Area Highlights

Coastal Woods Area Information

Located at the mouth of the Ponce de Leon Inlet, New Smyrna Beach serves as the gateway to the historic and picturesque Indian River Intracoastal Waterway and 13 miles of Atlantic Coast beach. The area is 32 square miles and its population is 22,000.

Rich in history and sunshine, New Smyrna Beach is often referred to as “Florida’s Original Theme Park.” Bound at the south side of the island by the pristine 57,000-acre Canaveral National Seashore park and at the north end by Smyrna Dunes Park, with its 1.5-mile boardwalk loop around the Inlet area, nature comes alive here. Watersports abound, with some of the best surfing in the area and fishing that is absolutely first-class. Palm trees border Flagler Avenue, a true seaside beach street lined with quaint boutiques, surf shops and restaurants. Historic Canal Street in downtown New Smyrna Beach has enjoyed a renewed emphasis on its old town charm. Visit www.canalstreetnsb.com. It’s a small town full of southern charm and home to a vibrant historic downtown and beachside shopping boutique, a multitude of parks and outdoor recreation possibilities and just a short drive to other Florida attractions such as Daytona Beach, Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center.

Many historical and cultural sites also make New Smyrna Beach noteworthy. Founded by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, the city is named after the homeland of his wife, Smyrna, Turkey. From the Eldora State House to the Ponce Inlet lighthouse, the area is rich in history. It abounds from Old Fort Park to the Turnbull and Sugar Mill Ruins, where visitors can step back in time and track the city’s history from the 1500s to today.

Named one of the “America’s Top Small Cities for The Arts”, New Smyrna is home to the Atlantic Center for the Arts, an artists-in-residence community and educational facility, the Harris House, the Little Theatre and Arts on Douglas. A growing antique trade will let you go “antiquing” to your heart’s content. It should be no surprise that the second oldest city in Florida is home to many antique shopping pavilions. If you have an interest in the arts, you will feel right at home here. The city is active year-round with art festivals, gallery openings, adult and children’s classes, live music and performances.

New Smyrna possesses a distinct hometown quality reflected in its cracker architecture, lush tropic landscape and community. Enjoy culinary delights from fresh seafood to steaks and pasta on the waterfront, or under an umbrella at a sidewalk cafe. At the end of the day, retire to a charming bed and breakfast inn, family-size condominium or oceanfront hotel.

Outdoor Recreation is a way of life in New Smyrna Beach, with everything from swimming and scuba diving to golf and hiking. However, the beaches are the top draw for this beautiful island town. It has more than 13 miles of pristine white sand beaches with an additional 24 miles of coastline at nearby Canaveral National Seashore, which is located on the south end of the island. New Smyrna Beach was voted “Best Beach in Florida,” by readers of Florida Monthly Magazine. Visitors and residents love sunning and beachcombing on the sandy beaches, many enjoy windsurfing, sailing, surf fishing and other activities. It’s also a great place for those who want to learn more about Florida’s diverse ecology, where boat tours are available of the Indian River Lagoon, and with the Canaveral National Seashore’s dunes, lagoon and salt marsh and several endangered species of birds and animals. New Smyrna Beach also offers visitors access to professional sports, cultural and recreational activities and world-class attractions. The area is dotted with museums and performing arts centers and the weekends are filled with festivals and concerts. New Smyrna Beach was named one of the “Top Small Cities for the Arts,” and is home to the Atlantic Center for the Arts and the Little Theater of New Smyrna Beach. Nearby Daytona Beach has live celebrity performances at several venues in that city. Hotels and restaurants in New Smyrna Beach are plentiful and offer a wide range of choices, everything from fast food to some of the finest dining on the Florida coast. All of these amenities, topped by gorgeous beaches and a near perfect climate, make New Smyrna Beach a great vacation destination.

Area Information

Useful Links
New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau
City of New Smyrna Beach
Visit Florida
Canal Street – New Smyrna Beach
Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce