It may seem like a tiny hidden gem, but New Smyrna Beach is a town with big offerings. Here are just 10 examples of New Smyrna Beach attractions you won’t want to miss…

New Smyrna Museum of History

New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest cities, and New Smyrna Museum of History is the vigilant keeper of its past. Visitors delight in a wide range of historic exhibits, including Native American artifacts, Civil War displays, railroad memorabilia, fishing and hunting displays and displays of local archaeological digs and discoveries, as well as a museum store. Operated by the Southeast Volusia Historical Society, this exceptional not-for-profit may be strolled through at your leisure anytime between 10am and 4pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Old Fort Park

With the history museum right across the street and a nearby farmer’s market open on Saturdays until noon, you will find Old Fort Park, surrounded by walking paths and benches with a canopy of stately oak trees and a tranquil view of the harbor.

Old Fort Park archeological site, added to the United States National Registry of Historic Places in 2008, is an ancient coquina foundation that comes with a mystery which has never been solved. Was it once the mansion home of New Smyrna Beach Founder Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Spanish fort predating Castillo de San Marco in St. Augustine (which is considered the oldest fort in the continental United States), a colonial church or a site for constructing ships? You decide. 

Marine Discovery Center

The Marine Discovery Center has dedicated the last 20 years to improving water quality, promoting environmental preservation awareness and informing its visitors about the amazing biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon – which is home to over 4,000 species and spans 156 miles of Florida’s east coast. Marine Discovery Center programs include exhibit tanks, live shoreline demonstrations, kayak eco-tours, classes, camps and lectures with certified naturalists. 

Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and Museum

Climb the 203 steps of Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse, the largest lighthouse in Florida. Then check out the lighthouse museum for a glimpse into turn-of-the-century life and to learn what it was like to live and work as a lighthouse keeper.

Turtle Mound

Turtle Mound is a prehistoric site and national historic treasure located along the Canaveral National Seashore in Volusia County. This two-acre site contains over 35,000 cubic yards of shells and stands roughly 50 feet. It is the largest shell midden in the United States and estimated to have been approximately 75 feet tall before the shell mining took place in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Used by indigenous people for harvesting oysters and clams and serving protection from the weather, insects and a high point from which to spot impending danger, it is also believed that Turtle Mound served as a location for social gatherings, ceremonies and residences as well as burial sites for prominent tribe members. 

Smyrna Dunes Park

Neighboring The Inlet at Minorca, Smyrna Dunes is Trip Advisor’s top choice when it comes to parks in New Smyrna Beach. With over two miles of boardwalk along the jetty and ocean offering spectacular views, it is perfect for undisturbed morning walks and offers a dog beach trail for those with furry friends.

New Smyrna’s Tale of Two Main Streets

Rooted in history, Canal Street is smack dab in the middle of New Smyrna’s Historic District. Built on a canal which runs on the north side of the street, Canal Street is brimming with beautiful historic architecture, some of the area’s best restaurants and a wide array of fun shops and boutiques.

Vibrant Flagler Avenue, lined with whimsical shops and amazing restaurants, offers visitors a beachy vibe and plenty of action. If you haven’t heard already, there’s always a “Party on Flagler,” including incredible events throughout the year, like the Seaside Fiesta Music Festival, Sangria Socials, Wine and Craft Beer Walks, the New Smyrna Beach Shrimp and Seafood Festival, Crazy Cart Parade, Rock & Roll Music Festival, Flagler Avenue Market Days, Flagler Avenue Ice Cream Social and cook-off challenges for even the most discerning foodies, including BBQ, grilled cheese, chili, Christmas cookie and chowder challenges. There are tons of holiday-themed events too, such as Mardi Gras on Flagler, Shamrock and Roll St Patty’s Day Party, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, New Smyrna-Ween Thrills and Chills Night, the Annual Light Up Flagler holiday party, Merry Hitmas Music Festival and the Santa Paws Parade.

Disappearing Island

Don’t worry boaters! There is something magnificent for you too…an enchanting island that disappears! Popular with both tourists and locals, Disappearing Island is actually a very large sandbar. So, when the tide recedes and Disappearing Island appears, an elusive playground comes alive! So bring the family for some swimming, sunbathing, a picnic or a raucous game of cornhole. 

Disappearing Island can only be accessed by boat, but all you have to do is launch from the Port Orange Causeway Park boat ramp or the New Smyrna Beach North Causeway boat ramp and then sit back and enjoy the gorgeous shoreline views and impressive waterfront homes along the way. Hurry, before it disappears!

The Arts in New Smyrna Beach

Where to begin? How about Bob Ross, that lovable hippie from “The Joy of Painting” television show? New Smyrna Beach is the location of the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery, opened by Bob Ross himself in 1992. Filled with a large collection of his paintings and offering classes hosted by guest artists from around the world, as well as books and novelty items for purchase; the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery is also the primary training site for Certified Ross Landscape, Floral and Wildlife Instructors. 

Or The Hub on Canal, which began as a gathering place for fostering art through a wide range of mediums and transformed into a showcase for over 70 artists and providing numerous creative opportunities including art classes, demonstrations, workshops, presentations. This one might just bring us to 11. Sorry, not sorry. You’re welcome!

Whether you are at play (which is a frequent state of being in New Smyrna Beach), relaxing on one of our beautiful beaches or satisfying your cravings for fresh seafood at a local waterfront restaurant, New Smyrna Beach proves to be a very pet-friendly place!

Let’s say you’re in search of local honey, fresh produce or a handmade piece of jewelry made by a local artisan, and you’d like to take a stroll through the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market one Saturday morning. You can do it with your dog! Yep, New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market is a completely pet-friendly environment.

Or head over to Silly Willie’s, a one-of-a-kind pet boutique on fun and fantastic Flagler Avenue. Loaded with unique gifts for people and pets, as well as toys and treats, Silly Willie’s carries everything from unique collars, to holistic pet food, gourmet dog cookies from its pet bakery, cute cards, pet strollers and carriers, life vests, leashes and funny, whimsical trinkets. It’s more of an experience than a store, so make sure you allow for enough time to browse and enjoy!

