New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna possesses a distinct hometown quality reflected in its cracker architecture, lush tropical landscape and community. Enjoy culinary delights from fresh seafood to steaks and pasta on the waterfront, or under an umbrella at a sidewalk cafe. At the end of the day, retire to a charming bed and breakfast inn, family-size condominium or oceanfront hotel.

Name

Since "New Smyrna Beach" is a mouthful, locals sometimes call it "NSB". It comes from the name of a former European colony in the area, "Smyrnea".

Orientation

New Smyrna Beach is about 20 miles (32 km) south of Daytona Beach along U.S. Highway 1. The towns of Edgewater and Oak Hill, and some unincorporated areas of Volusia County, such as Samsula, are considered to be part of the Greater New Smyrna Beach Area.
New Smyrna Beach can be divided into in three parts, which are almost like "districts". Here, they're listed going from east to west:

• The coast, which is separated from the mainland by the Intercoastal Waterway. Some of it is residential, but a lot of it consists of hotels and resorts that go along the shoreline. On the east side of the coastal island is the beach itself, although in reality, all of the island is a large sandbank. There is a downtown area along Flagler Avenue.
• The mainland, which is west of the Intercoastal Waterway and includes the Canal Street downtown area. Like the coast, it's the older side of town, but unlike the coast, parts of the mainland have low population densities, with a few buildings scattered here and there.
• The Venetian Bay area, which is west of I-95 and is in many ways like a separate community from New Smyrna Beach. However, Venetian Bay is mostly residential, so it is included with the coastal and mainland sections of the city of New Smyrna Beach. There are many man-made lakes in Venetian Bay, but they are not collectively a "bay" as the community's name implies. There is a downtown for Venetian Bay, but it doesn't have many places to eat.

New Smyrna Beach is part of a group of cities in the Daytona Beach area. In the north is Ormond Beach; then to the south is Daytona and a couple small, coastal villages; then the city of Port Orange; then NSB; and then, finally, in the south, Edgewater. Also, on the coast, to the south of New Smyrna Beach, is parkland (nationally-owned), and farther south again, Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.
To the east of New Smyrna Beach, there are several miles of forest, and then farther east are the cities of DeLand and Orange City; these cities are the northern end of the Orlando metropolitan area.

Climate

New Smyrna Beach offers a humid, subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures very rarely drop below freezing. The summers are long and hot, with temperatures frequently in the upper 90's F (35-38 °C) in July. Dangers include hurricanes from June until November.

By plane

Although New Smyrna Beach has a Municipal Airport, it is chiefly used by private aircraft. Commercial flights to this area should be sought arriving to either Daytona Beach International Airport (the closest), Orlando International Airport, or Jacksonville International Airport.
A relatively easy option for getting to New Smyrna Beach is through the Daytona Beach Airport. If you fly with Delta, you can go from basically anywhere in the United States to Atlanta International Airport; from there, you can get flights directly to Daytona Beach International Airport. Daytona's airport is fairly small and generally not too busy, and it's pretty easy to get a rental car, etc. From the airport, it's a short drive to I-95, and I-95 will take you to New Smyrna Beach (near Venetian Bay).

By train

Amtrak offers the Amtrak Auto Train service with its southern Terminus in Sanford (Florida), about 35 miles west of New Smyrna Beach. The Amtrak Auto Train carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford and Lorton, Virginia, effectively serving as a car-rail link to Florida from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. You can easily drive your car into New Smyrna Beach after departing from the Auto Train.
Amtrak offers regular passenger service with the closest stop being near the city of DeLand. This stop is rather remote and is not the best option.

By bus

Greyhound Bus Lines offers bus service to nearby Daytona Beach. Upon arrival at the Daytona Beach bus station, you will need to either transfer to a local Volusia County bus or take a taxicab to complete your trip to New Smyrna Beach.

By car

New Smyrna Beach is easily accessed by car, as Interstate 95 passes through the western side of the city, and U.S. Highway 1 ("Old Dixie Highway") passes through the center of the city. There's also a Florida state road that goes from DeLand to NSB; I-95 intersects this freeway near the Walmart grocery store.
You can't, however, get into NSB by driving along the coastal island, either by going north or south, in the north because the island ends and in the south because the road ends. You have to enter New Smyrna Beach via the mainland. Once you're on the mainland, then you can get to the coast quite easily (see "get around" section below).

By bus

Votran is the local Volusia County bus service, which also provides a public transit connection to nearby Daytona Beach. The buses offer service in New Smyrna Beach, M-Sa 7AM-7PM. Votran is a cheap way to get around and is handicap accessible. The website provides maps and timetables. Buses travel to most sites and places of interest. Cost: $1.75 per trip, or $3.75 for a one-day bus pass (Valid for all routes).

