Florida’s East Coast vs. West Coast: Which Is Better for Families with Kids?

If you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot for your family, you may be wondering whether to choose Florida’s East Coast or the West Coast.

Both coasts have a lot to offer families with kids. There are some key differences that you should consider before making your decision. 

Together we will compare and contrast the two coasts so that you can make an informed choice about where to go on your next family vacation in Florida!

Best of Everything

The East Coast: More Energy

The Florida East Coast offers everything a family could want in a vacation destination. From blastoff at Kennedy Space Center to beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone on this coast. The resorts and hotels are top-notch, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities close by. 

Also, the weather is usually perfect for outdoor activities, and the beaches are well-maintained and safe for kids. If you’re looking for a vacation that has it all, then the Florida East Coast is definitely the way to go!

The West Coast: More Relaxed Atmosphere

The West Coast of Florida is known for its more relaxed atmosphere. This is the perfect destination if you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

The beaches are beautiful, and there are plenty of activities to keep kids busy, such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The resorts on this coast tend to be a bit more low-key than those on the East Coast, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less luxurious. 

So, if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with your family, the West Coast of Florida is definitely the way to go!

Best Beaches

Gulf Coast (West)

If you’re looking for the most amazing sunsets with plenty of oranges, pinks, reds, and yellows you won’t be disappointed! The beaches on the gulf side are calmer with beautiful soft white quartz sand. 

Make sure to pack or buy sunscreen with a high SPF for the kids. 

Top Choices:

• Naples – Naples is a quieter, slower-paced city in Florida. Perfect if you want a quick getaway or your kids are younger and don’t need a lot of activities to keep them busy. The beaches offer parking lots and parking garages with paid parking. Accessing the beaches is simple and close. Arrive early to find parking, otherwise, it can get filled up fast. 

Bonus: The Naples Pier is great for fishing and a fun place to walk.

• Sanibel – Shells, shells, shells! Do you have kids that want to go hunting for all kinds of shells? Then Sanibel is the beach for you! If you want a more hands-on learning experience check out the Shell Museum in Sanibel. Kids under 5 are free.  

• Venice – The sand is darker on Venice beaches and is a great place to find shark’s teeth. Venice Beach is beautiful. You can see the Venice Public Fishing Pier, and you may even see dolphins or shorebirds there. Parking is free. 

Space Coast (East)

The Space Coast of Florida is known for its amazing beaches. If you’re looking for a place to surf, the East Coast has some of the best waves in the state. 

Top Choices:

• Cocoa Beach – The color of the sand is light gray-brown and it is popular among families for vacation. A popular spot for swimming and for kids who want to learn to surf. Parking available by vehicle type vs. hourly. 

• Deerfield Beach – Known for its sapphire-blue water, it is one of the cleanest beaches in the US. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Parking is available but can be expensive. 

Recommended for: All ages. 

Pro tip: Bring a gallon water jug and keep in the car to rinse the sand off your feet before getting in.

Best Animal Encounter

Gulf Coast (West)

If you’re looking for an amazing animal encounter, the Gulf Coast is the place to be. You’ll find dolphins, manatees, and all kinds of birds in this area. 

Top Choice:

• Crystal River – The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is home to a large population of manatees. Consider swimming with the manatees. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a manatee up close! The best time to visit is from November through March when the manatees are in the area.  

Recommended for: Ages 3 and up. Knowledge of swimming required.

Space Coast (East)

The Space Coast is home to some amazing animals. You’ll find all kinds of birds here, as well as dolphins and manatees. 

Top Choices:

• Dolphin Harbor –  This is the place to go if you want to swim with dolphins! You can also get up close and personal with them at Dolphin Harbor located in the Miami Seaquarium. They offer a variety of programs, including the Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin Royal Swim. 

Bonus: Other animal encounters are available as well. 

Recommended for: All ages. Children must be 38″ tall to participate and have an adult present.

• Everglades Safari Park –  No East coast Florida trip would be complete without checking out the alligators! If you’re looking for an alligator encounter, the Everglades Safari Park is the place to go. You’ll find a variety of animals here, including alligators, crocodiles, and snakes.  

Bonus: They offer airboat tours of the Everglades.

Recommended for: Ages 3 and up.

Pro tip:  Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles.

Best Learning Experience

Gulf Coast (West)

The Gulf Coast is home to some amazing learning experiences. You’ll find everything from aquariums to wildlife refuges here. 

