Tucked away alongside Florida’s Central Atlantic Coast sits an enthralling coastal gem that has, for probably the most half, remained largely undiscovered by vacationers. It’s beloved by surfers and solar worshipers, is an oasis for ecotourism, and a cheerful neighborhood with laid-back vibes. New Smyrna Seaside is a Florida trip providing genuine experiences.
The realm options miles of sun-kissed shoreline and the comfort of a drivable seaside. Luxurious tailored-to-you mattress and breakfast lodging are good for a romantic escape. Domestically-owned eating places function freshly caught seafood and chef-inspired plates. Trails, waterways, and wildlife are ready to be found and explored. The realm additionally gives historic districts with boutiques, outlets, museums, and artwork galleries, in addition to a calendar of year-round events.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, could also be Florida’s second oldest metropolis, however its vibrant spirit and timeless attraction make it really feel youthful and alluring.
Unbiased Accommodations and Intimate Retreats
New Smyrna Seaside has a wide range of lodging choices, making it a beautiful choice for households, in addition to {couples} and good friend teams. From Springhill Suites by Marriott to impartial institutions just like the Oceanfront Salty Mermaid Resort, stepping off the bed and into the sand is as simple because it will get.
However the actual experiences are inside quaint bed-and-breakfast choices just like the historic Black Dolphin Inn. Owned, renovated, and operated by brothers Scott and Brett Smith and their households, this upscale B&B has 14 distinctive items with spa-inspired loos and classy classic furnishings — many with open-air balconies. Breakfast menus change each day and are made to order. Friends even have the choice of requesting the meals be delivered to their rooms.
Past Bars and Chain Eating places
Vacationers gained’t discover the everyday seaside bar or chain restaurant in some areas of New Smyrna Seaside. As a substitute, they’ll uncover family-owned institutions serving regionally sourced delicacies and craft cocktails in a relaxed ambiance.
Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille gives views of the Indian River and a welcoming Sunday brunch menu with Southern type consolation meals together with rooster and waffles and shrimp and grits. Norwood’s, an open-air restaurant and bar in a treehouse, gives stay music whereas diners take pleasure in surf and turf choices from above. Different distinctive eating experiences embrace Corkscrew Bar and Grille on historic Canal Road, the worldwide flavors of Third Wave Cafe and Wine Bar, and the Polynesian-inspired menu at Avanu on Flagler.
Sugar Works Distillery, a family-owned and operated enterprise, gives the neighborhood a comfortable gathering spot the place family and friends can take pleasure in handcrafted artisanal spirits, cocktails, and stay music. The distillery’s title derives from the realm’s wealthy historical past within the sugar cane business, which traces its roots again to the 1800s.
Founder Tom McPeek makes use of his scientific background to supply whiskey, bourbon, vodka, rum, tequila, and moonshine with regionally sourced components. He gives excursions to anybody within the distillation course of.
Accessible Seashores and Surfable Waves
For surfers, solar lovers, and snowbirds, New Smyrna Seaside has 17 miles of shoreline, good for water sports activities, fishing, and rest. Many seashores have laborious packed sand, permitting residents and vacationers to drive and park alongside the sand, eliminating the necessity to lug round heavy seaside necessities.
Smyrna Dunes Park, a 184-acre inlet park, options two miles of handicap-accessible boardwalk, dog-friendly seaside entry, a fishing pier, and on-site services, making a day on the seaside easy and fulfilling.
New Smyrna Seaside has additionally earned a repute inside the browsing neighborhood. With water temperatures averaging 75 degrees year-round, along with constant and dependable waves, American Surf Magazine reported the waves in New Smyrna Seaside “are the most effective you’ll discover in Florida!”
Vacationers trying to conquer the waves can take classes from native surf legends like Joe Surbaugh and Jimmy Lane, who’ve been driving New Smyrna Seaside waves for many years. Surbaugh is a part of the Jimmy Lane Surf Academy, a top-tier surf faculty that has been instructing youngsters and adults the artwork of browsing for over 30 years.
Environmentally Pleasant Out of doors Adventures
As Florida’s first One Planet Living vacation spot, New Smyrna Seaside is dedicated to minimizing the affect of tourism’s environmental footprint. By way of expertly led ecotours, nature fans and outside lovers can discover the realm’s outstanding biodiversity responsibly.
Vacationers can go on eco boat excursions through the Marine Discovery Center and expertise considered one of North America’s most numerous ecosystems by way of “hands-on, feet-wet” experiences. Viking Ecotours gives Canaveral Nationwide Seashore kayaking adventures that includes playful dolphins and delicate manatees, in addition to after-dark bioluminescent kayaking, the place the water comes alive with pure blue-green mild shows.
A Inventive Neighborhood
New Smyrna Seaside additionally has a thriving artwork neighborhood and is acknowledged as considered one of “The Greatest Small Artwork Cities in America” by Americans for the Arts. On historic Canal Road, you’ll uncover galleries and dealing studios at locations like Jane’s Art Center, the place you possibly can recognize and interact within the arts.
The Hub on Canal, a nonprofit group, additionally performs an integral half within the New Smyrna Seaside neighborhood. The Hub is house to paintings by greater than 70 native and regional artists, that includes a dozen energetic studios the place you possibly can observe their masterpieces come to life.
However maybe probably the most endearing a part of this group is the volunteers’ unbelievable assist and dedication to creating the humanities accessible to the neighborhood’s youth and underserved. The Hub on Canal gives scholarship applications, mentoring, and workshops to empower people and foster financial growth.
Historic Districts: Distinctive Finds, Stylish Designs
Historic Canal Road can be house to outlets, boutiques, eating places, and the New Smyrna Museum of History. Vacationers can simply spend a day window procuring, having fun with a meal, looking for the right souvenir, or studying concerning the space’s wealthy historical past. Boutiques like The Posh Pineapple, a stylish reward and clothes retailer, function the most recent in Florida trend and one-of-a-kind finds.
On historic Flagler Avenue, a number of blocks from the ocean, vacationers will discover much more choices like surf outlets, designer swimwear, and energetic bars. Music and seafood festivals and wine walks are additionally held yearly.
New Smyrna Seaside is a relaxed coastal neighborhood exuding character and attraction. For these looking for a novel Florida trip full of rest, journey, and lasting reminiscences, this city ought to be on anybody’s record of must-visit locations.
This text was produced by Media Decision.
Alexandrea Sumuel is a journey author and the founding father of the Wander With Alex journey weblog, the place she gives vacationers with journey concepts, journey guides, information, and itineraries. She travels to expertise, eat, and explore– and, once in a while, escape! Alex’s mission is to assist individuals journey somewhat simpler.
