Beachside Manner of New Smyrna Beach

     For decades, Florida's beaches have had a magnetic effect on people all over the world, drawing them to the coastlines in droves. Sadly, this tremendous influx has tainted and spoiled many of these once pristine seashores. However, New Smyrna Beach remains to be almost untouched, free of the heavy traffic, large crowds and pollution that plague most Florida beaches.

New Smyrna Beach, naturally buffered on every side from the hectic daily grind, is the ideal refuge for those who truly need to get away from it all. What can be more healing than basking in the warm rays of the sun on the silky soft sands of New Smyrna Beach and splashing around in the blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean? The average air and water temperature of 70 degrees lets everyone take advantage of the soothing powers of the beach year round.

New Smyrna's beach stretches for 13.2 miles, protected to the north by an imposing rock jetty and to the south by the Canaveral National Seashore Park, a designated wildlife preserve. Dubbed the "World's Safest Bathing Beach," New Smyrna Beach is also protected by rock ledges 25 - 40 miles offshore which eliminate dangerous undercurrents.

Nature has safeguarded New Smyrna Beach to the north, south and east, and conscientious New Smyrna citizens have preserved the land to the west by taking precautions against erosion. Unlike many Florida beaches which are lined with towering condominiums and hotels that significantly reduce the beaches' protective barrier of sand dunes, New Smyrna Beach's tasteful, low-rise condominiums are strategically placed along the beach.

Visitors can also participate in many refreshing activities. Long, peaceful strolls along the water's edge are sure to clear the minds and most guests don't leave New Smyrna Beach without a varied collection of shells, the most sought after being undamaged sand dollars. Visitors of any age will have fun building sandcastles and other sand sculptures.

Surfing is especially popular because of New Smyrna's excellent wave breaks, the best in Florida. Every summer, the best surfers in the country head to New Smyrna to compete in the ASP Surfing Competition. Even if you're not a pro, New Smyrna's safe waters make it the perfect surfing spot for beginners.

Wind surfing, sailing and jet skiing are also fun ocean sports. To go water skiing and hydro sliding, the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) is only a hop, skip and a jump away. Fish enthusiasts can charter boats that leave from Ponce Inlet for deep sea fishing. One of the best parts of vacationing is bringing home lots of souvenirs and gifts. There are numerous novelty shops and boutiques along the charming streets on the oceanside and mainland to satisfy the most avid shopper.

All of these activities build up appetites, and New Smyrna boasts the best fresh seafood restaurants around, where "Catch of the Day" means exactly that. There are also restaurants for lovers of traditional, Italian, Mexican and Chinese fare.

After a few therapeutic days in the water, wind and sun, visitors will be ready to hit Central Florida's man-made attractions. New Smyrna Beach is the closest beach to these attractions, so visitors can return the same evening. The Space Coast and St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, are also only a short drive away.

The tranquility, beauty and recreation of New Smyrna Beach make it unquestionably the perfect getaway.

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