Are you planning a visit to the New Smyrna Beach area and are looking for things to do? When friends ask us what to do near New Smyrna Beach, we look at our watches and ask them how much time they have. Depending on the length of your stay, there are a number of things to do that are fun, affordable, and will stay with you as fond memories long after you’ve returned home. Pretty as a postcard, New Smyrna Beach was founded in 1768 and is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Retaining much of its historic origins, the ancient and modern merge seamlessly. From the charming architecture to the dolphins showing off in the Indian River to the sunrises over the beach itself, this is a place you’ll remember fondly. During your visit to this 250 year-old city, be sure to check out as many of the most popular attractions as possible, such as:
Atlantic Center for the Arts – This nonprofit interdisciplinary artists’ community and arts education facility is dedicated to promoting artistic excellence by providing talented midcareer artists an opportunity to work and collaborate with some of the world’s most distinguished contemporary artists in the fields of music composition, visual arts, literary arts, and performing arts. Artists-in-residence have included the likes of Carl Hiaasen, author of Hoot, Tourist Season, and numerous other bestsellers. You never know what might be going on here, but it’s always worth checking out.
Canal Street Historic District – Are you ready to time travel? You won’t believe your eyes when you stroll down this unique time-capsule setting from another era. Grab a sandwich at historic Little’s Drug Store lunch counter or browse a mid-century modern antique shop. Inspire yourself with a visit to The Hub, home to working artists specializing in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more. Canal Street is known for its outstanding retail shops and restaurants in a historically rich setting. This is where the locals hang out.
Flagler Avenue – No beach town is complete without its tourist district, and Flagler Avenue is one of the finest in the state of Florida. Quaint, historic architecture invites visitors inside to the welcoming sights, smells, and sounds of the quintessential beach town. From surfing gear to suntan lotion, from original art to keychain tchotchkes, from freshly brewed coffee to specialty brews, this one-of-a-kind avenue leads straight to the beach and Atlantic surf. After you’ve finished browsing, grab an ice cream cone and enjoy a stroll at water’s edge. There’s nothing quite like the feel of sand between the toes as you finish off that last bite. The Flagler Avenue beachside scene is famous for its unique shops, galleries, inns, restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife. All that’s missing is you.
The Little Theatre – Showcasing live comedies, musicals, and dramas performed by local thespians, you can count yourself lucky if your visit coincides with the theatre’s performance schedule. This venerable little theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1947! Break a leg!
Marine Discovery Center – Are you ready to get your splash on? This wildlife conservation facility houses a variety of exhibits that showcase local flora and fauna from the Indian River Lagoon system. Offering guided eco-tours, picnic space in a covered pavilion, and a kayak launch if you’re so inclined, this is a nature lover’s favorite spot. Catch your breath, and enjoy some quality time with Mother Nature.
Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum – This unique museum is one of a few of its kind in the state of Florida. It houses a collection of historic photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts displayed to educate visitors about the history and race relations in small-town Florida over the course of the 20th century. Not all history is pretty, but all history is important. The memory of this inspiring collection will stay with you long after you leave.
Address: 314 N Duss St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
New Smyrna Beach Museum of History – Just a few blocks from the Black Heritage Museum is another gem of discovery that covers all 250 years of New Smyrna Beach’s rich history. With artifacts from every era, visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover artifacts that pre-date the settlement of the area, such as a dugout canoe and period pottery.
New Smyrna Beach Skate Park – Skateboard enthusiasts will enjoy the approximately 8,500 square feet of concrete skate area, consisting of a flow/street area and a pool with tile and concrete pool coping. And, of course, if skateboarding is not your style, there are shuffleboard courts on Flagler Avenue. Who’s ready to Ollie?
Address: 245 Industrial Park Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Smyrna Dunes Park – This dog-friendly beach hot spot is situated on 73 acres located on the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula where man’s best friend can enjoy the amenities along with you. Enjoy over 2 miles of boardwalk with views of the Indian River, Ponce Inlet and its famous lighthouse, and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean. No need to leave your fur family behind when you visit New Smyrna Beach!
Sugar Mill Ruins – The sugar mill, once part of the Cruger-dePeyster Plantation, was built in the early 19th century. This 17-acre historic site contains the ruins of the coquina sugar factory that was raided during a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. This quiet spot is something of a sanctuary for locals. Bring a picnic, bring a pet, or bring both. The ruins offer history and serenity in one photogenic setting. Kodak moments await…
Beaches – At the top of any “things do in New Smyrna Beach” list, our beaches are the crown jewel. Here you can experience something you won’t get to do on most beaches – drive on the actual beach alongside the Atlantic Ocean! This privilege has been fiercely protected by locals, and it remains one of the most popular things to do by visitors. If you prefer a stroll on the beach, that’s just as much fun, and part of the beach is closed off to cars so you can pop in your earbuds and listen to Jimmy Buffett without worrying about traffic. There’s even a pet-friendly beach for Fluffy. And whatever your favorite water sport – paddle-boarding, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming, or surfing, this is the place. National Geographic even named New Smyrna Beach one of the top 20 surf towns in the world. With a little planning, you can even reserve a spot to build a beach bonfire and watch the moonrise over the water. Our beaches are pristine and magical. Come build a sand castle. The waves will wash it away, but the memories will last forever.
AirGate Aviation – New Smyrna Beach is amazing, but consider stopping by the New Smyrna Beach Airport and taking an aircraft charter to see the Bahamas while you’re in town. One of the best things about New Smyrna Beach is its proximity to the Bahamas, and AirGate can fly you over for a daytrip, weekend trip, or whatever you prefer. Whether you fly over to feast on Bahamian cuisine, catch “the big one,” or just breathe another kind of salt air, you can indulge your inner-escape artist and disappear to the islands for a different kind of respite.
No matter what you do when you visit New Smyrna Beach, Florida, we know exactly what you’ll tell friends when they ask about your trip: “Unforgettable…”
Come visit!