Top Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Considering it's named after its beach, it should be no surprise that New Smyrna is known for its stunning beaches. We would be remiss to start the list with anything other than a visit to the 17-mile beachy coastline. The white sandy beaches are the true star and attraction of New Smyrna Beach (aka, SNB).

Some of SNB’s most popular beaches include its namesake, New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Dunes Park, Apollo Beach, and Marianne Clancy Park. 

Apollo Beach tends to be the quietest if you want to escape crowds. New Smyrna Town Beach has soft, white sand that doesn't scorch under your feet, and the waves are consistent without being overwhelming. 

NSB is an active surfing area—pay attention to flags or lifeguard instructions. The conditions that make it great for surfing create strong currents. On most days, the water is perfect for swimming, and the beach patrol is good at keeping everyone safe.

An appropriate segue from the first suggestion on this list: visiting SNB is the time to partake in all the water sports activities. Whether you’re into surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply swimming, the subtropical climate makes a dip in the water irresistible. 

There are plenty of water-based activities or tours to choose from. Join a kayak dolphin eco tour by the Marine Discovery Center. Or, go on a sunset cruise with Viking Eco Tours to witness dolphins at golden hour. It's a magical moment.

If you love golf, NSB has some seriously underrated courses locals swear by. Most courses are open year-round, but the best playing conditions are from November through April when it's less humid. The breeze keeps things comfortable even on hot Florida days, and you're never more than a few minutes from the beach.

New Smyrna Golf Club is the town's main public course - an 18-hole, par 72 track that's been around since 1953. The course stretches 6,567 yards and is challenging without being too intimidating for most. It's well-maintained year-round, and at around $35 for cart and green fees, it's a steal compared to resort course rates.

Hidden Lakes Golf Course is another local favorite that's worth checking out. It's a shorter course at par 69, about 5,500 yards. Don't let that fool you - it's got some tricky holes that'll test your short game. For something more upscale, [The Preserve at Turnbull Bay offers a semi-private experience with Seashore Paspalum greens that stay green year-round. This course runs through a nature preserve, so you're playing alongside Florida wildlife, where you may see some gators.

New Smyrna Beach isn't just about the beach - there are some fantastic trails to experience Florida's biodiversity and natural habitats. The hiking is mostly flat and easy, perfect for families with younger kids.

Smyrna Dunes Park is a popular hike with 2.4 miles of mostly boardwalk trails. It's wheelchair accessible and offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River. The trail passes through multiple Florida ecosystems: dunes, coastal hammocks, and salt marshes. 

Canaveral National Seashore has several trails. The Castle Windy Trail is the only trail from the Atlantic to the Indian River Lagoon. The trail isn't long, but you'll have traveled through different ecosystems and terrain by the end, from crashing surf to quiet lagoon waters. You might spot nesting sea turtles during turtle season (May through October).

Fishing around New Smyrna Beach is incredible. The location where the Halifax River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Atlantic Ocean meet creates the perfect environment with plenty of fish (and opportunities to catch them!) 

Mosquito Lagoon is legendary among fishing guides. Its crystal clear waters make it perfect for spotting redfish and spotted sea trout. The lagoon stays productive year-round because it's protected from ocean swells, and the grass flats create the ideal habitat for baitfish. 

Try to fish off the shore at Smyrna Dunes Park for a budget-friendly option. The pier extends into the inlet where you can catch whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. Early morning and evening are prime times, and you don't need a charter - just a fishing license and some basic tackle.

Indian River Lagoon offers excellent kayak fishing trips so you can explore independently. Rent a kayak from a local business, and paddle the shallow flats to find tailing redfish and snook around the mangroves. The Marine Discovery Center offers guided eco-tours that combine wildlife viewing with fishing opportunities.

No trip to New Smyrna is complete without trying the locally sourced, fresh Atlantic seafood. Flagler Avenue is where you can get the best New England lobster roll, shrimp tacos, and fish and chips in a laid-back, casual setting.

Crabby’s Bar and Grill is one of the most popular spots for dinner. They’re famous for their crab legs, live music, and overall vibe. They place 4th out of 130 restaurants in New Smyrna Beach.

Local craft beer is also a budding scene here, with many breweries on Flagler Avenue. It’s easy to hop from one place to the next to discover new spots. 

For a small beach town, New Smyrna Beach has way more art than you'd expect. Most of it feels pretty genuine, too, actual working artists rather than the usual beach souvenir shops.

The Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery is a big attraction. Bob Ross opened this place in 1993, and you can see dozens of his original paintings from the TV show. They still teach painting classes using his wet-on-wet technique for about $65, materials included. Even if you don't paint, it's worth popping in to see the artwork up close.

Flagler Avenue has several art galleries, unique boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. Events are common, like the monthly Art Walk on the first Saturday of the month. Canal Street Nights happens every month and features local art, music, and food vendors, if you want to see everything at once. Museums and galleries usually stay open late, there's live music, and locals attend. It's not just for tourists.

The historic Canal Street is where the Jane's Art Center and the Hub on Canal are, and where local artists show their work and teach workshops. The New Smyrna Museum of History is small but has intriguing items and relics on the town's early Greek settlers and surf culture.