South of Daytona Beach and north of the Space Coast lies New Smyrna Beach. This quiet beach community sits at the mouth of the Ponce de Leon Inlet, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway and to the Atlanic Ocean. New Smyrna Beach and its surrounding communities, Ponce Inlet, Edgewater and Oak Hill, are free of the traffic, crowds, and pollution of some of Florida’s other beaches, a point of pride for the area and its residents.

The dedication of New Smyrna Beach towards conservation and protection of its beaches can be seen by looking at the beachfront accommodations. Instead of high-rise buildings up and down the beach, low-rise condos are strategically placed in such a way as to allow the sea oats and sand dunes, nature’s beach protection, to flourish. Rock ledges several miles offshore eliminate dangerous undercurrents and limit beach erosion. Because of all of this, New Smyrna’s 13 miles of beach is considered to be the ‘World’s Safest Bathing Beach’. In specific areas, driving is permitted on the beach.

Many of New Smyrna Beach’s attractions are focused around the beach and the water. Surfing, for instance, is very popular in this area. The limited undercurrents make the water off New Smyrna Beach ideal for surfers skilled and beginner alike. The American Professional Surfing Association holds one of its premier competitions there each year, drawing experienced surfers from all over the country to participate.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are also quite popular in the area. Dive centers like Sea Dogs Dive Center take visitors out to dive sites along the coast every day and offer courses for beginners. A popular spot for snorkeling and diving is the Canaveral National Seashore, a national park located on a barrier island with a wide variety of animal and plant life. Anglers will find many different kinds of fish, from backwater fishing for tarpon, snook and black grouper, to deep sea fishing for red snapper, amberjack or kingfish. Wind surfing and Jet skiing are just a few of the other water sports visitors to the area indulge in.

A beautiful view of both New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach can be had from the top of the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1887, is the tallest in Florida and the second tallest in the nation. In the same neighborhood, the Marine Science Center educates visitors about marine life in Volusia County, while serving as a sea turtle and seabird rehabilitation center. Another attraction is the Turtle Mound, a 50 foot high structure created entirely out of oyster shells by the Timucuan Indians.

New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back city with affection for its beautiful natural surroundings. It is the perfect place for those seeking a vacation away from fast-paced cities and crowded beaches. For more information, please visit the website of the New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau.