Experience New Smyrna Beach

Have beach towel will travel! There is plenty of elbow room along New Smyrna's beaches, so spread out your beach towel, lather up with suntan lotion and enjoy the splashing of the waves. Voted one of the 100 best family beaches in the country, New Smyrna's white sandy beaches invite you to relax and rejuvenate during your vacation.

Find a perfect spot to stretch out, or a space near New Smyrna's waterfront recreation areas. Take a romantic sunset stroll along the boardwalk while manatee spotting. The smell of the salt water and the feeling of damp wood on your bare feet solidify the fact that you are finally on vacation. Feel the stress melt away as you soak up not only the sunshine, but the sights and sounds of New Smyrna Beach.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is situated on nearly six acres nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River. Stop by the boardwalk bait shop and cast a line from the pier fishing area. Known as a family area, the grown-ups can catch on a little summer reading while the kids enjoy the oceanside recreational amenities. The smell of hot dogs roasting on a charcoal grill will lead you to the picnic pavilion area. Enjoy lunch at the beach amid a backdrop of palm trees and sea gulls. Little ones will run off more than a little energy when sliding and climbing on the beach area playground equipment. Join in a pick-up game on the basketball and volleyball courts, or work on your back swing at the waterfront tennis courts.

Flagler Avenue Park offers a pristine beach area flanked by historic Flagler Avenue. Kick off your flip-flops and traverse the wooden boardwalk or have a picnic lunch at the beach pavilion. After an afternoon of sun bathing and tossing around a beach ball, walk over to the famous Breakers Restaurants for a romantic dinner. Flagler Avenue is lined with locally owned clothing boutiques and art galleries.

Smyrna Dunes Park is offers far more than just a beautiful Florida beach area. Nearly three miles of elevated boardwalk viewing areas leading to an observation tower. Getting some exercise has never been more rewarding. The views from atop the tower are breathtaking, with endangered birds of prey flapping their wings just a few feet away from your face. Dozens of species of native Florida reptiles, mammals and birds call this section of New Smyrna home. Leashed pets can accompany you on the nature hike and share a meal with you at the beachside picnic area. A nominal fee is charged to park and enter the park.

Enter the Twenty-Seventh Park through an art deco style archway and claim a beach cabana for a cozy hideaway along the shore. Nearly four acres of waterfront recreational amenities dot the landscape of this New Smyrna beach. Enjoy the sand and surf, a walk along the boardwalk or hit the racquetball court to work off all of those extra vacation calories. A handicap accessible playground next to the pavilion allows parents to keep an watchful eye of the children while still viewing passing boats and romping dolphins.

No matter which New Smyrna beach you choose to visit, an afternoon of unwinding and creating memories awaits. Don't forget to pack a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture nature's offerings to cherish for years to come.