By car

The main road that goes along the beach is A1A. From A1A, numbered streets (1st, 2nd, etc.) go towards the beach. Some have beach parking or lead to the beach itself, so you can drive along it and park on the beach.
A1A comes to a dead end south of NSB. If you travel north along A1A along the coastal part of town, the road eventually turns to the west and goes over a high bridge to the mainland. This route is called the South Causeway. There is another, smaller route to the north of the South Causeway, called the North Causeway. The North Causeway leads to the Flagler Avenue downtown area.
If you go west on the South Causeway to the mainland, you go onto Florida Route 44, which goes just south of Venetian Bay and then goes toward Deland. Airport Road goes north/south in Venetian Bay.

The main sight in NSB is the beach; however, because it is an activity, it is listed in the Do section.

Parks

Many historical and cultural sites make New Smyrna Beach noteworthy. From the Turnbull and Sugar Mill Ruins, to the Eldora State House, the area is rich in history.

• Flagler Avenue ParkThe Flagler Avenue Park is a popular beachfront park just off historic Flagler Avenue, complete with its quaint shops and restaurants.

• Lake Ashby Park

  address: 4150 Boy Scout Camp Road
  Lake Ashby Park is a 124-acre rural setting park in the Osteen area that includes primitive tent camping, playground, volleyball court, nature/horse trails, boardwalks, fishing pier, pavilions with picnic tables and grills. It also offers a free public boat ramp nearby. The park is open sunrise to sunset and offers a play area for children that includes a variety of climbers, swings and ladders.

• Smyrna Dunes Park (County)

  phone: +1 386 424-2935
  Open daily Sunrise to sunset. Perched on 250 acres of pristine land at the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, the area is surrounded by water on three sides. The park consists of five ecosystems (ocean, river, dunes, scrub zone, saltwater marsh). $3.50 per vehicle, $1 per person for vehicles with more than eight passengers.

• Sugar Mill Ruins

  address: 600 Mission Drive

• Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (County)

  address: 1755 Martin Dairy Rd
  This secluded wildlife preserve offers miles of lonely trails that lead to sand cliffs that slope gracefully into Spruce Creek. These sand bluffs are among the largest in Florida.

Arts

Named one of "America's Top Small Cities for The Arts," New Smyrna is home to the Atlantic Center for the Arts, an artists-in-residence community and educational facility, the Harris House, the Little Theatre and Arts on Douglas. Frequent arts shows featuring visual and performing arts take place throughout the year.

• Galleria di Vetro

  phone: +1 386 409-0402
  address: 310 Flagler Avenue
  Galleria di Vetro, a unique experience in glass is a thriving gallery and working studio. The Galleria specializes in architectural installations for both commercial and residential spaces, as well as custom pieces in any form. Featuring live glassblowing demonstrations, classes for all ages and world famous and local artists such as Hans Godo-Frabel, John Blazy, Shane Fero, Kyle Carni and many more.

• Atlantic Center for the Arts

  phone: +1 386 427-6975
  address: 1414 Art Center Ave
  Founded by local artist Doris "Doc" Leeper, this tranquil artist seminary plays hosts to artists worldwide, and invites them to come and create art at the center. The center itself is an architectural marvel. Donations accepted, but admission is free. Exhibits are always coming and going.

• Arts on Douglas

  address: 123 Douglas St
  An upscale art gallery on Douglas Street.

Above all, go to NSB for the . You can even park on the beach here — drive onto the beach at one of the approved entrances, drive along the designated traffic route that runs along the beach, and park. The rest of the beach is open for activities, although be careful about going into the water — as stated at the beginning of the article, this is the shark attack capital of the world. Check the tides before going to the beach.

Fishing

Anglers at nearby Mosquito Lagoon have set international records with giant redfish catches. Deep-sea charters leave New Smyrna Beach daily, giving offshore fishers an easy way to wet a line in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

• Eldorada Charters

  phone: +1 386 409-7380
  Capt. Brian Clancy is a full-time fishing guide on this Coast Guard licensed, National Park permitted and insured trip, specializing in red fishing. All ages and experience-levels welcome. Call for reservations.

• Fishin' Cove Bait & Tackle

  phone: +1 386 428-6781
  address: 129 N. Riverside Drive
  A full-service marina, Fishin' Cove offers river fishing and deep-sea fishing charters and boat rentals.

• Floridays Fishing ExcursionsExperience the thrill of the strike, fishing for red fish and sea trout. Fly fishing trips are available. Call for reservations.

• Marker 57 at Cameron's Marina

  phone: +1 386 428-0201
  address: 2001 S Riverside Drive
  Rentals include boats for flat bottom fishing. Tackle and bait shop and boat slip rentals.

• Fish the Mosquito Lagoon

  phone: +1 386 214-3940
  Capt. Tony Pantuso is a full-time fishing guide specializing in light tackle inshore fishing for trophy redfish and seatrout.

