TRIPADVISOR'S TOP 10 "THINGS TO DO"
17 Miles of Beach
New Smyrna Beach is by far the standout offering much to do or nothing at all. Enjoy driving on the beach (strictly 10mph speed limit) for five sunny miles where you can enjoy the convenience of parking the car and planting yourself in the sand. If you prefer the serenity of a vehicle-free beach, we have that as well south of 27th avenue all the way to Canaveral National Seashore. Visitors hit the beach to walk, run, surf, play or just spend the day with a good book, family and friends. Local restaurants and bars along the beach offer a great place to take a break and grab a bite including the pink staple The Breakers Restaurant, longtime favorite Toni & Joe's Patio and newly-opened The Crow's Nest Bar and Grille and Ocean Breeze Bar & Grill.
Smyrna Dunes Park
This 73-acre park offers something for everyone from people to pets. Visitors rave about the fishing from the new 350-foot pier and dogs can't get enough of its riverfront pet-friendly beach. Walkers, runners and surfers looking for a scenic hike to the sand enjoy the 1.5-mile boardwalk with picnic areas spread throughout. No matter where you are, you can take in the incredible views of the water and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse.
Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center's mission is exploration, conservation and education and they touch on all three pillars during their boating and kayaking tours. Naturalists will guide you through the Indian River Lagoon to see the mangrove habitats up close and witness dolphins playing in the water. Exhibit tours at the facility and bird walking tours are free and open to the public. Special opportunities come with the full moon and sunset cruises.
Turtle Mound River Tours
Known for their two-hour tours in the Indian River Lagoon, Captain Bill Rostock with Turtle Mound River Tours offers his guests public, private or sunset tours where dolphin sightings are nearly guaranteed and manatee and seabirds of all types can be seen. The boat features a cover for sun protection and restrooms for convenience.
Turtle Mound Trail
Just inside Canaveral National Seashore lies a trail to this historic shell midden. One of the tallest in Florida at 45 feet in height, Turtle Mound provides incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the national park's pristine shoreline.
Apollo Beach
Totally natural! Stunning! These are stand out comments from our visitors for this quiet stretch of beach where A1A ends and Canaveral National Seashore begins. The pristine shoreline is reminiscent of thousands of years ago void of any development. Visitors enjoy easy access to the beach via boardwalks where saw palmettos and other scrub brush along the sand dunes prevent visibility of the designated parking areas from the beach. Just you, the sand and the ocean.
Flagler Avenue Boardwalk
Situated at the end of bustling Flagler Avenue, the boardwalk offers a place to see and hear the Atlantic Ocean that stretches before you. A covered pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, parking area and the main lifeguard tower provide many conveniences. Flagler Avenue offers several accommodations including the Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach, Marriott SpringHill Suites, Riverview Hotel and Inn on the Avenue, numerous independent restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, juice bars and a candy store.
Canal Street Historic District
Centered along Canal Street, historic downtown New Smyrna Beach provides a pedestrian-friendly experience whether shopping, dining or exploring along the city's riverfront. And parking is free, even during the area's special events including monthly art and craft beer walks and classic car shows. An ideal place to find that perfect gift, the Canal Street Historic District boasts several specialty shops and boutiques, along with the original The Hub on Canal where artists work, display and sell their creative wares. Dining is plentiful and ranges from the traditional British-themed La Abilie's Tea Room and Bistro, to an original soda fountain at Little's Drugs or fresh pulled pork at Yellow Dog Eats and classic American comfort food at the Corkscrew Bar and Grille. A great way to end the day is with an NSB-themed brew at New Smyrna Beach Brewery.
New Smyrna Museum of History
The New Smyrna Museum of History takes center stage in 2018 as we celebrate 250 years of New Smyrna Beach, the second oldest city in Florida. Representing the area's storied past including rule under four flags, the Museum features a dedicated exhibit to the founder of the Smyrna colony, Dr. Andrew Turnbull. Visitors are also treated to artifacts in an interior gallery offering insights dating to pre-historic Florida and continuing through 11 distinct periods.
Sugar Mill Ruins
A bit obscured from the main road, finding the Sugar Mill Ruins is half the adventure. Built in the early 19th century, the sugar mill was once part of the Cruger and DePeyster Plantation. Located on 17 acres, the ruins are of a coquina sugar factory that endured a raid during a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States.