New Smyrna is also filled with parks and beaches where you and your pet can delight in a day filled with sun and fun. For example, there is Smyrna Dunes Park, right next door to The Inlet at Minorca, with walking trails and calm waters for lots of safe puppy play. There’s Lighthouse Point Park, with a dog-friendly beach area, scenic trails and picnic spots, which is technically located in neighboring Ponce Inlet. The New Smyrna Beach Dog Park, at 2641 Paige Avenue behind the Humane Society, is a 1.2-acre park with separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, a kiddie pool and shaded areas for resting comfortably.

For the days when you need to go off on your own, New Smyrna Beach offers a nice sampling of doggie day care, such as the Dog Dayz Inn at 1765 Edgewater Canal Road, an “all-inclusive, cage-free resort with three acres to safely roam and play, climate controlled spaces and pampered grooming.” There’s also Sassafras Pet Spa at 207 Palmetto Street, which is also cage-free with grooming services; and, if you’re looking for a day in the country for your pooch, there’s A & E Pet Resort on seven acres at 2494 Taylor Road.

Now, let’s talk sustenance, shall we? New Smyrna Beach is well known for its eclectic mix of quaint, Historic District eateries, its fresh seafood joints each boasting a waterfront view and everything in between from casual bistros to upscale gourmet restaurants…and the best part is that many of them allow you to bring your dog when you choose outdoor seating. In fact, it is actually easier to name the New Smyrna Beach restaurants that don’t allow pets, but we will give it the old college try…

If you’re looking for upscale, there’s Norwood’s Restaurant with its Treehouse (Yes, I said treehouse.) Bar offering expansive, elevated waterfront views, located at 400 E 2nd Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. Norwood’s is brimming with succulent sauces and aromatic herbs atop chef-inspired dishes, a happy hour with delicious drink specials and a new sunset menu…and your dog is welcome to join you in the outdoor patio seating area.

For casual seafood fare also with a gorgeous waterfront view, you may want to try JB’s Fish Camp at 859 Pompano Avenue in New Smyrna. Here you will find “southern seafood with an attitude” including all your favorites grilled, fried, raw or steamed and often served with a side of live entertainment.

Or head to nearby ocean view Toni & Joes Patio (at 309 Buenos Aires Street) to enjoy their signature orange crush on the covered patio. You won’t be sorry!

Other incredible waterfront New Smyrna Beach dining options which allow dogs include Off the Hook on Inlet Harbor Road, which has a Hawaiian-inspired menu and panoramic riverside views; Hidden Treasures Rum Bar on Peninsula Drive – a favorite of locals and snowbirds alike; Outriggers Grille at 200 Boatyard Street, with spectacular views that are only surpassed by its welcoming ambience; Down the Hatch, which is waterfront on Front Street and “where something special is always cooking”; and River Deck Tiki Bar on Riverside Drive, which even holds its own pooch parade and costume party!

If it is pizza you crave, take your doggie on a sojourn to Jerry’s Italian Grill & Tiki (What more do you need?) on Inlet Harbor Road or Panheads Pizza at 113 S. Orange Street. If your dog likes pizza crust as much as mine, you’re in for a good time!

The Corkscrew on Canal is smack dab in the center of New Smyrna’s charming Historic District and also welcomes pets in its outdoor garden bistro area. There’s also Third Wave Café & Wine Bar, Café Verde, Café Heavenly for those who like cafes, as well as Courtyard Grill and the Taco Shack.

Of course, Yellow Dog Eats – a place where you can “paws” for a moment (I stole that from their menu.) with your pup while enjoying your choice of delicious dog-themed menu items – on New Smyrna’s Flagler Avenue is dog-friendly.

Dogs are also welcome at the outside tables at C’s Waffles at 4166 S. Atlantic on Beachside, were you can enjoy the shade of an umbrella during a delicious breakfast while you pooch enjoys a bowl of water (and maybe more); or for breakfast New Orleans-style or an ice cream sundae, try the Mermaid Café on Flagler. Speaking of ice cream, you can also visit Frozen Gold on Route 44 and order a pup cup for your furry friend.

So, if you’re coming to New Smyrna Beach, feel free to take your dog along. You’ll both enjoy the ride!

New Smyrna Beach is a seaside paradise which offers charming historic streets, miles of gorgeous, sundrenched beaches, loads of beachside shopping and meticulously landscaped golf courses, but what do you do when the sun sets in vibrant orange and pink along the majestic sea and day turns into night? Plenty! 

There is a veritable bevy of outstanding venue choices for nighttime entertainment in New Smyrna Beach, ranging from balmy beachside to electric hot spots. So put on your party pants (or your board shorts) and get ready for some fun after dark…

If you don’t know it already, Flagler Avenue offers up an upbeat beachy vibe and, at night, its bars and after dark entertainment follow suit. Take Traders, for example. Much more than a sports bar, Traders is an indoor/outdoor venue with live music, a dance floor and delicious daily drink specials.

Or maybe you’d prefer the luck of the Irish on your side when you head out for the night. In that case, you may want to visit Tayton O’Brien’s Irish Pub, where the drinks and camaraderie flow like Niagara. This old-style pub provides a large selection of beer and spirits, weekly entertainment including a DJ on Saturday nights and karaoke Wednesday and Friday nights, as well as an authentic Irish menu with homemade fare. Their seven hour happy hour, starting at noon, isn’t bad either!

Then you have Peanuts, a Flagler Avenue bar which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Peanuts is a lively bar with pool tables, drink promos and live music every weekend. Peanuts patrons will find rousing poker matches on Mondays, Tuesday comedy, auctions and bingo, Wednesday karaoke, Thursday live bands beginning at 8 p.m. kicking the entire weekend in ger and Sunday is lots of fun with what they call a “Nuthouse Jam,” with local musicians and free pool.

