12 Unique Things To Do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Wine walks, hidden gems, incredible food, and a few surprises along the way.
New Smyrna Beach isn't your typical Florida beach town. It's a little artsy, a little quirky, and effortlessly charming. Beyond its beautiful Atlantic shoreline, you'll find hidden historic ruins, treehouse dining, a thriving food scene, and an island that literally disappears with the tide.
Spend the afternoon sipping wine along Flagler Avenue, discover a charming European pastry shop downtown, learn to surf, or gather around a beach campfire as the day winds down.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a romantic escape, or simply searching for fun things to do in New Smyrna Beach, here are 12 experiences that make this coastal town worth exploring.
1. Sip, Shop & Stroll the Flagler Avenue Wine Walk
If sipping wine while exploring colorful boutiques sounds like your kind of afternoon, you'll love the Flagler Avenue Wine Walk.
Held on the last Saturday of most months, this popular event transforms the beachside shopping district into a strolling wine-tasting experience. Sample wines at participating businesses, browse independent shops, and enjoy the lively coastal atmosphere.
Flagler Avenue is also known for its art walks, festivals, restaurants, and live entertainment. Even when the Wine Walk isn't happening, it's one of the most entertaining streets in town.
Local tip: Check the Flagler Avenue event calendar before visiting. Wine Walk tickets and tasting details can vary by event.
2. Gather Around a Beach Campfire
There's something wonderfully nostalgic about a fire on the beach. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the flames, marshmallows roasting, and nowhere else you need to be.
Barefoot Philosophy brings that experience to life with professionally arranged Beach Campfires along the New Smyrna Beach shoreline.
Choose from comfortable Adirondack seating, relaxed fireside arrangements, and atmospheric lighting, with fire styles available according to the season and local regulations.
The Classic Beach Campfire is perfect for families and smaller gatherings, while larger groups can enjoy multiple fireside areas designed for spending an unforgettable evening together.
It's a favorite for birthdays, visiting family, reunions, and friends who want to experience the beach a little differently.
Experience it: Explore Beach Campfires with Barefoot Philosophy.
3. Eat Your Way Through Historic Canal Street
New Smyrna Beach has a surprisingly impressive dining scene, and historic Canal Street is quickly becoming a destination for food lovers.
One of the newer additions is Bar Leona, an inviting Italian wine bar bringing a touch of European charm to downtown. With Italian-inspired dishes, pasta, and a thoughtfully selected wine list, it's the kind of place that makes you want to linger over another glass.
Just next door, AJ Chocolate House is an adorable European-style dessert café filled with beautiful chocolates, pastries, coffee, and tempting sweet treats. It's a little slice of indulgence tucked into the heart of Canal Street.
A few more downtown favorites worth discovering:
City Market Bistro: An intimate, French-inspired dining experience.
Corkscrew Bar & Grille: Creative Southern-inspired comfort food and cocktails.
The Spott: Upscale dining with a distinctive speakeasy-style atmosphere.
Between meals, explore the independent boutiques, art galleries, and historic buildings that give Canal Street its character.
Local tip: Plan your visit around a downtown Sip & Stroll or gallery event for an afternoon of food, drinks, and local discoveries.
4. Learn to Surf in One of Florida's Favorite Surf Towns
New Smyrna Beach is known for its surfing culture, and there's no better place to try catching your first wave.
Local surf schools offer beginner-friendly lessons covering everything from paddling and balancing to standing up on your board.
Whether you're traveling with teenagers, planning an adventurous date, or simply looking to try something new, a surf lesson is a fun way to experience the Atlantic.
Not quite ready to jump in? Grab a coffee and watch the surfers from the shoreline.
Local tip: Book with an experienced instructor who knows the local breaks, currents, and changing surf conditions.
5. Explore Smyrna Dunes Park — Dogs Welcome!
At the northern tip of New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Dunes Park is one of the area's most beautiful natural escapes.
An elevated boardwalk winds through protected coastal dunes, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, and the surrounding waterways.
Keep an eye out for shorebirds, gopher tortoises, and dolphins playing in the inlet.
And here's the best part for dog lovers: the park has a designated dog-friendly beach area where leashed pups can enjoy the shoreline, too.
It's a wonderful place for an early morning walk, photography, or simply taking in the scenery.
6. Have Dinner in a Treehouse
Yes, New Smyrna Beach has a treehouse bar, and it's every bit as fun as it sounds.
Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar is one of the area's most unusual dining destinations, with elevated outdoor seating nestled among the trees.
Think cocktails, fresh seafood, and a whimsical atmosphere that feels a little like a grown-up childhood hideaway.
It's an especially fun choice for date night, a girls' getaway, or anyone who appreciates a restaurant with personality.
7. Visit an Island That Disappears with the Tide
Just offshore near Ponce Inlet is one of the area's most unusual natural attractions: Disappearing Island.
This sandy gathering spot emerges as the tide recedes and gradually disappears beneath the water as the tide rises.
Accessible by boat, it's a favorite among local boaters who come to enjoy the shallow water, sunshine, and spectacular coastal scenery.
