Located just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach, its flashy cousin up the coast, New Smyrna Beach is a surf town at its core. Here, you'll find a laid-back blend of history, culture, the arts, nature, and 13 miles of pristine white-sand beaches. This charming beach town is surrounded by artistic talents, historic sites, one-of-a-kind boutiques, local eateries and more outdoor activities than your calendar can hold. Add to the mix its drivable beach and distinction of being the second-oldest city in Florida, and you'll have the perfect blend of opportunities just waiting to be explored. Visitors looking for a unique destination within walking distance to hidden beachtown adventures are sure to enjoy our lowkey seaside resort, New Smyrna Waves - the perfect spot to crash after a day of blending in with the locals. But, where to start... Flagler Avenue Bustling Flagler Avenue captures the city's true spirit, starting with its mellow beach vibe. The boardwalk offers an ideal spot to see and hear the Atlantic Ocean that stretches before you, along with picnic tables, covered pavilion, restrooms, parking, and the main lifeguard tower. New Smyrna's iconic oceanfront burger joint, The Breakers, has provided stunning views of the surf for more than 30 years. The avenue itself is filled with surf shops, jewelry and clothing boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and more, running five blocks from the beach to the river. Flagler Tavern, an NSB staple since 1928, is a great place to wind down and grab a bite. Its outside decks offer the perfect vantage point for soaking up the sun and the vibes. Norwood's Treehouse Dining A local staple since 1946, Norwood's Seafood Restaurant is New Smyrna's “go to” destination for fresh seafood, aged Angus steaks, and fine dining. In 2018, its owners added a new twist – dining in the treetops. If you ever dreamed of living in a treehouse as a child, then a stop at Norwood's is a must. Leafy branches support expansive decking, where patrons can enjoy a drink and appetizers from the Treehouse Bar. At night, dangling Edison-style bulbs illuminate the boughs to create an enchanting atmosphere for dinner. There's also live entertainment every evening, plus outdoor heaters and faux-fur throws for chilly nights. JB's Fish Camp Located on the waters of the pristine Canaveral National Seashore, JB's Fish Camp is a rustic, indoor-outdoor riverfront shanty overlooking Mosquito Lagoon. They feature a full bar and fresh seafood, including clams grown on site, steamed blue crabs, and fried shrimp, and serve both lunch and dinner. JB's also rents kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing poles, and will cook your catch. (You'll need a fishing license.) Kids and adults alike enjoy the chance to see manatees, dolphins, and exotic shore birds right off the dock. Plus, JB's can help arrange a pontoon boat cruise. This is a can't-miss chance to experience one of the last little bits of what Florida once was. Canaveral National Seashore A 57,000-acre national park nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, Canaveral National Seashore is one of the longest stretches of pristine coastline in the United States. Many threatened and endangered species find refuge there. Larger animals such as sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and birds use the estuary as their source for food, shelter, breeding, and nesting. The park provides hiking trails, a restored turn-of-the-century home, and a museum and information center for visitors. Also located inside the park is Turtle Mound, a prehistoric archaeological site. Standing roughly 50 feet tall, it's made up predominantly of oyster shells – remains from the prehistoric Timucuan people who existed five to six centuries before European contact. You can follow the trails that lead to the top of the mound and enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the national park's pristine shoreline. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Perhaps the town's most famous piece of history, Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest in the country. Florida's tallest lighthouse at 175 feet, it was completed in 1887 and could be seen nearly 20 miles offshore when the kerosene lamp was lit. Visitors can climb 203 steps up a winding staircase to the top to observe the beauty of the Florida coast. Once you descend, you have access to all the historical exhibits around the site – including keeper's dwellings, Cuban rafts, and a lens exhibit. The museum provides an in-depth look into Florida's maritime history and what it was like to live in Florida at the turn of the century. “The Manatee” Scenic Boat Tour Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Ponce Inlet and surroundings from a different vantage point aboard “The Manatee.” Their fully narrated, scenic cruise runs two hours and takes guests along the Intracoastal waterway (in between the coast and open ocean) where they can experience a nature lover's paradise. While cruising along the protected wetland and scenic mangrove shores of the Indian River, passengers can see manatees, dolphins, exotic birds, waterfront homes and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse while learning some local history and ecology. The craft is equipped with restroom facilities plus a sun deck where you can fully experience the majesty of New Smyrna Beach's natural glory. Frozen Gold Ice Cream Shop There's nothing like great ice cream to cap off a day spent outdoors, especially one spent at the beach. A local favorite worth checking out is the Frozen Gold Ice Cream Shop on Eddie Road in New Smyrna Beach. They serve everything from hard scoop and soft serve to Italian ice and gelati. Whether it comes in cones, sundaes, shakes and other frozen treats, they're all delicious. One popular choice is Frozen Gold's banana milkshake. In the words of a fan, “After a day at the beach in the salt and the sun … it's simply perfect.” At New Smyrna Waves by Exploria Resorts, your choices for enjoying and exploring New Smyrna Beach are nearly endless. These off-the-beaten-path experiences are just a few ways to make the most of your Florida vacation. So, start exploring and book your next beach retreat today here!
