Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
About 90 minutes east of Ocala, New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back Atlantic surf town with boutique dining on Flagler Avenue, miles of undeveloped coastline at Canaveral National Seashore, and some of the best waves on the East Coast.
New Smyrna Beach, about 90 minutes east of Ocala, is one of the East Coast's top surf destinations with a walkable Flagler Avenue dining district. Top activities include surfing at the inlet, exploring Canaveral National Seashore's undeveloped coastline, kayaking the Indian River Lagoon, dining at chef-driven restaurants on Flagler Avenue, and visiting the Atlantic Center for the Arts.
New Smyrna Beach sits approximately 85 miles southeast of Ocala, about a 90-minute drive via I-75 South to I-4 East. Often called NSB by locals, this Atlantic Coast town of roughly 27,000 residents has earned a reputation as Daytona Beach's more refined, laid-back neighbor. Where Daytona draws crowds with its boardwalk and motorsport heritage, NSB attracts surfers, artists, foodies, and families who prefer a quieter, more upscale beach experience.
The heart of NSB is Flagler Avenue, a walkable strip that runs from the mainland across the North Causeway bridge to the beachfront. Flagler Avenue has evolved into one of the best small-town dining streets on Florida's east coast, with restaurants like The Garlic (Mediterranean with a loyal following), Third Wave Cafe (eclectic brunch and dinner), Norwood's Treehouse Bar & Seafood (fresh catch in a multi-level setting), and a mix of wine bars, coffee shops, and boutiques.
NSB is arguably the surf capital of the Atlantic Coast of Florida. The Ponce de Leon Inlet at the south end of the beach creates consistent, rideable waves that attract surfers from across the Southeast. The waves are generally moderate in size and break over a sandy bottom, making NSB one of the best places to learn to surf. Multiple surf schools operate near the inlet, and board rental shops line the beachfront. The surfing culture permeates the town, from the casual dress code to the surf art in local galleries.
South of the inlet, Canaveral National Seashore protects 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline — the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on Florida's east coast. Apollo Beach, the northern section accessible from NSB, offers pristine sand, dune-backed shoreline, and seasonal lifeguard service. The national seashore also encompasses Mosquito Lagoon, one of the most productive fishing and kayaking areas in Florida.
The Indian River Lagoon borders NSB to the west, providing exceptional kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing opportunities. The Marine Discovery Center offers guided eco-tours and kayak rentals for exploring the lagoon's mangrove-lined waterways. For Ocala residents looking for a beach day trip with character, good food, and outdoor diversity beyond just sand and surf, New Smyrna Beach delivers on every count.
Surfing & Surf Schools
Must VisitNew Smyrna Beach is consistently ranked among the best surf spots on the East Coast. The Ponce de Leon Inlet creates reliable wave breaks over a sandy bottom, producing conditions ideal for both experienced surfers and first-timers. Several surf schools offer group and private lessons, including board and wetsuit rental. The inlet jetty area is the most popular surf spot, while the beach breaks north along the main stretch offer gentler waves for beginners.
Flagler Avenue District
Must VisitThe main commercial strip of New Smyrna Beach, Flagler Avenue runs from the mainland to the beachfront and is lined with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, wine bars, and coffee shops. It has become one of the best small-town dining streets on the Florida coast. Notable restaurants include The Garlic for Mediterranean fare, Third Wave Cafe for eclectic meals, and Norwood's Treehouse Bar & Seafood. The avenue hosts a monthly art walk and seasonal street festivals.
New Smyrna Beach Fishing
NSB offers excellent fishing from the inlet jetties, the beach, and throughout the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon systems. The inlet area produces catches of redfish, snook, flounder, and sheepshead. Mosquito Lagoon is nationally renowned as one of the best sight-fishing destinations for redfish in the country. Several charter captains operate out of NSB, offering inshore and nearshore trips for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Canaveral National Seashore
Protecting 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline — the longest such stretch on Florida's east coast — Canaveral National Seashore is accessible from NSB via the Apollo Beach entrance. The beach is backed by natural dunes and coastal scrub rather than hotels and condos. Seasonal lifeguards staff Apollo Beach, and the park offers hiking trails, a visitor center, and access to Turtle Mound, a 35-foot Timucuan shell midden that provides panoramic coastal views.
