Top 15 Activities to Experience in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

It is effortless to develop an affection for this historic coastal city located on Florida’s central east coast. One of New Smyrna Beach’s prominent attractions is the Atlantic shoreline, boasting 17 miles of pristine white sands. 

Some beaches, such as those at Canaveral National Seashore, are untamed and secluded. Conversely, for a more social experience, the vibrant town beach lies directly off historic Flagler Avenue, which is one of New Smyrna Beach’s two main downtown areas.

Here, one can immerse oneself in a dynamic cultural environment where galleries and artist communities engage in collaboration, showcasing their works and conducting workshops.

Furthermore, the area is characterized by its natural grandeur. New Smyrna Beach is distinguished by the Indian River Lagoon, which harbors an astounding variety of wildlife. 

Along the coastline, one can find picturesque dunes, coastal hammocks, and lagoons found within the Canaveral National Seashore. Head north, and you will discover Smyrna Dunes Park, an area offering opportunities to observe nesting seabirds from a well-constructed boardwalk.

Complementing this allure is an intriguing history to uncover, ranging from substantial prehistoric Native American remnants to tales from the brief settlement of Smyrnea, established in 1768.

1. Hit the Beaches

Source: Michael Rickard / shutterstock

If you were to ask me about my favorite aspect of New Smyrna Beach, the sandy shores would undoubtedly spring to mind first. Remarkably, there are 17 miles of public beaches within the city. 

Undoubtedly, the sunrises here are extraordinary. Additionally, similar to the beaches in Daytona, the fine, well-compacted sand is primarily suitable for beach driving. 

Each beach features a unique crowd and ambiance. For guests seeking amenities and vibrancy, the New Smyrna Town Beach, located at the heart of Flagler Avenue, is an excellent choice. 

If you are visiting with a dog, a designated dog beach can be found at New Smyrna Dunes. For those requiring solitude, the Canaveral National Seashore provides a more tranquil environment, which is a critical nesting site for sea turtles during the summer months.

Lastly, numerous beach breaks are available along the coast. However, the optimal destination for surfers is the Ponce Inlet, recognized as the most reliable surf break in the state.

2. Canal Street and Flagler Avenue

New Smyrna Beach’s cultural, shopping, and dining experiences are concentrated along two thoroughfares flanking the Indian River Lagoon.

Inland, you will find Canal Street, a focal point for an enchanting historic district. Lined with palm trees, this walkable area offers complimentary parking and a diverse array of dining options.

My preferred time to visit is Saturday morning, when the farmers’ market is operational.

Flagler Avenue runs toward the beach. This avenue extends eastward, creating stunning views at sunrise. 

Across five pedestrian-friendly blocks, this street boasts an artistic atmosphere, featuring galleries, charming specialty shops, and a plethora of dining and drinking establishments. 

Throughout the week, various events take place, including wine walks and the annual Shrimp and Seafood Festival in August.

3. Smyrna Dunes Park

Source: SR Productions / shutterstock

With breathtaking views of the Indian River, Ponce de Leon Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean, Smyrna Dunes Park is a remarkable location.

Encompassing a 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk, this park serves both the Atlantic and Indian River shorelines, while also elevating visitors above a protected habitat for shorebirds.

A fishing pier is located on the Indian River, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife. During my visit, I encountered a snowy egret perched on the boardwalk, as well as several gopher tortoises. 

Due to the compacted sand, vehicles are permitted on New Smyrna Beach as far north as the jetty. Dogs are allowed on the beach along the northern side, overlooking the Indian River.

4. Sugar Mill Ruins

Source: kellyv / Flickr

On the premises of a historic former plantation lie the enigmatic remnants of a 19th-century Sugar Mill. During that period, this part of Florida was on the frontier, making such an endeavor exceedingly perilous.

I learned that the plantation operated for less than three years before being raided and set ablaze by Seminole Native Americans during the Second Seminole War.

Now enveloped in nearly 20 acres of palm trees and live oaks, the coquina stone walls of the sugar mill represent a captivating slice of local history. 

Informative signs are positioned around the site, delving into topics such as early 19th-century sugar production and the Seminole Wars.

5. Marine Discovery Center

Source: Marine Discovery Center / Facebook

New Smyrna Beach is situated within one of the most biodiverse estuarine environments in the nation, encompassing over 4,000 species within 156 miles. 

It is essential to take advantage of learning more about this extraordinary ecosystem at the Marine Discovery Center, which for over twenty-five years has dedicated itself to educating the public regarding the Indian River Lagoon.

A variety of experiences are available, including pontoon tours and guided kayaking excursions. Typically, one can expect to see manatees and bottlenose dolphins, alongside diverse avian species, from pelicans to roseate spoonbills.

The center itself is an engaging environment, featuring marine aquariums and interactive exhibits that offer insights into the lagoon and Florida’s coastal waters.

6. New Smyrna Museum of History

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

To gain insight into the area’s heritage, allocating time for this local history museum, housed in the city’s former office from 1923, is advisable.

Inside, I was particularly impressed by the exhibit detailing the ill-fated Smyrnea Settlement from 1768. Artifacts, models, and videos illuminate this ambitious effort to establish a plantation for hemp, sugarcane, and indigo. 

A concise timeline is also presented, beginning with prehistoric fossils and the earliest Native Americans, extending to the late 20th century.

The display includes 19th-century photographs and intricate tapestries crafted by the WPA during the 1930s. 

