Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Edgewater, Florida

True to its name, this unassuming city is positioned along the Indian River Lagoon, located just south of New Smyrna Beach. Although not a primary location for travelers, Edgewater provides convenient access to numerous engaging destinations.

To start, the Mosquito Lagoon area of the Indian River is nearby. This shallow estuary boasts remarkable biodiversity, nearly unparalleled in the northern hemisphere.

One could spend extensive time exploring these waters, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. Numerous species of birds, as well as bottlenose dolphins and manatees, can be observed from waterfront parks.

A quick journey will lead you to striking Atlantic beaches featuring sand suitable for driving. Along the coast, remnants of the Timucua Native Americans can be found, while New Smyrna Beach is a vibrant center for contemporary culture.

1. Indian River

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Edgewater lies on the banks of the notable Indian River Lagoon, recognizable as the Intracoastal Waterway for over 150 miles. This shallow and exceedingly biodiverse estuary originates just a few miles from the Ponce de Leon Inlet.

The section adjacent to Edgewater is known as the Mosquito Lagoon, extending from the inlet to a location just north of Cape Canaveral.

With mangroves, tidal flats, and marshes available for exploration, the lagoon is worthy of as much time as you can allocate. Locally, it is possible to rent a kayak, participate in an ecotour, or hike the parks and preserves along the shoreline.

Remarkably, approximately 2,200 animal species inhabit the lagoon. Witnessing bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees during the winter season, along with a variety of bird species, is commonplace.

2. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

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Florida’s tallest lighthouse stands prominently at the northernmost point of the Indian River Lagoon, situated several miles from Edgewater.

This striking red tower reaches a height of 175 feet and historically relied on a team of three keepers. The lighthouse has existed since at least 1835, with the current structure dating back to 1887.

After ascending over 200 steps, visitors are rewarded with unforgettable views extending across the Atlantic, alongside the inlet and down the Indian River Lagoon for considerable distances.

At the base of the tower, the former residences of the keepers now house museum exhibits. A particularly fascinating aspect of the museum is its world-class collection of Fresnel lenses.

3. New Smyrna Beach

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Just a 10-minute drive along the Indian River, the city of New Smyrna Beach provides an excellent opportunity for a day trip from Edgewater.

This locale offers ideal beach access, featuring exceptional sandy stretches located adjacent to downtown. The sand here is well-compacted, allowing visitors to drive on select beaches for a fee.

New Smyrna Beach is also celebrated as a premier surfing destination, renowned for its consistent waves. Throughout the coast, surf shops and surf schools are readily available.

Beyond outdoor attractions, ample time should be allocated for exploring the vibrant downtown districts along Canal Street and Flagler Avenue.

4. Menard-May Park

A favored local venue for appreciating the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon is found in a public park situated on a peninsula by the water.

Menard-May Park is delightful at any time of day, but takes on a particularly stunning aspect during sunrise. This area serves as an excellent launching point for kayaks or paddleboards, and includes a fishing pier at the apex.

If you spend a few moments scanning the water, you may have the chance to observe bottlenose dolphins or manatees during the winter months.

The sandy beach is well-suited for families with young children, and recreational facilities such as a play area and picnic tables are conveniently close.

5. Canaveral National Seashore

Travel south along the barrier island opposite Edgewater, and the area becomes quite secluded. Soon, you will reach an expansive National Seashore that spans nearly 90 square miles.

An extraordinary variety of habitats await exploration, ranging from undisturbed hammocks to beaches, dunes, salt marshes, lagoons, pine flatlands, and the ocean.

Over 300 bird species have been documented in the Canaveral National Seashore, while during the summer months, loggerhead, leatherback, and green sea turtles nest along the beaches.

Further south, visitors can relax on Playalinda Beach and observe rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, intriguing historical sites like Turtle Mound and the abandoned town of Eldora can be found to the north.

6. Smyrna Dunes Park

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Covering nearly 190 acres on the southern edge of the Ponce de Leon Inlet, the beautiful Smyrna Dunes Park conserves an essential coastal landscape, serving as a nesting habitat for shorebirds.

There are several observation platforms offering sweeping views over the Atlantic, inlet, and Indian River Lagoon. The dunes here are connected by an accessible, two-mile boardwalk loop, which is a pleasure to traverse.

You will find beaches on all three sides of the barrier island. For those visiting with dogs, Smyrna Dunes Park features the best dog-friendly beach in the vicinity, located on the inlet side.

7. Bethune Beach

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Located south of New Smyrna Beach, this secluded community serves as a northern gateway to the Canaveral National Seashore.

To reach Bethune Beach, you must travel all the way around the lagoon from Edgewater. Although the beach is merely a couple of miles away in a straight line, the journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

The history of Bethune Beach is fascinating; it was once the only beach in Volusia County that welcomed African Americans. The community honors the noteworthy civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), who organized a wade-in protest against segregation.

