Looking for a relaxing vacation spot on the Florida Coast? Let me introduce you to New Smyrna Beach, just south of Daytona.

With a casual east coast vibe this gorgeous seaside town has everything you love about Florida but without the massive crowds. Sandy white beaches, cultural attractions, and genuine charm make New Smyrna the perfect destination for a Florida vacation.

What makes New Smyrna Beach so special? Besides the miles of beautiful white sand beaches and excellent surfing there are many things to do in and around NSB with easy access to some major attractions.

In this post you’ll find 15 of the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach. And nearby NSB!

 

 

15 Best Things to Do New Smyrna Beach Florida

1. Smyrna Dunes Park

Smyrna Dunes Park should definitely be on your “must-do in New Smyrna” list. In fact, it should probably be at the top of the list.

This gorgeous inlet gives access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River – both with soft white sand and inviting waves.

The elevated boardwalk brings you out over the water and around the park easily without disrupting the natural landscape while giving the best view of it all. The park is also dog-friendly, so your four-legged BFF can enjoy it too.

LEARN MORE: 15 Best Small Beach Towns in Florida

2. Sugar Mill Ruins

Get a glimpse into the past at the Sugar Mill Ruins. This historical site was part of the early 19th century Cruger-dePeyster Plantation and later raided by the Seminole Indians during a war with the United States.

Go at your own pace through the ruins and on the nature walk in the surrounding area. With free admission, you’re welcome to explore this site from sun up to sun down. Sugar Mill Ruins is one of best free things to do in New Smyrna Beach.

3. Best Beaches in New Smyrna

New Smyrna is a magnet for surfers. The pull? The perfect wave, no matter the time of year. But you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the beach. With 17 miles of sandy beaches there are plenty around that are perfect for any type of beach day.

Definitely check out Apollo Beach or Wilbur Beach for pristine undeveloped shorelines and New Smyrna Town Beach if you like restaurants and shops at arm’s reach from the sand.

Another option is to get out on the water in New Smyrna to go kayaking or fishing.

 

 

4. Turtle Mound National Historic Site

A visit to this national park site puts you up close to the natural beauty Florida has to offer. The elevated walkways take you in and around the lush green vegetation and give breathtaking views of the Intracoastal and the ocean itself.

Keep an eye out for all of the wildlife that calls the area home. On land, you’re sure to spot turtles, lizards, and butterflies while a keen eye towards the water may catch a glimpse of passing dolphins.

You may also enjoy: 8 Gorgeous Springs in Ocala

5. New Smyrna Museum of History

We love New Smyrna but how did it all begin? A visit to the New Smyrna Museum of History is a perfect way to answer that question.

Photos and artifacts in the museum give insight to the development of the New Smyrna area and its place in Florida. Walking tours offered by the museum are an even more engaging way to see history firsthand. The tour guides are super informative and help bring history alive at this interesting place in New Smyrna.

READ MORE: 12 Epic East Coast Weekend Getaways

6. Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park

With plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry it’s no wonder Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park is a hotspot with visitors and locals alike. Here you can stroll through the many shops, along the beach and then rest your feet while you recharge at one of the local restaurants.

Another option is to take it to go and have a picnic on the beach. On Flagler Ave you really do have the best of both worlds.

 

 

7. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

Climb the tallest lighthouse in Florida? Yes, please. This is one view you won’t get anywhere else so it’s an awesome thing to do at New Smyrna Beach.

Most definitely check out all of the history and information on display in the Ponce de Leon Inlet Museum and then, you guessed it, head straight up in the lighthouse tower. With 203 steps to climb you’ll be exercising your mind and body.

 

 

8. Old Fort Park

A stop at Old Fort Park is a must in New Smyrna Beach. Step back in time at this unique site where settlers in the past have left the foundations of a building for us to experience in awe.

Was it a fort? Was it a storage warehouse? What we do know is that it was impressive. The green grass, benches, and shade surrounding the coquina ruins are a great place to rest, relax, and reflect.

9. Canal Street Historic District and The Hub on Canal

There’s always something happening on Canal Street. A bit of history? Yup, it’s obvious that the past is here in the present. Culture? You bet.

Don’t miss The Hub where you’ll find the work of 80 local artists, Events? Every month there’s something to do from music festivals to 3rd Thursday nights where the party is in the street.

No matter when you visit, Canal Street is the perfect place to explore unique shops and restaurants.

10. New Smyrna Speedway

Satisfy your need for speed at the New Smyrna Speedway. Although it’s not as well known as its neighbor up north, Daytona, the New Smyrna Speedway is a great place to see the races (including NASCAR) up close and personal.

With weekly races, it’s easy to find tickets and have an awesome time. Looking for something fun to do on the weekend in NSB? Saturday nights are especially fun when the energy is high and the crowd is buzzing with excitement.

Day Trips from New Smyrna Beach

Yes, New Smyrna Beach does have everything for a perfect vacation. But it’s also super close to many Florida attractions which make awesome day trips from NSB. Check out these fun things to do near New Smyrna Beach.

 

 

11. Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center

What is it like to be a real astronaut? Find out at the Kennedy Space Center. Here you can get up close and personal to the space program. Learn the history, touch a moon rock, see what it feels like with simulators, and even talk to a real astronaut. Does it get any cooler than this? We didn’t think so either. Kennedy Space Center is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Florida!

The best part? It takes less than an hour to get to the Kennedy Space Center from New Smyrna Beach.

LEARN MORE: 12 Cool Day Trips from Orlando

12. St Augustine Day Trip

A visit to St. Augustine will make you feel like you stepped back in time. The nation’s oldest city is a history buff’s paradise. With its narrow streets, beautiful architecture and historical sites, the past is with you at every turn. And there are some pretty amazing beaches around St Augustine too.

Must-sees are the Castillo de San Marcos and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. With a drive just over an hour away from NSB, there’s no reason to miss seeing everything St. Augustine has to offer.

13. Day Trip to Daytona Beach

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, head up to Daytona Beach, a favorite spring break destination that’s a blast anytime. You’ll be there in just a 20 minute drive. If you’re interested in taking public transportation, a bus ride will get you there in about an hour.

With tons of restaurants, bars, and beaches in town you’ll never be at a loss of something to do in Daytona. And, of course, the Daytona International Speedway is a great way to spend a beach-free day.

14. Orlando Day Trip

Orlando is only an hour away from New Smyrna Beach. This fabulous city is super close so you can hop on over to experience everything while keeping your home base in the paradise of New Smyrna Beach.

Wanna hit up the amusement parks like Disney and Universal Studios for a day? It’s not a problem, and the short drive back at the end of the day isn’t a big deal because it’s only an hour away. Not into theme parks? No problem at all because there’s lots of cool stuff to do in Orlando beside theme parks.

15. Day Trip to De Leon Springs State Park

In about a 45 minute drive from New Smyrna Beach, you’ll reach De Leon Springs State Park. A fun day awaits you with a refreshing swim in the spring waters, a boat tour through De Leon Springs and the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, and nature walks.

Didn’t think to pack your own lunch? No problem. Just head to the Sugar Mill Restaurant in the park where you can fill your belly and learn about the mill’s history.

And that’s a wrap on the top 15 things to do in New Smyrna Beach. Have fun in Florida and check out the following articles to help you plan your trip to the Sunshine State.

50 Things to Do in St Augustine Florida

9 Awesome Beaches In (and near) St Augustine

15 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks!

40 Fun and Fascinating Facts About the Gopher Tortoise of Florida

12 Cool Things to Do in Key West

15 Beautiful Small Beach Towns in Florida

11 Epic National Parks in Florida