7. Atlantic Center for the Arts

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

Located along the picturesque shores of Turnbull Bay, named after the original settler, the Atlantic Center for the Arts provides visitors with access to remarkable views.

Besides its extensive collection, the center is distinctive as it serves as both a temporary residence and a creative incubator for artists from around the globe. Various studios are scattered throughout the grounds where artists can live and create.

Part of the center’s charm is the opportunity to observe artists at work and engage with them. Additionally, the center hosts numerous art and cultural events throughout the year.

8. Hub on Canal

Source: The Hub on Canal / Facebook

I have illustrated that downtown New Smyrna Beach is a unique blend of historic allure and modern culture. The Hub on Canal encapsulates this essence, functioning as a creative community for over 70 practicing artists. 

It is hard to resist the inspiration felt upon entering this facility. The center resides in two historic buildings, the interiors of which have been masterfully transformed.

Local artists specialize in areas ranging from metalwork to mixed media. The Hub on Canal not only provides gallery space to showcase their creations but also features live performances, public discussions, classes, and workshops.

9. Festival of the Arts

Source: Images: A Festival of the Arts / Facebook

Recurring themes emerge when discussing activities in New Smyrna Beach, with festivals being a significant focus.

One of my personal favorites is New Smyrna Beach’s Festival of the Arts, which takes place over three days in January at Riverside Park. Organized by the Atlantic Center for the Arts, it has recently been recognized as one of the top 20 events of its kind in the nation 

Given the competitive landscape, this ranking is certainly commendable. With more than 230 artists from across the country participating, the festival draws an audience exceeding 50,000 visitors each year. 

Attendees can also anticipate live music, delicious food, and complimentary art activities for creative children.

10. Turtle Mound National Historic Site

The prehistoric Timucua Native Americans inhabited a significant portion of north-central Florida until the early 18th century.

Locations such as Turtle Mound are remnants of these semi-agricultural peoples. Situated within Canaveral National Seashore, Turtle Mound is a shell midden of remarkable size.

Reaching nearly 50 feet in height, this structure comprises approximately 33,000 cubic yards of oyster shells, accumulated over centuries. The scale of Turtle Mound was so considerable that it was even utilized as a seamark during the Age of Sail.

I was particularly impressed with the boardwalk that encircles the summit of the mound, affording 360-degree views of the coastline extending for miles.

11. The Preserve at Turnbull Bay Golf Course

Source: thepreserveatturnbull.com

Dedicated golfers visiting Florida’s central Atlantic coast could play two courses daily for weeks without exhausting their options.

The Preserve at Turnbull Bay Golf Course stands out among public courses in New Smyrna Beach. As its name suggests, the par-72 course’s 18 holes weave through a serene nature reserve. 

One is likely aware that the Florida climate can significantly influence golfing conditions. However, here, the greens feature seashore paspalum, ensuring a consistently smooth playing surface throughout the year.

Moreover, I find the driving range appealing. During my visit, the bays had recently been fitted with innovative TopTracer technology, transforming a simple hitting session into an interactive experience.

12. Eldora State House

Another fascinating aspect of Canaveral National Seashore is an abandoned town whose last inhabitant passed away in 2000.

Positioned by Mosquito Lagoon, Eldora was initially established as an orange-growing community in the late 19th century. A severe freeze ultimately ended that trading activity, leading the town to develop as a resort. 

Among the structures remaining from the resort era is the Eldora State House, constructed in 1912. This building was deserted by the 1950s and left in disrepair until it underwent restoration in the 1990s. 

Upon my visit, the house opened its doors to the public on Tuesday through Sunday afternoons. 

Exhibits on the first floor showcase the history of Eldora, including newspaper clippings, archival photographs, and antiquated documents. Visitors can also examine artifacts excavated from around the town’s site.

13. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse

Source: pisaphotography / shutterstock

Standing at nearly 180 feet, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, dominating the coastal landscape.

This iconic structure has a rich history extending back nearly two centuries. The current lighthouse, erected in 1887, previously required the assistance of three lighthouse keepers to maintain its operations.

Despite encountering shortages of oil necessary for illumination and structural weakening from turbulence and erosion, it has proven to be resilient over time.

Currently, the lighthouse is meticulously preserved by a local conservation society. Visitors are encouraged to climb the 200 steps to the top for panoramic views of both land and sea. You will not regret this invigorating experience.

14. New Smyrna Speedway

Source: New Smyrna Speedway / Facebook

New Smyrna Beach is conveniently located near Daytona International Raceway, allowing for easy day trips. However, for those who prefer not to spend valuable vacation time in transit, there is an even more accessible option available.

Dating back to the 1960s, New Smyrna Speedway is a ½-mile asphalt track for stock cars, featuring a range of vehicles from Super Late Models to Modifieds. What I appreciate most about this venue is the welcoming environment, although earplugs are highly recommended.

NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series racing takes place on Saturday nights throughout the season, with quarter midget racing on Fridays.

The season culminates in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, featuring nine consecutive nights of thrilling events each February.

15. Annual Seaside Fiesta

Source: Frank DeMarchi / Facebook

For almost four decades, the Annual Seaside Fiesta in New Smyrna Beach has marked the beginning of summer.

Scheduled for mid-June along Flagler Avenue, this event is organized by local civic and business development organizations, focusing annually on the area’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

The event features a delightful mix of live entertainment, craft booths, carnival-style games, rides, and delicious street food.

Each iteration has a unique theme, and portions of Flagler Avenue are closed to vehicular traffic for the entire afternoon and evening.