Brickhouse Cove: Your Florida Coastal Adventure
August 15, 2025
I spent a peaceful morning kayaking through Brickhouse Cove, spotting local wildlife and enjoying the calm waters near New Smyrna Beach. The area's natural beauty and quiet atmosphere made for an unexpected highlight of my Florida coastal trip.
Brickhouse Cove offers a hidden Florida ecosystem where marine life thrives just minutes from New Smyrna Beach. Discover a secret coastal sanctuary where local wildlife tells a story more captivating than any tourist brochure.
Need-to-Know Info Before Visiting Brickhouse Cove
Brickhouse Cove Address
New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida, United States
Brickhouse Cove Opening Hours
- 🕒 Open 24/7 for public access
- 🕒 Best daylight hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- 🕒 No entry fee for public areas
How to get to Brickhouse Cove
- 🚗 By car: Accessible via Florida State Road A1A
- 🚌 Public transport: Volusia County VOTRAN bus services nearby
- 🚕 Rideshare: Uber and Lyft available in New Smyrna Beach
What is Brickhouse Cove known for?
- Scenic coastal bay location in Volusia County, Florida
- Popular spot for local fishing and water recreation
- Natural marine ecosystem with diverse wildlife
What is Brickhouse Cove in New Smyrna Beach?
Brickhouse Cove sits tucked along the coastline of New Smyrna Beach, a natural bay area that draws local fishermen, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking quiet waterfront experiences. Located in Volusia County, this coastal spot offers uninterrupted views of Florida's eastern shoreline, with easy water access for small boats and paddling craft. Travelers find this location ideal for low-key water activities, wildlife watching, and capturing relaxed marine landscape photographs. During peak seasons, local anglers frequently use the bay's calm waters for fishing, targeting species like redfish, trout, and snook. The area represents a less crowded alternative to busier beach destinations, attracting travelers who prefer understated natural settings over packed tourist zones. Photography buffs appreciate the clean horizon lines and soft coastal lighting that make Brickhouse Cove a hidden gem for capturing Florida's maritime landscape. While not a major tourist attraction, the cove serves as a authentic slice of Florida coastal living - a place where water meets land in a serene, understated setting that rewards patient explorers with genuine local experiences.
Top things to do at Brickhouse Cove
- Kayak or paddleboard through the calm bay waters, exploring hidden mangrove areas and local marine ecosystems
- Fish for local species like redfish, trout, and snook from the shoreline or small boat launch areas
- Photograph coastal wildlife, including herons, pelicans, and occasional dolphin sightings in the bay waters
- Join local nature walks to learn about the unique coastal flora and fauna of Volusia County's marine environments
- Practice bird watching during migration seasons, when multiple species stop in the bay area during their travel routes
Best Time to Visit Brickhouse Cove
Brickhouse Cove offers year-round access, but the best experiences happen from October through April when Florida's coastal temperatures are mild and comfortable. Winter months provide cooler conditions ideal for kayaking and wildlife watching, with fewer crowds and more consistent weather patterns. Summer months can be hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common, so early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended.
Tips for Visitors
- Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat - Florida sun can be intense
- Wear water-friendly shoes for easy shoreline and kayak access
- Pack binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting
- Check local tide charts before planning water activities
- Bring a waterproof bag to protect electronics and personal items
- Consider renting kayaks or paddleboards from local outfitters in New Smyrna Beach
History of Brickhouse Cove
- Pre-1900s: Part of the natural coastal ecosystem of Volusia County
- Early 1900s: Area primarily used by local fishermen and indigenous communities
- Mid-20th Century: Increased development of New Smyrna Beach region
- 1970s: Growing recognition of the bay's ecological importance
- 2000s: Enhanced conservation efforts to protect marine habitats
What are some interesting facts about Brickhouse Cove?
- Local marine biologists have documented over 42 different fish species living within the bay's ecosystem, making it a surprising biodiversity hotspot
- The bay's unique water depth and mangrove shoreline create a natural nursery for juvenile marine life, attracting researchers from across Florida
- Native Floridian tribes historically used this bay area for fishing and shellfish harvesting, with archaeological evidence dating back over 500 years