Leave the winter blues up north and escape to sunny New Smyrna Beach for spring break by the sea! With warm weather and beautiful oceanfront getaways awaiting, itâs impossible to not spend the upcoming weeks dreaming of the tide and sand. Instead of sticking to your usual vacation traditions, venture from your beach chair this spring and explore the fun NSB has to offer. From wildlife sighting on kayak eco tours to brunch at the magical Third Wave Café, New Smyrna Beach has a myriad of activities, restaurants, and shops to add to your spring break bucket list. Book your spring break vacation rental with Great Ocean Condos and Homes and add the below activities to your beach itinerary- Tag us on Facebook when you do!
Give Surfing a Try
Tap into your adventurous side and ride the surf this spring break with family and friends. New Smyrna Beach has been listed as one of the best surf towns in America, and unlike Hawaii and Malibu, the waves are kind to beginners! Forget hauling a surfboard through airport security and rent locally at either Nichols Surf Shop or Red Dog Surf Shop. If your kids (or you!) need an expert to show you the ropes, 2-hour surfing lessons are available through Nichols Surf Shop. We suggest booking a class at the beginning of your vacation so you can surf like a pro for the remainder of your stay. If youâre truly dedicated to learning the sport, book a direct oceanfront condo or home so you always have easy access to the waves!
Climb to the Top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
Beautiful views + exercise + history = A fun, well-rounded experience! Climb the steps of the areaâs historical landmark, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. With 203 steps and 130 years of history, Floridaâs tallest lighthouse makes for a great daytime excursion thatâs only a 30 minute drive from Flagler Avenue. Get your camera ready as the top has a 360 view of the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet, the inletâs jetty, and more. Those who love a good story will be fascinated with the old sea legends and history kept alive in the on-site museum. Visit the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse website to purchase your tickets and receive more information.
Take an Eco-Tour
New Smyrna is so much more than a beloved vacation spot; it is home to a vast array of marine wildlife. Educate yourself on the conservation movement with a visit to NSBâs Marine Discovery Center. Though the center has live aquariums and exhibits, you can see the âœlocalsâ� in their natural habitat on either a boat or kayak eco-tour. We recommend the boat eco-tour for those traveling with children; it gives passengers a glimpse of the Indian River Lagoon and is narrated by a certified Florida naturalist. If youâre after an adventure, opt for the guided kayak tour that will take you through the mangroves, salt marshes, oyster reefs, and more. While an eco-tour almost guarantees wildlife sighting, many guests staying in our direct oceanfront or ocean view rentals report dolphin sightings from their very balcony!
Visit Beachside Candy Co.
What better time to indulge your sweet tooth than on vacation? Beachside Candy Co. adds a nostalgic touch to Flagler Avenue with its salt-water taffy and old fashioned appeal. Stop in for a treat before heading back to the beach; the shop has everything from truffles and chocolate-covered Oreos to taffy and standard candy. Although nobody will turn down candy as a gift, youâll find unique novelties and trinkets to pick up for those back home. Donât be surprised if the kids list this as the highlight of your spring break vacation! View the treats they have on their website here.
Brunch at Third Wave Cafe
Mid-morning mimosas and avocado toast in a magical garden is how we wish every day began! Wake up late, throw on a cute outfit, and start your beach day with brunch at Third Wave Café. Along with craft lattes and Island Rum French toast, this café charms guests with more than just its menu. Shady trees and string lights make its outdoor seating and bar a one-of-a-kind experience. If youâre in a rush to get to the waves, swing by the indoor coffee bar thatâs filled with comfortable seating and a vast coffee & tea selection. Not sure what to order? Try their Cubano with almond milk! View the full menu here.
Dine and Kayak at JBâs Fish Camp
If JBâs Fish Camp isnât already a vacation tradition, itâs time to make it one! This waterfront restaurant is iconic for seafood platters and a summer camp atmosphere. We recommend visiting JBâs in the evening as their outdoor dining has riverfront sunset views that will have you grabbing your camera. Aside from good food, this Fish Camp is geared for fun as fishing, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and wildlife sightings are all a part of the experience. JBâs is New Smyrnaâs southernmost restaurant as itâs just minutes from Canaveral National Seashore. View their menu and plan your visit here!
Grab an NSB sweatshirt at Wild Side Beachwear
Did you even spend spring break in New Smyrna Beach if you didnât grab a sweatshirt? Swing by Flagler Avenueâs Wild Side Beachwear for custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, and essentially any item you want branded with âœNSBâ�. This local shop is the perfect place to grab souvenirs for friends back home as everything from flip flops to fun shot glasses are sold. Plus, youâll be supporting NSBâs small shop business as this beachware store is family-owned. Check out the website here!
From breathtaking moments at the top of a lighthouse to coffee dates in a garden cafe, New Smyrna Beach is filled with memorable experiences for your spring break vacation. With a full itinerary planned, all thatâs left is to book your NSB getaway! Browse our selection of vacation condos and homes on our website; direct oceanfront, ocean view, pet-friendly, luxury home rentals and more. Spring break is one of our most popular weeks, so if you love it, book it! Reserve your stay online or call us at 386.478.7863.
