New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has an easygoing charm that’s hard to miss. Maybe it’s the ocean breeze drifting in from the Atlantic, or the way locals welcome you like you’ve always belonged. It might be the colorful art on the streets, the quiet beauty of the parks, or the sound of live music carried on the air as the sun goes down.
Whatever it is, this coastal community—about an hour from Orlando—manages to wrap its arms around you. It offers diverse art experiences, outdoor adventures, fresh flavors, and serene spots to simply breathe. New Smyrna Beach is the kind of place where your days fill naturally, but never feel rushed.
Here’s how to make the most of a few days in New Smyrna Beach.
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Wake Up to Flavor in New Smyrna Beach
A great beach day starts with a great breakfast, and New Smyrna Beach delivers with options for every mood.
Wild Oats & Billy Goats may sound like a quirky café, but it’s actually part boutique, part old-fashioned lunch counter, serving up breakfast, too. It is a creative mash-up filled with whimsical art and gifts displayed beside fresh coffee, pastries, and a cute ice cream counter.
At New Smyrna Beach landmark, Mermaid Café, breakfast comes with a coastal twist. Think fluffy pancakes, omelets with a local touch, and the kind of friendly service that makes you want to linger over a second cup of coffee. And the waffles? Well, I’ll just tell you I enjoyed a sampler platter because I couldn’t decide on one flavor—I mean, key lime, strawberry shortcake, s’mores, and the Elvis—could you pick just one? I didn’t think so.
If you want something grab-and-go for a beach picnic, head to Mon Delice Bakery. This French bakery has been a New Smyrna Beach favorite since 1976, serving up buttery croissants, crusty baguettes, and flaky pastries that taste like they belong in Paris—but somehow taste even better with sand between your toes.
Dive Into the Arts
New Smyrna Beach has a surprising depth to its creative scene. At its heart is The Hub on Canal. This vibrant space features studios for local artists and galleries showcasing a rotating collection of works in every medium. Stroll through and chat with the artists as they work on their next masterpiece, or sign up for one of the public classes, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry making, and more.
Recently, The Hub joined forces with nearby Jane’s Art Center, which focuses on fine arts and ceramics. Here, you can try your hand at throwing clay or admire the intricate works of skilled local potters. Together, these two spaces help anchor the city’s reputation as one of Florida’s most artistically alive small towns. The space also hosts live music evenings in its welcoming outdoor space.
Step Into History
For a more profound sense of place, visit the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum. Housed in a restored 1890s church, the museum tells the story of African American life in the area through photographs, artifacts, and oral histories. The displays include everything from a tiny invention, the golf tee, which has never been credited to its black inventor, to a quilt displayed on the front wall, each patch depicting a story about slavery and its ultimate end. The museum is a small but powerful reminder that this beach town’s history is as rich as its shoreline is long.
The New Smyrna Museum of History offers a whirlwind tour of the area’s past. From the Turnbull 1768 Settlement of Smyrnea (not a typo), through a Veteran’s exhibit honoring all of NSB’s hometown heroes, you will be amazed and entertained with the area’s rich history.
The building is also home to the Museum of East Coast Surfing, which celebrates the culture and story of New Smyrna Beach and Atlantic Ocean surfing. Local surfers with over 200 years of combined experience founded the surfing exhibit. The room holds surfboards, posters, art, and historic photographs of surfing greats.
The coquina foundation ruins of the Sheldon’s New Smyrna Hotel, a large hotel built on a shell midden from the Timucuan Indian era, are all that remain of a 1859 hotel. Union ship cannon shots destroyed the hotel. You can explore the ruins after lunch at the River Deck.
Catch a Wave – For the Pro Or Newbies
Speaking of surfing, it’s worth noting that New Smyrna Beach is renowned as a world-class surfing destination. Especially in New Smyrna Inlet and Bethune Beach, the surf breaks consistently with suitable waves for all skill levels. You will find exciting swells at high tide, and of course, fall surfing adds the potential of hurricane-driven waves.
Never surfed (but always wanted to)? Board rentals and lessons abound at NSB surf shops like Surfin’ NSB and Nichols Surf Shop. Plan your trip now—surf’s up!
Raise a Glass
In between beach walks and art strolls, treat yourself to a tasting or two.
The area was home to sugar mills, where sugar cane was turned into sweet, powdery deliciousness. Sugar Works Distillery carries on that tradition by offering small-batch spirits distilled on-site, and they offer guided tours that explain the process from grain to glass. Sample their smooth rums, inventive moonshines, and seasonal infusions—you might even take home a bottle or two, supporting this female veteran-owned business. And the bartenders give new meaning to the name mix-master. Be sure to allow time to enjoy a freshly-made specialty cocktail, shaken, not stirred, by mixologists extraordinaire Jacob or Tyler.
