NEW SMYRNA BEACH'S UNIQUE BEACHES, PARKS, RESTAURANTS, AND HISTORY: A VISITOR'S GUIDE
One of the United States’ oldest cities, New Smyrna Beach is a hidden gem in Central Florida — a town that has retained its historical charm while offering plenty for guests and locals of all ages to see and do.
Iconic business and entertainment districts on both the historical westside and beachside are home to popular restaurants, shops, and year-round events, while the city’s green spaces and outdoor activity opportunities are a testament to New Smyrna’s environmental awareness.
Proud of its history, the city also has plenty to offer to those interested in learning all about how the New Smyrna settlement in the 18th century went on to become the city it is today, through museums and historic homes and landmarks spread all around town.
In NSB: New Smyrna Beach surfing event rekindles 'warrior spirit' for disabled vets
Granted, New Smyrna is also known as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World" for its numerous incidents year-round, as well as for a general lack of parking.
But whether you are visiting for the first time or coming back for more, here are some of New Smyrna’s must-dos and must-sees.
Flagler Avenue
It’s hard for locals to say which is more iconic: Flagler Avenue or Canal Street. But there is no doubt that Flagler Avenue has been a staple of New Smyrna Beach.
In the heart of New Smyrna’s beachside, the area is a vibrant business district full of shops and popular restaurants, also serving as a gateway to the beach.
On the west end of the avenue, Third Wave Café, Café Verde, Clancy’s Cantina and Caffe Paradiso are great food options.
Daytripping around NSB: Here are five spots for visitors to discover
In the middle segment, the recently opened Avanu on Flagler is a scene-stealer — the restaurant’s rooftop offers a unique view of the city’s beachside for diners.
At the east end of Flagler, Breakers’ oceanfront dining experience is a must for those visiting the area.
The avenue is also filled with all kinds of boutique stores and gift shops for you to find a souvenir or special New Smyrna item.
Bob Ross Art Workshop
Yes, the legendary painter and host of the successful “The Joy of Painting” TV series helped found his own art workshop back in the 1990s.
Today, it offers a space for classes on Ross’ unique “wet-on-wet” painting technique and a gallery displaying some of his paintings.
“The full line of Bob Ross painting products are available for purchase at the workshop,” according to their website.
'Joy of Painting' 32: Event unveils new Bob Ross works, NSB artist to host return of 'The Joy of Painting'
It is located at 757 E. Third Ave. For more information, visit bobrossartworkshop.com.
Beachside restaurants
Other than those at Flagler Avenue, there are several other popular restaurants at New Smyrna’s beachside.
The Garlic, an Italian food restaurant, is maybe the most famous spot in the city, located at 556 E. 3rd Ave.
Right next to it is Norwood’s Restaurant and Treehouse Bar, offering a rich seafood menu with a retro feel, as well as a retail shop. It’s located at 400 2nd Ave.
A few miles East is Chases on the Beach, located at 3401 S. Atlantic Ave., recently refurbished after sustaining heavy damage from Tropical Storm Ian in 2022. Besides the oceanfront dining experience, guests can enjoy a pool and an outdoor bar.
Indian River Lagoon Park
The Indian River Lagoon State Park can provide the perfect glimpse into the environmental richness that surrounds New Smyrna.
See the park’s mangrove wetlands and salt marshes as they “filter runoff, stabilize sediments, maintain water quality and protect shorelines from erosion,” according to Florida State Parks.
The park is located at 700 Sandpiper St.
Smyrna Dunes Park
A great option for pier fishing and scenic views of the environment is Smyrna Dunes Park.
Located at 2995 N. Peninsula Ave. along the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet, the park is 184 acres in size and “multiple scenic overlooks allow breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River and Ponce de Leon Inlet,” according to Volusia County.
Canal Street
New Smyrna’s westside business district, Canal Street might not be a gateway to the beach like Flagler Avenue, but it is as much a staple of the city.
The area, referred to as the city’s downtown district, offers “a vibrant blend of parks and historic buildings, specialty shops and servicebusinesses, fine dining, art galleries, cultural attractions,” according to the Canal Street Historic District.
Notable food spots on Canal include the Corkscrew Bar and Grille, the iconic and recently refurbished Little Griddle, City Market Bistro, and more.
The street is also home to The Hub on Canal — an art gallery that showcases artists' works and offers classes and workshops on art, music, writing, and more.
New Smyrna Museum of History
Given that New Smyrna is one of the country’s oldest towns, a trip to the New Smyrna Museum of History will give those interested a look into the city’s journey since the late 1770s.
Exhibits tell the story of the original Smyrnea/Turnbull settlement, the Pioneer Years between 1800 and 1900, the Railroad Era at the end of the 19th century, and much more.
The museum is located at 120 Sams Ave. Visit nsbhistory.org to learn more.
Charming Homes Tour
For the past six years, the New Smyrna Beach Residents Coalition has put together the annual Charming Homes Tour event, celebrating different neighborhoods throughout the city for their historic character — both on the historic westside and beachside.
The tours have drawn hundreds of guests over the last few editions, who get a chance to meet the story behind each home from volunteers and homeowners themselves.
Old Fort Park
The iconic ruins located at the corner of Julia Street and Riverside Drive have drawn the curiosity of locals and guests for decades.
The structure, consisting of several stone walls without a roof, was built around the 1770s and was part of the Smyrnea settlement established by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician, in 1767.
And their history remains a mystery to this day: Was it a Spanish or an English Fort? Was it the foundation of a house being built by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, New Smyrna's founder?
Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery Center (or MDC) gives local and visitors the chance to learn about the environment that surrounds them in New Smyrna Beach.
MDC’s programs offer kayak trips on the property’s salt marsh, which “features a nursery full of animals including birds, fish, invertebrates, mangroves, and marsh grasses, “according to their website, as well as several other outdoor and indoor educational activities.
It is located at 520 Barracuda Blvd.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: New Smyrna Beach's unique beaches, parks, restaurants, and history: A visitor's guide
2024-06-29T12:05:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd