Free Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Looking for free things to do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida? If so, you won't be disappointed. This quaint historic community consists of 27.7 square miles of fun-in-the-sun activities suitable for people of all ages.

Some of the best free things to do in New Smyrna Beach include the variety of beachside parks. One of the most popular destinations is Flagler Avenue Park. Located in the historical and shopping district of New Smyrna, Flagler Avenue is an icon within the community.

Flagler Avenue Park is marked by the infamous flamingo pink, turquoise and yellow sign that towers over the street. Here you will discover the beautifully maintained boardwalk where visitors can enjoy ocean breezes while sitting on park benches or taking a stroll along the coastline.

More than fifty unique independently owned shops and restaurants are located along Flagler Avenue. Visitors can enjoy the bountiful array of natural landscaping of banana trees, hibiscus bushes and palm trees as they soak up the sun and breathe in the salty air that screams, "I am at the beach!"

Detwiler Park is a great place to take children and teens. Located in a residential section at Oakwood Avenue and Horton Street, this centrally located park provides five lighted tennis courts, one basketball court and a children's playground. The park is relatively small, but parking and restrooms are available. Detwiler Park is a great place to meet the locals who are eager to give you the lowdown on the best places to eat, drink and be merry.

Indian River Lagoon Park is one of Volusia County's natural parks. Visitors can enjoy an abundance of wildlife as they walk along the scenic trail situated on the bank of the Indian River. Launch pads for kayaks and canoes are available along the trail, along with two docks. The floating dock overlooks Browns Bay Marina, while the second dock overlooks the Indian River Lagoon estuaries. Bring bug spray, binoculars and a camera. Located at 700 Sandpiper Avenue, Indiana River Lagoon Park includes a pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park consists of three separate parks. Located at 6656 S. Atlantic Avenue, the park stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to Mosquito Lagoon. Appropriately named, be certain to bring insect repellant.

If you don't have bug spray or need soft drinks, water or fishing tackle, stop by Southern Cross Bait and Tackle Shop at the corner of Grouper and A1A. Ask Wendy for a bottle of all-natural spray that deters not only mosquitoes, but the pesky noseeums that plague the area in the summer months. Noseeums are nasty little bugs that reside near the ocean, lakes, swamps and trails. They inflict painful bites that leave you itching for days and can ruin your vacation.

The first section of Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park includes the only natural beach, no-drive beach in Volusia County. If you love shell hunting, you won't be disappointed at Bethune Beach. To obtain the biggest shells, hit the sand at sunrise. This beach is fairly secluded and is perfect for a fun-filled day of sandcastle building, surf fishing and a romantic sunset stroll.

The second section of Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is located directly across the street from the ocean. This park offers a community building with exceptionally clean restroom facilities, a snack shop, and basketball and tennis courts.

The third section is located at the corner of Ladyfish and Engram Road. Here you will find a pavilion picnic area, children's playground, and large fishing dock. If you plan to fish make certain you obtain the proper Florida fishing license and adhere to regulations. Be certain to bring your camera to snap photos of the dolphins and manatees as they play in the cove tucked away behind the dock.

Throughout the summer, the city of New Smyrna Beach presents free music concerts every Thursday evening from 7 to 8 pm at Riverside Park (Riverside Road and Canal Street). Riverside Park is encased in enormous live oak trees and overlooks the Indian River Intracoastal and New Smyrna Beach Yacht Club Marina.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an hour of live entertainment for free. New Smyrna Beach Summer Concert Series is appropriate for all ages. If inclement weather arises, concerts are held in the Brannon Center at 105 Riverside Drive.

Last, but not least, New Smyrna Beach is home to a fabulous skate park where kids of all ages ride the ramps and glide through the three-pocket amoeba pool. NSB Skatepark is located at 254 Industrial Park Avenue and is open weekdays from noon to dark and weekends from10am to dark. It's a great place to let your kids skate off some energy.

New Smyrna Beach is a care-free, laid-back community filled with friendly residents and happy tourists. We love the beauty of our natural parks and quiet getaways and ask that when you visit our town, please pick up after yourself. Littering not only makes things look ugly, they can also be fatal for the wildlife. Not to mention, you will receive $100 fine.

When driving to beachside parks located along A1A, keep in mind pedestrians have the right-of-way. Pedestrian crosswalks are marked with white stripes across the road and yellow signs with people walking. If you fail to yield, you will net yourself a $141 fine and put a dent in your "free things to do in New Smyrna Beach" vacation!