Flagler Tavern, this writer’s personal favorite, is a large venue with a great vibe. Downstairs offers a large bar, full menu (with some very tasty options), live music on the weekends, a dance floor and outside seating on an expansive porch, which happens to double as a great place to people watch. Upstairs is a hidden gem called “The Bounty.” A hat tip to its rich history, The Bounty is Flagler Tavern’s speakeasy with red velvet décor and smooth whisky. So pull up a chair and sip a smoky old fashioned or watch the bartenders put on a show, pouring high quality liquors over handmade ice spheres or infusing liquor with Jack Daniels wood chips smoke through a decanter. Or order a martini or glass of wine and enjoy the view of Flagler Avenue from its open air balcony.

Still on Beachside, but shifting from Flagler to the North Causeway, you can enjoy an evening filled with comedy at Madcaps Comedy Club with entertaining shows for everyone – from clean to adult humor, mentalists, magicians and lots of crowd interaction. Madcaps is family-owned by homegrown Floridians and offers shows Thursday through Saturday nights from 7:30-9:30.

You’ll discover Merk’s Bar & Grill, a favorite local hangout and good time, right down the road. Merks offers an extensive craft and import beer selection and is famous for its “Frankenstein wings.” Happy hour is from 11-7p, but Merks is open until 2 a.m., so you can enjoy its indoor/outdoor seating, 24 hi-def TVs with all your favorite sports packages from NASCAR to NFL, pool tables, darts, video games and more well into the night!

Whatever you do, don’t forget a stop at Beachside Tavern, a welcoming neighborhood open air bar on 3rd Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. Beachside Tavern is a fun local gathering spot with live music on weekend nights, flame tables, pool tables, games and a chill vibe.

Sea Vista Tiki Bar, which can be found on S. Atlantic in New Smyrna Beach, is also a fun oceanfront spot to grab a cocktail. Plus there’s Casey’s, a lively after hours venue loved by locals with music and pool, which is on South Atlantic Avenue in New Smyrna Beach too; and the Surf Lounge Sports Bar with pool tables on the North Causeway…and quite a few more!

Of course, nearby Daytona Beach offers an excellent selection of after dark venues, including dance clubs like 509 Lounge. Popular with the spring breakers, 509 Lounge is the perfect blend of tropical nightlife with a premier bar and lounge, plus dancing upstairs. It is a great place to order up some VIP bottle treatment, a cocktail at the outdoor patio bar or cut loose with your best dance moves. You decide!

Also popular with spring breakers, Razzle’s Nightclub, where you feel and hear the music with immersive lighting and pulse pumping sound, is located in the heart of the action.

If you want to try something different, The Bank & Blues Club is an authentic historic bank which was converted into a rocking live music venue and it is right on Main Street in Daytona. Other fun Main Street bars in Daytona include the legendary Boot Hill Saloon, Main Street Station, Froggy’s, Dirty Harry’s and Full Moon Saloon.

There are also bars all along the beach in Daytona Beach, offering full menus and live entertainment with a beachside view, such as Ocean Deck, Landshark Bar & Grill, H20 and Mai Tai. Cheers!

It is a widely known fact (and something of which our residents are very proud) that New Smyrna Beach is the nesting destination of choice for three species of sea turtles, including the loggerhead, the green turtle and the leatherback. 

What you may not know, however, is that the temperature of the sand on the beach determines the sex of sea turtle hatchlings. Warmer nest temperatures produce female sea turtles and cooler nests yield male sea turtles. Amazing, right?

What is even more amazing is that the pristine beaches of Volusia County are especially vital to the survival of our treasured sea turtles. Because our beach sand is unique in that it is slightly cooler than Florida’s more southern beaches, it provides the crucial sanctuary that produces so many of the male sea turtles which play a critical part in ensuring the survival of their species.

Other interesting sea turtle facts include their nesting habits. Sea turtles nest in two to four year intervals and may lay three to seven nests per season. Healthy sea turtle nests typically yield 115-135 eggs and the incubation phase lasts about 50 to 75 days.

When it comes to nourishment, loggerhead sea turtles generally order up yummy menu items such as crabs, shellfish and conchs. While the green turtle species tends to prefer to munch on seagrass and algae and loggerhead sea turtles feed on a diet rich in jellyfish.

These amazing sea creatures also grow to pretty enormous lengths and, in a safe, healthy environment, can live very long lives. For instance, loggerhead sea turtles reach maturity at 30 to 35 years of age, a point where they might have grown up to approximately 3 1/2 feet in length and weigh up to around 375 pounds! Wait, it gets better. Green sea turtles reach maturity between 20 and 40 years of age and can grow to reach 4 feet and approximately 420 pounds. Leatherback sea turtles are even bigger, reaching maturity at around 9 to 20 years of age and up to 4 feet wide, 6 feet long and 1100 pounds!

It’s an exciting time when hundreds of sea turtles emerge from the sea to nest and lay their eggs on the pristine beaches of New Smyrna. New Smyrna Beach welcomes our sea turtles in May and their nesting season lasts throughout October. Their gestation period lasts approximately two months, at which time, all those tiny sea turtle hatchlings break free of their shells and begin making their way to their new ocean home. 

It’s a long and arduous journey for those little “guys” with dangers on land including predators such as dogs, birds, crabs, raccoons and armadillos that can end that journey long before it even begins. Additionally, any garbage or holes in the sand can hamper their travels; and the ocean also presents its own set of potential dangers, with a throng of sea creatures that are higher up in the food chain and looking for a tasty snack.

Believe it or not, artificial light can also be a detriment to the survival of sea turtles, as it can potentially prevent adult sea turtles from nesting and disorient baby sea turtles on their way to the sea. 

As residents and visitors of New Smyrna Beach, we try to do our part to improve their chances of survival. Our motto is, “Leave no footprint behind and let the night provide the light.” So, we respect the beach by leaving it as clean as we found it and we are careful not to shine lights from our condos or homes, our cars, flashlights, phones or anything else during sea turtle nesting season. We are also careful not to disrupt the sea turtles by touching or disturbing their nests, and we don’t disturb the dunes or sea plants – which should always be protected for all the wildlife that lives there, as well as to help protect our beautiful beaches from erosion. 

