Nestled just 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets—a beach town with soul. While Daytona is known for its iconic speedway and spring break energy, NSB (as the locals call it) brings a slower, more artistic, and deeply local vibe. Surfers flock here for the Atlantic swells, while artists find inspiration in the charming historic streets lined with galleries and live music. It's the kind of town where flip-flops are the dress code, strangers greet each other with a nod, and sunsets over the Intracoastal Waterway make time stand still.
Planning a week in New Smyrna Beach is more than a beach vacation—it's an immersive experience into coastal living with a creative twist. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or bringing the whole family, this guide will help you spend seven unforgettable days exploring the art, surf, food, and charm of this small town with a big personality.
Day 1: Arrive and Embrace the Coastal Vibe
Kick off your New Smyrna Beach adventure by checking into one of the town’s boutique beachfront hotels or cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Options like the Inn on the Avenue or Black Dolphin Inn offer charm, hospitality, and easy access to both beach and downtown.
Start the afternoon by heading straight to Flagler Avenue, NSB’s vibrant main street. Lined with colorful shops, outdoor cafés, and surf boutiques, it perfectly captures the town’s relaxed energy. Grab a bite at Third Wave Café, where you can enjoy locally roasted coffee or wood-fired flatbreads under a canopy of trees.
By evening, walk along the New Smyrna Beach Boardwalk. It’s less crowded than Daytona Beach’s boardwalk but equally picturesque, especially at golden hour. Watch the surfers ride the last waves of the day, then settle in at The Breakers, an iconic oceanfront burger spot with unbeatable views and people-watching.
Daytona Beach visitors often make the short drive to NSB to experience this laid-back atmosphere—a perfect introduction to your weeklong stay.
Day 2: Surf the Swells at One of Florida’s Best Beaches
New Smyrna Beach is consistently ranked among the top surf towns in the U.S., making it a must for surfers—beginners and pros alike. Start your morning with a lesson from a local surf school, like Nichols Surf Shop or Red Dog Surf Shop. These long-established outfitters not only rent boards and gear but also offer group and private lessons.
Head to Jetty Park or the 27th Avenue Beachfront Park, two popular surf spots where the waves roll in consistently thanks to the Atlantic’s tidal action. Don't worry if surfing isn't your thing—these spots are also great for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking under the palms.
In the afternoon, explore Canal Street Historic District. Unlike the touristy vibe of Daytona Beach, this area offers boutique galleries, antique shops, and even a small NSB Museum of History. If you're lucky, your visit may coincide with a local art walk or farmer’s market.
End your day with fresh seafood at Riverpark Terrace—a garden-to-table restaurant tucked near the Indian River, known for its romantic, twinkling-light setting.
Day 3: Explore the Local Art Scene and Culture
NSB’s creative spirit runs deep. On Day 3, immerse yourself in the town’s rich arts and cultural offerings. Begin your day at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, an artist-in-residence program that offers rotating exhibitions and workshops nestled within a scenic preserve. The center attracts national and international artists and showcases everything from fine arts to experimental music.
Next, take a self-guided gallery stroll down Flagler Avenue and Canal Street, where you’ll find dozens of small studios and shops featuring everything from coastal photography to hand-blown glass and abstract painting.
Make time for a stop at Jane’s Art Center, known for its ceramics gallery and live workshops. Whether you're browsing or buying, you'll find something truly unique and locally made.
Round out the day with dinner at Norwood’s Treehouse, a lively eatery built into a sprawling oak tree. Enjoy craft cocktails and live music while sitting in the treetops—a whimsical cap to an artsy day.
While Daytona Beach is rich in entertainment, New Smyrna’s art-forward vibe makes it a must-visit for culture lovers.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventure in the Lagoon and Beyond
Shift from the surf to the sea with a full day dedicated to eco-adventures. Start with a morning kayak tour through the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. Companies like Marine Discovery Center offer guided eco-tours where you can spot manatees, dolphins, and countless bird species.
If you're into fishing, book a charter trip and cast lines for redfish, trout, and snook. Prefer something more relaxed? Rent a pontoon or paddleboard and explore at your own pace.
For lunch, stop by Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, located right on the marina. Savor island-style seafood with breezy views.
In the afternoon, visit Smyrna Dunes Park, a stunning 73-acre preserve at the northern tip of the peninsula. Hike along boardwalks that wind through dunes and salt marshes to panoramic views of Ponce Inlet. You can even spot the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse in the distance—a nod to Daytona Beach’s nautical past.
Don’t forget your camera; this park is Instagram gold.
Day 5: Day Trip to Daytona Beach
No trip to New Smyrna Beach is complete without a quick hop to nearby Daytona Beach—just a 25-minute drive away. Spend the day exploring Daytona’s world-famous attractions like the Daytona International Speedway, or stroll through Beach Street’s shops and eateries.
Catch a sunset from the Main Street Pier, then return to NSB for a quiet evening. Daytona Beach delivers fast-paced fun, while New Smyrna offers the perfect coastal calm to return to.
Day 6: Family-Friendly Fun and Hidden Gems
Start your sixth day with a bike ride along the beach. NSB is one of the few Florida beaches where cycling on the sand is allowed. Rentals are easy to find, and the flat shoreline makes for a scenic ride.
Later, take the kids (or your inner child) to the New Smyrna Lanes for bowling, or head to Old Fort Park, a mysterious set of coquina ruins from the 1700s. Some say it's a Spanish fort, others think it was a colonial home—either way, it sparks curiosity.
Want more hidden gems? Check out Sugar Mill Ruins, another archaeological site just minutes from downtown. For something sweet, visit Beacon Frozen Custard, a local favorite since the 1950s.
Wrap up your day with a bonfire on the beach (check with the city for permit info) or a quiet evening cruise along the Intracoastal. This is the slower, more meaningful side of Florida that travelers often miss.
Day 7: Sunrise, Souvenirs, and Saying Goodbye
Wake early on your final day to catch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Few things are as serene as the sight of first light shimmering over the waves, especially with a warm drink in hand.
Spend your morning shopping for local souvenirs—perhaps sea glass jewelry, surf art prints, or gourmet jams from local makers.
If time allows, revisit your favorite coffee shop or grab brunch at Wake Up Café, known for its Latin-American twist on breakfast favorites.
As you pack up and check out, you’ll realize that New Smyrna Beach isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. One you’ll carry home and, undoubtedly, want to return to.
Conclusion
A week in New Smyrna Beach is more than a vacation—it’s a journey through surf culture, local art, wild nature, and small-town warmth. Just a short drive from the buzz of Daytona Beach, NSB offers the perfect contrast: peaceful mornings, uncrowded sands, fresh-caught seafood, and a vibrant artistic heartbeat. Whether you come for the waves, the galleries, or simply the slower pace, New Smyrna makes it easy to fall in love.
This coastal town invites you to pause, explore, and connect—whether it’s with the ocean, the art, or the welcoming locals who call this place home. So if you're planning a Florida getaway and want something authentic, creative, and coastal, spend your next week in New Smyrna Beach. Trust us—once you visit, you’ll keep coming back.
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