Occupying 17 miles of the state’s eastern coastline, about an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is among the best places in central Florida to stick your toes in the sand and listen to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Those waves are well-known in the surfing community, but you don’t need to be a surfer to appreciate New Smyrna Beach. It’s a great spot for families, couples, and solo travelers. You can even drive directly on the shore, providing easy access to everything you need for a day (or days) of fun in the sun.
Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach has more to offer than surf and sand, however. The food scene is excellent, with everything from casual outdoor cafes to options for those with refined palates, and there’s a thriving arts and culture scene. More fun on the water awaits at the Indian River Lagoon, and if you want to spot dolphins while kayaking through bioluminescent waters, you can do that, too. Here are some of the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach, plus where to eat and stay.
Things to do in and around New Smyrna Beach
Get your bearings on Flagler Avenue
Photo: Brandy Jo
Flagler Avenue, a five-block boulevard flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, is a great introduction to New Smyrna Beach, with several places to eat and shop. Head to Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop for sweets like saltwater taffy, check out cool fashions at shops like Look Charmed Boutique and Charmed by the Sea, and stop for a midday pick-me-up at Cool Beans Cafe (I suggest the Namaste cold brew). The shuffleboard courts on Flagler Avenue are another cool addition in the middle of town, easily walkable from the beach.
Flagler Avenue: Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Take a dolphin discovery cruise
Photo: Brandy Jo
The Marine Discovery Center organizes a variety of boat excursions, including several Dolphin Discovery tours (morning, early afternoon, evening, and private charters). The dolphins must have known we were coming during my tour because they showed up, came very close, and put on a performance for us. Despite being promoted as a dolphin-watching experience, I was amazed at how many birds we saw, too.
Note that the tour departs from a boat ramp, so you’ll need to pick up a parking pass from the main campus before you go. Plan to spend some time at the Marine Discovery Center, too. It has aquariums and exhibits worth seeing. I also love the work that the center is doing with its Shuck & Share program, which recycles oyster shells from local restaurants and uses them for restoration projects in the Indian River Lagoon.
Marine Discovery Center: 520 Barracuda Boulevard, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Book a bioluminescent kayaking tour
One of the most memorable experiences during my trip was an after-dark kayaking excursion with Viking Eco Tours, complete with a natural light show. Bioluminescence, a phenomenon that occurs when organisms like the plankton-like dinoflagellates in New Smyrna Beach’s waters emit a natural glow, lit up the water beneath us. Playful dolphins were an unexpected bonus.
The best time to catch this bioluminescent spectacle is between May and October. I kayak frequently in a traditional kayak, but I’d never used a pedal kayak like the one used on this tour. I never even had to paddle, just used my feet. This is a fun option for anyone, even if you don’t have any traditional kayaking experience.
Viking Eco Tours: 250 H H Burch Road, Oak Hill, FL 32759
Go for a distillery tour and tasting
Photo: Brandy Jo
The only thing better than the old fashioned I had at Sugar Works Distillery was the site tour. I was lucky enough to have the owners show me how they make bourbon, vodka, agave spirit, cinnamon-flavored whiskey, and a variety of rums and moonshines that line their shelves.
The owners shared how they shop for local ingredients, how they create unique flavors based on what’s available at the time, and how their family has started beekeeping so that they have the best honey to use in their production. The mixologist was equally great and talked about the process of making all of their own bitters. You really can taste the difference, and I was impressed with the spirits I tried.
Sugar Works Distillery: 214 North Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Dive into the local art scene
Photo: Brandy Jo
New Smyrna Beach really embraces its local arts scene, and The Hub on Canal and Jane’s Art Center are two big parts of that. I was blown away by the amount of talent and variety of mediums I saw represented when I walked around the galleries, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, and more.
The Hub is a nonprofit organization that provides space for local artists to work. It also operates Jane’s a few steps away. If you’re an art enthusiast, put both spots on your to-visit list, and if you’re interested in channeling your inner artist, check out the classes and workshops on offer. I think I’m going to try my hand at the potter’s wheel next time I’m in town.
The Hub on Canal: 132 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Jane’s Art Center: 199 Downing Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Explore the Canal Street Historic District
Photo: JennLShoots/Shutterstock
While you’re on Canal Street, there’s more to explore. Lean into your art-focused excursion at galleries like Wild Oats and Billy Goats, Arts on Douglas, Gallery 237, and the Ring Gallery. Then, enjoy some retail therapy at boutiques like The Posh Pineapple and Claiborne’s Closet. The Galley is a great place to find gourmet food items like premium olive oils and balsamic vinegar, and you won’t want to leave Canal Street without sampling some of the delectable chocolates at the Shebeen cafe.
Canal Street Historic District: Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Visit the New Smyrna Museum of History
Photo: Brandy Jo
I didn’t realize the historical significance of New Smyrna Beach until I visited this museum, and I enjoyed learning about one of Florida’s oldest cities. (According to the museum, it started as North America’s largest British Settlement, or Smyrnea’.) The museum houses several historical artifacts, including prehistoric mastodon bones. The Museum of East Coast Surfing is located within the building, too, and your ticket covers admission to both. Admission is free for active duty military members and children under 10.
