New Smyrna Beach captures both the romanticism and ambiance of Cocoa, a small beach-side village, and the more rambunctious and adventurous atmosphere of nearby Daytona Beach.
It offers a bit of the best of every beach-side destination, with the Canal Street Historic District being a central attraction for family vacations and getaways, next to many of our top New Smyrna Beach condos.
The Center of Fun for New Smyrna Beach
Canal Street is the main artery for New Smyrna Beach and is lined with stunning palm trees and quaint Florida shops. The street runs towards the river, so if you head straight down, you canât miss the coast and some excellent water views.
Most people on a family vacation venture down on this main area because of its central location, seasonal events, variety of activities and the excitement that happens here throughout the year.
Thereâs a lot to love in this historic area of New Smyrna Beach, including the attractions, activities, restaurants and things to do mentioned below.
Canal Street Historic District Restaurants
Restaurants fill the Canal Street Historic District at every corner. You can enjoy classic wings at Lost Lagoon Wings and Grill, which has a traditional American menu, enticing surf and turf dishes, and a family friendly atmosphere. It is located at 2004 N Dixie Fwy.
Corkscrew Bar & Grill is a nightlife environment; a classy yet funky bar with a gorgeous ambiance. Itâs known for swing music and that ever-famous local guacamole. You can find it at 235 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Or drop in the Third Wave Café at at 204 Flagler Ave with its casual lunch atmosphere and a patio deck, illuminating lights, a local band, and a large fountain for that extra bit of atmosphere. Of course, these are just a few of the many dining options youâll have available to you near Canal Street.
Gallery Walks and an Arts Epicenter
New Smyrna Beach also happens to be a stunning art collective for enthusiasts. A few distinctive galleries on Canal Street display some truly exceptional art, many of it from local artisans.
The Clay Gallery (302 S Riverside Dr.) is an exceptional fine art gallery that showcases the pottery and art of dozens of local creatives.
The Arts on Douglas Gallery (123 Douglas St.) is one of the longest-lasting galleries in the city, with sculptures and pieces that extend the length of its walls.
Stop by either of these galleries to satisfy your creative interests as you explore Canal Street, but youâll find many more throughout New Smyrna Beach.
First Saturday on Canal Street
If you happen to be in town during the first weekend of the month, you wonât want to miss First Saturday on Canal Street.
The free Art Stroll features vendors and artists who set up along the street from 10 am to 5 pm, showing their latest exciting works. Artists talks and galleries can be found in the Douglas Avenue region from 4 pm to 8 pm.
The Canal Street Craft Beer Walk is held simultaneously from 1 pm to around 7 pm. Visitors get to experience local brew flavors and rarities as they make their way through a variety of top local pubs and breweries.
For $20, attendees will receive a six-ounce Canal Street souvenir glass and 12 sampling tickets which can be used at 10 different establishments within walking distance in the district.
Tickets for the Craft Beer Walk can be purchased at the New Smyrna Beach Brewing Co. (143 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL) or The Half Wall Beer House (501 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach, FL).
There are plenty of other activities for all ages including live music along the street and plenty of restaurants to try out.
Plenty More to Do Outside of the Canal Street District
Once youâre done with the Canal Street Historic District youâll find much more to enjoy near our New Smyrna Beach condos, include pristine nature preserves, many other shopping and dining areas, exciting ocean recreation opportunities, totally-open beaches and coastal access points.
If youâre planning on heading out on a family vacation to our beautiful coastal city in the near future, please call us at (386)-478-7863 for information about lodging, beachfront accommodations, or recreation and things to do here.
