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3rd Avenue Beach in New Smyrna Beach

3rd Avenue Beach

3rd Avenue Beach is a popular beach located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, soft sands, and excellent surfing conditions. Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner looking to catch some waves, 3rd Avenue Beach provides an exciting coastal experience.


About

Renowned for its consistent surf breaks, 3rd Avenue Beach attracts surfers from near and far. The beach is also a favorite among beachgoers who enjoy soaking up the sun and watching the surfers ride the waves.


Wildlife

While enjoying the ocean breezes at 3rd Avenue Beach, keep an eye out for various seabirds and marine life that inhabit the area. Dolphins are often spotted offshore, adding to the allure of this coastal destination.


Location

Location: 3rd Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL

Directions: From New Smyrna Beach, head south on S Atlantic Ave, then turn left onto 3rd Avenue. The beach access points will be on your left.


Hours and Facilities

Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Facilities: Limited facilities available; visitors are encouraged to bring their own amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and snacks.


Activities

Activities at 3rd Avenue Beach primarily revolve around surfing and beach recreation. Whether you're catching waves or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, 3rd Avenue Beach offers an unforgettable experience by the sea.


Best For

3rd Avenue Beach is a good fit for visitors who want a surf-oriented beach access close to Third Avenue restaurants and shops. It can be more practical than Flagler Avenue when you want beach time plus a quick meal nearby without being in the middle of the busiest Flagler crowds.

Related Guides

For more surf planning, see the New Smyrna Beach surfing guide. For nearby places to eat, compare beachside restaurants.

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 restaurants like Norwood's, The Garlic, Avanu 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 33,182 in 2025 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.

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