Less than an hour from Orlando you’ll find this coastal town, unofficially known as the shark bite capital of the world. I originally created this post a few years ago and wanted to update it since quite a few things have changed since I first published it in 2021. Here I’m sharing how to enjoy a day (or several) exploring Flagler Ave. in New Smyrna Beach.
No, don’t be afraid of them. I have been many times and have not seen any sharks or cases at the time I visit. And it is totally fine if you don’t want to go in the water, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy if you pull up to Flagler Ave., park and go for a walk. Let me tell you a bit about it…
On Flagler Avenue you can find plenty of local shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors and more. It’s great to go for a walk one afternoon, before or after the beach.
The area also has several points where you can take some photos with beautiful murals, made by locals of course!.
Among my favorite places to eat a whole meal, a quick bite or just a drink:
- Breakers Ocean Front Restaurant & Bar: Right on the oceanfront. If you’re lucky enough to find a seat, you can sit by the window and enjoy a great drink with an amazing view.
- Flagler Tavern: Hard to miss. Sometimes you can hear live music from the rooftop while walking down the street, or you’ll see people outside enjoying their food and drinks. Inside, there’s often a band playing blues music. This spot is one of our favorites in the area. And the Fish & Chips (my favorite) is excellent — and huge!
- Treats on the Beach: The ice cream here is fantastic. We’ve tried several flavors and truly love it, especially during the summer. Sometimes you’ll find a long line, but it’s worth it.
- Ocean Breeze Tiki Bar and Grill: From the outdoor deck you can enjoy beautiful views. Another spot with live music and delicious cocktails.
- Toni & Joe’s Patio: Not directly on Flagler Ave, but just steps away. During our last overnight visit, we went there and loved it — especially being right by the ocean.
- Tayton O’Brians: I can’t skip an Irish pub — I always love them. On our last visit we sat on the patio since we had our two fur babies with us, enjoying a couple of beers and some bites. It’s always a fun atmosphere, everyone is super friendly, and there are great food and drink options.
- Luma: A nice spot for coffee. I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks great. The atmosphere seems excellent, and it’s always busy, which usually says a lot.
For shopping:
- G A Dolly’s Gift Shop: We absolutely love this place! We even have some decorations at home that we bought here. If you’re looking for a souvenir from the area with a beachy vibe, this is the spot to visit.
- The Shops At The Colony: Here you’ll find small, locally owned businesses in a very pleasant setting with an open central courtyard area.
And obviously we cannot forget the beach. It is one of those places that you can go for a ride in your car or find a good place to spend some time in the sun by foot.
It’s not one of my favorite beaches mainly because the waves tend to be pretty strong — I personally prefer calmer water where I can just relax. That said, the overall vibe is always great. If you’re looking for a quieter option, I recommend driving over to Smyrna Dunes Park, where the water is usually much calmer and clearer. That one is definitely among my favorite beaches in the area. Just be prepared for a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach. You can also bring dogs (they must stay leashed), and there are even stations with waste bags and a midway water stop for them along the path. Sometimes we’ve spotted dolphins from there — and even manatees. I absolutely love that place!
Near Flagler Avenue you have other great and fun places that you should not miss, but I will tell you about it another time 😉
Have you been around here? What other place do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