Golf

• Hidden Lakes Golf Course

  phone: +1 386 427-4138
  address: 35 Fairgreen Ave

• New Smyrna Municipal Golf Course

  phone: +1 386 424-2192
  address: 1000 Wayne Ave

• Turnbull Bay Golf Course

  phone: +1 386 427-8727
  address: 2600 Turnbull Estates Dr

• Venetian Bay Golf Course

  phone: +1 386 424-5775
  address: 63 Airport Rd

Horseback riding

• Flying B Ranch

  phone: +1 386 478-1244
  address: 687 N Samsula Drive
  Flying B Ranch is a 33 acre horse facility, offering horseback riding and horse boarding.

• Pioneer Trail Reserve

  address: 4311 Pioneer Trail
  Pioneer Trail Reserve is a gated community of 21 equestrian ranches in a conservation area. Horse training and riding offered.

• Whispering Palms Farm

  phone: +1 386 527-1666
  address: 137 State Road 415
  Offers horse boarding and riding lessons.

Racing

• New Smyrna Speedway

  phone: +1 386 427-4129
  address: Corner of State Route 44 and 415
  Half-mile race track offers regular schedule of FASCAR (Florida Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) races.

Scuba diving & snorkeling

• Sea Dogs Dive Center Guide & Services

  phone: +1 386 424-1644
  address: 111 Flagler Ave
  Provides a 42-ft custom Newton Dive Vessel, New Smyrna Beach's only U.S. Coast Guard Certified dive vessel. Relaxing SCUBA diving for up to 16. Divemaster or instructor on every trip. Full service PADI dive center. NITROX Fill station. Spearfishing specialists. Full range of PADI certifications. Beautiful reefs and countless wrecks. Largest lobsters on the east coast of U.S.

Tennis

• Detwiler Park Tennis Center

  phone: +1 386 424-2175
  Corner of Oakwood & Horton. Offers 5 hard tennis courts.

Boating

• Hiles Boat Ramp

  address: 156 Hiles Blvd
  Hiles Boat Ramp is a concrete single boat ramp off of Hiles Boulevard. It's the perfect ramp for canoes, and those eager to navigate the county's beautiful Intercoastal Waterway.

• Lake Ashby Boat Ramp

  address: 1151 Commercial Ave
  The boat ramp at Lake Ashby Park is open 22 hours a day, seven days a week. The launch site is on Commercial Avenue.

ATMs can be found throughout New Smyrna Beach. Usually larger hotels and convenience stores will have a "generic" ATM available; however, be forewarned about hidden service fees.

Shopping

Flagler Avenue and Canal Street feature several quaint shops and cafes. It should be no surprise that the second oldest city in Florida is also home to many antique shopping pavilions.

• Shops on and

Coast

• Heavenly

  phone: +1 386 427-7475
  address: 115 Flagler Ave
  A healthier foods restaurant with sandwiches, wraps and ice cream.

• Norwoods

  address: 400 Second Avenue
  An institution in New Smyrna Beach that successfully made the change from fans, screen doors and smoked mullet to fine dining, wines, and air conditioning.

• Boston's Fish House

  address: 1414 South Atlantic Ave
  Seafood and Chicken.

• Chases on the Beach

  address: 3401 South Atlantic Ave
  Florida seafood and luscious tropical drinks. Listen to live music while laying around the pool and sipping on a special cocktail.

• JBs Fish Camp & Seafood Restaurant

  phone: +1 386 427-5747
  address: 859 Pompano Avenue
  Seafood.

• The Garlic

  address: 556 East Third Ave
  Ambience is unbeatable at the upscale Garlic. Featuring savory tuscan music. Al Fresco dining, and live music most nights.

• Riverview

  phone: +1 386 428-1865
  address: 101 Flagler Ave
  Offers fine dining with a great view of the Indian River.

• Ocean's Seafood

  phone: +1 386 423-5511
  address: 601 East Third Ave
  This little place doesn't have a view, but what it does have is the best local seafood around, and at cheap prices to boot. Caught daily in local waters. Only open till 7PM, so get there early.

• Heath's Natural Foods

  phone: +1 386 423-5126
  address: 600 East Third Ave.
  Health food store that offers wonderful organic prepared food to grab 'n' go. Delicious smoothies, wheat grass and vegetable juices available daily. The store also has a full array of grocery items, organic produce, gluten-free products & organic meats.

• New Smyrna Steakhouse

  phone: +1 386 424-9696
  address: 723 East Third Ave

Mainland

• Blackbeards

  phone: +1 386 427-0414
  address: 701 North Dixie Fwy
  Popular restaurant with a large menu with a lot of fish and chips and other meats. Parking is not always easy.

