Holiday Resort after Orlando

Question

Hi, I hope to travel to Orlando in June with my 15 year old son. After Orlando we would like to go to a Beach Resort to chill out for about a week. Appreciate ye’re recommendations for any lively good quality beach hotels with Entertainment. We won’t have a car, so we would like to be able to walk out to restaurants, shops etc. Don’t mind travelling 2 or so hours to get there.

Thanks very much

Answer

After a busy Orlando trip, a week at a lively beach resort can be a great way to relax while still keeping your 15-year-old entertained. Since you won’t have a car, it’s best to focus on areas with walkable access to restaurants, shops, and local attractions, ideally within a 2–2.5 hour drive from Orlando. Florida’s east coast (near Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach) and Gulf Coast (Clearwater, St. Pete Beach) both offer solid options.

Here are some recommended beach resort areas with vibrant atmosphere and amenities suitable for teens:

Cocoa Beach: About an hour east of Orlando, this area is very walkable and has a youthful, energetic vibe. Many resorts have pools, live entertainment, and easy access to restaurants and shops. Surfing, beach volleyball, and water sports are popular activities here.
Vero Beach: Approximately 2 hours from Orlando, Vero Beach offers a more upscale but still lively experience. There are several oceanfront resorts with pools, beachside dining, and organized activities. The town has boutique shopping and casual restaurants within walking distance.
Clearwater Beach/St. Pete Beach: About 2–2.5 hours west of Orlando, the Clearwater area has larger resorts with full entertainment programs, multiple pools, and kid/teen-friendly activities. The beach itself is wide and soft, and there are plenty of walkable restaurants, bars, and shops.

If you prefer a resort with structured entertainment and organized activities for teens, look for properties that offer:

Daily or evening entertainment shows
Poolside games, sports, or teen clubs
Beach activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling
On-site dining so you don’t need to travel far for meals

Some example resorts that match this description include:

Cocoa Beach Resort – lively pools, beachfront access, and walkable to restaurants
TradeWinds Island Grand, St. Pete Beach – large resort with teen programs, watersports, and nightly entertainment
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa – upscale oceanfront resort with activities and nearby dining within walking distance

In summary, for a week-long stay without a car, prioritize walkable beach towns with on-site entertainment and accessible dining options. Cocoa Beach is closest to Orlando and very convenient, while Clearwater/St. Pete and Vero Beach offer a bit more resort-style amenities and activities for teens. All provide a lively, enjoyable environment for both parents and teens to unwind after Orlando.