The Beach Visitors Fall For
Fifteen minutes from Daytona, worlds apart.
Just 15 minutes south of Daytona Beach — separated by the Ponce Inlet — sits New Smyrna Beach. Only 15 miles apart, yet they feel like two completely different worlds.
While Daytona is the classic "popular American beach" (boardwalk, crowds, motorcycle rallies), New Smyrna is the laid-back alternative: a quiet shoreline, a small charming community, and worldwide fame among surfers.
Why so many travelers choose New Smyrna over Daytona: it's significantly less crowded, the downtown along Flagler Avenue is genuinely charming, it's the surf capital of the US Atlantic Coast, the sunsets over the Indian River are spectacular, the local restaurants are top-tier, parking is free, and it's all just one hour from Orlando.
What to See
What's in New Smyrna
Beaches, a walkable downtown, art galleries, and wildlife you won't see in the parks.
The beach (and its world-famous surf)
Seventeen miles of Atlantic coastline plus consistent waves equals a surfer's paradise. You'll find pale, firm sand, waves running 3-6 feet (great for intermediate and advanced surfers), a strong surf community, and car access permitted on some stretches.
Shark heads-up: New Smyrna is known as the "shark bite capital of the world" — it records more shark encounters than anywhere else in the US. They're usually small blacktips and bites are rarely serious. Surfers say it's worth it for the waves. Check the posted signs and swim near a lifeguard.
Flagler Avenue — the charming main street
New Smyrna's main drag is lined with local surf shops, premium and casual restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries — a European-beach-town feel. Unlike the more touristy Daytona Boardwalk, Flagler Avenue is sophisticated and distinctly local.
Canal Street — the arts district
Running parallel to Flagler, Canal Street is home to art galleries and seasonal cultural events.
Sunsets over the Indian River
The Indian River (the lagoon between New Smyrna and the mainland) puts on a spectacular sunset show. Best vantage points: Riverside Park (free), The Garlic restaurant (dinner with a view), and the public Riverwalk.
Manatees in the Indian River
From January to March, manatees migrate into the Indian River and are often visible near the docks.
Smyrna Dunes Park — the natural beach
This park at the far north end of New Smyrna offers elevated boardwalk trails over the dunes, a less touristy beach, pet-friendly access (dogs welcome), and views of the Ponce Inlet all the way to Daytona. Entry is $5 per car.
Things to Do
Activities in New Smyrna
Surf Lessons
New Smyrna's waves run a little big for first-timers (we'd point beginners to Cocoa Beach). For intermediates: New Smyrna Beach Surf School runs $75-$150 per lesson, and Salty Sirens Surf Camp is women-only.
Boat Tours
Indian River boat tours give you a chance to spot wild dolphins, manatees (in winter), and a beautiful sunset. Around $40-$80 per person.
Kayak & Paddleboard
The Indian River is perfect for paddling: calm waters, mangroves, and visible wildlife. Rentals run $25-$40 per hour.
Fishing
Pier fishing at several spots, plus offshore charters departing from Ponce Inlet.
Sea Turtles (May-Oct)
Turtle nests dot the beach. The Turtle Trek Volunteer Program is open if you'd like to take part.
Cycling & Running
A1A through New Smyrna is excellent for running and cycling along the shore.
Where to Eat
Restaurants in New Smyrna
Where to Stay
Hotels in New Smyrna
Premium
- The Lilian Place Historic Bed & Breakfast
- Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach
- Riverview Hotel (boutique on the Indian River)
Mid-Range ($130-$250/night)
- Best Western New Smyrna Beach
- Smyrna Beach Club Resort
Budget
- Days Inn New Smyrna Beach
GS tip: there are fewer large hotels here than in Daytona or Cocoa, so book well in advance.
Plan Your Trip
Optimized itineraries
Day Trip (1 day)
- 8:30 AM — Leave Orlando
- 9:30 AM — Arrive in New Smyrna
- 9:45 AM — Beach time and relaxing
- 12:30 PM — Lunch at JB's Fish Camp or Off The Hook
- 2:00 PM — Stroll Flagler Avenue
- 3:30 PM — Back to the beach
- 5:30 PM — Sunset at Riverside Park or Smyrna Dunes Park
- 6:30 PM — Dinner at The Garlic
- 8:30 PM — Drive back to Orlando
New Smyrna + Daytona Day Trip
A smart combo, since the two are just 15 minutes apart:
- 8:00 AM — Leave Orlando
- 9:30 AM — Arrive in New Smyrna (beach, surf, local vibe)
- 12:30 PM — Lunch in New Smyrna
- 2:00 PM — Head to Daytona (15 min)
- 2:30 PM — Daytona Beach and driving on the sand
- 5:00 PM — Daytona Boardwalk
- 6:30 PM — Sunset
- 7:30 PM — Dinner
- 9:00 PM — Drive back to Orlando
Overnight (2 days)
Day 1: Arrive in New Smyrna, beach plus Flagler Avenue, sunset at Riverside Park, dinner at The Garlic.
Day 2: Breakfast, kayaking the Indian River with dolphins, a walk through Smyrna Dunes Park, then back to Orlando.
Good to Know
Practical tips.
Sharks
New Smyrna sees more bites than any US beach — usually small blacktips, rarely serious. Don't swim far from shore and avoid dusk.
Free Parking
Several areas offer free parking, unlike Clearwater or Miami.
Strong Sun
The Atlantic Coast faces the sun head-on. Sunscreen is essential.
Tides & Cars on Sand
A small stretch allows cars on the beach (like Daytona). Respect the tide schedule.
The A1A
A1A through New Smyrna is great for running and biking.
Seasonal Events
Spring Break (Mar-Apr) gets crowded, and surf competitions pop up throughout the year. Check the calendar before you go.
Reserve Premium Tables
The Garlic books out easily — reserve at least a week ahead.
Sea Turtles (May-Oct)
No flash photography on the beach at night. Nests are protected.
Winter Manatees
January through March, manatees fill the Indian River. Kayaking gives you a high chance of spotting them.
Summer Storms
June-September brings late-afternoon storms lasting 30-60 minutes.
Directions
How to get to New Smyrna
Flagler Avenue address: Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. From Orlando: about 1 hour via I-4 and I-95. Tolls: roughly $5 (I-4 Express is optional).
Route from Orlando:
- I-4 East
- I-95 North
- Exit 249 (FL-44 East)
- About 20 minutes to New Smyrna
The Right Ride
Which car should you rent?
The GS Difference
New Smyrna is the "civilized Daytona."
If you want Daytona's proximity without the chaos, New Smyrna is the answer. One hour from Orlando, you get a small community, premium restaurants, world-class surf, and a relaxed atmosphere unlike any other beach on the central coast.
For couples chasing peace and quiet, it's excellent. For surfers, it's paradise. And if you love discovering local restaurants, The Garlic alone is worth the drive. GS Car Rental will get you there — with personal service over WhatsApp from booking to return, plus free airport delivery (MCO, MIA, FLL, SFB) and combined New Smyrna + Daytona route maps.
FAQ