48 hours in new smyrna beach
There are many things to do in New Smyrna Beach. Possibly too many. Especially if you are only spending 48 hours in NSB. Weekend and mid-week 2-day trips are very popular. If this is the first visit or you’re a frequent visitor, the following is a nearly complete* list of things to do while staying at the Inn On The Avenue.
Since we are located directly on Flagler Avenue, the easiest of things to do in New Smyrna Beach is stay here. Flagler Avenue is filled with shops and restaurants. Spend a day shopping, dining, and nightlife. On the other hand, if you never leave the comfort of your bed, who could blame you?!
Outside the Inn On The Avenue
Boutique shops and artisan masterpieces in the many Flagler Avenue stores are sure to catch your eye. Shop local and enjoy a quality gift for yourself. After eating a hearty breakfast at our bed and breakfast inn, light lunches, sweet treats and delicious evening meals are within an easy walking distance. A short drive opens up an abundance of cuisine available beachside and ‘over the bridge’ in other parts of NSB.
Once the sun goes down, there is no shortage of things to do in New Smyrna Beach. Nearly every bar & restaurant has live music. There is also a movie theater in town. If your 48 hours in NSB fall on a weekend, there is most likely a special event scheduled. For example, this month features Jazz Fest held May 20-22. Save our events page in your browser and check out what is happening during your stay. You may even want to book your reservation at the Inn On The Avene around an event. Yearly art festivals, gallery events, and more are great reasons to book a stay.
Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach for Sport Enthusiasts
In addition to shopping, dining, and nightlife, the Inn On The Avenue is a few blocks from the beach. This allows sports enthusiasts to enjoy walking, running, biking, swimming, surfing, and fishing. If staying only 48 hours in NSB, be sure to rent equipment at the same time as your reservation. Paddleboarding/SUP, kayaking, jet skis, snorkeling/diving, and other water sports are available. Feel like paragliding or parasailing? Adventures such as these are available, including a long list of fishing charters.
Consequently, there are many other sporting things to do in New Smyrna Beach out of the water. Public tennis courts are only a few blocks away from the Inn On The Avenue. Shuffleboard and pickleball courts are also nearby. Take a stroll in Smyrna Dunes Park and watch surfers near the jetty. Beach driving is also popular (for a nominal fee). Speaking of driving, book a tee time at a nearby golf course or hit some balls on a driving range.
Nature Lovers Paradise
Since NSB is located on the water, marine life is abundant. Want to see manatees or dolphins? Book a tour. See all kinds of marine life from a boat or kayak. Various tours are available. The Marine Discovery Center is a great place to visit. If you don’t mind a climb, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum could be a ‘high point’ of your 48 hours in NSB. Birding is also popular in New Smyrna Beach. The Canaveral National Seashore is the perfect place to hike and see Florida’s natural environment. It is the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida and a sanctuary for thousands of species of plants and animals.
Indian River Lagoon Park
This lesser known recreation area on Browns Bay is great for wildlife viewing, walking trails, picnic areas and a fishing dock.
Into History?
Some claim NSB is the oldest city in Florida, even though St. Augustine is better-known for having that title. There is a lot of history here. Be sure to check out the New Smyrna Museum of History and Old Fort Park within the Canal Street Historic District. They are interesting things to do in New Smyrna Beach if you are into history. Not far away are the historic Cruger-dePeyster Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins. Other historic things to do in NSB include a visit to Turtle Mound boardwalk within the Canaveral National Seashore, as well as the Eldora House Museum. Within the same national park, yet near Oak Hill, spend a short visit at the Seminole Rest Historic Site where you can learn about Native Americans and stroll wooden walkways.
Attractions & Tourist-type Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach
While Eldora, Appolo Beach, and historic ruins are great attractions, the Kennedy Space Center is just a short drive from NSB. This attraction is historic, interactive and a showcase for NASA shuttle launch simulation, rockets, IMAX films & astronaut memorabilia. During your visit you could possibly see a rocket launch and be so close you can feel the rumble! It’s a very exciting thing to see from New Smyrna Beach!
Speaking of rumble, schedule your 48 hours in NSB around a race at the Daytona International Speedway. It’s within a half-hour drive and is an attraction not to be missed at least once in your lifetime.
Finally, you can see there is no shortage of things to do in New Smyrna Beach. What will your next visit include? Book your room now, order a picnic add-on and get out there! We’ll welcome you home to the Inn On The Avenue after a fun-filled day.
*Did we miss any of your favorite things to do in New Smyrna Beach? Let us know!