The 15 Best Things To Do In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Bob Ross’s mountainside evergreens, better known as “happy little trees,” were a staple on his long-running PBS show “The Joy of Painting, but the Florida native was probably more familiar with palms. Beloved for his gentle nature, part of Ross’s sunny disposition might be a result of his time spent in New Smyrna Beach, where he owned a home and opened a workshop and gallery.
Just south of fast-paced Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is the quieter beach community that melds small-town sensibilities with excellent food, art, and surf scenes. Its five distinct communities have a lot to offer beyond just the 17 stunning miles of sugar-white sand beaches—though those are a big draw. Stroll the charming historic district with its Victorian-style inns and colorful galleries. Spot wildlife on the expansive Canaveral National Seashore. Enroll in surf school. Or have dinner and drinks inside a treehouse. Everything in New Smyrna is meant to bring joy and spark genuine delight. Keep reading for the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Things To Do In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Explore the Canaveral National Seashore
Cross the causeway and explore this barrier island that holds the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in the state. There are gorgeous swaths of untouched beaches, as well as dune, lagoon, pine flatland, salt. Marsh, and hammock habitats to explore. Wildlife, from endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles to manatees is abundant. Birders will have more than 310 species to identify. In addition to you usual list of beach activities, Viking Eco Tours can take you out for an unforgettable kayak tour. Morning kayak tours are ideal for spotting dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, while nighttime tours give an opportunity to spot bioluminescent plankton and comb jellies.
See Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
The state’s tallest lighthouse is open to the public. For just $7 admission, you can climb to the top of the 175-foot beacon and drink in the sweeping ocean views, then learn more about what you’re seeing inside the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Museum. For just a few dollars more, gain admission to the Pacetti Hotel Museum, an 1880s building that’s one of the county’s oldest structures.
Stroll Flagler Avenue
New Smyrna’s main drag can be found along Flagler Avenue, a historic hub that spans barrier island in five blocks that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Indian River in the west. The lively area is littered with local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s also the central location for several events throughout the year including chili and chowder cook-offs, wine walks, and more. Two spots to make sure you stop at include the Coronado-Mainland Shuffleboard Club, where you can try your luck at this Florida-favorite pastime and the Beachfront Park.
Live It Up On Canal Street
A second spot to check out in New Smyrna is the historic business district of Canal Street. Like Flagler, Canal Street is home to dozens of shops, eateries, museums, and vibrant galleries and art spaces like Jane’s Art Center and the Hub on Canal, where you can take classes and workshops and see work from local artists in rotating exhibits. When you need a little refreshment after your day of strolling and shopping, stop into New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company for a cold pint. Check out the weekly farmers’ market Saturdays starting at 7 a.m. or time your visit to coincide with Canal Street Nights, a monthly street festival with live music, vendors, activities, and more.
Join The Local Surf Culture
Surfing is a big part of life for locals in New Smyrna. Join in on the hang 10 culture by taking a surf lesson with a local outfitter like the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy or Surfin’ NSB. The waves in New Smyrna are ideal for beginners as well as pros; the American Professional Surfing Association even hosts one of its premier competitions here each year. If you’re curious to learn more about the town’s surf culture, head to the New Smyrna Museum of History to check out the East Coast Surf Exhibit, alongside other exhibits that focus on everything from the town’s railroad era to its pioneer years to its Native American history.
Visit the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
Another place to learn important New Smyrna history is the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, a free museum housed in an 1899 church building that uses photos, oral histories, and artifacts to tell the story of African Americans in small town Florida over the course of the 20th century.
Discover the Art Scene
If the creativity on Canal Street has you feeling inspired, delve a little deeper into New Smyrna’s excellent arts scene by visiting two more iconic spots. The Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery was opened by the artist himself in 1993. Inside, you’ll find a staggering collection of the TV-famous artist’s original oil paintings. You can also sign up to take a painting class from certified teacher trainer Nicholas Hankins, who teaches Ross’s special Wet-On-Wet style of oil painting for subjects including landscape, seascape, floral, and wildlife. You can discover an entirely different side of New Smyrna’s expansive art scene at The Little Theatre of New Smyrna, a community theater that puts on multiple plays, musicals, and special performances each year.
