New Smyrna Beach: Florida's Trending Beach Destination

Image: PHOTO: Walk the 1.7-mile long boardwalk at Smyrna Dunes Park. (photo by Emily Krause)

by Michael Schottey
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Wed May 1, 2019

Some destinations are content with what they're known for. Others, like New Smyrna Beach on Florida's Eastern coast, are able to reinvent themselves and take the experience to a whole new level.

For years, New Smyrna Beach didn't exactly roll off the tongue of tourists picking their Florida vacation. Still, it was known for a few things that may have attracted some visitors.

It is one of the closest (and nicest) beaches to Orlando, and many will take a day trip or an overnight trip to New Smyrna Beach to add a little sand and salt water to their Disney or Universal vacation.

New Smyrna Beach is also an excellent surfing destination-the best in Florida and one of the tops in the country. All of those surfers in the water have sadly earned the destination another, less enviable, moniker. It is also the "Sharkbite Capital of the World." Swimming is totally safe, of course, but it's not the most exciting thing to be known for.

Recently, however, the buzz around New Smyrna Beach has been changing.

Thanks to some urban sprawl from nearby Daytona Beach as well as a concerted effort by local business leaders, there is a renaissance in New Smyrna Beach that makes this area worth visiting all on its own for travelers of all types. In fact, not only could New Smyrna Beach end up being your new favorite Florida getaway, you might just wonder what's keeping you from coming back more often.

Where to Stay:

Islander Beach Resort: While much has changed in New Smyrna Beach the past couple of years, the Islander has not...and that's a good thing. This quaint beachfront spot isn't aiming for luxury, but for the couple or family looking for a comfortable stay and a piece of nostalgia, this is a great pick.

Anchor Inn NSB B&B: One of the best B&B's in Florida is a great spot to recharge after days of running around. Pro-Tip: If you are one of those families looking to extend an Orlando stay in New Smyrna Beach, Anchor Inn has Orlando resort-style level of service without, you know, all of the hectic hustle and bustle.

The Riverview Hotel & Spa: I could say a million things about the Riverview Hotel (and they would all be true), but let's focus on the spa for a minute. In terms of relaxation and service, The Spa at Riverview rivals anything on a high-end resort. With a couples package here, you may just forget there's a beach right outside-or that your family is out there.

What to Eat:

The Garlic: Right across from The Riverview is a five-star caliber Italian restaurant with the kind of Osso Buco dreams are made of. Start with the Zuppa de Garlicand make sure you bring a dozen breath mints.

Finger Lickin BBQ and Wings: Don't come anywhere close to this place if you're thinking about any sort of physical activity afterward. You will likely need to be rolled out after pounds of ribs, pulled pork or wings-all in their special Finger Lickin sauce.

The Breakers Restaurant: On the surface, The Breakers looks like any of a thousand beachfront restaurants in Florida. Because these types of places are so ubiquitous, one wouldn't be blamed for ignoring altogether or having predictably low expectations. That would be a mistake. The Breakers has been around forever, but current management took over in 1990, making it one of the best burger places in Central Florida.

What to Do:

Florida Brew Tours: Brewing is taking off in Central Florida, and New Smyrna Beach has a couple of the finest in New Smyrna Brewing Company and Half Wall Brewery. Want to sample both (and more)? Hop on Florida Brew Tour's brew bus and tour in style! Bonus: You get to drink on the bus too.

Bi-Plane Flight Tours: One of the hidden gems of New Smyrna Beach is its community of bi-plane pilots who do everything from flyovers at local events and stunt shows. They also give tours, and the beachfront never looks better than from 1,000 feet up!

Hang Out on Flagler Avenue: The pivot in New Smyrna Beach's recent history-the craft brewing, the nicer restaurants, the rising caliber of amenities-has everything to do with the revitalization of Flagler Avenue, which might be one of the most polished and well-rounded mainstreets of any beach city in Florida. From art to shopping and dining, the walk is worth it.

When to Visit:

ArtWalk/WineWalk: If I haven't sold you on Flagler Avenue's arty vibe and legit culture cred, perhaps you'd like to visit in April. Local artists set up shop, and one can walk around, enjoy the sites AND have a wine tasting along the way. Yeah, I thought so...I'll meet you there.

Seaside Fiesta: Every June for over 30 years, New Smyrna Beach has hosted one of the premier beachfront festivals in Florida. Enjoy carnival games, street food, live entertainment and more.

Around a Shuttle Launch: An hour's drive north of Cape Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach is the perfect place to check out a SpaceX Launch. If you have kids, it's worth it to start booking now-just to see the look on their faces.

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