BEST NSB AREA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Sun-kissed Fun at Every Turn
Calling all anglers, bird watchers, nature lovers and outdoor explorers. Our barrier island destination is home to the northern end of the Indian River Lagoon, known as the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, at the mouth of Ponce de Leon Inlet where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Atlantic Ocean. The water beckons you for adventure, but our parks and trails system also summon your exploration. A visit to the New Smyrna Beach area will change you. The experiences. The fun. The memories. A destination rooted in seaside spirit invites you to soak up the sun in everything you do.
Natural Landscapes
The journey begins at the pristine 73-acre Smyrna Dunes Park on the north end of New Smyrna Beach. Witness stunning natural landscapes as a two-mile boardwalk stretches out to guide you on a tour of the native scrub and saltwater marsh habitats. Serenity surrounds you, along with water on three sides. Beach access is provided on either side of the island with the shoreline along the Intracoastal Waterway welcoming pets and featuring a new 350-foot fishing pier. Pack a cooler and plan to spend the day roaming the boardwalk to witness wildlife from sea birds to gopher tortoises. Enjoy lunch in one of the picnic pavilions or climb the observation tower for incredible views of New Smyrna Beach and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse.
From here, travel scenic A1A south for five miles until you reach Canaveral National Seashore. This National Park affords 24 miles of pristine shoreline with launches for boats, kayaks and paddleboards on Mosquito Lagoon. Visitors find tranquility here enjoying the beach, biking along the sand or hiking to the Turtle Mound National Historic Site. The park's history speaks to the area's Native American settlers and interpretive programs are offered monthly with pontoon boat cruises, canoe and birding excursions, plant walks and informative presentations.
Wild on the Water
Offshore
Known world-wide for its consistent performance-friendly break, surfers gather on New Smyrna's north beach near Ponce de Leon Inlet to catch the next wave. Meanwhile, anglers dig in for surf fishing from the shoreline where they're catching Pompano, whiting, flounder and more. Offshore, anglers entertain visitors for half-day and full-day charters as they vie for today's catch of game fish from grouper and kingfish to dolphin, cobia and wahoo. The area's Artificial Reef program is extensive offering 15 marine habitat areas just offshore of Ponce de Leon Inlet with one location nearshore within one mile of the beach at Flagler Avenue. The program plans to add two additional vessels this year that will offer even more wreck diving and spearfishing opportunities.
Inshore
The Indian River Lagoon system is present in the Intracoastal Waterway surrouding the New Smyrna Beach area and includes Mosquito Lagoon, popular for inshore fishing, cruising through its mangrove forests on a boat tour and paddling via the Mosquito Lagoon Paddling Trail or the Indian River South Paddling Trail. If you have your own canoe, kayak or paddle board, easy launch access can be found at many riverfront parks including Indian River Lagoon Park. If you prefer a guided tour, try Paddleboard NSB or Pure Island Tours.
Adventures on Land
With over 200 days enjoying sunshine, the New Smyrna Beach area is brimming with outdoor recreation. Choose your adventure whether hiking the many trails including Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, the East Central Regional Rail Trail or Dale Avenue SUN Trail, or running the Waterfront Loop that takes you from the Canal Street Historic District onto the barrier island via both causeway bridges. Bring your bicycle or rent one and enjoy a ride on the sand or through the destination's two downtowns - Flagler Avenue and Canal Street. Golf is enjoyed on seven area courses with the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Golf Course enjoying the prestige of being part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail. And yoga lovers can delight in several local studios and free yoga instruction in our local parks and on the beach.
