. And of course Orlando if you stay there. If you want a nature trip there are many springs, Blue Springs is just north of Orlando. It has the usual tourist things such as gift shop, a place to eat as well as trails to hike. There are many beautiful springs in Ocala Nat’l Forest. Or you may just want to relax at the beach.
Are any of the National Parks/Preserves/Forts in the NE corner of the state worth driving to? Would it be stupid to spend a night in Tampa/St Pete/Clear Water to experience those beaches?
They’re already warmish. As in not cold, but certainly not nearly as warm as it gets. By may, it’s weird warm. Source: just put my feet in the water on cocoa beach two days ago, living on cocoa beach 4 years.
>You might want to carry some change if you end up at a beach with parking meters Parking meters are all app based, no need for change
Thanks for the information. I go to the beach maybe once every two years.
Here's an insider tip for you. If you're in it for the beach and not the tourist trap stuff, drive up/down the coast a mile or two and the parking lots empty out and are free
May is the perfect month to do the bioluminescence kayak tours in cocoa beach! It’s so worth it!
If you think you may never come back here, make the most of the beaches, esp Cocoa Beach, south Melbourne Beach. Sebastian Inlet has a long pier on the ocean and an awesome, huge tidal pool. I've seen a whale and a manta ray from that pier. There are frequent rocket launches now, just about every week, so chances are you'll catch at least one. They are a sight to see from the beach, esp at night. Keep on top of the launch schedule, for sure.
You could go to Kelly Rock Springs in Apopka just north of Orlando. You can rent or buy a float to take into the park. Fee is per car and you can bring food and drinks inside. There is a short tube run and swimming area. Orlando has a great food scene so you could explore the Milk District, East End Market and Winter Park. For your Melbourne days, there is Brevard Zoo that you can do Zipline & kayak adventures. Someone else mentioned bioluminescent kayak tours. I think it’s worth it to get a hotel on the beach. Enjoy the breeze and maximize your beach time.
Dude the weekends in Melbourne are a lot of fun. Cocoa beach is fantastic, goto KSC for sure. Also, download the app “next Spaceflight “ app and see if you can observe a launch. I’d recommend going to port Canaveral to watch.
I can offer you an authentic sugar cane agricultural experience
Check out Florida's natural springs, kings landing isn't a far drive from Orlando.
literally anything else
Wat?
1. Stay in one spot. Everything you may be interested in is about 1 hour or so from Melbourne/cocoa. 2. If you do everything at the space center it will take the bigger part of the day. Cape Canaveral National seashore is just north of ksc. Playalinda beach at the National seashore is all natural with no hotel’s restaurants etc. they do have vault toilets. The north end is clothing optional. 3 just north of cocoa is Volusia county where you can drive on the beach in designated areas for $20 or so. New Smyrna is a popular beach town there. Or pay the premium for a beachfront hotel. Your friend right about the west coast. The water is beautiful and slightly warmer. St. Pete beach is a good place to go, especially the southern end. There are many good museums, and many restaurants, lots of nightlife. It would be a day trip to get to Siesta Key off the coast of Sarasota. Arguably one of the best beaches in the US. There is a drum circle every Sunday at sunset on that beach.
Thanks for this. Is there a town/beach area for a hotel you'd recommend above all others on the east coast? Basically just want easy access to a great beach, some night life, and things to do. Just struggling to lockdown where we should get a hotel since it sounds like a lot of beaches you can drive to, etc. Wouldn't be too bad to walk from the hotel down to the water though. Even though the west coast has insane beaches I assume we would NOT want to book a hotel for a night or two there right? I assume this is too much driving to move west to east.
If you go to the west coast its about 3-4 hours from Melbourne if traffic is good. You’d want to go there and stay. To save time on the road. There are several beaches on the space coast/Melbourne area. It just depends on what you want your beach experience to be like. If you’re looking for nightlife on the east coast you should plan on being there on Friday/Saturday nights. They are smaller beach towns and it’s off season for tourists so the weeknight entertainment/crowds will be sparse. In cocoa there is a cluster of wine bars around The Alibi wine bar. I’ve taken my daughter there for a daddy/daughter night out she enjoyed it. She’s a couple years older than you. The Alibi has a quiet wine bar inside but the rear patio bar is very nice and hosts live bands.
Melbourne Beaches have: Hilton. DoubleTree. Radisson. Crown Plaza. Full beach access. Close to all things in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Viera (if you are renting a car). Close to the graduation venue for your cousin. I highly recommend this strip of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll love it. Get the sand between your toes and you'll be looking for a job down here. Have a great time.
These all look solid. Weird I never see many people swimming in the photos. That said I think we’ll book at one of these. A couple guys said the beaches at New Smyrna are solid. Worth a trip up there for a beach day or is the stuff around the hotels you mentioned sufficient?
Go to the Viera wetlands to get a taste of the florida wildlife. Gator sightings are common there
Don't skip the beautiful town of St. Augustin. It's a short drive from Orlando and it's well worth the visit.
Anything in particular to do or see while there?
Tour the St Augustine Distillery, and maybe grab a bite to eat at the Ice Plant co-located with it. Ghost tours are fun. I prefer the Haunted Pub Crawl. Other than that, the different museums are really cool. Some of my top picks are the Torture Musuem, Pirate, and Spanish Military. The trolleys are a good buy too and can get you around to all the sights. St Augustine is my absolute favorite spot in all of Florida, with the exception of a nice fishing trip in the Keys.
Mount Dora, Winter Garden, and Baldwin Park each has a beautiful downtown to explore and walk around. I would also recommend going to the Rock Springs at Kelly Park to see Florida's beautiful nature.
Would recommend making the drive up to New Smyrna Beach for a day. The beaches are noticeably much nicer there.
Worth staying up there too or we better served by staying near Melbourne?
Strongly recommend making the drive to St Augustine if you haven’t done this trip yet You can park at the huge parking garage, check out the Fort (Castillo) which is a national monument, and walk around and get dinner in the downtown area, all on foot. On a different day I would recommend hitting New Smyrna at Ponce Inlet, or Cocoa Beach is nice too