Things to do in New Smyrna Beach

Looking for things to do in New Smyrna Beach? Whether you are a local or on a vacation in New Smyrna Beach, there are plenty of things to do New Smyrna Beach, FL. 

As a vacation photographer in New Smyrna Beach, we love sharing our travel tips with others!

If you are visiting New Smyrna Beach as a family, you can find many activities to suit everyone’s interests. After all, New Smyrna Beach is popular for:

• surfing 
• fishing
• art
• dining 
• beach driving 
• scenic beaches

Among many others, New Smyrna Beach is also known for its small town charm. 

There are many family friendly amenities such as parks, bike trails and nature preserves.

Beach Driving

New Smyrna Beach is one of only a handful of beaches that allow beach driving in the state of Florida. (And the US) 

This rare privilege is a phenomenal way to experience a trip to the beach. It’s so relaxing that sometimes, we take a quick coffee break and go drive on the beach. Plus, if you lug a lot of beach gear around – you will love the convenience of beach driving. 

There are 5 vehicle access ramps in New Smyrna Beach, they are located at: 

• Beachway Avenue
• Crawford Road 
• Flagler Avenue (most popular)
• Third Avenue
• 27th Avenue (most family-friendly)

Non-residents will pay $20 to drive and park all day. It is also important to note that beach driving may close at any point due to high tide or rough conditions. We have been disappointed to pull up to a closed gate on occasion. 

 You will also need to leave the beach before dusk. 

Busy days are on weekends, holiday weekends and over the summer. 

Flagler Avenue Vehicle Access Ramp

We also strongly recommend a burger at The Breakers Restaurant. Bar, burgers and beach views that will not disappoint!

Kayaking/SUP

There are plenty of boat ramps in New Smyrna Beach. On many occasions, you can spot manatees, dolphins or both. 

We often take our kayaks out in the Indian River and almost always spot a pod of dolphins. Some of our favorite spots are Spruce Creek Park, Callalisa Creek and Menard-May Park in Edgewater, FL.

Here are the addresses to the spots we like:

Menard-May Park

413 S. Riverside Drive

Edgewater, FL 32132

Callalisa Creek

598 S. Peninsula Avenue

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

Spruce Creek Park

6250 Ridgewood Avenue

 Port Orange, FL

Spruce Creek Park kayak launch

Spruce Creek Park at Sunset

Nature & History

New Smyrna Beach is one of the oldest cities in the country. 

Many people who live here drive past Sugar-mill Ruins every day and have no idea. The same can be said for Old Fort Park. Both sites are historic ruins that are fascinating to visit. 

Old Fort Park, New Smyrna Beach, FL

Sugar Mill Ruins

Spend the day shopping and dining on historic Canal Street and then end your day at Old Fort Park. It’s shaded with live oaks and is located by the river. This isn’t an all-day adventure but it’s a fun activity that won’t soak up a lot of your beach time. 

The New Smyrna Beach museum is located nearby, for the history buffs. 

Sugarmill Ruins has a short nature trail and you can view the remnants of an old sugar mill. It is located off of Old Mission drive, easy to drive right on past.

I highly recommend checking these out if you are looking for things to do in New Smyrna Beach. 

Sugar Mill Ruins

1050 Old Mission Road

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Old Fort Park 

115 Julia Street 

New Smyrna Beach, FL

You can catch the farmers market at Old Fort Park every Saturday from 7:30am until noon. 

Marine Discovery Center 

The Marine Discovery Center offers eco tours of the Indian River Lagoon system and a plethora of educational activities throughout the year.

Fishing 

There are plenty of great fishing docks in New Smyrna Beach, such as Manatee Park and Smyrna Dunes Park. 

You can also go on a fishing charter or rent a whole boat, if you’d like to go deep sea fishing. 

Biking

One of our favorite biking trails in New Smyrna Beach is located at 230 W Pine Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

It is quiet, scenic and very safe for families with kids.

You can also rent bikes on the beach and cycle along the ocean. When the weather has cooled down a bit in the Fall, Winter and early spring – biking is one of our favorite things to do as a family. 

The Hub & Bob Ross Art Workshop 

 Come see why New Smyrna Beach ranks in the top 100 art towns. The Hub offers classes and workshops for kids and adults in a variety of mediums. 

New Smyrna Beach was also the beloved home of Bob Ross. You can visit a Bob Ross workshop and gallery right here in New Smyrna Beach. 

The Hub on Canal Street 

132 Canal Street

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Bob Ross Art Workshop 

757 E. 3rd Avenue 

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Additionally, New Smyrna Beach hosts the annual Images art festival every January. Images ranks #39 in the country for outdoor art festivals and is presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts.

Atlantic Center for the Arts was founded by Doris Leeper (local artist and conservationist). It is a world-renown artist community and gallery. 

Canaveral National Seashore

Thanks to the efforts of local conservationists like Doris Leeper, the longest stretch of untouched coastline on the east coast of Florida is located near New Smyrna Beach. 

This secluded slice of paradise is as pristine as a beach can be today. 

The entrance is located at the end of south Atlantic Avenue, past Bethune Beach. 

This beach is typically the least crowded and the views are free of high rise condos.

Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in New Smyrna Beach. With an average annual temperature of 71 degrees, outdoor activities are almost always pleasant.

What are some of your favorite things to do in New Smyrna Beach?

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