Experience the best of New Smyrna Beach with these Family-Friendly Ideas!
New Smyrna Beach (pronounced “smur-nah”) is one of the most popular beaches for families on Florida’s east coast. The casual beach vibe and relaxed atmosphere, miles of pristine sandy beaches, and tons of free things to do with kids make this small seaside town perfect for a weekend trip. Read on for the best family things to do in New Smyrna Beach!
How to Get to New Smyrna Beach
If you are flying in the closest airport is Daytona Beach International Airport, which is about 20 miles away. From there you can rent a car or take a taxi to New Smyrna Beach. If you are driving, New Smyrna Beach is located just south of Daytona Beach, and you can take I-95, US-1, or A1A to get there.
For those traveling from the Orlando area the directions are pretty simple! Take I-4 east for about 50 miles, then take FL-44 east towards New Smyrna Beach. Once you arrive, at the beach there is plenty of parking available, and most of the attractions and activities are within walking distance.
What Makes New Smyrna Family-Friendly
New Smyrna Beach consists of a gorgeous stretch of coastline filled with shells, wading birds, marine wildlife, and tons of other sea creatures to spot. The town itself has a multitude of things to do for all members of the family (including the pets), from history buffs to adventure-seekers. And the area is much quieter and more laid-back than the neighboring Daytona, bringing the coastal charm without the crowds.
13 of the Best Family Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
With similar vibes to Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, New Smyrna is filled with family-friendly things to do, see, explore, swim in, climb on, and paddle through. Our list continues to grow every time we visit, and we will continue to update this post with new ideas!
1. Enjoy the Beach!
The beaches are an excellent family-friendly spot for all ages to spend a day in New Smyrna! 17 miles of white sandy beaches, wide stretches of sand, and warm water create such an inviting experience. Enjoy the coastal breezes as you swim, float, paddleboard, boogie-board, and surf.
Or if you are looking to simply relax and unwind, the beach also provides many opportunities for lounging and reading a good book. Build an epic sandcastle, splash in the warm water, fly a kite- the activities are endless!
2. Spend an afternoon at the Canaveral National Seashore
The Canaveral National Seashore is a pristine natural treasure located just south of New Smyrna. This stretch of protected land consists of 24 miles of undeveloped coastline, dunes, lagoons, and salt marshes. A national park pass gets you in and is a great investment for those planning on visiting several times, or if you are going to any of Florida’s other gorgeous national parks!
The national seashore is home to a diverse range of wildlife including endangered species such as the Atlantic green sea turtle and West Indian manatee. Visitors can hike the nature trails, enjoy scenic picnics, swim, surf, fish, birdwatch or simply soak up the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
The best views in the park are found at Turtle Mound, a historical site inside the Canaveral Seashore with artifacts found dating back 2000 years ago. Visitors can climb to the top of the mound via an extensive and accessible boardwalk system to look out over the surrounding landscape with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mosquito Lagoon. The site is also home to a visitor center with information about the mound’s history and the Native American tribes that inhabited the area.
Tip for families: The park is divided into sections based on parking areas, numbered from 1-5, with the Turtle Mound boardwalk starting in lot 3. The road ends at Apollo Beach in lot 5, which is a nude beach. Just a heads up if you haven’t had the birds and bees talk with the kids yet!
3. Get Up Early for the Sunrise
I’m a sucker for an amazing sunset, but witnessing the sunrise at New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful sight. As the sun rises each morning along the east coast, the sky starts dark but is soon painted in brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and bright blue, casting a warm glow over the beach.
This quiet and peaceful time of day allows visitors to enjoy a sense of tranquility, listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. It’s the perfect viewpoint for a beach chair and steaming cup of coffee!
4. Look for Shells Along the Shore
Some of the best spots to find shells in New Smyrna Beach include the area around Ponce Inlet, Smyrna Dunes Park, and the Canaveral National Seashore. Beachcombers can discover a variety of shells, including conch, whelk, scallop, sand dollars, and even shark teeth. Use a shell collection bag that you can easily rinse off at the end of your journey.
It’s important to note that some shells may be protected, so be sure to check local restrictions before taking any shells home. Additionally, always be aware of marine wildlife and do not disturb any creatures or their habitats while beachcombing.
On an average day in New Smyrna Beach you are likely to see side-walking curious crabs, wading birds such as ibis, herons and sandpipers, pelicans, coquina shells, seagulls, and possibly even a dolphin or two. We have also spotted jellyfish, Gopher Tortoises, starfish, horseshoe crabs, and sea turtle nests.
After Hurricane Ian we spotted this shell tree- I’m not sure if it washed up on shore, or if it was already here, but it was still neat to come across!
5. Get a Bird's Eye View from a Lighthouse
The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a historical landmark that has been standing tall since the 19th century. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998, this is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest masonry lighthouse in the country.
This beautiful lighthouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular attraction for visitors from all around the world. Built in 1887, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse has since been restored to its original condition. Visitors can explore the grounds of the lighthouse and learn about its history through interactive displays and exhibits.
Visitors can also climb 203 steps to the top of the 175-foot tower and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the ocean, Ponce Inlet, the Indian River, and surrounding inland waterways from the lighthouse gallery deck. Standing tall and proud, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is a must-visit attraction for any family that is wanting to experience Florida’s coastline from a different perspective.
