The ultimate New Smyrna Beach, Florida, guide for a weekend escape from Atlanta
Ready to swap the quiet tree-lined streets of Atlanta, Georgia, for the salty breeze of New Smyrna Beach, Florida? Pack those bags — this hidden coastal treasure is calling your name!
Whether you’re wheels up from ATL or road-tripping down I-75 with gas station snacks and throwback bangers, what’s waiting at the end is 17 miles of shoreline and enough adventure to make you forget to check your emails and make you seriously consider canceling your Monday plans.
This New Smyrna Beach guide spills all the weekend tea on where to stay, what to do, and the local eats worth breaking your “no carbs” rule for. Without further ado, let’s jump in!
Where to Stay
Looking for the perfect weekend headquarters? SpringHill Suites by Marriott in New Smyrna Beach passes the easy-breezy weekend getaway vibe check. Oceanfront views? Check. Spacious suites with balconies? Double check. Free Wi-Fi to keep the FOMO at bay? Triple check.
Wake up to a free breakfast, then lounge poolside with beach views for days. Feeling fancy? Grab a cocktail and some bites at Barefoot Bar and Cafe downstairs. And if motivation strikes, there’s a gym ready for your quick sweat sesh before you dive into beach mode.
Beach Day: Ride, Hike, Kayak, Repeat
Speaking of the beach, you’re in luck – New Smyrna Beach has 17 miles of white-sand bliss just waiting for you. That said, NSB has more to offer than just sunbathing by the beach (though, no judgment if that’s your vibe).
You can kick off your morning by renting a Pedego electric bike and cruising like you own the place, minus the sweat. Effortlessly cool, 2025 style.
Hit the Smyrna Dunes Park boardwalk for a 2.4-mile loop through dunes, offering epic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. Bonus points for the side trail down to the water, where the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse steals the spotlight for your best shot.
You can also book a sunset trip with Viking EcoTours on their hands-free pedal kayaks, giving your arms a well-deserved break so you won’t feel like you just ran a marathon. It’s perfect for snapping pics, spotting wildlife, or just soaking in that golden hour glow.
Canal Street: Coffee Shops, Art Classes & Shopping Sprees
For a change of pace from the water, explore Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach’s walkable, historic downtown district lined with indie shops, art galleries, local cafes, and small-town charm.
Start your day at Botanical House Coffee, a small-batch roastery where the drinks are as extra as they are delicious. Their quirky menu features ’70s-inspired drinks such as the lavender-honey Dancing Queen latte or the chocolate-strawberry Afternoon Delight. It’s part coffee spot, part boutique with sustainable goods and local art.
If your inner art kid is calling, answer with a ceramics class at Jane’s Art Center. Whether you’re a total beginner or know your way around a pottery wheel, this art center offers hands-on ceramics classes for every level. You can even sign up to make cute and functional pieces such as mugs or butter dishes.
For fresh threads, go on a shopping spree at Claiborne’s Closet, a fashion boutique with summer-ready clothes that’ll up your Instagram game without breaking the bank.
Flavor by the Shore: Where to Eat and Drink
After a day packed with adventure, your appetite deserves some serious respect. Good thing New Smyrna Beach has you covered with some seriously good food and drink options!
Crabby’s Bar & Grill serves fresh seafood, hand-tossed pizza, and killer views from its open-air bar. Dig into Bairdi crab legs and Royal Red shrimp while soaking in the Atlantic Ocean breeze.
Flagler Tavern offers local seafood, hormone-free chicken, and Florida-raised beef, plus a menu with 30+ draft beers and cocktails such as the frozen “Chocolate Monkey” or smoky Maple Old Fashioned. With four bars and live music, this local favorite creates the perfect atmosphere for every mood.
Dining in a treehouse? Yes, please. For a dining experience with a twist, Norwood’s Restaurant and Treehouse Bar is a must. Once a 1929 gas station, this family-run institution serves fresh seafood and aged steaks, with three bars and four dining rooms, including the treehouse perch that will be perfect for a craft cocktail hangout.
The final call
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, might just be the summer glow-up you didn’t know you needed. So go ahead and toss that swimsuit in your suitcase, queue up your travel playlist, and chase those ocean vibes all the way to NSB. Just don’t be surprised if you’re having delusions about moving there by Sunday night. Atlanta’s still got it, but this beach town? She’s tempting.
