New Smyrna Beach showcases an array of natural wonders and wildlife habitats. This Florida coastal town offers visitors opportunities to explore pristine beaches, lush preserves, and diverse ecosystems. 

The Indian River Lagoon, Canaveral National Seashore, and other local attractions allow you to immerse yourself in Florida’s unique environment and observe native species in their natural habitats. Here are our top 10 places of interest you should add to your bucket list if you want to have wonderful nature and wildlife experiences in New Smyrna Beach:

Smyrna Dunes Park

Smyrna Dunes Park spans 73 acres of pristine coastal ecosystems at the northern tip of New Smyrna Beach peninsula. The park showcases five distinct Florida habitats: ocean, river, dunes, scrub zone, and saltwater marsh. A 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk weaves through these environments, offering visitors panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. 

Keep your eyes peeled for gopher tortoises burrowing in the sand, osprey diving for fish, and bottlenose dolphins playing in the surf. The park’s location at the confluence of Ponce de Leon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean creates excellent conditions for fishing, swimming, and surfing. 

Leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas, making it a favorite spot for pet owners. The park provides amenities like picnic pavilions, outdoor showers, and fishing piers. Sunrise and sunset here are particularly spectacular, painting the sky in vibrant hues over the water.

Marine Discovery Center

The Marine Discovery Center (MDC) in New Smyrna Beach serves as an educational hub focused on the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. This non-profit organization aims to protect and restore the lagoon through education, research, and community involvement.

MDC offers a variety of interactive experiences. Visitors can explore touch tanks housing local marine life, attend informative lectures, or join guided eco-tours on land and water. These tours, led by knowledgeable naturalists, provide close encounters manatees, dolphins, and countless bird species in their natural habitat.

The center’s exhibits showcase the lagoon’s biodiversity and importance. Kids love the hands-on learning opportunities, while adults appreciate the in-depth information about conservation efforts. MDC also runs several citizen science programs, allowing visitors to contribute to ongoing research projects.

Regular events include kayak tours, nature walks, and seasonal turtle talks during nesting season. The center’s gift shop offers eco-friendly souvenirs and educational materials for those inspired to learn more about marine ecosystems.

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore stretches along 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic coastline, preserving one of Florida’s most pristine barrier island systems. This protected area serves as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles and a haven for diverse wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy activities like beachcombing, birdwatching, and fishing. The seashore’s expansive beaches offer plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. Hiking trails wind through coastal hammocks and mangrove-fringed lagoons, providing opportunities to spot animals like alligators, river otters, and a variety of wading birds.

The area’s rich history is evident in sites like Turtle Mound, a significant Native American shell midden, and the ruins of Eldora, a 19th-century town. Ranger-led programs offer insights into the seashore’s ecology and cultural heritage.

Kayaking and canoeing are popular in the calm waters of Mosquito Lagoon, part of the Indian River Lagoon system. The seashore’s dark skies, free from light pollution, make it an excellent spot for stargazing.

Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon is a biodiverse estuary spanning 156 miles along Florida’s east coast. This unique ecosystem is home to over 4,300 species of plants and animals, making it one of North America’s most biologically diverse estuaries.

The lagoon’s shallow waters support extensive seagrass beds, crucial habitats for manatees, sea turtles, and countless fish species. Dolphins are frequently spotted playing and feeding in the lagoon. Birdwatchers flock to the area to observe pelicans, herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills among many other species.

Recreational opportunities abound on the lagoon. Kayaking and paddleboarding allow for peaceful exploration of mangrove-lined shores and hidden coves. Fishing enthusiasts can target species like redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout.

Environmental challenges like algal blooms and habitat loss threaten the lagoon’s health. Various conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore this vital ecosystem, including seagrass replanting projects and water quality improvement initiatives.

Turnbull Bay

Turnbull Bay, a picturesque inlet of the Indian River Lagoon, offers a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts and water sports lovers alike. This shallow, brackish waterway is fringed by mangroves and coastal hammocks, creating a rich ecosystem for various wildlife.

Kayakers and paddleboarders can navigate the calm waters, exploring hidden creeks and observing nature up close. Keep an eye out for ospreys diving for fish, herons stalking the shallows, and the occasional manatee surfacing for air.

Fishing is a popular activity in Turnbull Bay. Anglers can cast for species like redfish, trout, and flounder. The bay’s oyster beds not only provide habitat for marine life but also help filter and clean the water.

The surrounding area includes hiking trails that wind through coastal forests, offering opportunities to spot land-dwelling creatures like gopher tortoises and various songbirds. During migration seasons, the bay becomes a stopover for numerous bird species.

Local conservation efforts focus on maintaining water quality and protecting the bay’s delicate ecosystem. These initiatives help ensure that Turnbull Bay remains a thriving natural area for generations to come.

New Smyrna Beach Turtle Nesting Grounds

New Smyrna Beach’s 13-mile stretch of sandy coastline serves as a crucial nesting habitat for several sea turtle species. From May to October, loggerhead, green, and occasionally leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the soft sand.

The beach implements protective measures during nesting season. Lighting restrictions help prevent disorientation of hatchlings, while marked-off nesting areas safeguard the eggs. Volunteers conduct early morning patrols to identify and protect new nests.

Visitors can learn about sea turtle conservation through educational programs offered by local organizations. These often include guided walks during nesting season, providing a chance to witness this amazing natural phenomenon firsthand (always under strict guidelines to avoid disturbing the turtles).

The presence of nesting sea turtles highlights the importance of maintaining clean, natural beaches. Efforts to reduce plastic pollution and remove obstacles from the sand directly benefit these endangered creatures.

While it’s crucial to maintain a respectful distance from nesting turtles and hatchlings, the opportunity to observe these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring.

Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve

Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, named after the artist and environmentalist who championed its protection, covers over 2,500 acres of diverse Florida ecosystems. This expansive natural area offers visitors a chance to explore pristine habitats ranging lush forests to salt marshes.

The preserve boasts an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Multi-use trails wind through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods, while boardwalks traverse wetland areas. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including bald eagles and wood storks.

A scenic 3-mile stretch of Spruce Creek flows through the preserve, inviting kayakers and canoeists to paddle its tranquil waters. Fishing is popular along the creek, mangroves, and shoreline hammocks provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The preserve’s Rose Bay site features an observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Educational kiosks throughout the property provide information about local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

Regular guided hikes and nature programs help visitors learn about the preserve’s ecology and history. These initiatives contribute to the ongoing protection and appreciation of this valuable natural resource.

Lake Ashby Park

Lake Ashby Park offers visitors a chance to experience Florida’s freshwater ecosystems in a serene setting. The park centers around 1,400-acre Lake Ashby, a natural freshwater lake that supports diverse aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

The lake attracts numerous waterfowl species, making it a hotspot for birdwatching. Alligators can often be seen basking along the shoreline or gliding through the water. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck catching bass, crappie, and catfish.

A nature trail winds through the surrounding pine flatwoods and wetlands, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like gopher tortoises, deer, and various bird species. The trail includes interpretive signs that educate visitors about the local ecosystem.

The park features amenities like a boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic facilities. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the lake’s quiet coves and marshes.

Lake Ashby Park plays a role in local conservation efforts, helping to protect water quality and preserve habitat for native species. Educational programs offered at the park raise awareness about the importance of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems.

Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve encompasses 21,800 acres of pristine estuarine waters, part of the Indian River Lagoon system. This shallow, brackish lagoon is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and ecological significance.

The preserve’s extensive seagrass beds provide critical habitat for many marine species. Manatees graze in these underwater meadows, while bottlenose dolphins hunt in the deeper channels. The lagoon is also famous for its “redfish tail,” where anglers can spot redfish feeding in shallow water.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent ways to explore the preserve’s mangrove-fringed islands and hidden creeks. Birdwatchers can observe a variety of species, including roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and ospreys.

The preserve is home to over 400 archaeological sites, reflecting thousands of years of human history. Modern conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality, restoring oyster reefs, and managing recreational use to minimize impact on sensitive habitats.

Educational programs and guided tours offer insights into the preserve’s ecology and ongoing research projects. These initiatives help foster public understanding and support for protecting this unique and fragile ecosystem.

What Animals Live in New Smyrna Beach?

New Smyrna Beach hosts diverse wildlife including sea turtles, manatees, alligators, gopher tortoises, and various bird species. Marine life is abundant, with dolphins, fish, and crustaceans in the waters. Land animals like raccoons and opossums are also common.

Can You See Dolphins in New Smyrna Beach?

Yes, dolphins are frequently seen in New Smyrna Beach. Bottlenose dolphins are common in the Indian River Lagoon and along the coastline. Visitors can often spot them from the shore, piers, or during boat tours.

Vacation with Great Ocean Condos & Homes

New Smyrna Beach’s natural attractions offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. As you plan your visit to these remarkable ecosystems, consider booking your stay through Great Ocean Condos and Homes. Why should you vacation with us at Great Ocean Condos and Homes? For starters, we provide a range of comfortable accommodations tailored to meet your needs, ensuring you’re well-rested and ready for your outdoor adventures throughout New Smyrna Beach.

Our vacation rentals offer the perfect blend of privacy and the comforts of home. Enjoy full kitchens, balconies, laundry facilities, and pools, making your stay as convenient and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re looking for direct oceanfront views, pet-friendly options, or new listings, we have something for everyone. Our properties are located near key attractions, making it easy to explore NSB Non-Driving Beach, the vibrant areas near Flagler Avenue, and beyond.

Over the past 16 years, we’ve built strong relationships with thousands of guests and owners by providing unforgettable vacations and top-tier property care. We’re proud to be part of the New Smyrna Beach community and love sharing this special place with others. With Great Ocean Condos and Homes, you’ll experience unmatched value where exceptional stays meet incredible savings.

To further enhance your vacation, explore our blogs, which features a variety of articles about New Smyrna Beach’s best activities, food and drink spots, and local events. Whether you’re interested in outdoor family activities, top places to eat, or must-do experiences, our blogs are helpful guides for making the most of your visit.

Enjoy New Smyrna Beach’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, and make your stay unforgettable with Great Ocean Condos and Homes.