I stepped onto the sand at New Smyrna Beach before the cars arrived. The beach stretched wide in both directions. I knew I had to find the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach today, and I wasn't disappointed. The town has a laid-back feel with boho chic vibes. It's one of those places where you can slow down and enjoy the coast. The food scene is great, and there's a strong art scene too.
- Best time
- October-May for cooler weather and fewer humid days
- Where to stay
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach, moments from the beach
- Perfect for
- Beaches, surfing, food, art and a slower Florida getaway
- Don't miss
- Driving the beach, Smyrna Dunes Park and watching a rocket launch
Things I'd tell a friend
Here are three tips that made my trip smoother.
Check the rocket schedule
Rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center happen regularly. If you're visiting for a few days, check the launch schedule before you arrive. Head to the beach 20 minutes before launch time.
Source · Checked this myself
Rent a bike for the beach
Cycling on the compacted sand is one of the best ways to see the coast. Hire a bike from Beyond the Waves and ride north for 20-30 minutes. You'll reach an inlet with a lighthouse view.
Source · Tried and tested
Don't skip the local food
From brunch at Third Wave to burgers at Breakers, the food scene here is real. If you only have one meal, make it shrimp and grits at Third Wave or the cheeseburger at Breakers.
Source · Personal favorites
Smyrna Dunes Park
Smyrna Dunes Park is a 184-acre coastal park with over two miles of boardwalks. It is located along the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon inlet.
- 184-acre park with boardwalks and raised viewpoints
- Over 2 miles of boardwalks
- Cost $10 per vehicle
- Lots of gopher tortoises
Smyrna Dunes Park is one of the top things to do in New Smyrna Beach today. The park has over two miles of boardwalks that take you through dunes and past the inlet. There are raised viewpoints along the way, and shaded picnic spots if you want to bring lunch. Walking the full loop takes about 90 minutes, including stops for photos. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises moving along the sand dunes. They are common here. The park is located on the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon inlet. Entrance costs $10 per vehicle, paid on arrival. It is a family friendly spot and quieter than the main beach.
Entry costs $10 per vehicle
Tickets cost $10 per vehicle at time of writing. You pay when you arrive. The park is open daily during daylight hours.
90 minutes to walk the boardwalks
Plan about 90 minutes to walk the full loop. That includes stopping for photos and watching the tortoises.
Watch for gopher tortoises as you walk the boardwalks.
Canal Street
Canal Street is the artsy side of New Smyrna Beach, over the river from the beach. It is full of art galleries, colorful shops, and independent studios.
- Art deco buildings and pops of color
- Home to The Hub on Canal and other galleries
- Shops like LuSea Boutique and Pink Flamingo at Petals
- Free street art on building sides
Canal Street is the creative heart of New Smyrna Beach. It lies over the river from Flagler Avenue and has a totally different personality. Here you will find art galleries, museums, and lots of independent shops. The buildings are bright art deco style. A few standout shops are LuSea Boutique, Posh Pineapple, and Pink Flamingo at Petals. The main art space is The Hub on Canal, where local artists rent rooms to show their work. Jane's Arts Center and Arts of Douglas focus on ceramic art and sculptures. Jane's has a garden out back where you can see artists at work. Street art is everywhere on Canal Street. A cool piece decorates the side of the Hub on Canal. If you want a quieter, more creative vibe, this is the place to wander.
Visit on a Saturday for events
The first Saturday of each month has an Art & Artisan Stroll on Canal Street. Includes Sip & Stroll with craft beer and wine from 1pm to 6pm. Tickets are $25.
Cross the river from Flagler Avenue
Canal Street is on the other side of the river from the main beach area. It's a short drive or a pleasant walk from Flagler Avenue.
Come on a Saturday for the Art & Artisan Stroll.
Staying near Canal Street puts you close to the arts district.
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
Black Dolphin Inn
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Third Wave
Third Wave is a brunch spot located at the back of a peaceful garden. It serves some of the best food in town, from pancakes to pizza.
- Back of a peaceful garden setting
- Serves pancakes, smoked salmon bagels, and pizza
- Shrimp and grits are a standout
- Owner Dave champions local produce
Third Wave first caught my attention on the TV show 'Jimmy's Taste of Florida'. It was listed as one of the top spots in New Smyrna Beach, and it lived up to the hype. The restaurant is tucked away at the back of a garden, giving it a calm, relaxed atmosphere. The menu covers thick fluffy pancakes, smoked salmon bagels, and even pizzas in the morning. Any place that serves pizza on the brunch menu is fine with me. The owner and head chef, Dave, focuses on local produce and Floridian classics. The shrimp and grits is the dish to order. The shrimp are massive and succulent, and the grits are creamy and buttery. It is foodie heaven. If you are looking for a memorable breakfast or brunch, this is the spot.
