Tucked along Florida's central Atlantic coast, New Smyrna Beach has quietly built a reputation as one of the state's most well-rounded seaside destinations — a place where art galleries and historic streetscapes sit just minutes from some of the most unspoiled shoreline in the state.
The town's 17 miles of undeveloped beach fall within the Canaveral National Seashore, meaning that stretch of barrier island is protected from the kind of high-rise development that has transformed much of Florida's coast. It's a rare thing, and locals know it.
Beyond the sand, New Smyrna Beach's historic districts offer plenty to explore on foot, with a dining and arts scene that punches well above the town's modest size. The area even has a brush with pop-culture history — the late painter and television personality Bob Ross once called the community home.
Whether you're drawn by the promise of a quieter beach day, a gallery hop through a walkable downtown, or simply the chance to experience a Florida coastal town that hasn't been entirely smoothed over by tourism, New Smyrna Beach makes a strong case for a detour.
This roundup of the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach was compiled by Southern Living.
