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!

When pondering New Smyrna Beach, the first thing you think of may not be shopping, but – with two main streets bursting with irresistible baubles and booty – maybe it should be. So take your pick of Flagler Avenue with its beachy vibe or downtown historic Canal Street. Either way, New Smyrna is sure to beguile you with its infinite charms as you fill up on whatever it is that you desire…

Gyftz, at 307 Flagler Avenue, will surprise and delight you with fun trinkets and ornaments, comical greeting cards, body scrubs, lotions and lip balms for pampering, earrings, bracelets and charms, handbags, nightshirts, aprons, frames, sunglasses, collectibles and more. It’s a great place to find the perfect souvenir or gift for someone special.

In search of the perfect shower gift? Julie’s is a delightful boutique at 231 Canal and simply overflowing with unique creations from items such as embellished wine glasses, beautiful handmade wreaths, beachy home décor, locally made jewelry…and don’t forget the seasonal gifts! In fact, Julie’s also participates in the Canal Street Annual Girls’ Night Out Sip and Shop in December, which is an exceptional place to do some holiday shopping.

Looking for handmade chocolates in the shape of a palm tree, seashell, starfish or gator? If you’re at Beachside Candy Company at 221 Flagler, you’ve come to the right place! Stock up on those and salt water taffy, bulk sweets and sugar-free treats.

Canal Street Historic District also hosts the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market at 210 Sams Avenue. It’s small, but a fun way to spend a Saturday morning and jam-packed with things like fresh produce and flowers, local honey and jam, maple syrup, homemade soaps, handmade jewelry and tasty items like hot pretzels and fresh squeezed orange juice.

Fill your beach needs at Wilde Side Beach and Surf, located at 512 Flagler and 4170 S. Atlantic, where you will find bathing suits and other beachwear, as well as beach towels, umbrellas, chairs, fun floats, boogie boards and rentals for paddle boards, surf boards and golf carts.

Or there is Red Dog Surf Shop where whether you are a beach loving local or a coastal traveler, you will feel welcoming vibes. It’s on the corner of Third Avenue and A1A in Indian River Plaza and stocks beach gear, surf focused clothing and a huge inventory of boards.

Touted as a shop with “tropical finds of all kinds,” Friki Tiki at 419 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach is a great place to pick up Life is Good, Sum Bum and Jam’s World products.

Founded in Georgia and expanded to New Smyrna Beach, Wild Oats and Billy Goats is a whimsical artisan gift boutique located at 412 Canal Street, offering all sorts of paintings, pottery, metal art and more designed by local and regional artists.

For those who like your shopping with a vintage twist, there’s Vintage Thang at 362 Flagler, styling women from head to toe in vintage clothing and accessories since 2018.

Peppers is at 119 Faulkner off Canal and specializes in high-end clothing and accessories from jeans to gowns and everything in between. If you like designers including Frank Lyman, One Shoes, Insight, Ravel or Articles of Society Jeans (just to name a few), this may be a must-see stop for you.

For a diverse assortment of gifts and décor including beachy items such as driftwood carvings and windsocks, try Dolly’s Gifts at 405 Flagler Avenue. It’s a whole lot of fun!

Let’s talk home furnishings…Island Collection at 227 Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach offers coastal interior items inspired by the tropics. The Posh Pineapple at 330 Canal also carries lovely home décor, as well as bath and body items, holiday gifts, candles, jewelry, beach essentials and apparel.

Speaking of jewelry, you will discover New Smyrna Jewelry at 399 Canal – a handcrafted jewelry studio and showroom; and Jessup’s, which specializes in estate jewelry and can be found just off Canal at 121 Orange Street in New Smyrna Beach.

When it comes to fun gifts, don’t forget your pet! Silly Willie’s, at 218 Flagler Avenue, stocks tons of fun stuff from one-of-a-kind collars and leashes, to outfits, treats, toys and other dog and cat themed merchandise.

In addition, what you may or may not know about New Smyrna Beach is that it is also home to a thriving art community, making shopping even more extraordinary. There are art and photo galleries throughout town that are sure to please, including The Hub on Canal where pieces created by local artists in a wide range of mediums are displayed and sold. 

Fernandez Photography and Art Gallery at 407 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna offers a unique combination of local photography and fair trade crafts from South and Central America. 

New Smyrna Beach (757 E. Third) is also the original location of the Bob Ross Art Workshop and Gallery. Remember everyone’s favorite, soft spoken, hippie artist from “The Joy of Painting” Public Television series?

…and there are so many more art galleries peppering the alluring town of New Smyrna Beach, but there is also some fabulous antiquing! Just a small sample of options for your shopping pleasure includes: Antique and Arts Highwaymen Gallery at 427 Canal, Antiques and Art at 520 Andrews, The Vintage Mermaid at 526 N. Dixie Freeway, Coronado Antiques at 1141 S. Dixie Freeway and Washington Street (518) Crossing Consigners Depot.

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!

New Smyrna Beach, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, is a fisherman’s dream. Surrounded by water on three sides and in many places in between, there are well over 30 miles of fishable shoreline, rivers simply bursting with fish, deep water just offshore and several docks and public boat ramps in New Smyrna Beach for taking off in search of the catch of a lifetime or just filling your cooler.

