New Smyrna Beach guide logo

Your go-to guide for all things New Smyrna Beach

Local Info

Activities

Beaches

Nearby Springs

Lodging

Restaurants
Canaveral National Seashore beach near New Smyrna Beach

Welcome to the Cape Canaveral Beaches

Discover the beauty and excitement of Cape Canaveral's pristine beaches, where sun, sand, and surf come together to create unforgettable experiences. Due to limited parking and a $25 entrance fee per private vehicle to the park, these 5 beaches tend to be much less crowded than the beaches in town. Not only that, but they also have a more natural feel with the lack of buildings and the abundance of nature surrounding these beaches.


Endless Adventures

Embark on a journey of exploration as you stroll along the golden shores, with miles of pristine coastline waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a sunseeker, surfer, or beachcomber, Cape Canaveral has something for everyone.


Natural Wonders

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cape Canaveral, home to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves and sea turtles nesting on the shores. Rays can even be seen hopping out of the water if you're lucky! These beaches also have significanly more shells than the beaches in town.


Location

Location: Cape Canaveral National Seashore, Florida

Directions: About 15 minutes from the main part of town, follow A1A south through New Smyrna Beach until you hit the park entrance.


Facilities and Hours

Facilities: Expect limited amenties other than bathrooms.


Activities

From swimming and sunbathing to surfing, the possibilities are endless at Cape Canaveral beaches. Soak up the sun, make a splash in the waves, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.


Best For

Canaveral National Seashore is best for visitors who want a wilder, less-developed beach day. It is a better fit for nature, shells, quiet stretches of sand, and a scenic drive than for restaurants, bars, or quick errands.

Planning Tips

Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and anything else you need for the day because services are limited. If you want food and drinks after leaving the seashore, compare beachside restaurants and bars on the beach back in New Smyrna Beach.

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.

Last updated .