Indian River Lagoon Kayaking
The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, and the stretch near NSB is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. The Marine Discovery Center offers guided eco-tours and kayak rentals for exploring mangrove-lined waterways teeming with dolphins, manatees, birds, and fish. Self-guided paddling is also popular along the lagoon's sheltered waters. Bioluminescent kayak tours are available during summer months when conditions are right.
Dining & Nightlife
Beyond Flagler Avenue, NSB has a surprisingly deep dining scene for its size. JB's Fish Camp serves waterfront casual fare on the Indian River Lagoon with live music and an Old Florida atmosphere. The Spanish River Grill offers upscale riverfront dining with creative seafood preparations. The Breakers Oceanfront Park area has casual beachside restaurants. For after-dinner drinks, Flagler Avenue's wine bars and craft cocktail spots provide a low-key nightlife scene.
Atlantic Center for the Arts
A nationally recognized interdisciplinary arts center set on 69 acres of coastal hardwood hammock. The center hosts artist-in-residence programs, exhibitions, workshops, and performances throughout the year. The campus includes studio buildings, a sculpture garden, and nature trails through the surrounding hammock. Public programs include concerts, gallery openings, and community art classes. It adds a cultural dimension to a beach day trip that most Florida beach towns cannot match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is New Smyrna Beach from Ocala?
New Smyrna Beach is approximately 85 miles southeast of Ocala, about a 90-minute drive via I-75 South to I-4 East, then south on I-95 or US-1. You can also take SR-40 East through the Ocala National Forest for a scenic alternative. The town sits just south of Daytona Beach along the Atlantic coast.
Is New Smyrna Beach good for beginner surfers?
New Smyrna Beach is widely considered one of the best places to learn to surf on the East Coast. The consistent, moderate-sized waves and sandy bottom make it forgiving for beginners. Multiple surf schools operate along the inlet area, offering lessons that include board rental and instruction. The inlet jetty area produces the most consistent waves.
What are the best restaurants in New Smyrna Beach?
The Flagler Avenue district is the dining hub. Popular spots include The Garlic for creative Mediterranean cuisine, Third Wave Cafe for eclectic brunch and dinner, Norwood's Treehouse Bar & Seafood for fresh catch in a multi-level setting, and JB's Fish Camp for waterfront casual dining on the Indian River Lagoon. The Spanish River Grill offers upscale riverfront dining.
How does New Smyrna Beach compare to Daytona Beach?
New Smyrna Beach is smaller, quieter, and more upscale than Daytona Beach. It attracts a mix of surfers, artists, and families rather than the spring break and motorsport crowds. Flagler Avenue has more boutique shops and chef-driven restaurants. The beach itself is less developed and less crowded. NSB also borders Canaveral National Seashore, offering miles of undeveloped coastline that Daytona cannot match.
Is New Smyrna Beach really the shark bite capital?
New Smyrna Beach does record more shark bites per square mile than any other beach in the world, but context matters. The vast majority are minor nips from juvenile blacktip sharks that mistake surfers for fish, and serious injuries are extremely rare. Millions of people swim and surf at NSB every year without incident. Locals treat it as a quirky distinction rather than a genuine safety concern.
What family-friendly activities are there in New Smyrna Beach?
Families enjoy the calm waters of the inlet area for swimming, the Marine Discovery Center for educational boat tours and kayak rentals on the Indian River Lagoon, Smyrna Dunes Park with its boardwalk trails and beach access, and the shops and ice cream parlors along Flagler Avenue. Canaveral National Seashore offers pristine beach access with lifeguards at Apollo Beach.
Plan Your New Smyrna Beach Day Trip
From world-class surfing and boutique dining to undeveloped national seashore and lagoon kayaking, NSB is one of the most rewarding beach trips from Ocala.