If you don't have a boat, look into local captained charters that explore the inlet and surrounding waterways like Toon Tiki
Local tip: Plan around the tides and always use appropriate boating safety precautions.
8. Enjoy a Romantic Beach Teepee Dinner
Looking for something a little more memorable than another restaurant reservation?
Imagine an intimate dinner for two beneath a beautiful coastal teepee, with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.
Barefoot Philosophy's Beach Teepee experience brings a romantic dining setting directly to the sand, complete with a low dining table, comfortable pillow seating, elegant linens, place settings, and thoughtful finishing touches.
With a choice of entrées, it's a distinctive way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, romantic surprise, or simply an evening together.
No crowded dining room. No ordinary dinner date. Just the ocean and an experience worth remembering.
Experience it: Discover Beach Teepees by Barefoot Philosophy.
9. Discover New Smyrna Beach's Bob Ross Connection
Here's something you probably didn't know about New Smyrna Beach: it has a connection to America's favorite happy little painter.
Bob Ross lived in the area, and the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery celebrates his artistic legacy.
Visitors can explore opportunities to learn the famous wet-on-wet painting technique associated with his television series, The Joy of Painting.
It's an unexpected stop for art enthusiasts, nostalgic travelers, and anyone who has ever wanted to paint their own happy little trees.
Check current workshop schedules and visitor information before planning your stop.
10. Uncover the Mystery of Old Fort Park
Tucked away near downtown New Smyrna Beach is a curious piece of Florida history.
Old Fort Park contains unusual coquina-stone ruins whose original purpose has been debated for generations.
Was it an unfinished colonial fort? Part of an early settlement? The remains of another historic structure?
The mystery is part of its appeal.
It's a quick but fascinating stop for history buffs and curious explorers, and it's easy to combine with a stroll through historic Canal Street.
11. Discover the Artsy Side of New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach has a creative spirit, and nowhere is that more apparent than downtown.
The Hub on Canal is a vibrant arts destination featuring working artists, galleries, studios, exhibitions, and creative workshops.
Browse original paintings, photography, handmade jewelry, and one-of-a-kind pieces created by local artists.
The area's gallery walks and special events make it easy to spend an afternoon discovering something unexpected.
It's a refreshing alternative to the typical souvenir-shopping experience.
12. Watch a Rocket Launch from the Beach
How many beach towns give you the chance to watch a rocket launch into space?
When conditions are right, launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral can be visible from New Smyrna Beach.
Find a clear spot along the shoreline, look south, and watch as the rocket climbs above the horizon.
Night launches can be particularly spectacular, lighting up the sky over the Atlantic.
Visibility depends on weather, launch trajectory, and atmospheric conditions, and schedules can change with little notice.
Local tip: Check the latest Kennedy Space Center launch information before planning your evening.
New Smyrna Beach: A Little Quirky, A Lot to Love
Part of New Smyrna Beach's charm is that it doesn't try too hard.
You can spend the morning learning to surf, the afternoon exploring art galleries and European-inspired cafés, and the evening enjoying a glass of wine or the warmth of a beach campfire.
It's a destination where simple pleasures and unexpected discoveries come together.
And when you're ready to create a beach memory of your own, Barefoot Philosophy offers two distinctive ways to experience the shoreline: Beach Campfires and romantic Beach Teepee dining.
Don't just visit the beach. Experience it.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Smyrna Beach
What are the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach?
Popular activities include exploring Flagler Avenue, visiting Smyrna Dunes Park, discovering Canal Street's restaurants and galleries, taking surf lessons, and enjoying unique experiences such as beach campfires and romantic teepee dining.
What are some unusual things to do in New Smyrna Beach?
Visit Disappearing Island, dine in a treehouse at Norwood's, explore the mysterious Old Fort ruins, discover the Bob Ross Art Workshop, or watch a rocket launch from the beach.
What are the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach for couples?
Couples can enjoy Flagler Avenue's Wine Walk, dinner at Bar Leona, dessert at AJ Chocolate House, a romantic Beach Teepee dinner, or a fireside evening overlooking the Atlantic.
Is New Smyrna Beach worth visiting for a weekend?
Absolutely. Its combination of beautiful beaches, independent restaurants, historic downtown shopping, surfing, local arts, and unusual attractions makes it an excellent weekend destination.
What can you do in New Smyrna Beach at night?
Enjoy dinner along Canal Street, explore Flagler Avenue's restaurants and entertainment, attend a local event, or book a professionally arranged beach campfire where seasonal regulations permit.
Is New Smyrna Beach dog-friendly?
Smyrna Dunes Park offers designated areas where leashed dogs are welcome. Always check the park's current pet rules before visiting.
Can you have a beach campfire in New Smyrna Beach?
Beach fires are subject to local regulations, applicable permits, seasonal sea turtle protections, and location-specific restrictions. Barefoot Philosophy offers professionally arranged beach campfire experiences that accommodate permitted fire styles and scheduling.
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