• Thai Mango

  phone: +1 386 428-0208
  address: 424 Canal St

• Jason's Corner

  phone: +1 386 424-9878
  address: 135 Canal St
  Serves meals around the day; the best time to come is around breakfast/lunch.

• Yellow Dog Eats

  phone: +1 386 410-4824
  address: 147 Canal St

Venetian Bay

The restaurants in Venetian Bay are gathered in a plaza area near Airport Road.

• Bistro 424

  phone: +1 386 402-4675
  address: 424 Luna Bella Ln #111

• Happy Deli

  phone: +1 386 410-3776
  address: 424 Luna Bella Ln #128

• Half Wall Brewery

  address: 1889 State Road
  The old Gilley's Pub has changed hands many times. It is now owned locally and operating as the "Half Wall Brewery", featuring a wide selection of craft beer and locally brewed favorites.

• Sopotnicks Cabbage Patch Bar

  phone: +1 386 427-8969
  address: 549 Tomoka Farms Road
  Biker bar, on the west side of New Smyrna Beach. Popular destination during Daytona Beach Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

• The Breakers

  phone: +1 386 428-2019
  address: 518 Flagler Ave
  This place is a beach bar/restaurant, far from fancy, with the oceanfront setting and great cheeseburgers.

Budget

• Beachcomber Motel

  phone: +1 386 427-3786
  address: 2705 S. Atlantic Avenue

• Blue Heron Motel

  phone: +1 386 428-4491
  address: 1204 N. Dixie Freeway

• Ocean Air Motel

  phone: +1 386 428-5748
  address: 1161 N. Dixie Freeway

• Pooles Motel

  phone: +1 386 428-9819
  address: 635 N. Dixie Freeway

Mid-range

• Buena Vista Inn & Vacation Apartments

  phone: +1 386 428-5565
  address: 500 N. Causeway

• Best Western Beach Hotel and Suites

  phone: +1 386 426-0020
  address: 1401 South Atlantic Avenue
  Offering 102 suites featuring a private living area, ocean-side balcony and private bedrooms that can accommodate 6 to 8 guest. Seascape restaurant on-site.

• Islander Beach Resort

  phone: +1 386 427-3452
  address: 1601 South Atlantic Avenue

• Oceania Beach Club and Suites

  phone: +1 386 423-8400
  address: 421 South Atlantic Avenue

• Ocean Sands Beach Club

  phone: +1 386 427-1151
  address: 3208 Hill Street

• Sea Horse Inn

  phone: +1 386 428-8081
  address: 423 Flagler Avenue

• Sea Vista Motel

  address: 1701 S. Atlantic Avenue
  Oceanfront motel with Tiki Bar and restaurant. Microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator in every room. Choice of motel rooms, efficiencies with full kitchens, studio apartments with king beds and sleeper sofa, one bedroom apartments.

• Sea Woods Condo

  phone: +1 386 423-6214
  address: 4472 Sea Mist Drive

Splurge

• Atlantic Plaza

  phone: +1 386 427-4636
  address: 425 South Atlantic Avenue
  Twenty-two 2-bedroom, 2-bath non-smoking condo units.

• Coconut Palms Beach Resorts

  phone: +1 386 424-3600
  address: 611 S Atlantic Avenue

• Minorca

  address: Minorca Beach Way
  Offers luxurious rentals, and the utmost in privacy.

Campgrounds

• New Smyrna Beach RV Park and Campground

  phone: +1 386 427-3581
  address: Old Mission Road
  Over 200 sites.

Seven digit dialing is in effect for local calls in the New Smyrna Beach area. The local area code is 386.

• New Smyrna Beach Visitors' Bureau

  phone: +1 800 541-9621
  address: 2238 State Route 44
  The official sales and marketing organization for New Smyrna Beach and surrounding area of southeast Volusia County.

Radio stations

There are about 20 radio stations in Volusia County.

AM

• WSBB, 1230 AM, New Smyrna Beach, Standards

FM

• WKTO, 88.9 FM, Edgewater, Religious
• WJLU, 89.7 FM, New Smyrna Beach, Religious
• WKRO, 93.1 FM, Edgewater, Country
• WLGM, 95.3 FM, Edgewater

• Just south of New Smyrna lies the Canaveral National Seashore, which offers excellent swimming, bird watching, and hiking opportunities.
• Daytona Beach is New Smyrna's famous neighbor to the North; it offers NASCAR racing and other special events.
• Daytona Beach Shores is a quiet, small city north of New Smyrna, on the Daytona Beach peninsula.
• Ponce Inlet is a scenic fishing village located to the north, on the southern tip of the next beach peninsula. Here you will find the historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Marine Science Center, local charter fishing boats, along with several of the area's best seafood restaurants. It's quite a long drive, though.
• Port Orange is a rapidly growing city just north of New Smyrna on the mainland, where you can enjoy golf and tennis.