6. Catch a Wave
Recognized by National Geographic as being “one of the world’s top 20 surf towns” and among the “best towns for surfing” in the U.S. by Surfing Magazine, New Smyrna Beach is one of the most popular surfing destination in Florida. Known for its consistent waves and warm waters, the beach has sections to accommodate any and all levels of surfers. Professional surfers come to New Smyrna Beach to train and participate in annual surf competitions.
New Smyrna also boasts several surf shops and rental outlets where visitors can rent surfboards and gear. Surfing lessons are available for beginners of all ages who want to learn how to surf. Boogie-boarding and body surfing are also awesome ways to hang ten!
7. Wade in a Sandbar or Tide Pool
A sandbar is a long and narrow strip of sand that appears during low tide. The sandbar in New Smyrna is a great place to find shells, sand dollars, and various marine life including starfish, jellyfish, wading birds, and other burrowing sea creatures. Check local tide times for the best opportunities for a sandbar, as they change daily.
8. Enjoy Fantastic Seafood With a Great View
Local restaurants in New Smyrna Beach offer a wide variety of seafood options including shrimp, oysters, fish, crabs and lobster. One of the most popular restaurants in the area is JB’s Fish Camp, offering an extensive menu featuring traditional seafood dishes in a laid-back, rustic atmosphere. This is a great spot to grab a tropical drink (we recommend the rum runner) and watch the sun set over the lagoon while you wait for a table.
Tip: We frequently see manatees and dolphins from the docks at JB’s. This is also a great spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard from!
9. Stay Up for a Rocket Launch
New Smyrna Beach is a popular area to witness rocket launches due to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The best time to view a rocket launch is usually in the very early morning or late at night, as the sun can help illuminate the entire launch and create a beautiful contrast against the deep blue sky. Space-lovers can check the NASA & Kennedy Space Center page for launch schedules and plan your trip around one!
10. Paddle on the Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a protected inland body of water for smaller boats to travel safely from the East Coast to the Gulf. Running alongside the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, this 3,000-mile waterway begins in Massachusetts, runs along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the southern tip of Florida, then follows the Gulf Coast to Texas.
Sections of the intracoastal consist of inlets, saltwater rivers, bays, canals, lagoons, and sounds. This allows visitors to New Smyrna Beach plenty of opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and boating without heading into the open ocean waters. The areas near NSB encompass the Mosquito Lagoon and parts of the Indian River Lagoon, where calm waters frequently invite manatees and dolphins to frolic.
11. Enjoy the Sunset
Any Florida visitor knows the west coast brings some amazing sunsets, but that doesn’t mean you should discount an east coast sunset – these can be just as amazing. Depending on the day, the sky may gradually and quietly fade from bright blue to a deep navy, bringing the temperatures down a few blessed degrees during the summer.
Or, you may be met with brilliant pinks, purples, and yellows reflecting in the clouds that create a breathtaking landscape. Either way, sunsets are a time for relaxing and taking in the moments no matter what coast you are on!
12. Drive on the Beach
The beach at New Smryna is wide and flat, making it ideal for driving along the shoreline. Visitors can drive up to 10 mph on certain sections of the beach and park their vehicles to enjoy a day in the sun, surf, and sand. This is helpful for day-trippers, so your car is always within reach to grab supplies such as towels, coolers, and beach chairs.
There are 37 ramps to access the drivable sections of beach running from Ormond Beach south to New Smyrna Beach, of which only a handful are currently open due to extensive hurricane damage. Check the Volusia Beaches app to see which entrances are open and to see current weather conditions.
Tip: Families with smaller kids can opt for parking in one of the designated beach parking areas in the traffic-free zones and enjoying the day on the sand without worrying about passing cars. These lots typically also offer changing areas, public restrooms, and shower stations. Volusia County residents can park for free, visitors pay at a kiosk located at the lot (currently $20/day).
13. Don't Forget Your Furry Family Members!
Of course we couldn’t make a list about family things to do in New Smyrna and not include the fur-babies! Smyrna Dunes Park is a 184-acre park located along the southern shoreline of Ponce de Leon Inlet. The park has several dog-friendly beach swimming areas along sections of the parks’ inland shoreline (no dog swimming is allowed in the Atlantic Ocean). Restrooms and picnic pavilions are also available, great for rinsing off at the end of a beach day. The entry fee is $10 per car and is well worth it!
Smyrna Dunes Park has over 2 miles of elevated and accessible boardwalks with multiple scenic overlooks showcasing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River, and Ponce de Leon Inlet. Leashed pets are allowed on the boardwalk before 10AM and again just prior to sunset, and at the inlet shore beach area all day. There are dog rinsing stations available at the park as well.
The Best Time to Plan a Weekend in New Smyrna Beach
Summer in Florida = HOT, this is not news to anyone. Summer also brings crowds to the beaches, biting no-see-ums (tiny midge-like insects that are a definite nuisance), and afternoon thunderstorms. The shoulder season of late spring (April & May) and early fall (September & October) are the best times to plan a family trip to New Smyrna Beach.
Keep in mind that March has bike week and spring breakers in Daytona and this trickles down somewhat into New Smyrna as well. If you are looking for the best time to visit with kids when school is out, plan a trip during a fall or winter break. You may not be swimming as much in the ocean at this time but the weather is much more mild and less humid.
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Whether you are looking for fun in the sun (with sunscreen of course!), wildlife viewing, shell hunting, or just a good old-fashioned beach day, there are so many family things to do in New Smyrna!
Some of our favorite family beach guides:
Happy Travels!
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