Notably, this beach park features nearly 800 feet of beachfront sidewalk, offering stunning views. Amenities include spacious picnic pavilions, showers, a playground, a fishing pier, and restroom facilities.

8. Turtle Mound

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Continuing south along the coastal road from Bethune Beach will lead you to Turtle Mound. Created by the Timucua Native Americans, this vast historical site is one of the area’s most intriguing landmarks.

Composed of oyster shells and other refuse discarded over 2,000 years between approximately 1000 BCE and 1400 CE, the mound spans 600 feet in length and rises 50 feet in height.

What captivates me about Turtle Mound is that it has never undergone a comprehensive archaeological survey. Consequently, as you wander along the interpretive boardwalk, you can contemplate the secrets buried beneath your feet.

9. Cruger dePeyster Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins

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Situated nearby, you can explore the remnants of a steam-powered crushing house on a failed sugarcane plantation.

These coquina stone structures date back to the 1830s, although the mill was destroyed during the Seminole War just a few years later.

Remarkably, even after the partial destruction of the buildings, the machinery inside was left intact. This equipment was later salvaged and installed at the Dunlawton Plantation and Sugar Mill in Port Orange.

The ruins were added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1970. With informative interpretive postings, the structures are set in a picturesque environment surrounded by palms and majestic live oaks.

10. 27th Avenue Beachfront Park

A more tranquil alternative to New Smyrna Beach Park can be found at this excellent public access point located a couple of miles to the south.

Favored by both tourists and residents, 27th Avenue Beachfront Park features a charming promenade overlooking the shore. With a row of benches and picnic tables, it is an ideal spot to spend time observing the surf.

The beach consists of the typical hard-packed white sand found throughout Volusia County, and there is ample space for everyone to discover a quiet area to unwind.

In terms of amenities at this beach area, you will find a playground, basketball court, pavilion, and restroom facilities.

11. George R. Kennedy Memorial Park

Edgewater’s primary off-ramp for the Indian River Lagoon is this scenic public park located opposite City Hall.

Not long before my last visit, George R. Kennedy Memorial Park underwent updates facilitated by the Florida Inland Navigation District.

If you are seeking a pleasant atmosphere on land, the park features a fishing pier, picnic tables, and a pavilion by the water. Many visitors frequent this location for its boat ramp.

If you do not possess your own boat, this site serves as a launching point for fishing charters. Several local fishing businesses operate in this area, including Right In Sight Charters, Caught Slackin, Playin’ Hooky, and Edgewater River Guide.

12. Seminole Rest

TEN minutes south of Edgewater lies this peaceful lagoon-front park, part of Canaveral National Seashore.

Crowning Seminole Rest is the Snyder Mound, one of several ancient Timucua mounds located within the park. Archaeological surveys have revealed that these middens consist of oysters, conchs, and whelk shells, alongside remains of fish such as sea trout, bass, and sharks.

I recommend taking the time to read the interpretive signage along the path at Seminole Rest, which addresses topics such as Timucua lifestyle and the early impressions of 16th-century French explorers.

You will also learn about the Snyder family, who constructed their home atop the largest mound and preserved this remarkable site for many years.

13. Peter Wolf Toth Art Gallery and Museum

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A visit to Edgewater would be incomplete without exploring the dynamic yet inspiring outdoor studio of sculptor Peter Wolf Toth.

He has dedicated many years to crafting a multitude of monumental sculptures honoring Native Americans across the country. Known as Whispering Giants, these creations are offered pro bono and donated to the communities where they are carved.

To support his project, Toth produces smaller carvings and paintings available for sale at his studio. For a firsthand experience, individuals are encouraged to reach out for a guided tour.

14. River Breeze Park

This nearby park on the Indian River Lagoon is distinguished by its long fishing dock. Equipped with several benches, this structure assumes a T-configuration, making it one of the best sites for casual wildlife observation.

From the dock’s end, visitors can gaze along the lagoon for miles. On a winter’s day, I have witnessed entire groups of manatees drifting by, accompanied by dolphins and turtles.

Wherever there are fishing enthusiasts, pelicans are not far behind, and the same holds true at River Breeze Park. Furthermore, visitors have the option to launch a kayak for a journey along the Mosquito Lagoon Paddling Trail, blending natural beauty with Timucua archaeological sites.

15. AMC Classic New Smyrna 12

On a particularly hot or rainy day, the nearby AMC multiplex remains a worthwhile retreat. Established in the mid-1990s, this theater underwent a total renovation in the 2010s before becoming part of the AMC chain in 2017.

This venue is modestly sized and did not feature modern amenities such as power-reclining seats during my visit.

Nonetheless, it boasts stadium seating, a Coke freestyle machine, and the convenience of ordering food and beverages via a mobile device. Additionally, favorable discounts on matinees and specials available all day on Tuesdays add to its appeal.