Location: New Smyrna Beach
Top Things to do in New Smyrna Beach
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What to do and see in New Smyrna Beach, United States: The Best Places and Tips
New Smyrna Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States, located on the central east coast of the state, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Its population was estimated to be 23,230 in 2013 by the United States Census Bureau. The downtown section of the city is located on the west side of the Indian River and the Indian River Lagoon system. The Coronado Beach Bridge crosses the Intracoastal Waterway just south of Ponce de Leon Inlet, connecting the mainland with the beach on the coastal barrier island.
Restaurants in New Smyrna Beach
1. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Walk inside the white picket fence and step back in time. Maintained and operated by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, this beautiful facility represents one of the best preserved and most authentic historic light stations in the nation today. Visitors will agree that the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum offers a treasure-trove of sights, sounds, and experiences for young and old alike.
Reviewed By TDNY - Canandaigua, New York
Depending on the crowds, getting to the top and back down again can take a bit of time as you wait for other people, but it is a very cool view from the top. On the grounds there are several houses previously occupied by the lighthouse keepers to explore as well, one with lots of historical information and exhibits inside.
It's a great place to visit if it's too cold to be on the beach... but be warned that everyone else will have the same idea and those are the days it's most crowded!
2. New Smyrna Museum of History
Overall Ratings
5 based on 132 reviews
The New Smyrna Museum of History highlights the rich history of the southeast Volusia county area. Our building was built in the mid 1920s and served as a post office for approximately 40 years. Originally founded in 1768 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, his settlement, New Smyrna, lasted only nine years. The center of the museum is dedicated to this settlement and the brave and hearty souls who originally settled our area. Included are videos, artifacts, models, and panels. The exterior portion of the museum is a timeline of our area. Items of interest include ancient fossils, a Civil War display, dozens of historical photos, a working archaeology lab, World War I and II information, and a beautiful and moving display to the local men who served in the military during the Vietnam War. We also feature a room that offers short term displays of local importance. These displays change 3-4 times per year and are sponsored by local groups and individuals. A small gift shop, featuring local and Florida history books and other items is on site. Our museum does not have a set entry fee per person but does ask for donations. These donations help cover operating costs and maintenance of the building.
Reviewed By Bellacat460 - Orlando, Florida
We moved to New Smyrna Beach a couple of years ago after visiting the area for years. This little museum is a "Gem" which truly provides a true sense of "place" and "history" for the visitors, for the long-time residents, as well as for the newcomers. It is well worth your time to delve into the history of wonderful New Smyrna Beach.
3. Edgewater River Guide
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Capt. Michael Savedow / Edgewater River Guide offers Mosquito Lagoon flats fishing and Indian River inshore saltwater fishing charters for Redfish, Seatrout, and more, also eco tours, sightseeing, bird watching, & photography trips by request. Close to Daytona Beach, Orlando, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida CHILDREN WELCOME - FAIR PRICES Trips for 1 to 4 people
Reviewed By rh0ugham - Daytona Beach, Florida
I have used captain mike for many years to fish the lagoon and he always puts me on the fish.he is very knowledgeable and very easy going.he will explain everything to you and answer all your questions about the area you are fishing....I highly recommend edgewater river guide for your chartered fishing trip in mosquito lagoon.thanks again....robert hougham....posted photo's from some previous trips
4. Marine Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 818 reviews
At the Marine Science Center our main goal is rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured turtles and birds. You can see our sea turtle patients from the turtle terrace and get a behind the scenes view through the hospital viewing window. In the gallery, guests will also take a journey through Florida marine ecosystems discovering the animals that are indigenous to this area. A hands-on experience awaits you at our stingray and invertebrate touch tanks. Explore the nature trail and climb the observation tower for views of the estuary. Don't forget to walk through the Mary Keller Bird Sanctuary. Here you will see our permanent resident birds that can no longer live in the wild. We offer daily animal education presentations where you will experience up close views of raptors and reptiles.
Reviewed By jlbtg - Iowa
Decided to visit here after a trip to visit the lighthouse. Very interesting as they have many species of fish and sea turtles that are in tanks and easy to see. This is a facility that nurtures wounded bird, turtles and fish back to health before release back to their natural habitat. Very reasonable admission. The stingray tank was really neat, as well.
5. New Smyrna Town Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Reviewed By 5Honey - St. Louis, MO
We had a delightful time on our first visit to New Smyrna, town and beach. Just a restorative and pleasant visit. The beach was awesome, and you could park your car on the beach itself, for a fee, which made it unnecessary to haul all our beach paraphernalia. Just lift the hatch and everything you brought with you is assessable. It's a very firm, packed beach with lots of shells, even at mid-day. We are going back again this week.
6. Lighthouse Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
Reviewed By Dennis P - Johnson City, New York, United States
Very nice walk along the sandy area and then the boardwalk where you can watch the incoming surfers hoping to catch the big wave a load of people fishing from the rocks over from the boardwalk, loads of gulls and terns wheeling overhead, a little turnstone running along the boards trying to pick up scraps of bait from the fishers and a couple of pelican below in the water having a nice fish dinner are their beaks appeared to be filled.
Lovely day for a walk, warm and breezy and very refreshing.
7. Smyrna Dunes Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By John O - Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
We have been to this area numerous times and it has never disappointed. It is a pet friendly beach with lot's of secluded areas and alot of beach area. This time there were at least 50 dogs in the area and alot of people but still not crowded.
If you have a pet or not I would recommend this place.
8. Apollo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By 2BNKD - Minneapolis
The beaches through the beach access points, parking lots 1 through 5 are beautiful. There are times when we were the only ones in sight. It's a wonderful feeling. The ocean waves rolling in, the random sea gulls. We did make our way down to Parking Lot #5. We heard it was clothing optional. The ones that told us that were right. So we join in. Don't knock until you try it. Talk about a liberating feeling walking up and down miles of beach wearing only a smile. There we several other couples there and a few extra men. Everyone kind of kept to themselves. We did meet a few and had some nice conversations. There are no facilities there other than a toilet shelter that I'd recommend "holding it!" The best part is no commercialism, no houses or condos and just very secluded!! Go and enjoy getting naked on the beach!!!
9. Turtle Mound National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By joy12Blairsville_GA - Blairsville, Georgia
The Turtle Mound National Historic Site is about eight miles south of the South Causeway bridge on State Road A1A in New Smyrna Beach. It is a pre-historic archaeological area in Canaveral National Seashore. It is 35 feet above the Mosquito Lagoon and is the largest shell midden in the United States. It mainly consist of oyster shell remains.
A wooden walkway with a gradual incline takes you to the top of the hill where a small wooden viewing area is that is accessed by two or three steps. The view is lovely from this viewing point.
A very interesting and educational site.
10. Flagler Avenue Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Eddie W - Prestwick, United Kingdom
Came across this by accident as we stayed about one mile from the beach side entry.
It was perfect to walk for 20 min and then nip into somewhere for a nice coffee. It gave you a great feel of a wee seaside town but, I am sure, could get very busy at night. Worth a visit.
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