Your go-to guide for all things New Smyrna Beach

Local Info

Activities

Beaches

Nearby Springs

Lodging

Restaurants

New Smyrna Beach: A Haven for Water Sports

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, and Mosquito Lagoon in between, New Smyrna Beach boasts an ideal setting for a variety of water sports. Renowned for its exceptional surfing conditions, the stretch of ocean off the coast of New Smyrna Beach is hailed as one of Florida's premier surfing destinations. Rock ledges located 4-5 miles offshore not only generate excellent wave breaks but also provide a natural barrier against hazardous undertows. Whether you're a novice seeking to learn in safe waters or an experienced surfer eager to tackle the waves, New Smyrna Beach offers something for everyone. Each summer, the American Professional Surfing Association hosts one of its flagship competitions here, attracting surfers from across the globe. In New Smyrna Beach, surfing isn't just an activity; it's a way of life.


Surf Zones

Between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. from the Saturday preceding Memorial Day (late May) through Labor Day (September), designated surf zones are enforced. Outside of these hours and during the rest of the year, or before 9:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. during the specified period, surfing is permitted across all beach areas. Lifeguards retain the authority to close areas to surfers if surfing poses a risk to bathers. Surfing is strictly prohibited within 300 feet of any pier in all directions or in areas designated for personal watercraft use.

Below is a breakdown of the designated surfing areas in New Smyrna Beach:


See other nearby surf zones here.


Local Surf Shops:

1. Daybreakers Surf and Coffee Co.

- Website: daybreakersurfandcoffeeco.com


2. Red Dog Surf Shop

- Website: reddogsurfshop.com


3. Nichols Surf Shop

- Website: nicholssurfshop.com

About New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is best known for having the best surfing in Florida and its moniker as the Shark Bite Capital of the World. Don't be alarmed though, shark bites are still rare, haven't been fatal in years, and primarily happen to surfers that are way out past the break. New Smyrna Beach has hosted the National Scholastic Surfing Association Championships, the National Kidney Foundation Pro-Am Surf Festival, and the National Scholastic Surfing Association East Coast Championships due to its incredible waves. Also, New Smyrna Beach lets you drive on the beach, which is a unique experience that you can't find at many other beaches!

The city boasts an incredible array of resturants like Norwoods, The Garlic, Avenu On Flagler, and The Breakers. Many of the local restaurants are located on Flagler Avenue, which is a popular shopping district that leads to the beach, Canal Street, which is the historic downtown area, and Third Avenue, which is the beachside shopping district.

More than 422,000 people visit New Smyrna Beach each year to take in the incredible sunrises, enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere, and experience the local culture. Make your way to the Flagler Ave beach, or any of the other 13 beach access points, to enjoy an east coast sunrise over the water and take in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

New Smyrna Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States, located on the central east coast of the state, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Its population was estimated to be 32,119 in 2022 by the United States Census Bureau. The downtown section of the city is located on the west side of the Indian River and the Indian River Lagoon system. The Coronado Beach Bridge crosses the Intracoastal Waterway just south of Ponce de Leon Inlet, connecting the mainland with the beach on the coastal barrier island.