Bob’s New Smyrna Beach Guidebook
City/town information
Your next beach vacation is here. This quaint and charming area is located on Florida's East Coast, just an hour's drive from downtown Orlando.
The appeal of this lovely town goes far deeper than the 17 miles of white sand beach and highly rated surfing. Cutting-edge cuisine, a nationally recognized arts scene, beloved hotels, and historical ruins are just the beginning of the adventure.
With the ocean on one side, the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, and all kinds of exciting sustainability efforts in between, the cozy city offers the perfect getaway—whether you’re interested in relaxing on the beach or discovering a new passion.
We can’t wait for you to experience New Smyrna Beach for yourself.
345 locals recommend
New Smyrna Beach
North Atlantic AvenueYour next beach vacation is here. This quaint and charming area is located on Florida's East Coast, just an hour's drive from downtown Orlando.
The appeal of this lovely town goes far deeper than the 17 miles of white sand beach and highly rated surfing. Cutting-edge cuisine, a nationally recognized arts scene, beloved hotels, and historical ruins are just the beginning of the adventure.
With the ocean on one side, the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, and all kinds of exciting sustainability efforts in between, the cozy city offers the perfect getaway—whether you’re interested in relaxing on the beach or discovering a new passion.
We can’t wait for you to experience New Smyrna Beach for yourself.
Sightseeing
Positioned on 73 acres of land in the northern part of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, the park is surrounded by water on three sides, offering plenty of opportunities for wave jumping for both you and your dogs.
Smyrna Beach
Smyrna Dunes ParkPositioned on 73 acres of land in the northern part of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, the park is surrounded by water on three sides, offering plenty of opportunities for wave jumping for both you and your dogs.
Programs at MDC are designed to offer hands-on, feet-wet learning opportunities through classes, camps, lectures, boat and kayak eco-tours with certified naturalists.
41 locals recommend
Marine Discovery Center
520 Barracuda BlvdPrograms at MDC are designed to offer hands-on, feet-wet learning opportunities through classes, camps, lectures, boat and kayak eco-tours with certified naturalists.
Standing 175 feet tall, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and is a National Historic Landmark. Since 1887, it’s guided mariners along Florida’s Atlantic Coast and is still a working lighthouse.
317 locals recommend
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
4931 S Peninsula DrStanding 175 feet tall, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and is a National Historic Landmark. Since 1887, it’s guided mariners along Florida’s Atlantic Coast and is still a working lighthouse.
Flagler Avenue is a true seaside beach street lined with quaint boutiques, galleries, surf shops, restaurants, inns, and more. Leisurely walk the five blocks from the river to the ocean and experience the old Florida ambiance.
82 locals recommend
Flagler Avenue
Flagler AvenueFlagler Avenue is a true seaside beach street lined with quaint boutiques, galleries, surf shops, restaurants, inns, and more. Leisurely walk the five blocks from the river to the ocean and experience the old Florida ambiance.
Reflect on a pristine undeveloped shoreline, explore a historic site, or experience the rumble of a rocket soaring into space.
This pristine barrier island composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitats provides protection from storms, preserves ancient Timucua Native American mounds, and is a sanctuary for thousands of species of plants and animals that call Canaveral National Seashore home.
15 locals recommend
Cape Canaveral
Reflect on a pristine undeveloped shoreline, explore a historic site, or experience the rumble of a rocket soaring into space.
This pristine barrier island composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitats provides protection from storms, preserves ancient Timucua Native American mounds, and is a sanctuary for thousands of species of plants and animals that call Canaveral National Seashore home.
Food and Drinks
Cool Beans and more is an Italian ice and coffee shop located off Flagler in a beautiful courtyard. They also sell cold brew coffee, espresso, and more. Get one of their flavored espresso drinks and enjoy it on the patio out front.
Cool Beans And More
320 Jessamine AveCool Beans and more is an Italian ice and coffee shop located off Flagler in a beautiful courtyard. They also sell cold brew coffee, espresso, and more. Get one of their flavored espresso drinks and enjoy it on the patio out front.