New Smyrna’s dedication to threatened and endangered sea turtles is also evidenced by government permitted volunteers – reorganized as the New Smyrna Beach Turtle Conservancy and named New Smyrna Beach Turtle Trackers – who have protected the New Smyrna Beach sea turtle nesting habitat and sea turtle hatchlings from beach driving and other threats since the 1980s. The Marine Science Center, located in neighboring Ponce Inlet, is also wholly committed to sea turtle conservancy and provides sea turtle rehabilitation as well as public education programs.

New Smyrna Beach is also, of course, the preferred nesting spot for humans as well, with The Inlet topping the list! The Inlet at New Smyrna Beach neighbors 24 miles of pristine coastline along Canaveral Seashore Park and is safely nestled within the 65 meticulously maintained acres of the exclusive Minorca community, located at 257 Minorca Way. 

The Inlet guests enjoy resort-style amenities such as a beautiful pool deck for lounging, which includes a heated pool, a large unheated pool and a spa, four Har-Tru tennis courts and an on-site tennis pro, as well as a fitness center, men’s and women’s saunas and, for those who would like extra space to enjoy time with friends or family, a casino clubhouse with a pool table, kitchen, bar, entertainment center, comfortable seating and free wireless Internet access. 

Guests of the gated condos at The Inlet may choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom condo units, each just steps from the beach and offering a spectacular waterfront view and each well-appointed with style and all of the comforts of home, including a fully-equipped kitchen, its own washer and dryer and cable TV.

For more information about The Inlet, in New Smyrna Beach, call 386-409-9212.

There’s nothing like an oceanfront locale, with sea breezes, crystal clear waters and waves gently lapping its shores, to rejuvenate and lift your spirits; but if you want to take that peaceful calm sensation and relaxation to the next level, toss in a spa day.

Without a doubt, New Smyrna Beach visitors will thoroughly enjoy beach days, dining waterside and strolling our historic streets, but it is also a place where you can indulge in a soothing warm oil massage, a healing soak in mineral waters and/or a seemingly endless, luxurious foot rub.

A Deluge of Earthly Pleasures!

A beachside town exuding unsurpassed charm, New Smyrna Beach is full of earthly pleasures including a delightful array of day spas – from high-end wellness retreats to boutique experiences. For instance, the following is just a sampling of some of the spa options available in New Smyrna Beach…

At the height of luxury and at 103 Flagler Avenue, you will find the Riverview Hotel and Spa. The upscale spa services here range from couples treatments such as a champagne and berry pedicure for two, to a coconut and pineapple hair treatment and scalp massage, to body treatments including a sea and salt glow. You can even add a posh breakfast or lunch, which might be something along the lines of a blueberry beignet with green tea or a strawberry and feta salad with sparkling wine.

The Spa at Venetian Bay, which is located at 424 Luna Bella Lane in New Smyrna Beach also provides an amazing array of indulgent spa services. Treat yourself to a soak in a salt water pool in the shape of a nautilus shell; dip your tired tootsies in a copper foot bath; spoil yourself with a Himalayan body ritual which starts with a grapefruit and rosemary oil-infused Himalayan salt scrub, followed by a 30-minute Himalayan stone massage and a relaxing hydrotherapy treatment; or make an entire day of it with a 50-minute massage, a revitalizing facial and a signature spa pedicure.

There’s also The Med Spa New Smyrna Beach which, under the oversight of a medical doctor, provides luxury medical spa services, including facial treatments, skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, injectables and weight loss plans and coaching. That one can be found in two convenient sites: either on Beachside at 716 E. 3rd Avenue or at 115 N. Orange in New Smyrna.

If you prefer a menu of spa services including body wraps, chemical peels, eyebrow tattoos, eyelash extensions and tinting, professional make-up, reiki, facials, waxing, massage therapy, manicures, pedicures and more, you may want to consider Abundant Health and Float Day Spa – an award-winning day spa specializing in float therapy (floating in water to calm the mind, body and spirit) and healing services – located at 1852 Renzulli Road in New Smyrna.

Also right here in New Smyrna Beach, at 306 Washington Street, is Angie’s Serenity Day Spa offering pedicures, manicures, facials, massage, microblading, lashes and more.

At Salty Miss Spa, 119 Faulkner Street in New Smyrna Beach, you’ll find anti-aging products and services, spa manicures and pedicures, as well as eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash lifts and eyelash extensions provided by a certified extensionist.

How about some organic pampering with everything from hydro-wraps, to exfoliating scrubs, to a berries and bubbly mani-pedi, or a honeybee nectar or citrus grass and vitamin E-infused rice oil massage? Try Levels Casa Bella Med Spa and Organics at 206 Live Oak Street, which is a boutique spa offering nail, lash, body and aesthetics services. 

AA Nails & Spa at 626 3rd Avenue, voted News Journal’s Star of the South Best Nail Salon, offers spray tans, manicures, pedicures, facials, body massages, lash extension and nail enhancements.

Visit Craft Salon & Spa at 751 3rd Avenue for dermaplaning, waxing, hair, nails, eyelashes and massage.

Contour Spa New Smyrna Beach at 202 Julia Street offers a wide range of body contouring treatments from cryofacials, to infrared and LED treatments, innovative therapies and more.

Or maybe you would prefer Mermaid Dreams, the signature spa treatment at Angelic Beach Massage Therapy, located on the North Causeway (261). This therapeutic ritual begins with a Swedish and deep tissue massage with warm Polynesian oils and healing hot stones and ends with a mango coconut restorative hand and foot scrub to leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe. Count me in!

Don’t Let Your Pampering End There…

Once you have been adequately pampered, if you are staying at The Inlet in New Smyrna Beach, you can pamper yourself some more. The Inlet, a waterfront oasis which is easily accessible to everything the enchanting town of New Smyrna Beach has to offer, is New Smyrna’s most prestigious address. 

Each condo within this exclusive, gated community is well-appointed and ocean view. Two, large, heated, oceanfront pools as well as two heated spas adorn the private main pool deck; and other resort-style amenities of The Inlet include four Har-Tru tennis courts, an onsite tennis pro, riverside decks, an oceanfront pavilion and covered parking garages. 