After-dinner drinks from the rooftop at Avanu on Flagler. Their bar and wine lists were extensive, making it ideal for an after-dinner drink. But Avanu also has an interesting Polynesian-inspired menu, so you can eat here before indulging in a nightcap. As I climbed the stairs to the roof, I glimpsed a familiar bottle in the wine fridge. It is a rare treat to find Sanguine de Juda (the blood of Judas) anywhere, so that sweet, slightly bubbly treat made my night complete. Well, that and the fireworks that were spectacular viewed from Avanu’s rooftop.
For something different, Feelgood Farms and Winery pairs relaxed country charm with live music on the weekends. Sip on their local wines while tapping your foot to a blues band or acoustic set under the stars. You park at the end of the vineyard and make your way to the winery by walking between the rows of grapes. It’s an easy trek, and a reminder that the good life in New Smyrna Beach isn’t just found beside the ocean.
Get Outside and Breathe
One of the joys of New Smyrna Beach is that you can go from downtown shopping to untouched nature in a matter of minutes. In fact, on a stroll along the Flagler Avenue shopping area, you may find one of the many monthly festivals before the sidewalk ends on a damp, sandy beach. Here’s a festival I can really get behind, the Flagler Avenue Wine Walk, held monthly on the last Saturday, offering more than 100 wines to choose from!
Breathe in Shop Air
On another morning, start with a stroll along the Canal Street Historic District, where historic buildings house boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. You’ll often hear music drifting out from doorways, and the monthly street fairs bring even more energy. You’ll enjoy browsing in Posh Pineapple, and may find a summer frock in Claiborne’s Closet. Canal Street has its share of monthly events, too, such as the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and a summer concert series. The 1st Saturday Stroll is so large that it is divided into time frames: 9-3, Art & Artisan; 1-6, Sip and Stroll; and 4-7, Gallery Walk.
Breathe in Salt Air
For a hit of fresh air and water views, Indian River Lagoon Park, North America’s most biologically diverse estuary, is a peaceful escape. The 90-acre park features nearly a half-mile of paved trails and dirt paths, leading to a floating fishing pier. The winding boardwalks and shaded trails offer excellent bird-watching opportunities along the lagoon.
If you want the full sweep of ocean and inlet views, make your way about 5 miles in the opposite direction to Smyrna Dunes Park. The elevated boardwalk circles for more than two miles through 187 acres of dunes, mangroves, and along the shoreline, offering a 360-degree panorama of natural beauty. Keep your eyes open for gopher tortoises, dolphins, and a rainbow of seabirds. While you are there, stop by the food truck for a morning coffee with a pastry, or enjoy your lunch under the shade of a Live Oak. Grab lunch, a late breakfast, or just a lavender lemonade at the cute Espresso Me food truck, usually found at the end of the parking lot.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
To escape from the heat and bustle of the beach, take a short drive to Port Orange to spend time in the lush, historic Sugar Mill Gardens. These botanical gardens are situated among the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, blending Florida’s history with lush tropical greenery. The 12-acre garden is a portion of the nearly 1,000-acre land grant made to Patrick Dean in 1804. It became a sugar cane plantation, which also grew cotton, rice, and probably indigo.
It survived the years in many forms. Filled with enormous concrete dinosaurs, a guided train tour, and a variety of animals and birds, Bongoland opened in 1952. It was short-lived, closing two years later. In 1963, the property was bequeathed to Volusia County. The Botanical Gardens of Volusia leased the land in 1988. With this new lease on life, Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens was born.
Midday Flavors in New Smyrna Beach
After a morning of activity and salt air, hunger may strike. Head to River Deck Tiki Bar and Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and special tropical drinks at the breezy, open-air restaurant. The view of the Intracoastal Waterway is as much a part of the experience as the mahi tacos and a Shark Attack! Cocktail. Named for the local occurrence of shark bites, you realize that rather than hiding the fact, the area embraces it.
On another day, check out the new Cuban restaurant just off the central street downtown, tucked behind the Crooked Horn Cigar Bar. Worth the search, Maiwi’s Latin Fusion serves generous plates with bold flavors and electric energy—a great option if you’re craving something with a little more spice. It features casual outdoor seating, where you can enjoy Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, arepas, and yucca fries, and finish off with a delicious Crème Brûléed Bread Pudding.