Festive harbor side tavern with a wraparound bar & a patio serving comfort eats & exotic cocktails. They have strong drinks and a scenic river view. Sit outside and enjoy the carefree atmosphere/crowd.
65 locals recommend
Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille
200 Boatyard StFestive harbor side tavern with a wraparound bar & a patio serving comfort eats & exotic cocktails. They have strong drinks and a scenic river view. Sit outside and enjoy the carefree atmosphere/crowd.
Surf 'n' turf joins cocktails in a 1920s building with warm, period-inspired decor & verandas. Great nightlife with dancing and live music.
99 locals recommend
Flagler Tavern
414 Flagler AveSurf 'n' turf joins cocktails in a 1920s building with warm, period-inspired decor & verandas. Great nightlife with dancing and live music.
Located in a pristine location overlooking the Indian River, they offer a tropical, casual place to hang out, drink, or dine with friends and family. New restaurant that the locals and tourist are enjoying alike.
27 locals recommend
River Deck Marina
111 N Riverside DrLocated in a pristine location overlooking the Indian River, they offer a tropical, casual place to hang out, drink, or dine with friends and family. New restaurant that the locals and tourist are enjoying alike.
Cozy hub with gourmet coffee, sandwiches & pizzas, global wines & craft beers, plus a large, beautiful garden patio that is lovely at night. They don't take reservations so get their early or late otherwise expect to wait.
102 locals recommend
Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
204 Flagler AveCozy hub with gourmet coffee, sandwiches & pizzas, global wines & craft beers, plus a large, beautiful garden patio that is lovely at night. They don't take reservations so get their early or late otherwise expect to wait.
A casually sophisticated restaurant with an ambiance and menu reminiscent of the tuscan countryside. Opens at 4 p.m. and always has a 1-2 1/2 hr. wait but is well worth it. A favorite spot of both locals and tourists. Ask for extra roasted garlic and fresh baked bread to go.
240 locals recommend
The Garlic
556 E 3rd AveA casually sophisticated restaurant with an ambiance and menu reminiscent of the tuscan countryside. Opens at 4 p.m. and always has a 1-2 1/2 hr. wait but is well worth it. A favorite spot of both locals and tourists. Ask for extra roasted garlic and fresh baked bread to go.
Old-school seafood restaurant with a retro feel, an expansive wine menu & a retail shop. Favorite to locals. Norwoods specializes in seafood, but also serves steaks, pastas, and salads. Reservations recommended.
125 locals recommend
Norwood's Eatery & Treehouse Bar
400 E 2nd AveOld-school seafood restaurant with a retro feel, an expansive wine menu & a retail shop. Favorite to locals. Norwoods specializes in seafood, but also serves steaks, pastas, and salads. Reservations recommended.
American breakfast restaurant and NSB staple for over 60 years, this place turns out comfort-food classics such as crab cakes & steak & eggs. Strong coffee and delicious breakfast but arrive early to avoid the line.
12 locals recommend
Beacon Restaurant
416 Flagler AveAmerican breakfast restaurant and NSB staple for over 60 years, this place turns out comfort-food classics such as crab cakes & steak & eggs. Strong coffee and delicious breakfast but arrive early to avoid the line.
Rustic-chic bar/eatery showcasing select, seasonal New American entrees & Northern California wines. Reservations recommended. Upscale dining experience.
62 locals recommend
SoNapa Grille
3406 S Atlantic AveRustic-chic bar/eatery showcasing select, seasonal New American entrees & Northern California wines. Reservations recommended. Upscale dining experience.
New Smyrna Beach's oldest pizza establishment since 1987. Free delivery anywhere on the island. Close to the house and pretty good go to for decent pizza.
Mikey's Pizza
806 E 3rd AveNew Smyrna Beach's oldest pizza establishment since 1987. Free delivery anywhere on the island. Close to the house and pretty good go to for decent pizza.
Offering a long tequila list, this relaxed restaurant serves Mexican favorites & burgers. Try the shrimp-stuffed jalapeños, strong margaritas, and the Carne Del Mar. Great place to bring family and friends.
