Location: 600 Mission Drive, New Smyrna Beach
Phone number: 386-736-5953
Open daily: Sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free

The sugar mill, once part of the Cruger-dePeyster Plantation, was built in the early 19th century. This 17-acre historic site contains the ruins of the coquina sugar factory that was raided during a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States.

As your captain skillfully navigates the backwaters of the lagoon, you will experience Florida’s natural beauty while learning about conservation efforts to preserve and protect North America’s most biologically diverse estuary.

Location: 120 Sams Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Phone number: 386-478-0052
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM.
Admission: $8
Founded in 1768, New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s oldest and most charming cities. Its unique history is preserved and presented in the New Smyrna Museum of History. An engaging experience for all ages, a visit to the museum is a must for visitors and residents alike.

Leave from the dock and head north to Disappearing Island, where birding enthusiasts will disembark and spend two hours exploring this large sand bar, looking for winter migratory birds. Guidance will be offered to less-experienced birders and there will opportunities for novice birders to learn more about birds from highly experienced guests on the trip from local Audubon chapters. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars, viewing scopes, cameras, bird guide books, sunscreen and water to drink. Guests will walk the island at their own pace.

The Marine Discovery Center has spent over 25 years informing and educating citizens and guests about the amazing biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon.

Tagged as the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, the Indian River Lagoon boasts more than 4,000 species and spans 156 miles down Florida’s east coast — providing countless ways to engage the public. Programs at MDC for all ages are designed to offer hands-on, feet-wet learning opportunities through classes, camps, lectures, boat and kayak eco-tours with certified naturalists and teachers.

From January to April, the history center offers Guided History Walking Tours across various historic districts in the New Smyrna Beach. Multiple tour options are available for you to explore.