New Smyrna Beach | One of Florida’s Coolest Beach Towns
New Smyrna Beach is one of the coolest seaside communities you’ll find in Florida. But don’t take our word for it. Here are just some of the recent recognitions received by the City:
- One of the World’s Top Twenty Surf Towns, by National Geographic Magazine in 2012;
- One of the Coolest Surf Towns, by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2013; and
- One of the Best Surf Towns, by Surfer Magazine in 2009
- Named by SmarterTravel.com as one of ten best beach towns in Florida in 2014
- Named by the Orlando Sentinel as Orlando’s top beach destination each year since 2006. (Orlando has 59 million visitors a year!)
Situated on the south side of Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach offers residents and visitors a wide range of recreation opportunities, historical sites, museums and art galleries, accommodations and entertainment options including:
- Boating
- Eldora House
- Kayaking
- New Smyrna Museum of History
- Fishing
- Nightlife & Dining
- Surfing
- Shopping
- Paddleboarding
- Theatre
- Art Galleries & Festivals
- Golf
- Racing (Daytona 500/Rolex 24)
- The Old Fort
- Special Events (Bike Week/Spring Break )
- Sugar Mill Ruins
- Nearby Orlando Attractions
- Miles of beaches and one of the few places allowing vehicular access onto the beach
Arial view of New Smyrna’s “North Beach” looking toward the Inlet
Looking east on Flagler Avenue many years ago
Development on New Smyrna Beach’s barrier island, the area formerly known as “Coronado Beach,” began in the late 1800’s. Today, many of the original historical structures remain along Flagler Avenue and surrounding neighborhoods and most have been renovated. Flagler Avenue is lined by an eclectic collection of restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, galleries, retail stores, offices, and accommodations.
The district retains the quaint, “old Florida” feel with palm tree lined sidewalks, the historical structures and the smells and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.
Flagler Avenue has long been a favorite tourism and entertainment destination. Beach goers and those looking for food, entertainment or retail opportunities flow through Flagler Avenue, with peaks in traffic during special events and summer weekends. Flagler Avenue merchants, the local chamber of commerce and the City host multiple events drawing heavy crowds. Special events on the Avenue include:
- Art Shows
- Seaside Fiesta
- Music Festivals
- Kite Festival
- Food Festivals
- Surf & SUP Contests
- Mardi Gras
- Christmas Parade
- Wine Walks
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations
- Sidewalk Sales
- And much more!
Map of the Waterfront Loop
To sum up, New Smyrna Beach maintains a quaint, laid-back atmosphere along miles of scenic waterfront while retaining it’s old-Florida charm. After capturing sand between your toes on our fabulous beach, the Waterfront Loop offers a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Encompassing the heart of New Smyrna Beach, fishing, kayaking, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, eco-tours and sunset cruises can all be found in the Loop. Being the home of the Atlantic Center for the Arts and a multitude of galleries, art festivals and art walks are frequent along Historic Flagler Avenue and in the Canal Street Historic District. The Loop also offers fine entertainment and nearly fifty places to wine and dine, from cozy outdoor patios to exquisite waterfront views. Special events are scheduled monthly. Locals and visitors alike enjoy “Doing the Loop.” You will, too.