So far this summer, we have seen some incredible places. It has also reminded us how much we love our home state of Florida. Patrick and I both went to college at Stetson University in Florida, and 45 minutes away from campus was one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. New Smyrna Beach!
We love spending time at the beach so much that we eventually bought a house there. We have created so may memories over the last few years, and in some ways, we feel like locals even though we only spend time there on weekends and holidays.
The beauty of a beach town is that it has something for everyone. We have spent the last few years visiting so many nooks and crannies of the island, but a few have become our favorite spots to frequent and take friends or family that visit.
The BEACH is the most obvious. Not all beaches in New Smyrna are created equal. The South part of the island is a no-drive zone. The tide comes up further and the sand is a bit rougher, but it’s perfect if you don’t want the heavy traffic of tourists and vehicles. The north part of the island allows you to pay to bring your vehicle and drive or park on designated parts of the sand. The furthest point you can drive is Smyrna Dune Park and the rocks of (THE JETTY) inlet. That is one of our favorite spots. If you’re a dog owner, you can even walk that fluffy love muffin onto the beach at the SMYRNA DUNES PARK where there is a dog-friendly beach. They just must stay on the leash.
Our favorite time to visit the beach is sunrise and sunset on the north part of the island. The beach is much more expansive up there, and cars aren’t allowed on overnight which means early morning and evening are absolute heaven. Just a sprinkle of people, the sand, the water, and wildlife.
Our favorite way to get around the island are by bike, electric skateboard or the GOLFCART I had built for Patrick by Salty Dog Rentals. I highly recommend renting a cart from them if you want an easy way to get around town or on the beach with all your loot.
If you want a more remote beach experience, and you have access to a boat, I highly recommend taking a trip out to DISAPPEARING ISLAND. It’s not as easy to access, but depending on when you go, it’s either the ultimate island party, or a secluded spot for an intimate gathering. It will require launching your boat, taking a quick ride up the river to Ponce Inlet where you will literally dock on the sand of the island. Just a word to the wise, watch that tide schedule or you’ll end up like a Pogue in Outer Banks with your ride stuck in a murky rut.
After a day or two out on the sand, we love to visit FLAGLER AVENUE which has shopping, shuffleboard, and some of our favorite restaurants and coffee stops. It also has something unexpected roaming around the parking areas. ROOSTERS. The New Smyrna Roosters have made their mark on the hearts of locals and tourists alike. One even left a mark on Viv’s leg. For the record, our family has had more rooster injuries than shark and alligators combined.
If you ask our kids, they will tell you their favorite restaurant is BEACHSIDE CANDY. When we need something other than a sugar high, we hit our other favorite spots. GOJUICE is my favorite place to get fresh smoothies, Açai and Dragon bowls or my ultimate favorite, their famous Banana Coffee (need to find a pic)! Patrick’s favorite is hands down THIRD WAVE. The best way to enjoy is in their garden behind the building. Trust me, it’s a hit for the whole family.
Whether you call Florida home, or you are in our state for the theme parks, head over to our favorite beach and check it out yourself. Take a walk on the beach and breathe!