Guests of the Inlet also enjoy access to over 13 miles of beautiful beaches, an additional 24 miles of the neighboring unspoiled Canaveral Seashore Park Canaveral coastline and the 220-acre Smyrna Dunes Park, with over four miles of scenic paths, wooden walkways and beach trails with panoramic views.

To learn more about The Inlet, feel free to call 386-409-9219 at your convenience.

If you are a lover of nature, New Smyrna Beach is the crème de la crème when it comes to exploring…

New Smyrna Beach may be famous for its miles of beautiful beaches, but you may be surprised to learn that it is also brimming with nature parks and hiking trails…some of which are, of course, in and around our most spectacular bodies of water and others can be found on the mainland, lush with vegetation, scenic views and wildlife in abundance.

Nature Parks in New Smyrna Beach

Canaveral National Park – the national seashore located between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida and a sanctuary that is home to thousands of species of plants and animals – may be the most impressive.

However, New Smyrna Beach is also home to numerous smaller and just as beloved parks, one of which neighbors The Inlet at Minorca and is listed as Trip Advisor’s top choice – Smyrna Dunes Park. It’s over two miles of boardwalk along the jetty and ocean with spectacular views of the water, beaches and lighthouse is perfect for undisturbed morning walks. It also offers an approximately half-mile-long dog beach trail for those with furry friends. Another park that is popular with the pups (and their owners) is the New Smyrna Beach Dog Park located at 2641 Paige Avenue.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park at 6656 South Atlantic Avenue in New Smyrna Beach is a quiet setting with a boardwalk providing an excellent perch for manatee and dolphin watching. You’ll also find plenty of parking, clean restrooms and picnic pavilions there.

There’s Lake Ashby Park at 4150 Boy Scout Camp Road, with a boardwalk extending out over the large, beautiful lake, scenic walking path and gazebo with benches for those who prefer to take in their scenery while relaxing. 

If you’re looking for great beach access on the parking portion of the beach, 27th Avenue Park, located at 3701 S. Atlantic Avenue in New Smyrna Beach, may be more to your liking. There’s also Riverside Park at 105 S. Riverside Drive, offering walking paths with views of the waterway; and Indian River Lagoon Park, a 90-acre off the beaten trail alternative at 700 Sandpiper Avenue where you will discover old, moss-covered trees, mangroves and a paved trail lined with benches along its loop.

Explore Along the Many Scenic Nature Trails in New Smyrna Beach

Or, take another road less traveled, as the nature trails in New Smyrna Beach are pretty amazing too! The Spruce Creek Preserve provides some nice walking and hiking nature trail options, including Spruce Creek Trail, a 3.2 mile loop for hiking and biking. Wooden pathways with great views of Spruce Creek are covered in a canopy of greenery. The Spruce Creek Westside trail is 5.7 miles for those who enjoy a longer hike and Dons Leeper Trail is a sandy 3.9 nature path.

If nature hikes are your thing, you also might want to give Deep Creek Preserve, with over 8,000 acres of extended and short loops, a try. Or weave a little history into your nature excursion on the Turtle Mound Trail, an easy hike up and around the historic midden.

Sea Life in its Natural Habitat in New Smyrna Beach

With Canaveral National Seashore to the south, the Atlantic Ocean serving as its eastern border, the Intracoastal Waterway flowing between the mainland and the coastal barrier island and its downtown nestled along the Indian River, New Smyrna Beach is virtually surrounded by water. From the miles of pristine white sand beaches, to tranquil back bays and riverside settings, our waters are definitely a focal point within the charming beachside town of New Smyrna Beach. So, whatever you do, don’t miss out on experiencing nature’s splendor via New Smyrna Beach by water.

The ocean, unleashing a potent brew of refreshment and renewal, or soothing our spirits and healing our souls with its calm waters, is home to inhabitants just as magnificent. Consider the manatees, our gentle giants of the sea, who respite within Florida’s warmer interior bodies of water from approximately November through April. One fun way to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures is to rent a kayak at JB’s Fish Camp, located at 859 Pompano Avenue, where you’ll have access to Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park and the cove where they are prevalent. 

Playful porpoises can also be spotted there or on a boat tour along the Cape Canaveral Shoreline, which can also be scheduled at JB’s (along with yummy lunch or dinner with a waterfront view when you are done!)

What you may have heard if you have spent any measure of time here in New Smyrna Beach is that we also treasure our sea turtles who choose this area as a safe haven for their nesting grounds. Sea turtle nesting season – when hundreds of sea turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs on our beautiful beaches and sea turtle hatchlings break free of their shells to begin their arduous trek to their new ocean home – starts May 1st and runs through October 31st in New Smyrna Beach.

The centerpiece of a 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway system and 35 miles of panoramic shoreline, New Smyrna Beach provides deep water access attracting an amazing amount of sea life and housing a diverse aquatic ecosystem. Another lovely way to take it all in is along the Wilbur Rose Blueway, a paddling trail along the Intracoastal Waterway and tributaries – just perfect for kayakers, paddle boarders and canoers. It begins and ends at Wilbur Boathouse and you will find it, with parking and a boat launch at 4200 S. Peninsula Drive.

The moral of this story is that whether you choose to commune with nature by paddle board, motorboat, or by walking along its tranquil trails or beaches, the experience may be slightly different, but the result is always the same – natural splendor without rival. It’s simply the nature of New Smyrna Beach.

When nature’s majesty is encapsulated so masterfully in one place, it is simply too tantalizing for a person in possession of an eye for beauty to resist…and that is what you will find in New Smyrna Beach. The sun glistening atop crystal clear waters, lush greenery, vibrant blooms, amazing and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat may top the list, but a photographer in search of a flawless shot will also discover it along New Smyrna’s enchanting historical streets brimming with architecture from days gone by.

What many people notice first about New Smyrna Beach is its beachy vibe, and from the river beds draped in Spanish moss to the unparalleled beauty of our sugary sand beaches, New Smyrna Beach visitors will find themselves flooded with spectacular photographic opportunities any time of day.

As the sun begins to rise, you can almost hear the echo of silence. Then, gentle waves begin to shepherd exquisite seashells and tiny sea creatures to the pristine shoreline that leisurely awakes. The dunes, covered in softly swaying grasses, are just as captivating and, more often than not, spectators may catch a glimpse of porpoises playfully dancing along the surf. 

