As many Americans now find themselves in the throes of winter, seeking out Vitamin D becomes a lot more enticing than simply reaching into the fridge for a gulp of Sunny D.
Vacation searches are in full force, many of which are likely targeting Florida, America’s always-sunny paradise hugging the Gulf and Caribbean waters.
Deciding to book a beach vacay in Florida is one thing, but picking the exact spot is another.
There are so many beautiful shores to escape winter, ranging from iconic cities to hidden gems on the rise.
If there’s one common denominator about Florida, it is its affordability. Unless you’re visiting luxe beach towns like Palm Beach, chances are you won’t be glued to checking your bank account.
According to GoBankingRates, this white sand beach town is one of Florida’s most affordable winter escapes, and it’s likely not where you think.
Cocoa Beach: A Crowd-Free Winter Paradise
Cocoa Beach may not quite be a household name, but it sees its fair share of crowds come summer.
Winter is one of the best times of the year to enjoy long stretches of white sand beaches along clear, vibrant waters without fighting for elbow room, and it becomes much more navigable to move away from any unsightly retiree swimwear.
No offense, Gam Gam.
Cocoa Beach boasts year-round sunshine except for the yearly scares of hurricane threats, which have now passed for the time being.
Right now, vacationers can expect consistent sunny days in the 70’s through April, with occasional days here and there touching 80.
Season events are wrapping up, but Cocoa Beach still offers an array of activities for some classic fun in the sun, like surfing, fishing, and even whale watching tours, one of the town’s most popular attractions during the winter season.
But, if you prefer to lounge on the beach all day, at least make plans for an epic sunset cruise on the scenic Banana River.
An Hour From Orlando: Day Trip Or Main Stay?
Orlando is one of few Florida destinations over half an hour from a beach, which speaks to Disney World’s worldwide popularity.
Otherwise, Orlando wouldn’t be nearly as popular, which also speaks to locals getting tired of spending 365 days a year in a city anchored by a curated fairytale land in favor of hitting up Cocoa Beach each summer.
It’s said that most tourists spend 6-7 days at Disney World, but it’s certainly not a requirement. Unless you’re on a road trip, flying into Orlando is the easiest way to reach Cocoa Beach.
There’s an argument to be made about whether to make Cocoa Beach your base or rest your head at night in Orlando and make a day trip or weekend getaway to the Atlantic’s gorgeous shores.
What you likely won’t want to do is drive back and forth each day, especially with kids in tow. Can’t you already hear, “Are we there yet?”.
Unless you’re just wanting to dabble in the world of Disney for a day or two, staying in Orlando is probably best.
But if Disney World tops your list, Cocoa Beach is best served as a day trip just like the locals do, or you can skip the ‘happiest place on Earth’ and find your own bliss oceanside as your mainstay.
One Of Florida’s Most Affordable Vacation Destinations
GoBankingRate’s research shows Cocoa Beach vacationers spend an average of just $176 per day, mentioning hotels can be found under $90 per night with the possibility of scoring even better deals with vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Circling back to deciding what type of trip you want to have, Disney resorts double these prices at the very least.
However, Vero Beach has a loophole of its own with a lesser-known Disney resort.
Cocoa Beach, however, is one of Florida’s most affordable beach vacations with fun activities in nearby Orlando or along what’s known as the “Space Coast,” where you can check out one of the state’s most unique attractions, the Kennedy Space Center, just half an hour away.
Restaurants in the vicinity won’t break the bank; obviously, many specialize in coastal cuisine. Although, those with a sweet tooth should check out TripAdvisor-recommended The Florida Key Lime Pie Company.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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