New Smyrna Beach is a scenic seaside town located just south of Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Well-known for its 17 miles of stunning beaches, this charming town offers more than just soft sand, rolling waves and picturesque views. Here you can explore mysterious ruins, climb to the top of a historic lighthouse, and take a boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon. We have family in New Smyrna Beach, so we visit often. Here are the top nine activities we recommend including on your New Smyrna Beach bucket list!
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1.) BREAKFAST AT ISLAND ROASTERS COFFEE COMPANY
If you will be beginning your day in New Smyrna Beach, make sure to stop by Island Roasters Coffee Company to try one of their freshly roasted fair-trade coffees or specialty drinks. We love that their coffees are organic and that they carry Yaupon Brothers tea, which is made from Florida’s native yaupon holly.
Not a fan of coffee or tea? They also have a deli where you can purchase breakfast items such as avocado toast or a bacon and cheese croissant, as well as a variety of delicious sandwiches such as a reuben or turkey BLT. We arrive early on our trips to New Smyrna Beach just to make a stop here, and their popularity is obvious: there is usually a line out the door!
2.) SHOP LOCAL AT THE NEW SMYRNA BEACH FARMERS MARKET
After grabbing breakfast at Island Roasters Coffee Company, head over to Sam’s Avenue and meander around the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 7am-12pm, the farmers market showcases a multitude of different products, from locally grown produce and delectable baked goods to unique art and handmade jewelry. The last time we visited there was even live music, and it was so relaxing to stroll through the farmers market to the tropical vibe of steel drums.
3.) EXPLORE MYSTERIOUS RUINS AT OLD FORT PARK
Directly next door to the farmers market lies Old Fort Park, which contains the enigmatic ruins of a historic structure. Believed for many years to be the remains of a fort, the ruins are now thought to be the foundations of a mansion belonging to New Smyrna Colony founder Andrew Turnbull. Made of coquina rock, the origin of the ruins is still being debated today. Their location right next to the intercoastal makes them a perfect place to relax, enjoy the view, and ponder the mystery of their creation.
4.) INVESTIGATE CRUGER-DEPEYSTER PLANTATION SUGAR MILL RUINS
If you are a history buff, another great stop is the Cruger-Depeyster Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins. Located off of Old Mission Road, these ruins provide a window into Florida’s industrial past. The mill was originally part of a 600-acre plantation and featured coquina stone buildings and steam-driven machinery. On Christmas Day 1835, during the Second Seminole War, Native Americans attacked and burned the site, and today only the coquina walls remain. This 17-acre site is open daily from sunrise to sunset, free to visit, and features walking paths and informative signs sharing the history of the plantation.
5.) STROLL THE BOARDWALK AT SMYRNA DUNES PARK
Smyrna Dunes Park stretches along the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet. The cost is $10 a vehicle to enter. If you are a local or think you will visit more than once, Inlet Park Passes are a great deal at $20 for the whole year and also provide access to Lighthouse Point Park.
Restrooms, picnic tables, and showers are located by the parking lot at the entrance. From the entrance you can stroll a wide, two-mile boardwalk that weaves over sand dunes and native habitats filled with saw palmetto, catbriar, and various grasses. Gopher tortoises make their homes here, and you may be able to spot one emerging from its burrow while traversing the boardwalk.
The boardwalk has multiple scenic overlooks, a fishing pier, and beach access points. We love the beach here because it is usually not as crowded as some other beaches in the area and provides a picturesque view of the Ponce Inlet lighthouse across the water. There is a dog-friendly beach at the park as well.
6.) WITNESS A ROCKET LAUNCH FROM CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE
Canaveral National Seashore is one of ten protected seashores in the United States and offers 24-miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches. Here you can do everything from stroll the soft sand to explore historical sites and participate in numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, surfing, paddling, and hiking. Canaveral National Seashore is also an ideal location to spot Florida’s abundant wildlife. Its location adjacent to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge makes this seashore a perfect place for birding, manatee viewing, or spotting sea turtles.
Canaveral National Seashore has two main beach areas with thirteen public access points. Playalinda Beach, located at the southern end of the seashore, is an ideal spot to catch one of Kennedy Space Center’s many rocket launches. If you want to do this, remember to arrive early, as popular viewing spots can fill hours before the launch. Be prepared for traffic, and bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, binoculars, and plenty of water.
7.) EXPLORE MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER
The Marine Discovery Center, located on Barracuda Boulevard next to the Indian River Lagoon, is a fantastic resource to learn about the wildlife, habitats, and ecology of the area.
