What’s more exciting than an upcoming beach vacation? While everyone loves the anticipation of blue skies and hot sand, the actual planning aspect of a vacation is not quite as delightful. Finding where to stay, who to go with, what places to visit can often leave travelers feeling overwhelmed. Before you spend needless hours searching, take our beach vacation quiz below that will help you find New Smyrna Beach vacation rentals and things to do in NSB based on your preference. Once completed, you’ll have a NSB vacation rental to book and things to do planned!
What do you look forward to most when going to the beach?
1. Laying out on the beach
You match best with a direct oceanfront vacation rental! Those who crave relaxed days on the shore should book a NSB rental only steps from the sand. We offer over 130 direct oceanfront rentals located on both the driving and non-driving beach.
If you care most about your rental’s view, we recommend properties on higher floors such as Daytona Ashley Penthouse 4 and Shorehom by the Sea 65. If you prefer easy access to the beach, book a ground-floor rental like Sea Coast Gardens III 101.
2. Trying local dining and bars
You match best with a NSB vacation rental in Golden Arms or Oceania Plaza. These two complexes are within walking/biking distance from New Smyrna Beach’s most popular dining and shopping area. Flagler Avenue is home to coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and even a juice truck! Both Golden Arms and Oceania Plaza are oceanfront complexes, so you and yours can head to dinner by walking on the beach.
3. Exploring new places
You match best with a vacation rental in Ponce Inlet, Port Orange and Daytona Shores! If New Smyrna Beach has always been your vacation destination, branch out to nearby spots with new restaurants and activities. We recommend Pelican’s Cove which is nestled between the ocean and a bay in Port Orange or Daytona White Surf 405 located in the bustling Daytona Beach.
What is your ideal group to travel with?
1. Myself and my significant other
You match best with a one-bedroom vacation rental. These vacation rentals are best suited for groups of 2-4 and are the most inexpensive rental options. Sea Coast Gardens and Colony Beach Club have the largest inventory of one-bedroom units that range from oceanfront to ocean view. If you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, we recommend Colony Beach Club 129 and Smyrna Beach Club 814B.
2. Immediate family or a small group of friends
You match best with a two-bedroom getaway. Two-bedroom vacation rentals are our most requested as the majority accommodate a group of six. Our website has over 180 condos for you to choose from. If you love the finer things in life, book a luxury condo like Southwind 904. If you’re traveling with a pup, we recommend a pet-friendly unit such as Ponce de Leon Towers 503.
3. Multi-family vacation
You match best with a beach house! Our NSB beach house rentals are ideal for larger groups or multiple families vacationing together. Mermaid’s Playground has the ideal set up for two families vacationing together as each level has a kitchen, dining room, and living area. Homes such as Villa Amelia and LaKaSa are great for spending holidays with extended family.
What’s most important when making dinner plans?
1. Amazing views
You are at the beach after all! Take in the sight of blue water and a shell-lined shore from NSB’s waterfront restaurants. The Breakers’ oceanfront bar grants visitors a front row seat to the waves. This restaurant resides on the tip of Flagler Avenue is notorious for its pink exterior and amazing burgers. If you prefer a serene experience, dine to the placid waters of the Indian River at Outriggers. As you share an appetizer of crispy calamari, you can enjoy the sight of boats gliding in and out of the marina. View our complete list of NSB’s waterfront dining.
2. Local and unique
If dinner ambiance is as imperative as the food you order, you’ll find The Garlic and Norwood’s Treehouse meet your aesthetic standards. The Garlic whisks guests into the Tuscan countryside by serving authentic Italian food in a magical, string-lit garden. Live music, low lighting, and a menu filled with pasta and wine make The Garlic a beloved spot with locals. Norwood’s Treehouse offers a unique experience as guests can dine amongst the treetops. Sip cocktails on their rooftop bar and watch the cars go by below.
3. Quiet & chill
After a long day at the beach, sometimes you just need a night in! Order takeout from one of New Smyrna Beach’s restaurants and spend a relaxed evening in your condo or home. If cooking doesn’t take you out of vacation mode, you’ll find our vacation rentals’ kitchens well equipped for any recipe you try. When the food’s ready, head outside to the patio or balcony for dining al fresco.
What kind of activities do you prefer?
1. Laid back
There’s no place like New Smyrna Beach for taking it easy. Aside from laying out on the sand, fill your day with coffee shops, antiquing, and even a quick stroll through the local farmer’s market. Grab a cold brew at either Third Wave Café or Island Roasters Coffee Co. and head to Canal Street for an antique hunt. You’ll find one of a kind treasures at Vintage Regency Boutique and Jeff’s Antique Mall. If you want a true local experience, visit Canal Street’s farmer’s market every Saturday from 7:00am – 12:30pm.
2. Outdoor and active
If you’re a high-energy person, you’ll find NSB to a mecca for outdoor entertainment and activities. Ocean lovers can learn to shred the waves with lessons from Nichols Surf Shop. The shop offers board rentals and 2-hour lessons to get you riding like a pro. If you seek fresh-water adventure, sign up for a guided eco-tour with the Marine Wildlife Center. You’ll glide through the lush waterways by kayak. Those that prefer to stay on land can rent bikes with Sandy Andy’s explore NSB’s bike trails.
3. Something new and exciting
There’s no need to leave NSB’s shore; however, if you’re eager to get the full Florida experience there are plenty of attractions nearby. New Smyrna Beach is a little over an hour away from Orlando’s theme parks such as Disney World, Universal, and Sea World. If you’re looking to make your trip educational, drive an hour south to Kennedy Space Center (you may even see a rocket launch!). As Florida is a peninsula, you also have the opportunity to watch the ocean sunrise in NSB and drive 3 hours to watch the sunset in Clearwater Beach.
No matter your vacation rental, dining, or activity preference, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Start planning your beach vacation today by browsing our website or calling us at 386.478.7863.