24 locals recommend
Clancy's Cantina
301 Flagler AveOffering a long tequila list, this relaxed restaurant serves Mexican favorites & burgers. Try the shrimp-stuffed jalapeños, strong margaritas, and the Carne Del Mar. Great place to bring family and friends.
Upscale restaurant in the Riverview Hotel serving surf ’n’ turf plus gluten-free options with riverfront views. Sit out on the patio and bar along the water and try everything! Great place for a date night or a nice time at the bar.
26 locals recommend
The Grille At Riverview
101 Flagler AveUpscale restaurant in the Riverview Hotel serving surf ’n’ turf plus gluten-free options with riverfront views. Sit out on the patio and bar along the water and try everything! Great place for a date night or a nice time at the bar.
Nestled in a tropical garden and located directly across from the park and the river, Riverpark Terrace features modern American fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
30 locals recommend
Riverpark Terrace
302 S Riverside DrNestled in a tropical garden and located directly across from the park and the river, Riverpark Terrace features modern American fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
All-in-one eatery & water equipment rental spot offers delicious fish sandwiches and seafood, as well as kayaks & paddle boards. It is a classic NSB spot for great food, strong drinks, and a great time!
144 locals recommend
JB's Fish Camp
859 Pompano AveAll-in-one eatery & water equipment rental spot offers delicious fish sandwiches and seafood, as well as kayaks & paddle boards. It is a classic NSB spot for great food, strong drinks, and a great time!
A staple of NSB. Offers great pizza, beach food, and baked Italian cuisine. Definitely try their Greek salad with a large everything pizza. Worth the further drive on A1a!
19 locals recommend
Manny's Pizza Beachside
3318 S Atlantic AveA staple of NSB. Offers great pizza, beach food, and baked Italian cuisine. Definitely try their Greek salad with a large everything pizza. Worth the further drive on A1a!
American joint serving BBQ, sandwiches & craft brews in a colorful, relaxed setting with a patio. Located on the mainland in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach.
53 locals recommend
Yellow Dog Eats
147 Canal StAmerican joint serving BBQ, sandwiches & craft brews in a colorful, relaxed setting with a patio. Located on the mainland in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach.
Casual spot offering a variety of seafood sourced from local waters, plus cocktails & sports on TV. Great oysters at a decent price and fresh fish catches. Try their rock shrimp and fish tacos!
26 locals recommend
Off the Hook Raw Bar & Grill
747 E 3rd AveCasual spot offering a variety of seafood sourced from local waters, plus cocktails & sports on TV. Great oysters at a decent price and fresh fish catches. Try their rock shrimp and fish tacos!
Cozy French bakery offering bread, pastries & cakes, plus quiche, sandwiches & wine. Get one of their sandwiches for lunch with special dressing on the side. Call ahead to place your order to avoid waiting in line.
34 locals recommend
Mon Delice
557 East 3rd AvenueCozy French bakery offering bread, pastries & cakes, plus quiche, sandwiches & wine. Get one of their sandwiches for lunch with special dressing on the side. Call ahead to place your order to avoid waiting in line.
Known for their bagel sandwiches, their steam-baked bagels are delivered fresh daily. They are a staple for many families that go to NSB. Open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early to avoid the lines. Try their sandwiches!
13 locals recommend
Bagel World
819 S Atlantic AveKnown for their bagel sandwiches, their steam-baked bagels are delivered fresh daily. They are a staple for many families that go to NSB. Open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early to avoid the lines. Try their sandwiches!
The CorkScrew Bar & Grille offers their guests a casual, fun dining experience in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach, featuring American classic comfort food with southern twists, and a carefully curated full bar.
51 locals recommend
Corkscrew Bar and Grille
235 Canal StThe CorkScrew Bar & Grille offers their guests a casual, fun dining experience in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach, featuring American classic comfort food with southern twists, and a carefully curated full bar.
Incredible Italian food, atmosphere, and service. Live music and a well-known chef. "Limoncello South Authentic Italian Seafood & Steakhouse Cuisine Done Right!"
12 locals recommend
Limoncello South
737 E 3rd AveIncredible Italian food, atmosphere, and service. Live music and a well-known chef. "Limoncello South Authentic Italian Seafood & Steakhouse Cuisine Done Right!"