New Smyrna Museum of History: 120 Sams Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Tour the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
Photo: Brandy Jo
The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum is housed in an old church that dates back to the late 1800s. When I arrived, I walked through the doors and was warmly greeted by a volunteer named Hyacinth who gave me a guided tour through the exhibits. The museum has done a great job collecting memorabilia and artifacts that tell the stories of the area’s Black community. The Florida Highwaymen, for example, are a group of Black landscape artists from Florida whom I’ve been a fan of for a while. I was pleasantly surprised to see a few of their paintings there. This museum is run by a non-profit group, and it’s free to visit.
Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum: 314 North Duss Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Stop by the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
The Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is an intriguing stop to add to your itinerary. Even better, it’s free. Not only are these botanical gardens beautiful, but this is also a great place to learn more about the area’s history. The site was a former plantation, and you can see remnants of the old sugar mills there. You’ll also see some unique features that arrived a little later: concrete dinosaurs. These are the remains of an attempt to use the land for an amusement park called Bongoland in the early 1900s.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens: 950 Old Sugar Mill Road, Port Orange, FL 32129
Where to eat and drink in New Smyrna Beach
Flagler Tavern
I stopped at Flagler Tavern for lunch as soon as I got to town, and it was a great start to my time in New Smyrna Beach. To start, it occupies a perfect location on Flagler Avenue and is within walking distance of the beach. Then there’s the extensive menu, with everything from oysters, burgers, and meatloaf to tacos, poke bowls, cracked conch, black grouper, and grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches. I wanted to try it all, but in the end, I went with the spinach artichoke flatbread, and it was so delicious.
Flagler Tavern: 414 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Spanish River Grill
Just as you’d expect from a two-time James Beard semi-finalist, Spanish River Grill plates up enticing and creative dishes, including a variety of tapas. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients locally, and you can taste the freshness. My favorite dish was the whipped feta with fermented honey. One word of caution, though — don’t get too full before dessert, because you’re going to want to try the homemade burnt Basque cheesecake. You’ll want to make reservations in advance here, too.
Spanish River Grill: 1518 South Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Voo La Voo Cafe
Voo La Voo is known for its crepes. I enjoyed mine (Nutella, strawberries, and bananas) on the patio with a side of breakfast potatoes and a cafe au lait. The cafe also serves several non-sweet breakfast options, as well as a robust dinner menu with dishes like escargot, filet mignon, and Mediterranean cod. I also enjoyed visiting with the sweet owner who brings an authentic touch of France to New Smyrna Beach.
Voo La Voo Cafe: 829 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
Norwood’s presents patrons with the opportunity to embrace their inner child and hang out in a treehouse. The restaurant brings the ambiance, and while the first level looked really nice, too, I enjoyed my time on the second-level treehouse and would recommend making a reservation up there. It’s built around a massive tree that spreads its branches, and you can sit up there sipping your beverage of choice. Mine was a key lime martini with a rim dusted in graham cracker pie crust. I was fine drinking my dessert, and it didn’t spoil my appetite — there was still room for some yummy almond-crusted grouper.
Norwood’s: 400 2nd Avenue East, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
The Mermaid Cafe at Riverview
Photo: Brandy Jo
The Mermaid Cafe is a whimsical place that’s known for its waffles. There’s a waffle bar with several toppings and drizzles, including fruity pebbles, Oreos, cotton candy pieces, mermaid gummies, Nutella, peanut butter, caramel, and so many fruit options. I ordered the blueberry pie waffle — delicious and filling. The beignets were also speaking to me, but I’ll have to save those for next time. Note that The Mermaid Cafe is only open 8 AM to 2 PM, so plan accordingly if you want to check it out (you do).
The Mermaid Cafe: 113 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Cafe Verde
Cafe Verde is another convenient option on Flagler Avenue that makes a great spot to pop in for lunch if you’re at the beach. Salads, tacos, and gyros are popular options, but you can also build your own bowl and customize it with plantains, chicken, steak, lamb, tofu, pork, or mahi. You’ll love this spot if you have special dietary needs, as there are several clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the menu.
Cafe Verde: 301b Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Where to stay in New Smyrna Beach
Casago New Smyrna Beach
Photos: Brandy Jo
New Smyrna Beach has plenty of hotels, from chains like Best Western and Hampton Inn to boutique properties like the Black Dolphin Inn, not to mention Airbnbs. I went a different route. I wanted to wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and couldn’t have found a better place to do it: Casago New Smyrna Beach.
My two-bedroom condo had doors in both the living room and bedroom that opened up to the beachfront patio. The condo was spacious and had everything I needed, including beach chairs and a boogie board. Those things came in handy since all I had to do was walk downstairs to have my toes in the sand.
Casago New Smyrna Beach: 421 South Atlantic Avenue, Unit 504, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
How to get to and around New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a little over an hour away from Orlando, and there’s never a shortage of flight options if you decide to fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO). However, you may also want to check out flights into Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). Although there aren’t as many airlines flying through those, they’re both a little closer to New Smyrna Beach, and you can sometimes find good deals.
No matter which airport you decide to fly into, you’ll want to rent a car to get to New Smyrna Beach. While there are some walkable areas that I really enjoyed (like Flagler Avenue and Canal Street), you’ll need a car to be able to get to everything you want to see and do during your time there. It’s an easy drive to get there, though, and easy to get around once you arrive. 