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!