When evening arrives, a soft blush ascends and melds into vibrant hues that stretch across the ocean’s vast surface, and the beach’s inhabitants (most of them, anyway) return to their unhurried state of slumber. New Smyrna’s beaches furnish a beautiful natural backdrop that has no equal.

Here is a valuable tip for those longing to capture the pristine rhapsody of New Smyrna’s beach…The luxurious accommodations of The Inlet Condos at Minorca are inspirational, just steps from the aforementioned beaches and offering stunning panoramic ocean views of their own. The Inlet, which is one of the most prestigious addresses in New Smyrna Beach, is nestled along Cape Canaveral Shoreline and neighbors Smyrna Dunes Park.

Speaking of parks – specifically those which are the serene natural habitat of thousands of species and offer gorgeous nature trails with lovely flora and fauna your viewfinder only dreams of – New Smyrna Beach has many from which to choose. 

Traversing our waterways is also an exceptional way of immersing yourself within the beauty of New Smyrna Beach. Absorb unrivaled views on a cruise down the resplendent Intracoastal Waterway, on a guided Canaveral Seashore ecotour by boat or while quietly getting a little more up close and personal on a paddleboard. Don’t be surprised if you happen upon a majestic bald eagle, a lumbering manatee or one of our treasured sea turtles. The extraordinary wildlife spotting opportunities are endless in New Smyrna Beach.

Maybe you prefer your perspective from above. Grab a stool Norwood’s Treehouse and get your fill of New Smyrna’s beauty from your lunchtime perch while you nosh on colossal shrimp and sip your margarita. Or climb to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse – Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, a national historic landmark erected in 1887.

New Smyrna Beach’s enchanting streets lined with stately oaks and historic architecture will have your shutter finger itching too. This welcoming locale is brimming with antique shops, charming boutiques, art galleries and outdoor cafes from which you can people-watch bistro-style. There is even a real, old fashioned creamery and a one-of-a-kind pet shop where you can take a photo of your pub in front of its angel wings mural before you duck inside for a well-deserved treat. Not for you, but if you are into food shots, the cuisine in New Smyrna Beach is to die for. 

There’s fresh shellfish dripping in butter at Off the Hook waterside restaurant where you can watch fishermen haul in their catch of the day. There’s The Garlic Italian restaurant offering courtyard dining amidst fairy lights and rustic pizza ovens. Or go casual and photograph a delicious crab cake as big as your head (no offense) from the – believe it or not – food truck at the Farmer’s Market. While you are there, you might want to snap the crates overflowing with vibrant red and bright green peppers and so much more!

If you prefer action shots, New Smyrna Beach is loaded with those too. There are engaging events and extravagant festivals scheduled throughout the year in New Smyrna Beach, from art exhibitions, to muscle car shows, to cook-offs, to Bike Week, when everyone gears up for a good time. Take in the sights of a live Broadway-style performance at The Little Theatre or some haunting acoustics strummed by the area’s most talented musicians. The engaging activities in New Smyrna Beach will definitely have you reaching for your back-up memory card!

Don’t forget the tapestry of richly woven history in New Smyrna Beach. Step into the past with a visit to Old Fort Park, which may just be the remnants of the home of New Smyrna’s founder; meander the botanical gardens at Sugar Mills Ruins, which withstood two Seminole Indian Wars; or take a boat ride by Turtle Mound – a 50-foot shell midden and prehistoric proof of the ancient Timucuan Indian tribe.

From tranquil beach scenes, to interesting sea creatures, to gala festivals, lively celebrations and artful exhibitions, no matter what you decide to photograph in New Smyrna Beach, it is sure to be picture-perfect.

Let’s start our story with the famous Turtle Mound along the coast of New Smyrna Beach, which is a centuries-old structure comprised of two acres over fifty feet high of oyster shells – thought to serve as a lookout for early detection of danger, protection against the elements and proven scientific evidence of Timucuan Indian habitation in New Smyrna Beach thousands of years BC. That is where we believe it all began and this is how the rest of the story goes…

Scottish physician, Dr. Andrew Turnbull, was commissioned by the British to colonize the area. So, he set sail in 1768 – with approximately 1,500 settlers he “recruited” largely from Minorca, of the Mediterranean Islands off the coast of Spain – with the goal to create the largest colony in North America at that time. At first, everything progressed famously. He named New Smyrna in honor of his wife’s homeland in Greece and the colony produced impressive amounts of indigo and sugar cane over the first few years. However, the colony’s good fortune was not destined to last for Dr. Turnbull and his newly established colony of New Smyrna. Certain crops didn’t fare well in the sandy soil and the colony was ravaged by disease and Indian raids. The colony was all but abandoned in 1777, its survivors fleeing to St. Augustine. In fact, there is a shrine dedicated to them at the St. Augustine Greek Orthodox Church on St. George Street.

After British rule from 1763 to 1783, the Spanish regained control of Florida. The first Seminole War took place from 1817 to 1818. Spain, then deciding Florida had become more of a burden than a boon, sold Florida to the United States for $5 million. The United States took possession of Florida in 1821 and the second Seminole War began in 1835. Sugar Mill Ruins, built on the 600 acres originally gifted to Andrew Turnbull by the British Crown, withstood both Seminole Wars and the remnants are now a historical site listed on the National Historic Register.

That takes us to Henry Flagler, an American industrialist and founder of Standard Oil and the Florida East Coast Railway which promoted the effective distribution of goods and services and, subsequently, more settlement and tourism. Flagler expanded his railway from Miami to Key West and 1912 marks the date that Flagler arrived on the first train to Key West as well as the completion of his railway.

Then came the prosperous 1920s, followed by Prohibition from 1928 to 1932. The stock market crashed in 1929 and this area was kept afloat with its citrus crops and the fact that it became a haven for rum running and speakeasies. Another interesting historical fact is that the tradition of spring break began as early as 1930 in the Daytona area. The first theme parks in the area – Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven and Marineland in St. Augustine – also emerged in the 1930s. Disney World followed suit in 1971, further facilitating growth and prosperity in the region.