Brunch menu includes pizza
Third Wave serves pizza on its brunch menu. That is a rare find and worth trying.
Reasonable prices for quality
The food is high quality but prices are fair for the portion sizes. The shrimp and grits are a filling meal.
Get there early - it gets packed with locals.
Beyond the Waves
Beyond the Waves offers surf lessons on gentle waves perfect for beginners. I took a one-hour lesson and was catching waves again quickly.
- One-hour surf lessons available
- Waves are gentle for beginners
- Instructors are encouraging and skilled
- Also rents bikes for cycling the beach
Beyond the Waves is a surf school on New Smyrna Beach. I booked a one-hour lesson to improve my technique. The waves here are gentle, making it a great place for beginners. The team is brilliant and really encouraging. It did not take long before I was popping up and catching waves again. Surfing is an important part of the culture in this part of Florida. Beyond the Waves also hires out bikes. I rented a bike for a couple of days and used it to cycle along the beach. The compacted sand makes for easy riding. If you cycle north for 20-30 minutes, you reach an inlet near Smyrna Dunes Park with a view of Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. The school is well located on Flagler Avenue.
Located on Flagler Avenue
Beyond the Waves is based on Flagler Avenue, the main beach hub. The beach is right there for lessons.
Combine surf lesson with bike rental
You can rent a bike from the same place and explore the beach later. It is a two-in-one stop.
The gentle waves make it ideal if you have never surfed before.
Breakers
Breakers is the only restaurant directly on the beach in New Smyrna Beach. I went for the cheeseburger after a border control guard called it the best in Florida.
- Only restaurant directly on the beach
- Cheeseburger voted best by locals
- Fresh fish also available
- Window seats overlook the beach
Breakers is a beachfront restaurant that sits right on the sand. When I arrived at Orlando airport, the border control guard told me to go to Breakers and order a cheeseburger. He said they were the best in Florida. With a recommendation like that, I had to try it. The burger was incredible. My partner had the fresh fish, which was also delicious. If you get a table by the window, you can watch people playing on the beach while you eat. It is the only restaurant in NSB that is directly on the beach. It is a great spot for lunch or dinner with a view. I can see why everyone raves about it.
Window seats go fast
The best tables are by the window with a beach view. Arrive a little before lunch or dinner rush to grab one.
Also try the fresh fish
If you are not in the mood for a burger, the fresh fish of the day is a solid choice. It is just as good.
Get the cheeseburger - it lives up to the hype.
Stay on the beachfront for easy access to dinner with a view.
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
Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Private Parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center runs boat tours through the inland waterways. You can see dolphins, manatees, and pelicans up close.
- Boat tours to see dolphins and manatees
- Learn about local wildlife
- Kid and baby friendly
- Also offers kayaking tours
The Marine Discovery Center is one of the top activities in New Smyrna Beach. The boat tours take you through protected inland waterways where dolphins and manatees breed. There are virtually no predators, so both species thrive here. We saw dolphins almost immediately on our tour. There were also plenty of pelicans and other birds. The tour is very educational, with guides explaining the ecosystem. You can also go kayaking through the mangroves if you want a closer look. The boat tour is baby and kid friendly - we brought our one-year-old son and he loved it. It is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours on the water.
Located on the inland waterways
The Marine Discovery Center operates on the rivers and inlets behind the beach. It is about a 10-minute drive from the main beach area.
Book ahead for boat tours
Tours run regularly but space is limited. It is best to book in advance, especially in busy seasons.
You will almost certainly see dolphins on the tour.
What are the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach today?
Start with Smyrna Dunes Park for a morning walk. Then head to Canal Street for art galleries. Grab brunch at Third Wave, then surf with Beyond the Waves. End the day with dinner at Breakers on the beach.
How much does Smyrna Dunes Park cost?
Entry is $10 per vehicle, paid on arrival. It covers the whole car.
Is New Smyrna Beach good for beginner surfers?
Yes. The waves at New Smyrna Beach are gentle, making it perfect for beginners. Beyond the Waves offers lessons with encouraging instructors.
Where can I see a rocket launch in New Smyrna Beach?
You can watch rocket launches from the beach. Check the launch schedule before you arrive. Go to the beach about 20 minutes before the launch time.
What food is New Smyrna Beach known for?
Seafood and local produce are big. Top dishes include shrimp and grits at Third Wave and the cheeseburger at Breakers. Da Kine Poke serves fresh poke bowls.
