I’m researching some wonderful day trip options for families looking for fun outside of Orlando, and I’ve found a truly delightful coastal town that offers a change of pace. New Smyrna Beach is located just a little over an hour’s drive from the Orlando area, making it a very easy and popular excursion. You can get there by renting a car, which I strongly suggest for exploring the area. It’s a straightforward drive, and having a car is key for seeing all the different sights this coastal town has to offer.
Fun Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach has so much more than just its beautiful beaches. It has a lively food scene and a thriving arts and culture environment. You can also enjoy many water activities here, including spotting dolphins and experiencing bioluminescent waters.
Explore Flagler Avenue
Flagler Avenue is a fantastic place to start your visit. It’s a main street that runs between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll find many shops and places to eat here. It’s a great spot for a walk, and it’s very close to the beach.
You can find sweet treats at Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop or browse for unique fashion at boutiques like Look Charmed Boutique. For a coffee break, Cool Beans Cafe is a good choice. There are also shuffleboard courts right in the middle of town, which is a fun and easy activity to enjoy.
See Dolphins and Wildlife
The Marine Discovery Center offers various boat tours, including specific Dolphin Discovery tours. These tours are a wonderful way to see dolphins up close and often spot many kinds of birds as well. It’s a memorable experience for everyone.
If you’re interested in learning more about marine life, the Marine Discovery Center has aquariums and exhibits. They also have a great program for recycling oyster shells to help restore the local Indian River Lagoon. This shows their commitment to the environment and offers educational opportunities for visitors.
Experience Bioluminescent Kayaking
One of the most magical experiences you can have is a bioluminescent kayaking tour after dark. This natural phenomenon causes the water to glow with light from tiny organisms. It’s best seen between May and October, so plan your trip accordingly if this is something you’d like to witness.
Some tours even offer pedal kayaks, which make it easy for anyone, even those without kayaking experience, to enjoy the water. It’s a truly special way to see the natural beauty of the area, and some tours might even offer a chance to see playful dolphins as a bonus.
Visit Sugar Works Distillery
For those interested in local craft spirits, Sugar Works Distillery offers tours and tastings. You can learn how they make various spirits like bourbon, vodka, and rum, using locally sourced ingredients. They even have their own beehives for honey used in production, and they make their own bitters.
It’s a chance to taste unique flavors and understand the careful process that goes into making their products. The owners are passionate about their craft and share this with visitors, making for an informative and enjoyable experience.
Discover the Local Art Scene
New Smyrna Beach has a strong connection to its local artists. You can explore galleries like The Hub on Canal and Jane’s Art Center. These places showcase a wide range of art, including paintings, jewelry, and sculptures, created by talented local artists.
The Hub on Canal is a nonprofit that supports artists, and it’s a great place to see diverse works. If you’re feeling creative, you might even find classes or workshops offered, such as pottery, which could be a fun activity for you or even for family like my daughter Emma to try.
Walk Through Canal Street Historic District
The Canal Street Historic District is another area filled with art galleries and unique boutiques. You can find beautiful art to admire or purchase, and there are also shops offering gourmet food items and delicious chocolates. It’s a lovely area for a leisurely stroll and some shopping.
This district offers a mix of culture and retail. You can enjoy browsing through different shops and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs or local treats. It complements the art scene and provides more options for exploration.
Learn Local History
The New Smyrna Museum of History offers a look into the rich past of this coastal city, which is one of Florida’s oldest settlements. Inside, you can find historical artifacts, including ancient mastodon bones. The museum also houses the Museum of East Coast Surfing, and one ticket grants you access to both.
It’s a surprisingly fascinating place that tells the story of the area’s development. Admission is free for active-duty military and young children, making it an accessible historical outing for many.
Explore Black Heritage and Nature
The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum is housed in a historic church and preserves the stories and artifacts of the area’s Black community. It’s a place where you can learn about local history and see the work of artists like the Florida Highwaymen. The museum is run by a nonprofit and offers free admission.
Additionally, the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens offers a beautiful botanical setting with historical remnants of old sugar mills. You can also find unique concrete dinosaur sculptures there, a reminder of a past amusement park attempt. It’s a peaceful place with a unique blend of nature and history, and it’s free to visit.
Where to Eat and Drink
New Smyrna Beach has a fantastic food scene, with options for everyone. I’ve looked into a few places that seem perfect for a family meal or a nice dinner out.
Casual Beachside Bites
Flagler Tavern is conveniently located on Flagler Avenue, close to the beach. They offer a wide variety of dishes, from seafood to pub favorites. It’s a great spot for lunch with a diverse menu that should please different tastes. I found their spinach artichoke flatbread looked particularly delicious.
Cafe Verde, also on Flagler Avenue, is a good option for a casual lunch, especially if you’re near the beach. They offer salads, tacos, and customizable bowls. It’s particularly helpful that they have many clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which is always a consideration when planning meals with the family.
The Mermaid Cafe is known for its waffles and is open from 8 AM to 2 PM. They have a waffle bar with lots of toppings, making it a fun choice for breakfast or an early lunch. I think my younger daughter, Sofia, would love all the colorful topping options!
Refined Dining Experiences
Spanish River Grill is a highly-regarded restaurant that offers creative and fresh dishes, many sourced locally. They serve tapas and have delicious desserts, like their burnt Basque cheesecake. It’s recommended to make reservations in advance for this dining experience.
Voo La Voo Cafe is famous for its crepes, offering both sweet and savory options for breakfast and dinner. It brings an authentic French touch to the town and seems like a wonderful place for a relaxed meal. I can imagine enjoying a sweet crepe on their patio.
Unique Dining Ambiance
Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar offers a unique dining setting where you can eat in a treehouse. The ambiance is quite special, and enjoying a meal or a drink up there, surrounded by the branches of a large tree, sounds like a memorable experience. They serve dishes like almond-crusted grouper and have creative cocktails.
Where to Stay
When looking for a place to stay, New Smyrna Beach offers various hotels and vacation rentals. For those who dream of waking up to the sound of the ocean, beachfront accommodations are readily available. These places often come with amenities like beach chairs and boogie boards, making it easy to enjoy the sand and sea right outside your door. If you are considering a trip to the area in 2026, booking in advance is always a good idea, especially for prime beachfront locations.
While there are many hotel chains and boutique inns, consider vacation rentals for more space and a home-like feel, especially if you are traveling with family. These can provide kitchens and separate living areas, which are very convenient. I’m always looking for places that offer ease and comfort for my own family, and a beachfront condo could be a great option for a relaxing getaway.
Getting to and Around
New Smyrna Beach is easily accessible from Orlando. The drive is about an hour, and you have a few airport options to consider flying into. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most common, but Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) are closer to New Smyrna Beach and sometimes offer better deals on flights.
Once you arrive, renting a car is the most practical way to explore New Smyrna Beach thoroughly. While some areas like Flagler Avenue and Canal Street are walkable, a car is essential for reaching all the attractions and enjoying the full experience. It makes traveling between these different parts of town much easier and allows for more flexibility in your schedule.
This coastal town offers a wonderful mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, discover local art, or simply enjoy the beach, there’s something here for everyone.
