You step onto the sand and the Atlantic stretches out ahead. Cars roll slowly along the hard-packed beach, and a few cyclists glide past. If you're searching for things to do New Smyrna Beach, start right here. This laid-back surf town on Florida's east coast moves at its own pace. The beach is massive, the shops are independent, and the sunrises reward early risers.
- Best time
- October-May for cooler weather and fewer humid days
- Where to stay
- Flagler Avenue area for beach access, or Canal Street for the arts district
- Perfect for
- Beach lovers * Surfers * Art seekers
- Don't miss
- Driving the beach, Smyrna Dunes Park and watching a rocket launch
A few things I learned on my trip that make a real difference.
Rent a bike for the beach
The sand on New Smyrna Beach is packed firm, so cycling is smooth and easy. You can ride for miles north toward the inlet and the lighthouse. Beyond the Waves rents beach bikes that work great on the hard sand.
Source · Checked this myself
Go early to beat the crowd
Between 7 and 8am the beach is nearly empty. Only a few walkers and joggers are out. It's the best time for a quiet walk or a sunrise photo. Later in the day the cars arrive, though there's still plenty of space.
Source · From personal experience
Check the rocket launch schedule
If you're staying on the Space Coast, look up the launch calendar before you arrive. A SpaceX launch takes about four minutes from liftoff to clear view. Head to the beach 20 minutes early and stream the live feed on your phone to catch the exact moment.
Source · One of my favorite moments
Canal Street
The arts and culture hub of New Smyrna Beach, lined with galleries, boutiques and colorful buildings.
- Home to The Hub on Canal, Jane's Arts Center and Arts of Douglas
- Independent shops like LuSea Boutique and Pink Flamingo at Petals
- Art deco architecture and bright street art
- Also features Sugar Works Distillery and New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company
Canal Street sits across the Indian River from the main beach. It has a completely different feel. The street is full of art deco buildings painted in bright pinks and blues. Local artists rent rooms at The Hub on Canal, a creative space where you can see many types of art in one building. Jane's Arts Center and Arts of Douglas focus on ceramic pieces and sculptures. Jane's has a garden out back where you can watch artists at work. The shops are full of character. LuSea Boutique, Posh Pineapple, and Pink Flamingo at Petals sell colorful Florida-style clothes and gifts. Street art covers the sides of buildings, including a large mural on the Hub. Canal Street also has the Sugar Works Distillery for craft cocktails and the New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company for beer. It's worth an afternoon to wander from gallery to gallery.
Stop by the Sugar Works Distillery for a tasting
Sugar Works Distillery is just off Canal Street. They make their own whiskey, tequila, rum and moonshine. Their cocktails change with the seasons, and the space has a fun, relaxed feel.
Short drive or bike ride from the beach
Canal Street is across the Indian River from Flagler Avenue. It takes about five minutes by car or a longer bike ride over the bridge.
Head to Canal Street on a weekday morning for a quieter stroll.
Marine Discovery Center
A boat tour that gets you out on the water to see dolphins and manatees up close.
- See dolphins, manatees, pelicans and other wildlife
- Tour goes through mangrove forests and inland waterways
- Family-friendly, suitable for kids
- Also offers kayaking through the mangroves
The Marine Discovery Center runs boat tours through the inland waterways near New Smyrna Beach. You'll travel through mangrove forests and shallow rivers where dolphins and manatees breed. Because the area is protected from the open ocean, predators are rare, so wildlife is abundant. On my tour we saw dolphins within the first few minutes. Pelicans and other birds were everywhere. The guides explain the local ecosystem as you go. It's a calm, informative ride. The center also rents kayaks if you want a closer look at the mangroves. I brought my young son, and it worked well for all ages.
Look for dolphins early in the tour
Dolphins often appear within the first few minutes. Keep your camera ready as soon as the boat leaves the dock.
Family-friendly and suitable for all ages
The boat is covered and stable. Kids enjoy the wildlife spotting, and the tour pace is easy for young children.
Book the first tour of the day for the calmest water and best wildlife spotting.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse with a museum, climbable tower, and views of the inlet.
- Climb to the top for panoramic inlet views
- Includes a museum with maritime exhibits
- Entrance fee $6 (as of last visit)
- Located near Smyrna Dunes Park
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a short distance from Smyrna Dunes Park. You can reach it by cycling north on the beach for about 20 to 30 minutes from Flagler Avenue, or by driving around the inlet. The entrance fee is $6, which grants access to the lighthouse tower and a museum with exhibits on maritime history. Climbing the tower gives you a wide view of the inlet, the dunes, and the ocean. On a clear day you can see the full coastline. The area around the lighthouse has several historic buildings and a small gift shop. It's a good option for a day when the beach feels too busy.
Open daily, $6 admission
The lighthouse is open every day. Admission is $6 for adults. Check the official website for any seasonal changes.
Visit both the lighthouse and Smyrna Dunes Park
The lighthouse is right next to Smyrna Dunes Park. You can easily combine both in one trip - start at the park, then walk or drive to the lighthouse.
The $6 fee is well worth it for the history and the views from the top.
What is the best time to visit Smyrna Dunes Park?
Early morning or late afternoon are the quietest times. The park is less crowded, and you'll see more wildlife.
Is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse worth the entry fee?
Yes, the $6 fee gives you access to the tower and the museum. The view from the top is excellent on a clear day.
Can you drive on New Smyrna Beach?
Yes, cars are allowed on the beach. There are specific lanes for driving, so pedestrians and vehicles share the space safely.
What restaurants are on Canal Street?
Canal Street has the New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company for craft beer and Sugar Works Distillery for cocktails and spirits. Both are great stops while exploring the arts district.
Is the Marine Discovery Center good for kids?
Yes, it is family-friendly. The boat tour is calm and safe, and children enjoy seeing dolphins and pelicans.
Where can I watch a rocket launch near New Smyrna Beach?
The beach itself is a great spot. Kennedy Space Center is about an hour away, and launches are visible from the sand. Check the launch schedule before you arrive.