Last Updated on December 29, 2023
When people think of New Smyrna Beach, they probably think of white sandy beaches and waves. It’s an East Coast surfer’s paradise.
However, plenty of other things to do in New Smyrna Beach go way beyond the beach.
From great shopping locations, educational experiences, and fantastic dining options, there’s a reason Central Floridians call it their home away from home.
While there are so many great things to do in the area, we’ve narrowed it down to our favorites.
Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
Choose Your Favorite Beach Option
Drive on the Beach
New Smyrna Beach is unique since you can drive your own vehicle right on the sand! In fact, the very first car was driven on the beach in 1904.
Watch for pedestrians, sunbathers, and wildlife while driving, and stay east or seaward of the posts.
A daily parking pass is just $20 and $100 for non-residents. Volusia County residents may obtain a free parking pass with proof of residency.
Learn more about driving on the beach from Visit New Smyrna.
Stroll along Canaveral National Seashore
Miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, a 140,000-acre wildlife refuge, and long expanses of natural Florida will astonish you at the Canaveral National Seashore.
The wide-open undeveloped Florida coastline stretches out forever along sandy dunes covered with luscious beach vegetation.
The Atlantic Ocean kicks up with seafoam green waves meeting a horizon of cerulean sky often filled with a panorama of beautiful cloud formations.
Explore Smyrna Dunes Park
Smyrna Dunes is located on the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula. This public park has a parking fee of $10 per vehicle per day or $20 for an annual pass.
The park has five ecosystems (ocean, river, dunes, scrub zone, saltwater marsh).
Two miles of elevated walkways, picnic areas, pavilions, and an observation tower were built to protect the sensitive dunes from foot traffic.
Dogs are allowed at the park if they are on a leash. We discussed Smyrna Dunes Park in our article “11 of Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Beaches/Parks in Authentic Florida.”
Smyrna Dunes Park Address: 2995 N Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Sightsee & Dine in Nearby Bethune Beach
Located south of New Smyrna Beach is Bethune Beach. With over 800 feet of direct beachfront sidewalk, Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is a beautiful spot to see wildlife.
There’s even a dock at this public park where you can observe manatees and dolphins in the wild.
You can also rent a kayak nearby at JB’s Fish Camp, one of the best spots in New Smyrna Beach to grab a cocktail and dine on seafood as you watch the sunset.
JB’s Fish Camp Address: 859 Pompano Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Stroll Along Historic Canal Street
Whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, a delicious meal, a visit to an art gallery, or just a stroll along a unique downtown area, Historic Canal Street is a great thing to do in New Smyrna Beach.
Parking is free, and the streets are pedestrian-friendly.
Below are just a few of our favorite spots to check out.
Shopping
- Canal Street Chic: 431 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- LuSea Boutique: 421 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Pepper’s Boutique: 376 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Inlet Treasures Gift Shop: 415 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- The Posh Pineapple: 330 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Art Galleries
- Arts on Douglas: 123 Douglas St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Florida Galleria: 427 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Jane’s Art Center: 199 Downing St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Studio Vezza Maggiore Gallery: 509 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Wirth Gallery by David Wirth: 304 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Restaurants & Dining
- Big Joe’s Subs: 523 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- City Market Bistro: 124 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Corkscrew Bar & Grille: 235 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Crimson House Wine Bar NSB: 219 N Orange St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Lilly Rose Cafe: 211 Downing St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Prima: 112 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- The Spott: 424 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Stop by the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, stop by the New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm, rain or shine.
If you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, herbs, meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as baked and prepared foods, snacks, and coffee this is the spot for you.
Vendors also sell various products, including metal art, recycled goods, garden art, whimsical designs, wooden art, handmade clothing, soaps and body products, candles, and honey.
New Smyrna Beach Farmers Market Address: 210 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Check out our other favorite Farmers Markets in Florida: Nothing Beats Fantastic Florida Farmers Markets.
Shop on Flagler Avenue
Another fantastic shopping location in New Smyrna Beach is Flagler Avenue, a beach street filled with shops, restaurants, and more.
Flagler Avenue is five blocks from the river to the ocean, with local businesses and lots of Florida history.
Make sure to also stop by for their monthly wine and art walks and frequent block parties. Below are just a few of our favorite things to do on Flager Avenue.
Restaurants & Dining
- AA Garden Fusion: 206 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- The Bounty at Flagler Tavern: 414 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar: 204 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Beachside Candy Co.: 221 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Shopping
- Beach Bungalow Clothing Company: 221 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- G.A. Dolly’s Giftshop: 405 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Garden Arts: 407 Flagler Ave # B, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Art Galleries
- Galleria di Vetro: 310 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
- Jonah’s Cat’s Art Gallery: 220 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Visit Turtle Mound
While visiting the Canaveral National Seashore, consider some hiking within the park.
You can check out Native American shell middens, especially the 60-foot-high Turtle Mound. Its massive height makes it one of the tallest middens in the State of Florida.
Today these middens provide archaeologists with glimpses into Florida’s past cultures. The name, Turtle Mound, is due to the mound (primarily composed of oyster shells) being shaped like a turtle.
Explore the Marine Discovery Center
For 25 years, the Marine Discovery Center has been a fun and educational thing to do in New Smyrna Beach for guests and visitors alike.
Since the Center is located on the Indian River Lagoon, it offers plenty of learning opportunities – in fact, it’s the most biologically diverse estuary in North America with over 4,000 species.
On your visit, you can either explore the outdoor gardens, salt marshes, and amphitheater or if indoor fun is more your speed, visit the saltwater aquarium inside the Discovery Center.
If you’re interested, you can also take one of the Marine Discovery Center’s eco-tours.
Marine Discovery Center Address: 520 Barracuda Blvd, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Enjoy Great Dining Options in New Smyrna Beach
One of the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach is try all the delicious restaurants and dining options — it is truly a foodie’s paradise!
In fact, there are so many fantastic options; we needed to write an article focused solely on the best places to eat in New Smyrna Beach.
You’ll find everything from incredible sub sandwiches and seafood to breakfast and baked goods, and even a few restaurants with kitschy atmospheres and excellent food and service.
Mon Delice Address: 557 E 3rd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
If you’d like to venture out to other parts of Volusia County, check out: