New Smyrna Beach, Florida (Bethune Beach)

Address:New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Something magical happens when you visit New Smyrna Beach—the crowds disappear, the pollution evaporates, and you find yourself surrounded by bodies of water all around you. Think of it as your own private oasis. This relaxed beach community has shores on the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, Mosquito Lagoon, and the Indian River. Head over to Turtle Mound for great views.

White sands and blue-green waters welcome you to Smyrna Beach, where visitors take their time sunning on land and scuba diving under water, in addition to many other activities including sailing, windsurfing, bird watching, golf, and hiking—lucky hikers may spot the Florida panther in its natural habitat and beach goers may see nesting loggerheads. And since it is considered one of "The World's Safest Bathing Beaches," you'll find children and adults of all ages enjoying the surf.

But Smyrna Beach, also known as "Florida's Secret Pearl," is not just about having fun in the sun; it is also a cultural and historic mecca, named as one of the "Top Small Cities for the Arts." Home to museums and performing arts centers, when visitors need a break from the sun, they'll have plenty of indoor options to choose from.

Historically, New Smyrna Beach has been populated by Timucuan Indians as early as 2000 B.C.E. But it was only colonized in 1767, by Dr. Andrew Turnbull. Turnbull's colony lasted only about ten years, due to shortages and mosquitoes, and it wasn't until after the Civil War that New Smyrna began its process of rebuilding. Turnbull named the colony New Smyrna after his wife's birthplace of Smyrna, Turkey. You can visit Turnbull's unfinished mansion at the Turnbull Ruins.