A Bucket List Bonanza in New Smyrna Beach

No matter if you’re in search of thrills of a lifetime or moving moments with the ones you love, there’s plenty of must-do activities in New Smyrna Beach. Here’s our top 6 experiences for visitors (and locals) in our charming beach town.

1. Surf the Waves

Get on board with our friendly locals for the experience of a lifetime. Book a lesson with a popular instructor, like Lindsey Baldwin of Surfin’ NSB, who has competed professionally all over the globe. Surfin’ NSB offers private and group lessons and will drive to the beach location of your choice. They’ll also outfit you with a board, so all you need to bring is a willingness to learn. Or, sign up your little thrill-seeker for a summer vacation camp they’ll never forget. Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy has offered surf camps since 1985—just look for the blue school bus, an iconic sight in New Smyrna Beach.

2. Fly the Skies in a Vintage Plane 

NSB is even more heavenly when you’re soaring above it all. Board BiPlane FunFlight’s classic open cockpit aircraft and glide through the air, reveling in the sparkling blue water and white sand beaches below. Choose from 10, 20, 30, and 70-minute tours. Feeling fearless? Upgrade your flight to include heart-pumping performance maneuvers like steep turns, lazy eights, steep climbs, and chandelles. You can also select sunrise and sunset tours for added romance.

3. Dive Below the Surface

Go below the surface for a peek at the New Smyrna Beach area’s artificial reefs and abundant sea life. Created out of sunken ships and concrete culverts, these vessels are now home to species like marlin, amberjack and more. Get certified at Sea Dogs Dive Center in NSB, offering a variety of courses. For those with some experience, Sea Dogs’ local boat trips will take you right out to the action.

4. Get on Board

Lights, boards, action! Glide across the Indian River Lagoon at sunset, guided by the glow of your LED-lit paddleboard. A handy personal remote lets you shuffle between 16 colorful options. Offered by Pure Island Tours, this excursion gets you up close to dolphins, manatees, and birds. Tours are led by an experienced guide and include an introductory lesson to paddleboarding, making this perfect for beginners.

5. Hit the Sand with Man’s Best Friend 

If you’ve ever dreamed about splashing in the sea with your furry friend, then bring Fido along on your NSB getaway. Smyrna Dunes Park, our dog-friendly beach, is the perfect place for an afternoon with your pup. Nestled among 73 acres of land and surrounded by water on three sides, there’s plenty of room to romp around. Pack a picnic, some extra water for your canine companion, and a camera to catch all the fun.

6. Branch Out with Dinner in a Treehouse 

If you ever dreamed of living in a treehouse as a child, then a stop at Norwood’s Eatery and Treehouse Bar in New Smyrna Beach is a must. Nestled in a large live oak tree, this local gem is a whimsical spot to sip on hand-crafted cocktails and snack on appetizers like bacon-wrapped scallops and smoked fish dip. At night, dangling Edison-style bulbs illuminate the boughs, creating an enchanting atmosphere. There’s also live entertainment each evening, performed by local musicians and bands.

Start crossing off your bucket list on your next vacation to New Smyrna Beach.

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