Some areas allow for cars on the beach and others do not. Between Emilia Ave. and Beach Street (Ponce Inlet area) and south of 27th Ave are traffic-free zones. Check out this map for more details: https://www.volusia.org/core/fileparse.php/5948/urlt/BeachRamps-InSeason_2021_ADA.pdf
Most of Daytona allows cars on the beach
Climb to the top of the lighthouse or explore the museum. Admission is $6.95 per adult.
About an hour south of New Smyrna Beach on the coast. Spend the day learning about NASA, tour the rocket garden, and participate in the shuttle lost experience ride. Admission is $57 for the day.
Disney and Universal Studios in Orlando are a bit out of the way but an option if you are looking to come early or stay late and make more of a vacation out of your trip. From the New Smyrna Beach area, the attractions are 1-1.5 hours away, depending on traffic.
Mon Delice French Bakery (https://mondelicebakery.net/) - Known for its bread and pastries. Great for coffee, light breakfast, or light lunch. Riverpark Terrace (https://www.riverparkterrace.com/) - lunch and dinner service. Quaint, garden vibe with a variety of good food options The Baker's Table (http://www.thebakerstablensb.com/index.html) - a delicious brunch place with unique options, also open for dinner. It's in a strip mall so it's not the "cutest" vibe. Cafe Verde (https://cafeverdensb.com/) - casual lunch or dinner place with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Happy hour every day 3-6pm. The Grille at Riverview (https://www.thegrilleatriverview.com/) - good food and nice waterfront seating, for a nice lunch or dinner Third Wave Cafe and Wine Bar (https://www.thirdwavensb.com/) - brunch and dinner service with a garden vibe and delicious food JB's Fish Camp (https://jbsfishcamp.com/) - river views, food, drink, and kayak rentals. Chill/casual vibe.