With the sunlight glittering on the tide-washed shore and your hand warmly secure in that of the person you love, your New Smyrna Beach vacation will leave you wide-eyed with a montage of magical movie moments. New Smyrna Beach is a romantic vacation destination as it brings couples together with its carefree vibe, playful activities, and breathtaking Atlantic scenery. From candle-lit dinners to sunrise beach picnics, we’ve joined with Cupid in compiling the best date ideas that are sure to knit heartstrings closer. Plan your romantic getaway in a NSB condo or home and let the amorous atmosphere fill you with warm fuzzies.
Date-Worthy Dining
You don’t have to share a noodle over a meatball to have a Disney-like experience; New Smyrna Beach has quite a selection of romantic restaurants that will put stars in every couples’ eyes. Like the shells on the seashore, no two couples are alike; that’s why we’ve divided our top dining picks based on personality/mood for the day.
For the Adventurous
Nothing says adventure like dinner for two in a treehouse! Norwood’s Treehouse is an iconic spot in New Smyrna as it not only offers gourmet dishes and the best seafood, but it also boasts of al fresco dining amongst the treetops. With twinkle lights strung overhead and a rooftop bar, couples who love unconventionality will find this to be a memorable date-night spot. If your fun-loving hearts prefer an evening of live music and a popping atmosphere, Flagler Tavern is the NSB restaurant for you. Throw self-control to the wind and go crazy together over a menu that holds everything from Pretzels N’ Cheese to Chicken Marsala. Don’t be surprised if the Seaside Smash cocktail and your love’s impish encouragement lead you to starring in their weekly karaoke night!
For the Culture-Lovers
Those with venturous palates and a love for culture will find plenty of delicious options in NSB’s restaurant scene. Experience the height of Italian dining and old-world ambiance in the area’s staple, The Garlic. Share an Eggplant Parmigiano in a Tuscany-inspired, garden atmosphere and reconnect over your passion for world events and amazing bruschetta. Cross the globe (or drive five minutes) to experience some of Asia’s finest contributions to the culinary world. AA Garden Fusion is located along Flagler Avenue and provides a rich assortment of Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese dishes. Sip on Pho, taste and swap sushi rolls, and don’t forget to end the evening with their Creme Brûlée!
For the Romantics
If low-lighting, soft music, and your love’s shining eyes across the table are how you envision the perfect date night, you’ll find that New Smyrna Beach has the romantic atmospheres your soul longs for. Share whispered words over glasses of wine in the magical garden of Third Wave Café. Nestled amongst string lights and palm fronds, this outdoor dining experience sets the mood for meaningful conversation. We recommend lovers start with the Charcuterie and Cheese Combo and end their evening sipping Café au Laits. If a little black dress and suit are your choice of clothing, the Grille at Riverview will match your classy attire. Splurge on a traditional steak and lobster entrée and enjoy the sight of your dapper-looking date as the sun sets on the river beside you.
Activities for the Lovebirds
While nothing beats long walks together on the sandy shore, New Smyrna Beach offers a vast selection of romantic things to do that will reignite the playful spark in every couple. Explore our favorite vacation date ideas and incorporate some that you’d usually never try!
For the Adventurous
If you and your significant other share a love for a healthy sweat and adrenaline rush, you’ll find yourselves entertained with NSB’s fun-loving activities. Strike up some playful competition and race your love along New Smyrna’s bike trails. Beach cruisers are readily available to rent at Sandy Andy’s so that you can spend the day coasting down the golden shore and challenging your loved one to a friendly jaunt down the beach. Loser treats winner to lunch! If your date has a secret thrill-seeking streak, surprise them with the best tour of New Smyrna Beach… from the air! Catch a jaw-dropping flight in an open-cockpit, vintage aircraft with BiPlane Fun Flights. You and yours will always reminisce over the memory of circling the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and gliding over the Intracoastal Waterway.
For the Culture-Lovers
Expand your minds and curiosity together when you explore some of New Smyrna’s historical and cultural things to do.Enjoy an educational afternoon viewing abstract paintings and detailed sculptures in Canal Street’s local art gallery, The Hub on Canal. This community center displays rotating art exhibits that are not only visually impressive, but also stimulating for in-depth conversations. If you don’t mind pairing a history lesson with exercise, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a great day-date for couples. Climb its 175 steps and learn the story of how this landmark has been a guiding light for nearly 150 years. Once you reach the top, hold your loved one close and enjoy a romantic moment beholding the breathtaking view of the inlet.
For The Romantics
While creative, out-of-the-box dates spice up any relationship, it’s the sentimental moments the heart forever holds dear. Set your alarm for 6AM to catch the sun’s morning debut with a sunrise picnic on the beach. Lay out your breakfast spread, light a candle, and cozy up next to your person to watch the peeping light spread across the waters. There’s no sweeter way to start your day together! If hot-stones and a couple’s massage are your love language, The Spa at Riverview is sure to pamper you both with their Couples Oasis Retreat. Receive 50 glorious minutes of muscle tension melting away and enjoy the provided lunch basking in your Zen-like state. For the over-scheduled couple, there’s nothing more romantic than shared relaxation!
Romantic Getaways
There’s no way you can try out all these date ideas in one day! Nurture your relationship with quality time and plan a romantic getaway in a New Smyrna Beach vacation rental. From dreamy, oceanfront condos to cozy, coastal cottages, there’s nowhere better to reconnect than in a place by the sea.
Relax to the sound of the lapping waves and the comforting touch of your love’s hand in this oceanfront condo. As a corner unit, the balcony and windows boast of wrap-around Atlantic views that will rival for your heart’s affections. Begin each morning with the aroma of coffee in the airy kitchen and your favorite pair of sleepy eyes waiting for you at the breakfast table. This NSB vacation rental is situated on the non-driving part of the beach and only a few minutes’ drive from popular dining and shopping.
Pair a glass of wine with this sweeping NSB view and you have the perfect stay-at-home date night! Golden Arms 802 overlooks not only the infamous waves, but also the beautifully kept complex grounds. This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom features light coastal décor and soft accents that make it a memorable couples retreat. With a bird’s eye view before you and your favorite person beside you, this condo will always have a treasured place in your heart.
If a private escape secluded from others is the retreat you and yours need, you’ll find a beachy nirvana in Pelican’s Cove. This private home is tucked away in Port Orange and nestled near both the beach and Halifax River. Take out the kayaks provided in the garage and embark on an adventurous date paddling along the nearby river. Beach gear is also provided for days you want to spend lounging on the sand located just across the street. Escape the crowds and soak up alone time in this home by the coast!
With fine dining, romantic activities, and the most gorgeous vacation stays on the East Coast, there’s truly nowhere like NSB to fall deeper in love with the one you call “yours”. Don’t hesitate, treat yourselves to a well-deserved couples’ vacation in New Smyrna Beach. Explore our selection of direct oceanfront, ocean view, pet-friendly, homes, and other 250+ vacation rentals. If you can’t decide where to spend your getaway, call our office at (386) 478-7863 to have one of our vacation planners help you find the perfect stay!