Types of Fish in New Smyrna Beach

Offering one of the most prolific aquatic ecosystems on the planet, New Smyrna Beach has a ton on the menu when it comes to fish. Our rivers are full of catfish, crappie, carp and all sorts of bass. Plus, not only is New Smyrna Beach known as “The Redfish Capital of the World,” our Indian River Lagoon is ripe with them!

Then, of course you have inshore and offshore saltwater fish, including species from sailfish, to swordfish, mahi mahi, marlin, drum, tuna, king mackerel, jacks, grouper and snapper. New Smyrna Beach is also “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” Just sayin’!

WHERE the Fish Are Biting in New Smyrna Beach

Surrounded by rivers, lagoons and the deep blue sea, it’s no wonder that the fertile waters of New Smyrna Beach have produced a rich fishing heritage that is centuries long. New Smyrna Beach’s wide, long shoreline is fed by the Gulf Stream, making inshore fishing a hard to beat; and Ponce de Leon Inlet toward the north provides deep water access just perfect for sport fishing. 

About 40 miles out is where the Intracoastal drops off. Sailfish and tuna can be found in nice numbers there; and bottom fishing on the reefs and wrecks can result in a bounty of triggerfish, snapper and grouper. It is also fun fishing weed lines, wrecks and reefs for mahi mahi, cobia, kingfish and sails or you can bottom fish for amberjacks, barracudas or some tasty grouper and snapper.

Let’s not forget our rivers, which are full of trophy bass; and here’s a little secret…the rock jetty south of Ponce Inlet is a great place for you to put your surf rod to the test. Surf fishing here in New Smyrna Beach is famous for pompano, flounder, redfish, bluefish, whiting and mackerel. Fiddler crabs are usually the bait of choice.

WHEN the Fish Are Biting in New Smyrna Beach

Let’s be honest, fishing is a year-round sport here in New Smyrna Beach, but here are some timing tips you might enjoy. During the summer months, 10-40 pound tarpons are prevalent in the Banana River, Sebastian Inlet and Mosquito Lagoon and, if you use live bait, your chances of catching a really large tarpon increase. If you want an even better chance of catching a huge tarpon, The Indian River – which is part of the 3,000 mile Intracoastal Waterway and also inhabited by trophy trout, snook, reds, flounder and black drum – could snag you a 50-100 pound tarpon during October and November.

You don’t have to go far from shore for an exciting day of shark fishing either. The best time to shark fish is from April through October and you will most commonly find hammerhead, lemon, bonnethead, bull sharks, sharp nose sharks, spinners and blacktips.

Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach

It may not surprise you that a locale with such great fishing would offer beaucoup fishing charters to boot! Here’s just a sampling of some choices ranging from three to ten-hour fishing trips with offerings from inshore, to offshore, trolling, bottom fishing, shark fishing and night fishing:

Reel Compulsive Charters at 129 N. Riverside Drive – 386-547-4480 (This one is a 42-ft Egg Harbor with an air conditioned salon and full bathroom.)

Holy Smokes Fishing Charters at 162 N Causeway – 407-702-5309

The Fishing Guy at 1424 Peninsula Avenue – 407-948-5035

New Smyrna Fishing Charters at 550 Canal Street – 386-456-6709

Not to be confused with New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charters at 804 Dougherty Street – 386-868-2046

Reef Wrecker Fishing Charters at 170 Causeway N. – 386-402-3957

Poseidon (386-314-1367) and Code Red (386-214-3530) are both at 639 Goodwin Avenue

Caught Up Fishing Charters (386-689-7409) and OAR Sport Fishing (386-233-0872) at 111 Riverside Drive

Freddie Z Fishing at 129 N. Riverside Drive – 386-423-9260

Addicted Fishing Charters at 160 Causeway N – 386-748-1585

Timeless Fishing Charters at 162 Causeway N – 386-456-7156

Finn Addict at 164 N. Causeway – 386-547-4053

New Smyrna Beach Boat Rentals

Plus, in addition to all the boogie boards, kayaks, paddle boards and jet skis rentals available to add hours of enjoyment to your stay, there are boats available for rent in New Smyrna Beach too. So, if you prefer to head out on your own to do your fishing (keeping all your favorite secret fishing holes secret), it is easy to do so in New Smyrna. 

Gerry’s Marina, located on the North Causeway right by Merk’s has been serving Central Florida boaters for decades. Gerry’s is full-service, has an excellent reputation and offers well-maintained boats for rent with easy access to extremely fishable New Smyrna Beach waters. 

If you happen to have your own boat, 500 N Causeway and 2455 Boat Ramp Drive are just two of the New Smyrna Beach boat ramps available to the public.

Fishing Licenses

Here in Florida, you don’t need a fishing license if you are fishing in Florida with a charter boat captain; if you are fishing from a pier; if you are under the age of 16; or if you are over the age of 65. However, if you are under 16 or over 65, you must be able to provide proof of age; and seniors must also be able to provide proof of residency. 

Most local bait and tackle shops sell fishing licenses. Sporting goods stores, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or a Walmart with an outdoor department, usually provide fishing licenses as well. A fishing license may also be easily obtained on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

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.