Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna?
I know most people have not visited these beaches.
However, if you plan to come to Florida, you may want to visit any of these places.
Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna?
Here is what I want you to know about these destinations:
Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna
Both cocoa beach and New Smyrna have recently been sand-filled with sand dredged inside the Atlantic ocean.
My question then is, do we have differences in the sand?
I do
not think the assumption that “a car will not get stuck” on New Smyrna Beach”
is correct.
Many cars get stuck there, so you need to be careful if you intend to drive on the beach.
Regarding water, South Florida generally has clearer waters, like Miami and Naples.
Cocoa beach and New Smyrna beach are
about 50 miles away.
I, therefore, saw no difference.
You will also see Port Canaveral and its large cruise
ships on the northern side of Cocoa Beach
.
Cocoa Beach has a lot of vehicle movements,
especially during rush hours.
On the other hand, there is only one traffic light on about 15 miles of A1A road in New Smyrna.
There are lots of
traffic lights in Cocoa Beach
.
Most reputable fast-food chains and hotel chains, like Holiday Inn, Hilton, and Days Inn,
have outlets in Cocoa Beach
.
There is no fast-food outlet in New Smyrna Beach, only a Subway.
Best Western and Hampton hotels are the only hotels you will see in New Smyrna Beach.
These hotels are a few blocks away from the beach.
You can only see a few Mom and Pop Motels, but many visitors prefer to rent a house or condo.
Beach driving is only allowed on about one-third of New Smyrna Beach because it is very controversial.
Therefore, it is easy to avoid.
However, it has the advantage of not having to park your property in the sun while looking for a space.
The $5 bill per car is used to pay the beach patrol guards and lifeguards.
During the summertime, food vendors on the beach sell food.
You will also see umbrellas, surfboards, bikes, 4-wheelers, and many different items rentals.
Sugar Mill Ruins
Sugar Mill is a 19th-century Cruger- dePeyster Plantation.
The Seminole Indians destroyed it during a war with the United States.
You can learn a bit of its history at Smyrna Dunes Park.
You can tour these ruins and other natural works of art around that area.
You do not pay fees to enter, and the place is open from morning to evening.
Sugar Mill Ruins is one of the best cost-free activities you will engage in at New Smyrna Beach.
Orlando Day Trip
It will take you just an hour to get to New Smyrna Beach from Orlando.
Orlando is a beautiful city and so close to New Smyrna Beach that you can always shuttle between the two locations for maximum enjoyment.
Do you want to visit the amusement parks for just a day?
Disney and Universal Studios
are beckoning on you.
These amusement parks are just one hour’s drive away.
You can visit them and come back without difficulty.
If
you do not want to go into theme parks
, many other things will keep you engaged in Orlando other than theme parks.
My Opinion
The sand in Cocoa Beach is softer than the sand in New Smyrna Beach.
You can drive on the New Smyrna sand, and your car will not get stuck.
The sand in
Cocoa Beach is so soft that cars
cannot run on it.
The water in
Cocoa Beach is clearer than in
New Smyrna because the Atlantic Ocean clears up as you move towards the south.
The major difference I noted is that New Smyrna Beach is isolated.
It has no entry nor exit points to the north and south.
However, there are two
places of interest on both sides of Cocoa Beach
, the Kennedy Space Center on the northern side and Patrick Air Force Base on the southern side.
Owing to my old age, I prefer the non-driving areas of the beach.
I find Cocoa Beach more convenient than Orlando and its tourist destinations.
On the other hand, New Smyrna
Beach is closer to Daytona
, which will interest lovers of biking and racing sports.
You won’t go wrong either way.
FAQs
Which beach is better New Smyrna Beach or Daytona Beach?
Out of 161 beach towns in Florida, Daytona Beach was ranked the 117th by Wallethub’s report – titled “2018’s Beach Towns To Live In”.
The report ranked it 38th out of 52 towns in Florida.
New Smyrna Beach was ranked 62nd overall and 18th in Florida.
Orlando beach was ranked 86th overall and 26th in Florida.
Is New Smyrna Beach worth visiting?
New Smyrna Beach is the
nearest beach to Orlando
.
It is a very nice beach too.
It will take a lot of people a whole day trip or even an overnight trip to get to New Smyrna Beach to enjoy their vacation.
New Smyrna Beach is a perfect tourist destination for surfer lovers.
It is the best surfing center in Florida and one of the best in America.
Does New Smyrna Beach have clear water?
New Smyrna Beach may look like a beach for the old people, but this beach still appeals to young families who bring their children for vacations.
The beach has Clean and clear water.
Generally, its crowd is laid back.
There are lots of unusual shops along the main street.
At the intra-coast, you will watch boats going under the bridge.
Is New Smyrna a nice beach?
New Smyrna Beach is one of the
nicest beaches close to Orlando
.
However, many will travel for a whole day or even all night to New Smyrna Beach on their vacation.
New Smyrna Beach is a perfect destination for people interested in surfing.
It is the best surfing center in Florida and one of the best in America.
Does New Smyrna Beach have white sand?
There are 13 miles of white-sand beaches in New Smyrna Beach.
The beach has offshore rock ledges that serve as wave brakes.
Is New Smyrna Beach good for swimming?
No matter which side you intend to visit, the Gulf side or the Atlantic side, always remember that there are sharks in
New Smyrna Beach
.
You have to expect this in any water where sharks are known to be.
However, I am not trying to discourage you from swimming in the waters of New Smyrna Beach.