One of Florida’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

If you were to combine Southern California’s surf culture and Sedona’s alternative, artsy vibe, you’d get New Smyrna Beach. This quirky town in Florida offers white-sand beaches, nature parks, and a historic downtown without suffocating crowds and boring tourist traps. Rather than endless rows of shops selling cheesy souvenirs, there’s a collection of unique, locally-owned boutiques and restaurants that make this town truly one-of-a-kind. It’s a mystery—and a relief!—that this destination isn’t more popular. 

Where Is New Smyrna Beach and Why Is It So Unique?

If New Smyrna Beach were far from any major city, I’d understand how it’s still such an underrated town in Florida. Yet this destination is only an hour northeast of Orlando’s crowd-calling theme parks and 30 minutes south of spring break favorite Daytona Beach. My theory is that New Smyrna is special, and special places aren’t for everyone. 

As the second-oldest Florida town settled by Europeans, New Smyrna is also the shark bite capital of the world, and wears the title like a hard-earned crown. Any other city would try to hide this, but New Smyrna knows that it proves its reign as the best surf town on the East Coast. (Most bites affect surfers because sharks confuse their splashes with bait, and the majority of incidents don’t result in serious injuries since the sharks are small.)

The town attracts alternative types who want sun, sand, and seawater without the rowdiness or superficiality of other beach spots. If you’d rather get fresh seafood from a local captain who’s surrounded by weird lore than a Michelin-starred meal, or wear unbranded flip flops rather than Louis Vuittons, you’re the kind of tourist who will love New Smyrna’s offbeat personality. 

The Quirky Attractions That Define This Town

New Smyrna Beach’s artsy, eccentric charm mainly comes from its aversion to basic generic chains and enthusiastic embrace of local shops with a strong identity. To enjoy the water, head straight to the legendary Nichols Surf Shop, which has been open since 1969. Beyond surfing lessons, eco-tours, and gear, this shop is a community center where you’ll get to see people connect over their love of the ocean. Hang around long enough, and you’re almost guaranteed to end up making lifelong friends. Another must-visit spot is the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery. The famous soothing-voiced painter lived in New Smyrna for three years and passed away here. His legacy is celebrated in this gallery that offers painting classes à la Bob Ross: low-pressure and relaxing. You can also hop in and out of the various galleries and studios that bring art and creativity to Canal Street and Flagler Avenue.

But this unique small town in Florida isn’t just for surfers and artists. Car enthusiasts will find the state’s fastest short-track, with heart-pounding car races happening every Saturday from March to November at the New Smyrna Speedway. History lovers can visit sites like the still-operating 1887 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, the third-tallest lighthouse in the country, or Old Fort Park, which hides a mysterious 18th-century Spanish fort. Foodies can’t skip Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar, built as a treehouse on sturdy oaks. Dining here is like getting back a piece of childhood while still enjoying cocktails. JB’s Fish Camp is another great spot that combines a seafood restaurant with a kayak rental shop. It has some of the best sunsets in town and allows people to bring in their own fresh catch to be cooked. The vibe is somewhat rugged yet welcoming; it’s almost like visiting your favorite grumpy uncle who’s actually the funnest person you know. 

While all these attractions reflect the spirit of New Smyrna, if a single activity defines the soul of this hidden gem town in Florida, it’s the tradition of driving your car directly onto the beach. As far as I know, this is the only place in the state where this is allowed. People love to pull up to the sand and catch the sunrise or sunset from the hood in a moment pulled straight out of an 80s rom-com.

What It’s Like to Visit New Smyrna Beach

Laidback and chill, New Smyrna Beach is the kind of place you visit when you want time to slow down. It’s perfect for everyone—from friend groups to couples or families—as long as they're open to taking a step back from the breakneck pace of modernity and enjoying a simpler lifestyle. 

The best time to visit depends on what you want from your trip. Although Florida beaches can be a nightmare in the summer, New Smyrna is actually a perfect August destination because it’s never as crowded as its more famous neighbors. If you’re looking to spend time hiking at Smyrna Dunes Park or visiting Canaveral National Seashore, plan to come from late fall to early spring when the weather is more agreeable. Anyone who dreams about doing Viking Eco Tour’s magical bioluminescence kayak tours should set their sights on May to October. 

No matter when you come or who you come with, if you’re a non-conformist at heart and love finding towns even Floridians don’t know about, you’ll immediately fall in love with this quirky, artsy town.