How to plan a beach day in New Smyrna Beach
The short version: get to the beach early, check the warning flags and the tide before you set up, decide in advance if you'll park and walk or drive onto the sand, and pack more water and shade than seems necessary. New Smyrna Beach is an easy beach to enjoy, and a little planning keeps the day from turning into a sunburn and a long walk back to the car.
When to go
Arrive early in the morning or come for the late afternoon. Midday sun in Florida is strong for most of the year, and parking near the popular access points fills up on weekends and holidays. Early mornings are also the calmest time for a walk, and late afternoons usually bring a breeze and softer light.
Florida's Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Most days in that window are fine for the beach, but keep an eye on the forecast, since storms far offshore can still bring rough surf and strong rip currents here. Summer afternoons also bring frequent thunderstorms. If you hear thunder, leave the water and the open beach.
Check the tide
Look up the tide before you go. At high tide the beach gets much narrower, and the strip of dry sand you set up on at 9 a.m. can be underwater by noon. Low tide gives you more room to walk, a firmer surface for bikes, and tide pools and shells to look at. Tide tables are free from NOAA and most weather apps.
Read the beach warning flags
Florida beaches use a standard flag system to show water conditions:
| Flag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Low hazard, calm conditions, still use caution |
| Yellow | Medium hazard, moderate surf or currents |
| Red | High hazard, high surf or strong currents |
| Double red | Water closed to the public |
| Purple | Dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish |
Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower when you can, and ask the lifeguard about conditions. If you get caught in a rip current, don't fight it by swimming straight back to shore. Swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull, then head in, or float and wave for help.
Watch your step in the water
Stingrays sometimes rest on the sandy bottom in shallow water. Shuffle your feet as you wade so they sense you coming and swim off. Jellyfish wash up some days too, so look before you sit down on the wet sand, and don't touch them even if they look dead.
Parking or driving on the beach
You have two options. You can park at a public beach access lot or nearby street parking and walk over, or, on parts of Volusia County's beaches, you can drive onto the sand in marked areas. Beach driving comes with rules: a posted speed limit, set hours, designated lanes and parking zones, and a fee for vehicles during certain times of the year. Areas open to driving change, and some stretches are closed to vehicles altogether.
Volusia County runs the beaches and posts current driving rules, fees, and access points on its website. Check there before you go, rather than relying on what someone remembers from last year.
Sea turtle nesting season
Sea turtles nest on Volusia County's beaches roughly from May through October. If you're at the beach in those months, you'll see staked-off nests. Give them space and don't disturb them.
A few habits help hatchlings survive. Fill in any holes you dig before you leave, since hatchlings and nesting turtles can get trapped. Take your chairs, tents, and toys off the beach at night. Keep lights off the beach after dark, including flashlights and phone screens, because artificial light pulls hatchlings away from the ocean. Volusia County has its own rules for nesting season, and they apply to visitors as well as residents.
What to pack
A good beach bag for New Smyrna Beach covers sun, water, and comfort:
- plenty of drinking water, plus a cooler with ice
- reef-friendly sunscreen, reapplied every couple of hours and after swimming
- a hat, sunglasses, and a light long-sleeved layer
- a beach umbrella or small tent, staked down well because it gets windy
- towels, chairs, and a bag for your trash
- water shoes if your feet are sensitive to shells
- a small first-aid kit, with vinegar spray or sting relief if jellyfish are around
Check the posted rules at your access point for glass, alcohol, pets, and fires before you bring them. Rules vary by area and can change.
Leave it like you found it
Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps and cigarette butts. Don't walk on the dunes or pick sea oats; the dunes protect the coast and are fenced for a reason. Use the boardwalks and marked crossovers.
Beyond the main beach
If you want a quieter, undeveloped stretch of coast, Canaveral National Seashore is just south of New Smyrna Beach. It needs more planning than a day at the town beach, so read what to know before visiting Canaveral National Seashore first. For more local guides, head back to The Best Local home page.