Top Choices:

• Edison & Ford Winter Estates – If you’re looking for a learning experience that is both educational and fun, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is perfect. You’ll find exhibits on both men, as well as their inventions and car collections. There’s also a botanical garden on the property. 

Recommended for: All ages. Children 5 and under are free.

Pro tip:  The property is large, so wear comfortable shoes!

• Florida Aquarium – The Florida Aquarium is home to a variety of animals, including sharks, dolphins, and penguins. They offer programs for kids, including the Behind-the-Scenes tours. 

Bonus: It includes a splash pad for kids to play. Occasionally closed for maintenance, be sure to verify ahead of time that it will be open during your trip. 

Recommended for: All ages. Children 2 and under are free.

Pro tip: Consider buying the CityPass. You can potentially spend less and experience more of the city. CityPASS saves 54% off The Florida Aquarium admission, plus 4 additional top Tampa Bay attractions including Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay! 

• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) – The Museum of Science and Industry offers exhibits on a variety of topics, including dinosaurs, space, and transportation. They also offer many programs for kids, including the IDEAZONE and the Saunders Planetarium.

Recommended for: All ages. Children 2 and under are free. 

Pro tip: Save with the CityPass. 

Space Coast (East)

If you’re looking for a learning experience while on your Florida beach vacation, the Space Coast is the place to be. 

Top Choices:

• Kennedy Space Center – The Kennedy Space Center is home to some of the most amazing exhibits about space. You’ll find everything from rockets to interactive displays that will teach you all about space. This is a must-see for anyone visiting Florida! 

Bonus: Discount for active and retired military personnel. 

Recommended for: All ages. Children 2 and under are free.

Pro tip: Check the schedule in advance so you can catch a launch! 

• St. Augustine Old Town Trolley Tour – If you’re looking for a way to see all of St. Augustine, the Old Town Trolley Tour is the perfect way to do it. You’ll find a variety of stops, including the Castillo de San Marcos and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth.  

Take some time to explore the massive Castillo de San Marcos fort that overlooks the sea on the St. Augustine coast. Wander through the numerous rooms that were once home to war soldiers and prisoners.

Bonus:  It’s a hop-on, hop-off tour, so you can get off and explore the sights on your own.

Recommended for: All ages. Children 4 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Best Water Parks and Pools:

Gulf Coast (West)

Top Choice: 

• Adventure Island – This water park is home to a variety of rides, including the Rapids Racer and the Colossal Curl. They also offer some areas just for toddlers, including a kiddie pool and a lazy river. 

Bonus: It’s located right next to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, so you can kill two birds with one stone! 

Recommended for: All ages. Children 3 and under are free. Children under 42 inches tall must wear a life jacket in some areas.

Pro tip:  Get there early to avoid the crowds. Consider purchasing a two-park ticket to save money. 

Space Coast (East)

Top Choices:

• Grapeland River Waterpark – This water park is home to several kid-friendly attractions. Let the kids explore Shipwreck Island and Pirate’s Plunge. Get lazy in the Buccaneer River Ride. 

Bonus:  They also have a toddler area for the little ones. 

Recommended for: All ages. Children under 42 inches tall must wear a life jacket. Seasonally open, be sure to check availability.  

• Venetian Pool  – This pool is a bit different than your average pool. It’s actually an old quarry that has been filled with fresh water and turned into a pool. The Venetian Pool offers a number of areas for swimming, including a lap pool, diving area, and waterfall. 

Bonus: There’s a cave you can explore! 

Recommended for: Ages 3 and up. Children must be a minimum of 3 years of age and 38 inches tall to enter the facility. Verification of age must be presented at the time of entry.

Best Night Adventure

Super Bonus Activity: Too much fun to not include!

Space Coast (East)

• Bioluminescence Tour – Family Rafting –  This is a unique experience that your family will never forget! Take a guided rafting trip down the Indian River and see the amazing bioluminescence that lights up the water at night. 

Paddle rafts are excellent for families with smaller children or those who prefer a bigger boat than a kayak. Be sure to bring a camera, as you’re going to want to capture this incredible sight!  

Recommended for: All ages.

Pro tip: June – October are the best times for this tour. The less moonlight, the brighter the bioluminescent sea creatures will appear.

Which Coast is Right for You?

Now that you know a little bit more about each coast, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. No matter which coast you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time!