The Beach Town Florida’s Outdoorsy Crowd Keeps to Themselves
Words by Ashley Locke
If you think all Florida vacations are the same—crowded boardwalks, overpriced cocktails, and sunburned tourists jostling for lounge chairs—it’s time to let you in on something. There’s a Florida beach town that outdoor lovers whisper about like it’s a secret. The kind of place that makes you forget everything you thought you knew about “beach vacations.” No mega resorts. No overcrowded boardwalks. No neon T-shirt shops. Just a stretch of coast where manatees glide, dolphins play, and explorers in the know paddle their way into the heart of nature.
Welcome to New Smyrna Beach—where the real magic happens beyond the shoreline.
This is a place where you can wake up to the call of osprey, spot a spoonbill mid-flight, or paddle through glowing waters on a moonlit night. Situated on Florida’s Central Atlantic Coast, NSB feels more like an outdoor basecamp than a tourist town. Sure, there are 17 miles of sun-bathed beaches. But here, the wild calls louder. And answering that call starts with a weekend itinerary designed for those who want more from their trip than just a suntan.
Friday: Dunes, Dolphins & Discovery
Start your weekend at Smyrna Dunes Park, a 184-acre preserve that feels like stepping into a coastal safari. The wide, elevated boardwalk is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, winding through five distinct ecosystems with panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Indian River. If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, you’re in luck—this is one of the few dog-friendly beaches around.
From there, head to the Marine Discovery Center, where certified naturalists lead pontoon eco-tours through the Indian River Lagoon—the most biodiverse estuary in North America. You’ll cruise past mangrove tunnels and spoil islands, keeping an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and nesting birds. Want to get closer to the action? Book a sunset kayak or seasonal bioluminescent tour with Viking EcoTours for a front-row seat to one of nature’s most enchanting light shows.
When dinner time rolls around, you’ve got two great neighborhoods to choose from. In the Canal Street Historic District, dig into comfort food and craft cocktails at Corkscrew Bar & Grille, enjoy steaks and seafood at City Market Bistro, or grab a cozy table at the charming Bar Leona. Prefer to stay beachside? Head to the Flagler Avenue district and snag a spot on the patio at Third Wave Café & Wine Bar, where seafood and small plates are served under string lights and swaying palms. Other nearby favorites include Avanu on Flagler and Norwood’s Eatery & Treehouse Bar—a whimsical two-story hangout built into the treetops.
Saturday: Paddle, Pedal & Cast Off
Wake up early and grab a breakfast sandwich and cold brew at Island Roasters Coffee, then head to Callalisa Creek for a quiet morning paddle. Beginners should try the Bird Rookery Paddle, a 2.9-mile trail that launches right behind the Marine Discovery Center. You’ll float past spoonbills, egrets, and herons, all while basking in the slow rhythm of the lagoon.
Prefer wheels to water? Try the Spruce Creek Preserve for a hike or bike ride through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods. You might spot deer, gopher tortoises, or even a bobcat if you’re lucky. For birders, Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve offers boardwalks and nature trails with prime viewing spots.
In the afternoon, it’s time to fish. Charter a boat for an offshore deep-sea adventure—yellowfin tuna and cobia are the prized catches here. Or stay closer to shore and let a guide take you to the tidal flats for redfish, snapper, or trout. Either way, the area’s access to the Indian River Lagoon makes it one of the most productive fishing spots on the coast.
Round out your day with pasta and sunset views at The Garlic—a quirky, open-air eatery with live music and serious coastal character.
Sunday: Sandbars, Hammocks & Hidden Gems
Before heading home, squeeze in one more adventure—maybe the most magical of the trip. Disappearing Island is a local phenomenon, a sandbar that only appears at low tide. Rent a paddleboard or hop on a boat to reach this ephemeral slice of paradise where you can swim, picnic, and feel like you’ve discovered something truly secret.
If you’re in the mood for something more grounded, head to Eldora Hammock Trail. This half-mile loop winds through a shaded maritime forest with wild coffee plants and sparkleberry shrubs—a peaceful walk with Old Florida vibes. History buffs will enjoy learning that this trail borders the ghost town of Eldora, once a thriving 19th-century fishing village.
Before you leave town, make one last stop that ties it all together. Head west toward Beck Ranch Park—a 25-acre oasis nestled on a historic cattle ranch in Osteen. Walk beneath sprawling live oaks, learn about the ranch’s past through outdoor exhibits, or let the kids (and pups) run wild on the fields, playground, or dog park. Then grab a bite at Osteen Diner, where homemade pies, all-day breakfast, and friendly smiles give you the kind of down-home experience you’ll be thinking about long after you’re back on I-95.
New Smyrna Beach is slower, wilder, and richer than you expect from a Florida beach trip. It’s the kind of destination that makes you rethink what a vacation can be.
Because when you swap souvenir shops for sea turtles, and swap crowded resorts for quiet paddles, you don’t just see a new place—you feel it.
And that’s something worth discovering.
