EAST COAST

DAYTONA - drive time 1 hour
Daytona is one of the USA's most famous beaches with 23 miles of wide sandy beach. The tide goes out a long way making it great for kids to play. The beach has seen many land speed attempts, including Sir Malcolm Cambell reaching 276mph with Bluebird in 1935. You can drive along and park on the beach and there are sun beds and various equipment available for hire. Daytona is home to 'Race Week' and the Daytona 500 in February and 'Bike Week' in March so can get very busy.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH - drive time 1 hour
Just a little further south from Daytona, New Smyrna Beach is a popular local hang out. The south end of the beach has no car zone and is a conservation area and Smyrna Dunes Park at the north end is great for surfing. Smyrna Dunes Park also has three miles of elevated boardwalks winding along a coastal nature preserve. There have been minor shark attacks here but the waters are patrolled and considered to be safe.

CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE - drive time Just over 1 hour
Located in between Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach, this is one of Florida's most undeveloped beach fronts. It extends for around 25 miles and has dunes, lagoons, salt marshes and flatlands with very few crowds. Three government agencies collaborate to ensure an equal balance between the technical space program, wildlife management and public recreation. The only amenities along this stretch are located at Apollo and Playa linda Beaches. Take snacks and drink as there are no facilities at all.

COCOA BEACH - drive time 45mins-1 hour
Cocoa beach is one of the many islands that straggle the east coast and is a laid back beach with lovely soft sand. The Cocoa Beach Pier juts out over 800 feet over the ocean and has a few restaurants, small rides and souvenir shops. Ron Jons Surf Shop is located here.
Cocoa village is on the mainland about ten minutes drive from the beaches. It is a lovely and picturesque village with a selection of shops, boutiques and restaurants and a great place to spend a couple of hours meandering around the quaint streets.

SATELLITE BEACH - Drive time 1 hour
The largest beach side community in South Brevard, Satellite Beach lines the low rise condo's along the beach front and the Pelican Beach area attracts sun worshipers. The shallow waters are ideal for children and there is also a playground and Samson's Island Nature Park
beach path

WEST COAST


CLEARWATER - Drive time 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Clearwater beach is a narrow island separating Clearwater Harbor from the Gulf of Mexico and is reached via a long inter coastal highway bridge. Serious sunbathing and water sports in abundance are here as are dolphins which can often be seen playing in the sea. The landmark Pier 60 is the centre point of beach activities and is great for sunsets. There are also plenty of seafront restaurants. It is also a favorite of the yachting community cruising along the coast.

ST PETERSBRUGH Drive time - 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Just a short drive south from Clearwater St Pete's boasts four miles of glorious white sandy beach. Snorkeling, wind surfing and other water sports are plentiful here too. Many of the the restaurants serve locally caught fresh seafood and there is ample shopping in the town center.