You step onto the sand just before sunrise, a SpaceX rocket glowing orange on the horizon. That's the kind of weekend New Smyrna Beach delivers. If you're looking for things to do in New Smyrna Beach this weekend, you have plenty of choices: surf lessons, boardwalk walks, brunch spots, and boat tours. This beach town on Florida's east coast mixes laid-back surf culture with independent art and good food. It's easy to slow down here and fill two days without rushing.
- Best time
- October to May for cooler weather and fewer humid days
- Where to stay
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach
- Perfect for
- Beach lovers, surfers, foodies, art fans
- Don't miss
- Driving the beach, Smyrna Dunes Park, and a rocket launch
Things I'd tell a friend
A few honest tips from my own weekend in New Smyrna Beach.
Rent a bike for the beach
The sand on New Smyrna Beach is compact enough to cycle on. Rent a bike from Beyond the Waves and cruise along the shore for an easy morning. It's a great way to cover more ground.
Source · Tried it myself
Check the rocket launch schedule
Rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center happen regularly. Before your weekend, look up the schedule so you can plan an evening on the beach to watch one.
Source · My top tip
Visit Smyrna Dunes Park early
The park opens in the morning and gets busier as the day goes. Go early to have the boardwalks to yourself and spot gopher tortoises before the crowds arrive.
Source · Local knowledge
Smyrna Dunes Park
A 184-acre park with over two miles of boardwalks along the Ponce de Leon inlet.
- 184-acre coastal park
- Over two miles of raised boardwalks
- Viewpoints and shaded picnic spots
- Home to gopher tortoises
Smyrna Dunes Park sits on the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon inlet. Inside the park, raised boardwalks let you explore sand dunes and coastal scrub without disturbing the habitat. There are shaded picnic spots if you want to pack lunch. We took about 90 minutes to walk the full loop, stopping for photos and watching gopher tortoises boulder along the dunes. Entry costs $10 per vehicle at the gate.
Entry costs $10 per vehicle
Tickets are paid when you arrive. Bring exact change or a card.
Plan for a 90-minute walk
The boardwalks take about an hour and a half to cover at a relaxed pace. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Go early to beat the heat and the crowds - the park fills up fast by late morning.
Beyond the Waves
A surf school and bike rental shop that gets you on the water or cruising the beach.
- One-hour surf lessons for beginners
- Gentle waves perfect for learning
- Bike rental for beach cycling
- Encouraging instructors
Beyond the Waves offers one-hour surf lessons that cover the basics before you paddle out. The waves in New Smyrna Beach are gentle, so beginners have a good chance of standing up. I took a lesson and the instructors were encouraging, giving me pointers to improve my technique. They also rent bikes, which is a great way to cycle on the compacted sand. You can rent a bike for a couple of days to get around town and explore the beach.
Rent a bike to explore the beach
The bike rental is a great add-on. You can cycle the length of the beach on compact sand and see the whole coastline.
No experience needed for surf lessons
The one-hour lesson is designed for beginners. The instructors are patient and the waves are small, so you'll likely stand up on your first try.
Book a lesson early in the morning when the waves are calmest.
Third Wave
A brunch spot tucked in a peaceful garden, serving Floridian classics with local ingredients.
- Backed by a peaceful garden setting
- Brunch menu with pancakes, bagels, and pizzas
- Shrimp and grits with local produce
- Featured on Jimmy's Taste of Florida
Third Wave is located at the back of a garden, making it a quiet place to start your day. The brunch menu includes thick fluffy pancakes, smoked salmon bagels, and even pizzas in the morning. The shrimp and grits are a standout - massive succulent shrimp with creamy, buttery grits. Head chef Dave champions local produce and Floridian classics. The restaurant appeared on Jimmy's Taste of Florida, which is how I first heard about it.
The garden setting makes for a slow brunch
The restaurant is at the back of a garden, so ask the staff for directions. It's a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy your meal.
Pizza is served on the brunch menu
Yes, pizza in the morning. It's a unique twist that pairs well with the relaxed beach vibe.
