New Smyrna Beach Travel Guide (Updated 2026)
Located on Florida's east coast, New Smyrna Beach is an adorable beach town perfect for any kind of beach vacation. When I visited New Smyrna I couldn't help but notice the old Florida vibe it had going on. You know - vintage motels, art deco, diners, tiki lounges, classic cars, and vibrant colors. Being in New Smyrna was like stepping back in time. Read on to discover your New Smyrna Beach travel guide.
While New Smyrna without a doubt has a cool vibe, it also has unmatched natural beauty and a surprising amount of history. From ancient sugar plantations to funky beachside bars, this New Smyrna Beach Travel Guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect Florida vacation!
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Map of New Smyrna Beach
About New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach isn't any old Florida beach town - it actually holds a bit of history as it is one of the first European settlements in America. The beach community was founded by Dr. Andrew Turnbull in 1768, and was named after his wife. Turnbulls grand plan was to make New Smyrna Beach the largest English settlement in America - so he bought over 1300 setters (who were of mediterranean descent) and put them to work on the sugar mills. Only about 10 years later, Turnbulls plan was foiled as his servants were not taken care of adequately and they dropped dead from sickness. Most people fled to St. Augustine, so New Smyrna became a bit of a ghost town.
In 1821, New Smyrna Beach was officially part of the USA! So the area was being built up again - and this time for good. The last interesting thing to happen in New Smyrna was the civil war blockades. Since then it has held its reputation for being a sleepy Florida beach town + the shark bite capital of the world.
Best Hotels In New Smyrna Beach
🛎️Luxury - Victoria 1883
🛎️Middle Range - The Riverview Hotel & Spa
🛎️Budget - Inn On The Ave
What To Do In New Smyrna Beach
Explore Flagnar Avenue
Flagnar Avenue is kind of like the downtown area in New Smyrna Beach. Located right next to the beach entrance you will find plenty of bars, beach style sandwich shops, restaurants, cafes, and unique stores on the funky street.
Some of our favorite spots on Flagner include Silly Willy's Cat and Dog Boutique, Luma Coffee, and Quiet Flight Surf Shop.
Go To The Beach
The main reason why anyone goes to New Smyrna is because of the beach. There are a few beaches to choose from in New Smyrna - Bethune Beach, Smyrna Dunes Park, and Flagler Avenue Beach Park.
Bethune Beach is where to go if you are looking for some peace and quiet. It is located just south of the bustling Flagler Beach and is the perfect spot for people who want to enjoy tranquil ocean views without any ruckus.
Smyrna Dunes Park is unique because you have to do a two mile nature walk in order to get to the beach. On the nature walk you will come across tortoises, rare birds, and stunning coastal views.
Flagler Avenue Beach Park is easily the most popular beach in New Smyrna. Located right next to Flagler Avenue, this beach reminds me of Daytona Beach just a few miles north as you can drive your car right on the beach. Flagler Ave Beach is great if you want to spend the entire day at the beach as there are food options within walking distance of the water.
🦈Quick Tip - New Smyrna Beach is the shark bite capital of the world! So pay attention to other swimmers and don't go out too far.
See The Sugar Mill Ruins
The Sugar Mill Ruins in New Smyrna Beach (also known as Cruger-dePeyster Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins) is a historic sight that was once a part of the coquina sugar factory.
Built in the 1800s, the history of the sugar mills is quite fascinating, but I will keep it brief. The sugar mills were built by the British and named after James Cruger as he played a huge role in development in Florida (especially New Smyrna Beach). The plantation was run by enslaved people of Africa and the Caribbean. The main thing produced at the sugar mills was Indigo, but they also produced sugar and cotton. The sugar mills were abandoned/shut down due to poor management. Later the sugar mills were burnt by Seminole Indians.
Anyway The Sugar Mills Ruins are certainly cool to see while in New Smyrna Beach. There is also beautiful walking trail right by it.
⭐Quick Tip - It is a bit tricky to find. Instead of putting Sugar Mill Ruins in your GPS just put in the address (600 Mission Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168)
Stop By The New Smyrna Marina
Located about 10 minutes west of Flagler Avenue is the New Smyrna Marina. The Marina is small, but there are frequent manatee sightings and plenty of bird watching opportunities. You will also find Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille, which offers harbourside dining and great food!
The Marina is also where a lot of boat tours and fishing charters depart from. Like this one.
🎣New Smyrna Inshore Fishing Charters
Visit Canal Street
Similar to Flagnar Avenue, Canal Street is home to all things shopping and eating. What sets Canal Street apart from Flagnar Ave is its art scene. Canal Street is home to tons of galleries and year round events to do with art, like the popular Images Festival. So if you are into art or just want to checkout some local boutiques, be sure to stop by Canal Street!
Do a Day Trip To Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is just twenty-five minutes north of New Smyrna. While I prefer New Smyrna as it is a little bit more laid back, Daytona is a cool spot for a day trip. While in Daytona Beach be sure to visit the International Speedway, Daytona Beach and Boardwalk, The Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory, and The Riverfront Esplanade.
🏁Read Next - A Complete Guide To Daytona Beach, Florida
Where To Dine In New Smyrna Beach
Best Coffee Shops In New Smyrna Beach
☕Island Roasters Coffee Company - Perfect spot for your morning coffee
☕Cool Beans Cafe - spot to do work, cute courtyard to enjoy coffee in
☕Luma - great for coffee or drinks in the evening
Best Restaurants In New Smyrna Beach
🍴Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar - Iconic spot in New Smyrna, located in a tree house!
🍴The Breakers - ocean views from the restaurant
🍴Flagner Tavern - located right on Flagner Ave, cool spot for dinner and drinks
Best Tours To Take In New Smyrna Beach
🚗New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak
🚗Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach
How To Get To New Smyrna Beach
The only way to actually get to New Smyrna Beach is by car and once you get to New Smyrna the only way to get around is by car. So, unless you plan on just staying on the beach and at your hotel then you should probably rent a car.
If you do plan on just staying at the beach and your hotel you can book a transfer from the airport here. I would recommend doing this because ubers or taxis may not take you all the way from the airport to New Smyrna.
The airports to fly into are Orlando International Airport (MCO) which is about an hour away from New Smyrna or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) which is about 45 minutes away from New Smyrna.
✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Orlando here
New Smyrna Beach FAQs:
What is New Smyrna Beach famous for?
Well, it is one of the most popular beach destinations in Florida. But, on the down side it is the shark bite capital of the world.
Is it safe to swim in New Smyrna Beach?
Yes! While it is a haven for sharks, bites are rare.
Is Daytona or New Smyrna Beach better?
I prefer New Smyrna. Daytona is kind of loud and off putting in a lot of ways, but it really depends on what you like.
Does New Smyrna Beach get crowded?
Yep. During peak seasons (winter and spring).
New Smyrna Beach Travel Guide Wrap Up
New Smyrna Beach is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for that old Florida flare or simply just a beach vacation. We hope that this New Smyrna Beach Travel Guide helps you plan the perfect trip the Florida. If you liked this post checkout our guide to Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach Travel Guide, Fort Myers Travel Guide, and What To Do In Orlando. If you have been to any cool spots in New Smyrna Beach please leave us a comment, we would love to check it out!
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