They offer a free indoor discovery area showcasing live aquariums and marine exhibits. The girls thoroughly enjoyed observing the turtles and saltwater fish–they even got to witness a live stonefish feeding! Hadassah was able to capture some beautiful photos of the marine life, including a sea anemone.
Their outdoor discovery area is also free and includes walking trails, a nature playscape called “Cuda Cove,” and native wildflower gardens.
For those wanting a more in-depth educational experience, Marine Discovery Center offers a variety of boat, kayak, and land tours. They also conduct numerous educational programs geared towards adults, families, and students, and they offer multiple volunteer opportunities for those looking for ways to help with conservation efforts.
8.) CLIMB TO THE TOP OF PONCE INLET LIGHTHOUSE
Standing at 175 feet tall, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse has the distinction of being the tallest lighthouse in Florida! Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum makes a great stop for history buffs and lighthouse enthusiasts alike!
Located off South Peninsula Avenue, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum is technically not in New Smyrna Beach, but it is right across the inlet from Smyrna Dunes Park and definitely worth a visit. The lighthouse itself is 203 steps to the top and provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax River, and New Smyrna Beach. The museums include the three original keeper’s dwellings and house exhibits on lighthouse operations and Florida history.
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum opens daily at 10am and admission rates are very affordable. A ticket for just the Lighthouse Museum costs $6.95/adult and $1.95/child (ages 3-11). Combo tickets that include both the Lighthouse Museum and Pacetti Hotel Museum cost $11.95/adult and $2.95/child.
9.) TRY TO BEAT THE CLOCK AT A HARROWING ESCAPE
At A Harrowing Escape in New Smyrna Beach, you can play story-driven indoor escape rooms by solving puzzles and riddles, or try their new outdoor escape games and city challenges. The girls recently completed the Borderline Breakout room with their grandparents and made it out with only forty seconds to spare! They loved the challenge and how well run the escape room was. If you are looking for a fun indoor activity to beat the heat, try one of their themed rooms and see if you can escape before time runs out!
10.) DISCOVER DINOSAURS AT DUNLAWTON SUGAR MILL GARDENS
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, located just outside of New Smyrna Beach in Port Orange, has a fascinating history and is truly a unique place to visit in Central Florida.
Back before Florida officially became a state, this area was the site of Dunlawton Sugar Mill Plantation, where sugar and molasses were produced until the mill was destroyed during the Second Seminole War. It was sold and rebuilt, remaining operational until it burnt down in 1856 during the Third Seminole War.
In the 1940’s, Dr. Perry Sperber leased the land and created an amusement park called Bongoland. Bongoland featured giant concrete dinosaurs, animals, a train to ride, and a monkey named Bongo. After Bongoland closed, the property was abandoned until 1985, when Botanical Gardens of Volusia established Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens for visitors to explore the ruins and learn about native gardening.
The gardens are open daily from 8am-7pm and are free to visit–although donations are appreciated! You can still view some of the large dinosaur statues scattered throughout the gardens, as well as different plant collections, a children’s garden, and the sugar mill ruins.
11.) PERUSE THE SHOPS ALONG FLAGLER AVENUE
End your day in New Smyrna Beach by walking Flagler Avenue and exploring the many unique shops. These shops offer a wide variety of items from clothing and gifts to art and beachwear. Once you are done perusing the stores, end at Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park and bury your feet in the sand while listening to the lapping waves and watching the horizon fade to hues of pink and orange.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH
THE RIVERVIEW HOTEL AND SPA
The Riverview Hotel and Spa is a historic, Victorian-style hotel located right next to the water. Amenities include a spa, marina, heated pool, and complimentary breakfast. The convenient location makes it easy to shop, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy the beach.
INN ON THE AVENUE BED AND BREAKFAST
Inn on the Avenue Bed and Breakfast is located on Flagler Avenue within walking distance of the beach, dining, and New Smyrna’s boutique shops. This bed and breakfast consistently receives rave reviews for offering clean, themed rooms and a delicious homemade breakfast as well as having a friendly, attentive staff.
SPRINGHILL SUITES NEW SMYRNA BEACH
Can’t imagine anything better than waking up to the sound of the waves every morning? A stay at Springhill Suites New Smyrna Beach might be for you! This oceanfront hotel has direct beach access as well as a pool and spacious rooms with comfortable beds and stunning views. This family-friendly hotel is also walking distance to many restaurants and shops.
HAMPTON INN NEW SMYRNA BEACH
Located on Flagler Avenue, Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach is another family-friendly option for those who want to be close to it all. Only minutes from the beach, this hotel offers clean rooms, a friendly staff, and a complimentary breakfast.
We hope you enjoy exploring New Smyrna Beach as much as we do! Looking for other activities nearby? Check out our Central Florida page here!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