Meet the Dolphins
No trip to New Smyrna Beach is complete without getting out on the water. Book a Dolphin Discovery Cruise with the Marine Discovery Center, where naturalists will guide you through the local waterways and point out dolphins, manatees, and other local wildlife. It is part sightseeing, part education, and completely unforgettable. Along the way, there may be a taste of a slightly salty honey made from the nectar of the mangroves you pass in the lagoon. You’ll be hooked and come home with a jar or two just like we did.
For a bit more active exercise, you can also plan a kayak tour with the Marine Discovery Center. The guide will lead you through mangrove forests into the backwater of the lagoon, where, with luck, you’ll have up close encounters with the native wildlife, like the Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins. These dolphins are a subspecies of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that have adapted to living in the shallow waters of the lagoon.
In the case of an early arrival, the Discovery Center offers indoor educational exhibits that allow visitors to connect with local inhabitants from the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on tanks and a gift shop. There is even a display of local honey, from the blooms of the mangrove growing in the lagoon. But I’ll warn you, its slightly salty taste is deliciously addictive.
Evening Eats and Nightlife in New Smyrna Beach
As the sun sinks low, the choices for dinner and evening fun open up. Many local restaurants participate in Coastal Catch Restaurant Month, which is coming up soon. From October’s beginning to end, many NSB’s top restaurants come together in a celebration of award-winning chefs focusing on local coastal cuisine, creating unexpected dishes, prix fixe menus, and delicious bites that awaken the taste buds. I think it may be time for a road trip, don’t you?
Flagler Tavern is a local icon—lively, welcoming, and mere steps from the sand. Check them out in October to see what specialties they come up with for Coastal Catch Month. Upstairs, you’ll find The Bounty, a speakeasy-style bar with seasonal craft cocktails and an intimate atmosphere. If you’re feeling adventurous, let their fantastic bartender, Ali, create something custom—you won’t be disappointed. You may find that you’ve stayed through dinner, which is fine by them—they’re happy to serve your meal at the bar. The Ceviche Stuffed Avocado was fresh, and the Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tropical, topped with pineapple salsa, was just a touch spicy, a bit salty, and a lot scrumptious.
For a waterside experience, Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille delivers fresh seafood and cocktails to your front-row seat to the marina. Watching the boats come in while savoring a plate of shrimp scampi is the perfect ending to a beach day. Outriggers is on board for Coastal Catch Month, too.
Check In & Stay Awhile
For a touch of luxury with unbelievable views, book a condo at Moontide Condo Rentals. Perched right on the ocean, these upscale units offer private balconies, full kitchens, and the kind of sunrise views that make early wake-ups worth it. Plus, you’re just minutes from all the dining, art, and adventure New Smyrna Beach has to offer.
Moontide has two buildings: one is directly on the ocean, featuring a rooftop heated pool, and the other is a high-rise with spectacular views of the Atlantic and the community pool. Both buildings offer individually-owned vacation condos. The units are fully equipped and offer one to three bedrooms. I don’t know about other units, but ours had a cooler, beach chairs, and pool toys in the master closet—ready for a day at the shore.
Jo Goes Everywhere! Tells about her favorite New Smyrna Beach gems
Listen to the Jo Goes Everywhere! podcast and hear about the special spots around New Smyrna Beach.
Why New Smyrna Beach Works for Every Traveler
It’s rare to find a place where you can immerse yourself in art, history, surfing, nature, and flavor all in a single weekend—and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. New Smyrna Beach’s blend of creative energy, a charming small-town main street, and unspoiled natural beauty makes it more than just a beach town. It’s a place where you can move at your own pace, and let each day unfold like a conversation with an old friend.
A Perfect Three-Day Itinerary
Day One:
- Breakfast at Mon Delice Bakery
- Explore The Hub on Canal & Jane’s Art Center
- Lunch at River Deck Tiki Bar
- Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Marine Discovery
- Check in at Moontide
- Dinner at Outriggers
Day Two:
- Breakfast at Mermaid Café
- Visit Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
- Walk Canal Street and visit some shops
- Stop for lunch at historic Dairy Queen, N. Dixie Freeway, where they’ve been serving hot dogs and ice cream since 1953
- Tasting at Sugar Works Distillery
- Afternoon at Smyrna Dunes Park
- Dinner, cocktails, and live music at Flagler Tavern and The Bounty
Day Three:
- Breakfast at Wild Oats & Billy Goats
- Drive to Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange
- Lunch at Maiwi’s Latin Fusion Cuban restaurant downtown
- Walk off lunch at Indian River Lagoon Park
- Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting and music at Feelgood Farms
Planning A Beach Trip
For more exciting beach trips, take a drive to one of these locations: Cannon Beach, Myrtle Beach, or Georgetown County.
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