The result is the remarkable culmination of architectural, educational and cultural historical nuances we enjoy here in modern day New Smyrna Beach. Today, our pristine New Smyrna Beach coastline is peppered with gorgeous properties, the most prestigious of which is The Inlet, offering scenic ocean views and neighboring lovely Smyrna Dunes Park. Loaded with luxurious amenities and safely tucked within the gated, beachside community of Minorca, The Inlet is also nearby all of the rich culture and history of New Smyrna Beach.

Visitors can delve into New Smyrna’s colorful past at its many historic sites, one of which is the mysterious grave marker in the middle of an intersection right off of Flagler Avenue! Earning its place on the “Curious Coast” list and listing on the National Historic Register, it happens to be where Douglas Dummett honored the death of his 15-year-old son Charles. Douglas Dummett was a sugar plantation owner who served as a Captain in a Florida militia to protect the area against Indian raids. He is also known for introducing the grafting of citrus trees to this area. Accounts of Charles’ death – from taking his own life after facing the hardships of being the mixed-race child of a slave owner and his slave, to being accidentally shot by his hunting partner – are all unproven. 

Another mysterious New Smyrna Beach historic site is the Old Fort Park which overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway on Riverside Drive in New Smyrna Beach. Remains of Dr. Turnbull’s mansion? The start of an 18th Century Spanish fort that was abandoned for a new location in St. Augustine? You tell me.

Or enjoy a cocktail upstairs at New Smyrna’s historic Flagler Tavern which served as a speakeasy back in the days of Prohibition.

You can also visit the New Smyrna Beach Historical Museum downtown – which pays homage to it all – for a walking tour or to peruse one of its interesting exhibits, including Native American Artifacts, Railroad Era, Turnbull Settlement and East Coast Surfing, as New Smyrna Beach also has a distinguished 200-year history in the development of international competitive surfing.

Canal Street, the epicenter of New Smyrna’s Historic District, is also a great place to take a stroll. A vibrant blend of specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants, this pedestrian-friendly street, as well as lively Flagler Avenue, are host to the many events held within New Smyrna Beach throughout the year.

It’s rejuvenating qualities will saturate your senses…the sound of waves rhythmically lapping the shoreline, the tangy, salty scent of the sea, the feel of warm, sugary sand beneath your feet and breathtaking views that only the unique stretch of coastline embraced by the Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean can provide. There is nothing on earth like 257 Minorca Beach Way, New Smyrna Beach’s most prestigious address and home to The Inlet Condominiums.

Should you choose to cocoon in your beachside oasis, safely tucked within the exclusive gated community of Minorca, bestowed with resort-style amenities, you certainly won’t be disappointed. Book your stay in a one-, two- or three-bedroom condo unit, each with a spectacular ocean view and each well-appointed with style and all of the comforts of home, including a fully-equipped kitchen, its own washer and dryer and cable TV.

Imagine waking up to your own beachfront view while enjoying your morning coffee before you start your day. If you decide you want to enjoy your luxurious accommodations by preparing a romantic dinner or curling up on the sofa with popcorn for a night in, feel free to add that to your vacation calendar too.

An upscale clubhouse – furnished with comfortable seating, an entertainment center, a bar, a pool table, a well-equipped fitness center and including his and her saunas, restrooms and free Wi-Fi – is ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing with family and friends and is also available to guests of The Inlet Condominiums. 

Outdoor amenities are just as magnificent. There are two, large, heated, oceanfront pools as well as two heated spas on the private main pool deck. Anyone for tennis? The Inlet offers four Har-Tru tennis courts and an onsite tennis pro. Guests of The Inlet Condominiums are also free to enjoy an oceanfront pavilion, barbeque grills, riverside decks, two covered parking garages and security.

Just steps from their door, guests have access to over 13 miles of beautiful beaches, neighboring an additional 24 miles of unspoiled Canaveral Seashore Park Canaveral coastline and the 220-acre Smyrna Dunes Park, with over four miles of scenic paths, wooden walkways and beach trails – a guest favorite for picnics, swimming, stunning sunsets and a gorgeous view of the world famous Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

Don’t just take our word for it. Our treasured sea turtles prefer it too, choosing these pristine beaches and exceptional locale for nesting and the homebase from which their hatchlings will make their arduous trek to their new ocean home. Guests of The Inlet are also often gifted with views of the lively antics of porpoises at play and majestic sea birds or eagles soaring above.

Not only are The Inlet Condominiums walking distance to a variety of dining and shopping options, but these distinctive condo units are nearby all New Smyrna Beach has to offer, including challenging, meticulously maintained golf courses, inshore and offshore fishing charters, walking tours, eco tours, boat tours, sunset cruises, aerial tours, kayaking, bicycling, paddleboarding, board surfing, canoeing, museums, historical sites, movie theaters, live local musicians, nature parks and more.

If you’re intrigued by mysteries, a visit to Old Fort Park may be in order; set sail for an adventure by boat to Disappearing Island, a local favorite on which you can frolic (or lounge, of course) in the sun until the tide rolls in; or rent a paddleboard and take a lazy cruise down a scenic river. If your predilection leans more toward the relaxation and rejuvenation side of things, consider a margarita and your favorite seafood dish at one of many open-air waterfront restaurants peppering the enchanting town of New Smyrna Beach. 

The Inlet in New Smyrna Beach is also easily accessible, with convenient access to major routes including I-95, State Road 44 and Interstate 4, as well as multiple airports: Daytona Beach International Airport (just a 25 minute drive), Sanford Airport (45 minutes away) and Orlando International Airport (a little over an hour away).

And not only are Inlet Condos perfectly positioned along Florida’s most beautiful section of coastline within the welcoming town of New Smyrna Beach, but they are nearby Daytona with its vibrant nightlife, fun-filled waterparks and exhilarating race days and nights at the iconic Daytona International Speedway where NASCAR reigns supreme; and the quaint, historic city of St. Augustine, where you can take in the sights by way of an old-fashioned trolley tour, visit its famous wax museum or simply meander along its cobblestone streets. The holidays are also a remarkable time for a little side trip to St. Augustine, as its Celebration of Lights is without peer. Cocoa Beach and the rocket launches of Cape Canaveral are also out of this world; and, of course, Orlando, which is home to the world’s most popular theme parks, is a must-see for anyone with a family in tow…or pretty much just anyone.