Where To Eat In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Dine At A James Beard-Recognized Restaurant
One of New Smyrna’s most popular restaurants, Third Wave Café & Wine Bar is known for many things—its whimsical outdoor garden dining room, ever-changing global-inspired menu, and leading the way in sustainable seafood sourcing (as part of the James Beard Smart Catch program). Come for the crepes, Neopolitan pizzas, and brunch specials served during the day. Or make a dinner reservation to dine on well-composed plates like local swordfish with housemade chimichurri, Yukon mashed potatoes, and green beans or roasted ocotpus with grilled heirloom peppers and onions, toasted chickpeas, peas, and a sweet chili drizzle over Spanish Bomba rice.
Eat Dinner In A Treehouse
Delight your inner child by spending an evening at Norwood’s Eatery & Bar, a two-story restaurant where you can dine inside a treehouse. The restaurant has been open in some capacity 1964, but its latest iteration is the most fun—and memory worthy. The expansive menu features everything from hand-cut filets to giant seafood platters. The cocktail menu is just as bountiful with concoctions like the Still Hot In Here (tequila, mint, passionfruit, pineapple, and lime) and Purpe Rain (gin, beets, honey, lime). Happy hour, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 p.m. to close in the Treehouse Bar features $4 house wine, domestic beers, and select well drinks.
Share Tapas at Spanish River Grill
Two-time James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef South, Henry Salgado takes diners on a journey to Spain at Spanish River Grill. Start with a glass of the house special red sangria, then take your pick from an extensive menu of tapas or small plates that range from Spanish classics like Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes). Gambas a la Plancha (shrimp with grilled bread), and Croquetas (ham stuffed fritters) to smoked pork belly and lamb chops with porcini crust and arugula chimichurri. Don’t leave without ordering the Burnt Basque Cheesecake for dessert.
Have A Burger at The Breakers
There’s no better place to get lunch in all of New Smyrna than The Breakers, an iconic pink-brick eatery plopped directly on the sand at the end of Flagler Avenue. You can get classic seafood shack meals here like fried shrimp and clam strips or a mahi sandwich, but the thing The Breakers is most famous for is its burgers. Have it topped any way you want with a side of fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, or coleslaw. Order a daiquiri or pina colada to wash it down with and enjoy the unencumbered views of the crashing waves.
Pick Up Pastries at Mon Delice French Bakery
The pastry case is always overflowing with perfectly flaky croissants and glistening fruit-filled tarts at Mon Delice. Owned by Serge Sorese, who grew up in Southern France, the shop specializes in French pastries, breads, baked goods, cakes, and pies, alongside a few savory lunch options like sandwiches, quiches, and soup. Go early to get the best selection and make sure to order a couple extra treats, whether a cinnamon roll or an apple Danish, to snack on when those late-afternoon munchies hit.
Enjoy Brunch at The Baker’s Table
Husband-wife duo Jaime and Jeanette Quintana went from vacationing in New Smyrna Beach to making the cross-country move from New Jersey to their favorite little beach town. They share their talents and passion for food at their restaurant The Baker’s Table, which is open for brunch Fridays through Sundays and dinner Wednesdays through Sundays. We recommend going for brunch to try the conch fritters with black pepper honey, stuffed challah French toast, smoked salmon latkes.
Where To Stay In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Rent A House or Condo
If you’re planning a longer stay in New Smyrna (and wouldn’t want to?), consider a home or condo rental so you have plenty of room to spread out and can cook some meals at home. Local businesses like NSB Realty, MoonTide Condos and CasaGo Coastal Volusia can help you find the perfect rental for your trip, whether you’re traveling with a multifamily or multigenerational group or if it’s just you and a special someone. The oceanfront views and walk-off-your-porch access to the beach will have you considering a permanent move.
Stay At A Boutique Inn
Elegant inns and cozy bed and breakfasts are also great options for accommodations in New Smyrna. Most are locally owned, and several are housed in historic homes, making your stay all the more special. The Black Dolphin Inn, Riverview Hotel, and Victoria 1883 all offer riverfront views with unique amenities including a hidden speakeasy at Victoria 1883, a spa at Riverview Hotel, and private balconies at the Black Dolphin Inn.