Food and Groceries
For all of your groceries and shopping needs, this staple of Florida is a short walk or a quick drive away.
62 locals recommend
Indian River Village Shopping Center
1323 Saxon DrFor all of your groceries and shopping needs, this staple of Florida is a short walk or a quick drive away.
Unassuming, counter-service spot with a coastal menu & a deli-style market for at-home cooking.
13 locals recommend
Ocean's Seafoods
601 E 3rd AveUnassuming, counter-service spot with a coastal menu & a deli-style market for at-home cooking.
Founded in 1970, Heath's Natural Foods is still a locally owned store in New Smyrna Beach featuring organic, natural, and gourmet foods and supplements with the largest selection in the area.
9 locals recommend
Heath's Natural Foods Inc
600 E 3rd AveFounded in 1970, Heath's Natural Foods is still a locally owned store in New Smyrna Beach featuring organic, natural, and gourmet foods and supplements with the largest selection in the area.
Things to Do
Paradise Power Sports
920 E 3rd AveRent a street and beach legal golf cart at Paradise Power Sports.
New Smyrna Lanes
185 N CausewayGet in a few lanes bowling at New Smyrna Lanes on the mainland.
Catch the latest movies at the AMC Classic Theater 12 on the mainland.
14 locals recommend
AMC Classic New Smyrna 12
1401 S Dixie FwyCatch the latest movies at the AMC Classic Theater 12 on the mainland.
All Yoga NSB
492 Causeway NorthTake a yoga class at All Yoga NSB on the mainland over the N Causeway.
Book a fishing charter out of New Smyrna or Daytona and catch some huge fish.
New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charter
804 Dougherty StreetBook a fishing charter out of New Smyrna or Daytona and catch some huge fish.
Jump out of a plane and have the experience of a lifetime at Skydive DeLand.
39 locals recommend
Skydive DeLand
1600 Flight Line BlvdJump out of a plane and have the experience of a lifetime at Skydive DeLand.
New Smyrna Golf Club
1000 Wayne AvenueHave a day golfing at the well-maintained New Smyrna Golf Club.
Take a short 1-hour drive to Orlando to visit Disney World.
3196 locals recommend
Walt Disney World Resort
Take a short 1-hour drive to Orlando to visit Disney World.
Take a short 1-hour drive to Orlando to visit Universal Studios.
1423 locals recommend
Universal Studios Florida
6000 Universal BlvdTake a short 1-hour drive to Orlando to visit Universal Studios.
City advice
Getting around
Traveling in, around, and to New Smyrna Beach
Walking and biking to many locations is very possible. We recommend walking to the beach, Publix, Walgreens, Flagler, and other close locations.
Parking in beach lots is enforced daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must have a City of New Smyrna Beach annual parking pass or purchase a $20 daily pass from a kiosk at the lot.
The Votran Bus offers an affordable and quick way to get around New Smyrna and the Volusia County area. There are no local trains.
The closest airports are Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and the Sanford/Orlando Internation
Customs and culture
Helpful Tips for Living the Beach Life
Get a beach pass for your car if you plan on driving on the beach frequently at any entrance ramp.
Wear lots of waterproof sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapply often (at least every 60-90 minutes).
Use the outside shower for the dogs after bringing them to the dog beach in Smyrna Dunes Park.
The beach driving hours are 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Get to the beach early on weekends to get a spot.
Visit the beach south of 27th street for the area of NSB where driving on the beach is prohibited.
Make sure to get out of the water at any sign of lightning and follow beach patrol instructions.
Don't miss
The monthly wine walk on Flagler Avenue is a must
The Wine Walk is a monthly Progressive Wine Tasting event that takes place on Flagler Avenue from 1 pm -7 pm in New Smyrna Beach. Wine Walk tasting passports are $30 and include 20 tasting tickets along with a keepsake wine glass, map, and listing of each host locations wines for the month. During the event, locations offer both one and multi-ticket wines to sample of the 100 featured wines for the month. Those who want to share their 20 tasting tickets with a friend may purchase an additional wine glass for $5 CASH.