Cocoa Beach or Clearwater ?

Question

40 something parents and an 11 year old visiting Orlando /Florida for first time in Aug.

Will be there 18 nights. Would like to visit Kennedy Space Ctr and Disney (possibly universal - although we are not big roller coaster people) and also have 5-6 days at a coast- but which one ? Considering either Cocoa Beach or Clearwater. Ideally somewhere with water that we can paddle in. Any recommendations as to which would be better 🤔 🤷 ?

Was thinking itinerary

Day 1 arrive - flight gets in early evening so stay close to airport

Day 2 - Pick up car and head in direction of Kennedy Space Ctr and stay nearby

Day 3 - Visit Kennedy Space ctr and stay nearby

Days 4 -8/9 Coastal Stay But where?

Days 9- 18: Parks, Shopping, etc

Answer

For your first trip to Florida, planning an 18-night stay with a mix of space exploration, theme parks, and coastal relaxation is a great idea. Between Cocoa Beach and Clearwater, both offer unique experiences, and your choice should depend on the type of beach environment you want, the water activities you prefer, and travel logistics from Orlando.

Cocoa Beach

Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is about an hour from the Kennedy Space Center and roughly 1–1.5 hours from Orlando. This makes it very convenient if your itinerary prioritizes the Space Center early in your trip. Cocoa Beach has a more surf-oriented vibe and the water can have small waves, which is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or gentle surfing. The town itself is smaller, with a relaxed, beach-town atmosphere.

Close proximity to Kennedy Space Center – ideal for your Day 2–3 plan.
Easy access to paddle-friendly areas: Banana River Lagoon is calm and protected, perfect for an 11-year-old to paddle safely.
Less crowded than Clearwater in August, which can be very busy.
Smaller town with fewer large resorts; more casual dining options and beachside shops.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is on the Gulf Coast, roughly 2.5–3 hours from Orlando. It is famous for its wide, white sandy beaches and calmer waters of the Gulf, which are ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Clearwater also has a more “tourist resort” feel, with more amenities, restaurants, and family attractions. Sunset Pier and Pier 60 provide entertainment and local events. However, it is farther from Kennedy Space Center, meaning additional travel if you want to visit the Space Coast first.

Calmer, paddle-friendly waters – great for children and relaxed beach days.
Wide selection of hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants – more convenience for a family stay.
More tourist-focused, so beaches can feel busier, especially in August.
Sunset views and pier entertainment are highlights.

Recommendation Based on Your Itinerary

Since your plan includes visiting Kennedy Space Center early in the trip, Cocoa Beach is more practical for Days 2–4/5. It allows you to stay close to the Space Coast without long drives and gives you easy access to paddleable waters for your child. You could then return to Orlando for the remainder of your trip focused on Disney, Universal, and shopping.

If you prioritize a more classic Gulf Coast beach experience with soft sand and calmer water, Clearwater Beach is excellent, but keep in mind the longer drive from Orlando and from Kennedy Space Center. It may work better if you plan to end your coastal stay there instead of near Cocoa Beach, possibly shifting your itinerary slightly.

Sample Coastal Stay Itinerary

Day 4–8: Cocoa Beach – enjoy paddleboarding, calm beaches, and local seafood.
Day 9–18: Orlando – Disney, Universal (pick non-thrill rides for your preference), shopping, and theme park attractions.

Alternatively, if you are set on Clearwater for its Gulf Coast beaches, consider making it your final coastal stop after the parks, to unwind before returning home. The calmer waters and resort amenities make it ideal for a relaxing end to a busy vacation.

Overall, for your specific combination of Kennedy Space Center visit and family-friendly beach time, Cocoa Beach offers convenience, safe paddleable waters, and a less hectic environment in August. Clearwater offers iconic Gulf Coast beaches but requires longer drives, which may be less convenient with an early Space Center visit.

Cocoa Beach or Clearwater ?

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