Hang Ten and Hit the Beach: 10 Unforgettable Experiences in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach (NSB for short) isn't your average Florida vacation spot. It's a place that trades glitz for charm, high-rises for hidden bungalows, and amusement park crowds for surfers catching waves. Whether you're a beach bum, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, NSB has something special in store for you. Here are 10 quintessential experiences that will make your New Smyrna Beach visit unforgettable:
1. Catch a Killer Wave: NSB is a surfer's paradise. Head to Flagler Avenue for legendary breaks like Inlet Beach or go south to quieter Canaveral National Seashore for pristine waves. Don't worry if you're a newbie – plenty of surf schools can get you riding in no time.
2. Explore Canaveral National Seashore: Escape the hustle and bustle at this sprawling barrier island. Hike along scenic trails, relax on pristine beaches, or take a kayak tour through bioluminescent waters at night – a truly magical experience!
3. Cruise Down the Canals: Rent a pontoon boat or kayak and explore the intricate network of canals that snake through New Smyrna Beach. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birdlife.
4. Delve into History at the Sugar Mill Ruins: Take a step back in time at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views, or explore the coquina rock ruins of the 18th-century sugar mill.
Watch Chad Gallivanter’s Latest YouTube Video on NSB!
5. Unwind on the Beach: No New Smyrna Beach trip is complete without a day spent soaking up the sun on its expansive shores. The beach here is wide and uncrowded, perfect for building sandcastles, taking a long walk, or simply relaxing with a good book.
6. Go Fishing: Cast a line off the historic New Smyrna Beach Fishing Pier or head out on a deep-sea fishing charter for a chance to catch redfish, snapper, or even mahi-mahi.
7. Indulge in Fresh Seafood: Sample the local catch at one of NSB's many waterfront restaurants. From casual beach shacks to upscale eateries, there's something to satisfy every craving.
8. Stroll Down Flagler Avenue: This charming main street is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Browse for souvenirs, grab an ice cream cone, or simply soak up the laid-back beach vibe.
9. Catch a Show at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach: This historic theater offers a variety of productions throughout the year, from Broadway musicals to local plays.
10. Unwind with a Brewery Tour: New Smyrna Beach boasts a flourishing craft beer scene. Take a tour of a local brewery, sample some unique concoctions, and learn about the brewing process.
New Smyrna Beach offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and history. With these experiences on your itinerary, you're guaranteed to have a vacation that's as unforgettable as the waves themselves!
10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Clearwater Beach Vacation
The first bridge to Clearwater Beach was built in 1917 and was nicknamed “Old Rickety” because of the noise it made when cars drove over it. Today, a modern causeway provides easy access to the beach from the city of Clearwater and other communities. Over the past century, Clearwater Beach has evolved into a world-class destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. It has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States and in the world by various publications and websites. On today’s episode, I’m sharing with you some tips on how to get the most out of your Clearwater Beach vacation.
Caladesi Island Ferry
Ferry Trip Schedule
The Caladesi Ferry runs every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas weather permitting. There are two ferry boats that depart from Honeymoon Island Docks.
Ferry departs hourly all year, beginning at 10am, with half hour departures Mid-February thru Labor Day and weekends. Maximum stay of up to 4 hours depending on time of ticket purchase. Prices and times subject to change.
Adults
$18
Round Trip
Children (6-12)
$9
Round Trip
5 and Under
Free
Round Trip
How to Spend 24 Hours on Amelia Island
Only one place in America is able to say its had eight different flags fly over it. Located in Nassau County in the most northeastern part of Florida, Amelia Island is a record setter, changing possession 8 different times over a two-hundred year period.
As soon as you set foot on this 13-mile long barrier island with its beautiful coastline and pristine waters, there’s no doubt as to why everyone wanted a piece of it.
For Abby and I, it’s one of our favorite places to vacation, especially for a quick getaway, maybe even for an anniversary.
If you’re coming here for the weekend and only have a few hours on the island, we want to show you some of the best things to do, old favorites of ours and even some new experiences.
On today’s episode, we’re showing you how to spend 24 hours on Amelia Island. All of that and so much more straight ahead from Florida.
Things You Can’t Miss in Treasure Island, Florida
If you’re looking for a cute, old-fashioned beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Treasure Island fits the bill.
Located south of Clearwater Beach and north of St. Pete Beach, this community of 6,500 residents got its catchy name in the early 1900s. That’s when several property owners attempted to boost sales of the properties being developed on the island in a way that I’m pretty sure would be scandalous and unlawful by today’s standards.
They buried a couple of wooden chests on the beach and then pretended to discover them. After claiming the chests were filled with treasure, news of the discovery quickly spread and people began calling the community Treasure Island.
On this episode, we’re gonna show you around Treasure Island and highlight just a few of the things you can’t miss when you’re here.
-
All city-owned parking lots are metered or have pay stations and take credit cards. All parking is $2.75 per hour, unless noted below. You can pay by using a smartphone and the Parkmobile app, or at the meters or pay stations using cards or cash/coin.