Go hungry and order the shrimp and grits - it's the dish that defines this place.
Marine Discovery Center
Boat tours through the Indian River Lagoon to spot dolphins, manatees, and birds.
- Two-hour boat eco-tour
- See dolphins and manatees up close
- Explore mangrove forests
- Family-friendly activity
The Marine Discovery Center offers boat tours that take you through the inland waterways of Indian River Lagoon. These waters are protected from the sea, making them a breeding spot for dolphins and manatees. We saw dolphins almost immediately, along with pelicans and other birds. The guide shares knowledge about the local ecosystem as you wind through mangrove forests. The tour is family-friendly; we brought our young son and he enjoyed it. You can also kayak through the mangroves for a closer look.
Tours last about two hours
Book online in advance. The two-hour tour departs from the center at 520 Barracuda Blvd.
Full moon kayak tours are magical
The Marine Discovery Center offers sunset full moon kayak eco-tours. Paddling under a full moon is a unique way to experience the lagoon.
Located on Barracuda Blvd
The center is on Barracuda Blvd in New Smyrna Beach, a short drive from the beach area. Parking is available on site.
Bring binoculars for bird spotting and keep your camera ready for dolphins.
New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company
A craft brewery on Canal Street with a rotating selection of beers in a warehouse-style taproom.
- Rotating taps including hazy pale ales and sours
- Detour Sign white chocolate wheat beer
- Eureka Effect double IPA at 9.4% ABV
- Packed with locals on weekday afternoons
New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company sits on Canal Street and serves a range of craft beers. I tried the Detour Sign white chocolate wheat beer and the Eureka Effect double IPA, which is 9.4% but smooth. The space has warehouse vibes and was busy when we visited around 4pm on a Thursday. That alone tells you it's a local favourite. They also have a selection of fruity sours and other styles.
Expect a busy taproom on weekends
Even on a Thursday afternoon it was packed. Weekends are likely even busier, so arrive early for a seat.
Try the white chocolate wheat beer
The Detour Sign is a standout. It's a white chocolate wheat beer that's sweet and smooth, unlike anything else on tap.
Ask for a flight so you can sample the hazy pale ales and the double IPA side by side.
The Hub on Canal
A creative arts space where local artists rent studios and display their work.
- Multiple local artists in one space
- Rotating exhibits and studios
- Street art mural on the building
- Part of the Canal Street Arts District
The Hub on Canal is a creative arts center on Canal Street. Local artists rent rooms to display and sell their work, so you see many different styles under one roof. There's a large street art mural on the side of the building that captures the district's colorful vibe. The space also hosts events like book clubs and music nights. It's a great stop for anyone interested in the local art scene.
Walk around the building for the mural
The street art on the side of The Hub is worth a look. It's a colorful mural that captures the energy of the arts district.
Easy walking from Canal Street shops
The Hub is centrally located on Canal Street. It's an easy walk from other galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in the area.
Pop into the artists' studios if they're open - it's fascinating to see where the work is made.
Canal Street hotels put you in the middle of the galleries and shops. Staying here means the arts district is at your doorstep.
The Riverview Hotel - New Smyrna Beach
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Spa and wellness center
- 2 restaurants
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
Anchor Inn Nsb Bed And Breakfast
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Can you watch a rocket launch from New Smyrna Beach this weekend?
Yes. Kennedy Space Center is about an hour away, and launches are visible from the beach. Check the launch schedule before you go to time your visit.
Are the surf lessons in New Smyrna Beach good for beginners?
Absolutely. The waves are gentle and surf schools like Beyond the Waves offer one-hour lessons that are perfect for first-timers.
Where should I eat brunch in New Smyrna Beach this weekend?
Third Wave on Flagler Avenue is a top pick. Their shrimp and grits are famous, and the peaceful garden setting makes for a relaxing meal.
Is the Marine Discovery Center boat tour family-friendly?
Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages, including young children. You'll see dolphins and manatees in the protected lagoon waters.
What's the best time of year to visit New Smyrna Beach?
From October to May the weather is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
