This Seaside City Is Florida's Most Underrated Beach Destination (2024)

From the tangled depths of the Everglades to the sandy shores of the Panhandle, Florida has long had a reputation as one of the country's top destinations for natural beauty. Despite its popularity, the state still has some hidden gems. One of them is the idyllic seaside city of New Smyrna Beach, just an hour's drive northeast of Orlando. Though it's largely off the radar for tourists, it has no shortage of dining and ecotourism opportunities to keep visitors busy.

Blessed with balmy weather and a sprawling shoreline, New Smyrna Beach is a veritable treasure trove for outdoor adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. It may not be Florida's best-known destination, but the city's rich biodiversity and fascinating history make it well worth a visit.

Whether you're hoping to spot your first wild dolphin, catch a glimpse of an elusive Florida shorebird, or just kick back with a margarita in hand, this coastal gem offers something for every type of traveler. Here's how to get the most out of your trip.

Admire an array of wildlife.

While the diversity of New Smyrna Beach's land-based fauna is impressive, one of the region's most beloved creatures — the bottlenose dolphin — can be found in abundance just offshore. A visit to the Marine Discovery Center will also allow you to see the iconic marine mammal up close.

On arrival, stroll through the main hall, coming face-to-shell with local creatures like the horseshoe crab, gopher tortoise, and marine hermit crab. The center offers several tour options, including a two-hour pontoon-boat excursion on the Indian River Lagoon with a certified naturalist to help you spot wildlife like bottlenose dolphins and Florida shorebirds.

Speaking of birds: There's no shortage of fascinating waders gracing the area. They abound throughout the Indian River and along the coast — the beach behind most Atlantic Avenue hotels is prime bird-watching territory. Dedicated avian enthusiasts should head out at sunrise on at least one morning to spot sanderlings, royal terns, snowy egrets, and — if you're lucky — flocks of black skimmers along the shoreline.

At the 184-acre Smyrna Dunes Park, you have a good shot at spotting the gopher tortoise, a keystone species found only in the Southeast U.S. Find them poking their heads out of their burrows as you stroll along the two-plus miles of elevated boardwalk.

Learn about the history of New Smyrna Beach.

When you crave a break from outdoor activities, learn more about your destination at the New Smyrna Museum of History. Artifacts on show range from arrowheads crafted by Indigenous peoples to Civil War-era artillery, but a highlight is the exhibit chronicling the Turnbull Settlement. Founded in 1768, this ill-fated British colony included roughly 1,200 Mediterranean-born agricultural workers, though rampant disease and incompetent leadership soon forced them to flee north to St. Augustine.

After exploring the museum, walk about a block to Old Fort Park to see the mysterious remains of a long-abandoned structure. Then, head south to Sugar Mill Ruins for a look into Volusia County's once-mighty sugar industry.

Savor local seafood and spirits.

When hunger strikes, enjoy a platter of seafood and a mai tai while admiring views of the Indian River at Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, a casual spot with ample outdoor seating. In downtown New Smyrna Beach, the lively Corkscrew Bar & Grille has earned local acclaim for its decadent dishes like fried chicken smothered in gravy and "swamp pasta" with shrimp and sausage.

If you're in the mood for a sophisticated night out, Norwood's offers dressed-up American fare like seafood pot pie and pimento mac and cheese in its open-air Treehouse Bar, providing diners with a unique experience.

In addition to its vibrant dining scene, New Smyrna Beach caters to the spirits enthusiast with Sugar Works Distillery. All its rums are made with raw sugar cane, a nod to the area's industry of yore. Other offerings include fragrant Callalisa Creek Whiskey and New Smyrna Shine. Book a tour for an up-close view of the production floor paired with a flight of perfectly crafted liquor.