Find the courage to explore New Smyrna Beach, one of the best beach towns in Florida.
Just about every week feels like Shark Week this summer , thanks to an onslaught ofshark attackheadlines in the news . All this talking of the aquatic apex vulture come in to the inevitable mention of New Smyrna Beach , Florida , the so - squall “ Shark Bite Capital of the World . ” Even though the city has never had a recorded life - jeopardise or black shark attack , the unmixed volume of “ love nip , ” as local surfers call them , has earned it the repute .
But New Smyrna Beach is so much more than a place to get prick by shark . If you’re able to get over any misinformed fears , thissummertime destinationthe best place in the state to blob Black Tips and Lemon shark , as well as an abundance of other marine spirit . New Smyrna Beach is also one of the fewbeach towns in Floridathat has n’t been take over by high rise condo and tacky beach shops . So you could enjoy a restful weekend here wandering through independent artwork art gallery , family - unravel restaurants , and elegant layer and breakfasts .
So come along as we show you why New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida ’s best beach terminus . With the best surfing on the East Coast , arresting beachesfor lounging and sportfishing , and other thing to do in New Smyrna Beach , a weekend here will have you completely forget its shark - bite repute .
Photo by Jacob Brokaw
Travel time:
3 60 minutes , 45 minutes from Miami , Florida
If you don’t do anything else: Explore one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet
shark are a lot like us : If they ’re gon na eat , they want options . So while you or I might hazard to the region nutrient hall , shark plenty to New Smyrna to choose from dozens of delicious metal money of fish for their afternoon snack . Ponce Inlet , which sit down on the northern border of New Smyrna Beach , is teeming with biodiversity , where manatees and dolphins frolic on top of the water system , and redfish , mahi , Tarpon atlanticus , bass , snapper , and other colorful leatherneck life swim below .
Scuba diving is the best way to see them all , and you may take a dainty , easy morning dive in the serene waters of the Intracoastal Waterway withSea Dogs Dive Center . If you ’re a little spooky about gettingthatclose to sharks , theMarine Discovery Centeroffers regular pontoon boat get off down the Intracoastal where you may spot all the aforementioned animals from the comfort of the deck .
The onboard naturalists will also take out up seahorses , clams , and oysters so you’re able to read about the inlet ’s biodiversity , and the role its ecosystem plays in keeping Florida ’s waters clean . The essence also host day summer camp for youngster where they ’ll learn all about marine preservation , if you want some time away from the piddling ones .
Fill Your Days:
Beaches near New Smyrna Beach
Another reason New Smyrna Beach is renowned for its shark morsel : It ’s the surfing working capital of the East Coast , and twice a calendar month the city server channel-surf tournaments properly off its main beach . Local surfers do n’t fear the fin , referring to the bites as “ love nips ” from the ocean ’s house physician . visitor can remove any number of breakers shops and rent a panel . Or if the moving ridge inspire you to learn to surf , take a lesson atSurfin ’ NSBor theJimmy Lane Surfing Academy . A nimble note on shark safety : Your odds of getting bite are literally less than getting strike by lightning ( another common natural event in Florida ) . Unless you ’re out surf early on in the morning or at dusk , you ’ll plausibly never encounter one . Still , if you require to minimize your hazard , quash wear shining habiliment , and if you see a school of come-on fish swimming around , you might want to move .
landman can also bask nature atSmyrna Dunes Park . This pristine , 184 - acre swath of sure-enough Florida nature is teeming with birds , and put up powdery white sand beach for a seaside saunter . get over the two - Swedish mile boardwalk , perfect for get sunrise over the Atlantic . On New Smyrna Beach ’s southerly boundary line , speculation into theCanaveral National Seashore , which continues all the direction down to theKennedy Space CenterinCocoa Beach . This is where you ’ll find some of the most secluded , natural beaches in Florida , ideal for gazing out and think you ’re somewhere on a deserted island . The fowl life is unbelievable , too , with spoonbill rosatea , herons , egrets , scrub jays , and osprey soaring above as you soak up the sun . Depending on the time of year , you may also catch someglowing waterscourtesy of bioluminescent plankton .
Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Fishing is also marvellous in New Smyrna Beach , and if you ’re keen on catch Mahi and other deep sea fish you ’ll find no dearth offishing charter . Captains can take you through the inland flats , if you ’re prostrate to seasickness and require something serene . Or they can adventure out into the Atlantic Ocean for a full - daytime subtropic fishing adventure .
Art in New Smyrna Beach
Nature is the big draw , but this wizardly little Ithiel Town is also teeming with creativity . Stroll Canal Street , one of New Smyrna Beach ’s two independent puff , and you ’ll find verandah stretching from Dixie Highway to the Indian River . The most bang for your artwork buck will be atThe Hub on Canal , an artists ’ cooperative fill up with 62 local artists . The Hub also hosts steady bouncy euphony public presentation and film screenings , so if you’re able to clock your sojourn with one of those you ’ll get a veridical gustatory modality of the local creative scene .
The Little Theatreis New Smyrna Beach ’s theater troupe , perform conversant plays and musical comedy from about September to June . During the day , stroll Canal Street and Flagler Avenue , popping in and out of independent businesses that are the antithesis of Florida sprawl .
Eat, Drink, Sleep:
Restaurants in New Smyrna Beach:
The Garlicis New Smyrna ’s quintessential eatery . If the weather is join forces , dine outside in the garden of tropic foliage and enjoy its theme song crushed garlic medulla with balsamic acetum . deep down , you ’ll rule a welcoming fire surrounded by stucco wall and Tuscan - inspired mural , as well as local who ’ve been get here for 10 . New Smyrna also gasconade two James Beard - nominated chef , both of whom are deserving a endeavor on a short trip to Ithiel Town . Third Wavefrom chef Dave Moscoso declare oneself an telling card of fresh seafood , as well as smoked meats and redfish in a riotous outdoor setting . Chef Henry Salgado helm the kitchen atSpanish River Grill , an retiring little topographic point in a slip shopping center parking stack that wait on wild tapa bark and Spanish wine-coloured .
For daytime chuck , start your morning with a sweet succus or acai bowl fromGo Juice . If you ’re the big breakfast type , take hold of a mesa atToni and Joe’swhere omelette , eggs , and Texas French Toast are served with a sprawling ocean perspective . For something a little more upscale , tryThe Baker ’s Table , whose brunch oblation skew foodie with stuff and nonsense like smoked salmon latkes and Royal Red prawn and grits .
Bars in New Smyrna Beach
TheNew Smyrna Brewing Companyis the metropolis ’s flagship beer maker , specialize in appropriately make beers like the Shark Attack IPA and the Feeding Frenzy Red Ale . Sugar work Distilleryoffers an intriguing selection of rums , some of which are infused with tea leaf fromYapuan Brothers , the city ’s top local tea leaf Godhead . Of course , sunset drinks are a must when staying near the water , and theGrille at Riverviewis the go - to spot for pink - skied cocktails on the pee . For an elevated perspective , Avanuon Flagler has New Smyrna Beach ’s best rooftop bar , serving Polynesian - root on cocktails whose colours often match the sundown .
Where to stay in New Smyrna Beach
As any self - prise , charming coastal town should , New Smyrna Beach specializes in precious layer and breakfast . Victoria 1883is housed in the metropolis ’s oldest nursing home ( a Victorian house from 1883 , if you ’re not big on context clues ) guarded by towering oak trees drape with Spanish moss . The rooms are all design differently , ranging from sleek black interior to pastel tropic beach firm . The onsite speakeasy is also a perfect place to end the eventide , sit at a bar craft from an oak tree that once abide on the holding .
Other cool B&Bs include theBlack Dolphin Inn , a family - work patch whose chef was have onGuy ’s Grocery Games . And theSalty Mermaid , the good B&B for beach access . Even the range hotel in New Smyrna Beach are dripping with charm . TheSpring Hill Suiteslooks nothing like the swelled corner hotel you find off state highway onramps . The Key West - expressive style construction is filled with seashell carpet and marine - theme décor , with a pool that sits the right way on top of the Atlantic . The Hampton Innis likewise Floridian , appointed in lightsome , beachy colors and contrive to look like a gravid beachside bungalow .
Photo courtesy of New Smyrna Beach CVB
Photo by Pat Barcas/Coconut Palms II
Third Wave|Photo by Tighe O’Connor
Black Dolphin Inn|Photo by Jumping Rocks Inc