Stay at The Inlet for a four night respite, a week, weeks or months. We don’t blame you. For more information about The Inlet Condominiums in charming, historic New Smyrna Beach or to book your stay, call 386-409-9212. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer all of your questions; and to ensure that your stay is a pleasure once you arrive, The Inlet Condominiums provides an experienced, capable management team which you can find onsite throughout your stay.

New Smyrna Beach may be a beachside gem with quaint historic streets and the vibrancy of lively Flagler Avenue, but it also offers numerous dining options to satisfy every discerning palate…

The Garlic, on 3rd Avenue, is a place where you will enjoy the atmosphere as much as the meal. Enter under a vine covered arbor leading to indoor seating or an outdoor courtyard reminiscent of an Italian garden, draped in tiny tea lights and possessing an unmatched rustic appeal. Dinner starts with crusty Italian bread warm from the oven, served with roasted garlic for topping. If you want to be treated like royalty, you may want to opt for the signature dish of Executive Chef Michael Perri – who, by the way, has worked under the tutelage of Wolfgang Puck and cooked for icons from presidents to rockstars. Chef’s Cioppino is a medley of lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and calamari in a tomato saffron broth seasoned with fresh herbs. Pair that with fine wine, Italian beer or a specialty martini for the perfect romantic meal.

If you want to wake up on the right side of the bed, you may want to do it with the fresh seasonal fruit and granola yogurt parfait and grilled muffin of the day combination special at the Wake Up Café, a little further up the way on 3rd Avenue or, if you’re hungry for an affordable down home cooked breakfast loved by locals and visitors alike, head over to Ruthy’s Kozy Kitchen on Canal Street for a Jumbo, which is three eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, hash browns or grits and toast or a biscuit; or the Big Daddy, a heaping plate of French toast or pancakes, eggs and bacon or sausage….but don’t let me scare you, Ruthy’s has regular-sized breakfasts for regular-sized appetites too. In fact, they have pretty much anything you might want in the way of a traditional breakfast.

Now, since we are a waterfront town, let’s talk serious seafood and JB’s Fish Camp which is riverside on Pompano Drive. To be honest, ordering a la carte here and dipping your favorite shellfish into melted butter is absolute heaven, but if you are a traditionalist when it comes to dinner, consider a half pound of peel and eat rock shrimp in season and the jumbo mushrooms filled with JB’s famous crab cake mix and topped with cheese to start; and the Captain’s Platter, which you can order cooked any way you please and comes with fish, oysters, clams, shrimp, scallops, a mini crab cake and corn on the cob, is quite a feast.

The Corkscrew Bar and Grille is ideal for people watching from a quaint historic Canal Street perch as well as mojito scallops, which come in the perfectly seared, very jumbo variety and delicately placed atop toasted crostini slices and topped with an amazing mojito sauce and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. 

Norwood’s (just down the way from The Garlic) offers restaurant dining, garden patio dining and a separate menu in its treehouse bar, which provides a waterfront overlook. The build your own fish dish is particularly pleasing with grilled grouper chef-prepared Mediterranean style and served with coconut cilantro rice. If you prefer your dishes brimming with veggies, the mushroom ragout tossed with blistered cherry tomatoes, rigatoni and cashew sour cream gets a pretty high ranking too.

Blackbeard’s Inn on North Dixie Freeway is well-known for its slow roasted prime rib and salad bar. They also offer pretty much any kind of seafood au gratin style, which is delicious, as is their oysters Rockefeller appetizer.

When you’re not thinking fancy, take it down a notch, but not with flavor, at Panhead Pizza (Guy Fieri was just there too!) where you can order specialty pizzas to die for, including baby spinach, artichoke hearts, Roma tomatoes and feta cheese, which holds a special place in this writer’s heart.

Or Flagler Tavern, with outside decks, an inside tavern and bar and an upper level speakeasy, offers a fun Flagler Avenue vibe and a whole lot of tasty treats. My favorite happens to be the crispy fried candied Brussel sprouts…yeah, I know, but you have to try them! Follow that up with a satisfying shaved ribeye cheesesteak topped with caramelized onions and queso and, trust me, it’s nap time.

Another longtime New Smyrna Beach staple is the Taco Shack, a delightful, open air, authentic Mexican fare restaurant offering dine “in” or take-away on North Dixie Freeway. The Taco Shack is closed Sunday and Monday, but – with a Tuesday buy one burrito, get one at half price and Thursday’s $1 chicken or beef taco specials – it is worth the wait. Or try a homemade fried tortilla bowl filled with mixed greens, tomato, cheese, olives, black beans, corn, sour cream, guacamole, chipotle dressing and your choice of beef, chicken, pork, steak or shrimp…and if you like rice and beans, you really should order their Radical Rice Plate with fried sweet plantains.

If you like your hours happy, Merk’s Bar & Grille on the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach has one every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 24 TVs and wings with their famous Frankenstein sauce. Another favorite is their homemade summer chips, which are freshly made to order and topped with crumbled blue cheese, bacon, scallions and melted cheddar and served with sour cream for dipping, as if you’d need it!

You’ll find Breakers Restaurant & Bar, home to a menu with 12 burgers voted best in Central Florida, oceanfront on Flagler Avenue. This local is partial to the beach burger topped with blue cheese crumbles, lettuce and tomato, but I like to add bacon. My only problem is that I generally have to split that bad boy. A nice, healthier alternative is their blackened fish garden salad.

Chase’s on the Beach on Atlantic was hit hard by the hurricane, but has come back with a vengeance and Tiki bar oceanfront dining with the same menu as inside. May I suggest the crabcake, which is truly jumbo lump or the authentic Philly, which really does rival the cheesesteaks up in Philly? Oh, and the chicken satay appetizer may sound ordinary, but with a sticky bourbon glaze and Thai chili aioli, is far from it.