SUNSET BEACH PARKING
Heron Lot, Bay Shore Drive & 75th Avenue (15 spaces)
Sunset Inn, West Gulf Boulevard & 80th Avenue (6 spaces)
Tern Lot, West Gulf Boulevard & 77th Avenue (55 spaces)
Ring-Billed Gull Lot, West Gulf Blvd. between 82nd and 81st Avenues (43 spaces)
Black Skimmer Lot, West Gulf Blvd. between 80th Terrace and 80th Avenue (16 spaces)
Brown Pelican Lot, West Gulf Boulevard & 88th Avenue (10 spaces)
MID-ISLAND PARKING
99th Avenue end-street (3 spaces)
Sandpiper Lot, Gulf Boulevard & 100th Avenue (16 spaces)
101st Avenue East & West end-street (8 spaces)
102nd Avenue East end-street (6 spaces)
103rd Avenue West end-street (10 spaces)
DOWNTOWN PARKING
Gulf Front Park Lot, 104th Avenue & Gulf Boulevard (77 spaces)
City Center, 10451 Gulf Blvd. (62 spaces)
106th Avenue street parking (11 spaces)
Community Center Lot, 106th Avenue & Park Place (104 spaces) $2.50 / Hour
City Hall Lot, 108th Avenue (41 spaces, evenings & weekends only)
SUNSHINE BEACH PARKING
Ibis Lot, 121st Avenue & Gulf Boulevard (19 spaces)
124th Avenue street parking (17 spaces)
White Egret Lot, 126th Avenue (12 spaces)
127th Ave end-street (6 spaces)
Kingfish Drive (28 spaces)
Please note that the City of St. Petersburg Municipal Lot at 112th Ave. and Gulf Blvd. is not a City of Treasure Island lot, but is open to the general public. -
The Florida Shell Shop
9901 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Bucky the Pirate at Treasure Island Community Center Park
154 106th Ave, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Suncoast Surf Shop
9841 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
-
The Treasure Island Beach Trail is a paved biking and walking trail that parallels the Gulf of Mexico along a one-mile stretch of Treasure Island Beach. The trail runs from Gulf Front Park at 104th Avenue (near Publix) and runs north to 119th Avenue. There is public parking at Gulf Front Park and at 112th Avenue.
10 Things You Must Do in Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island
Want to experience a Florida beach town with lots of history and plenty of cool things to do? One of our favorites is Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. A few minutes north of Jacksonville on the Florida Georgia line, this island is unique because it's the only place in America that has had eight different flags fly over it. Today, the community is a popular destination known for its grand Victorian-era houses and yearly shrimp festival. In this video, we show you 10 things you must do in Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.
-
Step back in time and discover 4000 years of life on the water’s edge here on Amelia Island. From the Timucua Native American tribe to Spanish and French explorers, from the lawless spirit of pirates to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, Amelia Island has been home to diverse cultures that have left an exciting heritage.
Open: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm / Sunday: 1 pm – 4 pm
Docent-led tours Monday – Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm / Sunday at 2 pm (included with ticket purchase)MORE INFORMATION:
-
History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or a bit of both, enjoy exploring the unique natural and historic resources of this pristine park.
Hours
The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
The ranger station is open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The fort is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Fees
Admission Fee
$6 per vehicle (two to eight people).
$4 single-occupant vehicle.
$2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
$2.50 per person for fort admission.
Camping Fee
$26 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. (Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.)
Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100% disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50% discount on current base campsite fees. (Reservation fee and utility fee are excluded.) Must present documentation at check-in. -
-
-
Beach Accesses in the City limits, listed from north to south:
Main Beach Park. Parking. ADA accessibility.
Nassau Access: #1. No parking.
Amelia Access: #2. No parking.
1st Street Access: #4N. No parking.
Alabama Access: #5. Parking.
New York Access: #6. Parking.
3rd Street Access: #6N. No parking.
Maryland Access: #8. Parking.
Jasmine Access. #9. Parking.
6th Street Access: #9N. No parking.
Wisconsin Access: #10. No parking.
Kentucky Access: #10S. Parking across Fletcher Ave.
Colorado Access: #11. No parking.
North Beach Park Access: #12N. Parking. ADA accessibility.
Jefferson Access: #13. Parking across Fletcher Ave.
Access #14. No parking.
Madison Access: #15. No parking.
Cleveland Access: #16. Parking across Fletcher Ave.
Ferriera Access: #16N. No parking.
Roosevelt Access: #18. No parking.
Seaside Park Access. Parking. ADA accessibility.
John Robas Access: #21. No parking.
B Street Access: #21S. No parking.
C Street Access: #22. No parking.
D Street Access: #23. No parking.
Askins Access: #24. No Parking.
Mizell Access: #25. Parking.
Allen Access: #27. Parking.
North Casino Access: #28. Parking.
South Casino Access: #29. Parking.
Simmons Access: #30. Parking.
Hutchins Access: #31. Parking.
Oklawaha Acess: #33. No parking.
Mantanzas Access: #34. Parking. ADA accessibility.
Manatee Access: #35. Parking.
Suwanee Access: #35S. Parking.
Kissimmee Access: #36. Parking.
Alachua Access: #37. Parking.
Osceola Access: #38. Parking.
Ozello Access: #39. Parking.
Pasco Access: #40. Parking.
Mobi-Mat at Main Beach
The City of Fernandina Beach has a Mobi-Mat semi-permanently installed at the Main Beach boardwalk access ramp. This environmentally-friendly ADA-compliant matting provides safe and easy access for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers to maneuver on the beach sand. The matting is made completely from recycled plastic bottles.Beach Wheelchairs
The Parks & Recreation Department has three (3) upright beach wheelchairs and one (1) Mobi floating beach wheelchair available for reservations at the Atlantic Recreation Center for individuals with disabilities. A refundable security deposit of $100 per chair, paid with a current and valid major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover), and driver's license are required. Rental fees are: $30 per chair for up to 1 week City residents, $38 Non-City. Please call the Atlantic Recreation Center at 904-310-3350 for availability and reservations.
PLEASE NOTE:
Beach wheelchairs may be reserved for up to 7 consecutive days. Reservations may be made up to 1 year in advance.
We offer an optional delivery and pick-up service for our beach wheelchairs to locations in the City of Fernandina Beach limits. Delivery/pick-up fee is $25.
-
-
