Shannon & Adrian's Wedding
Things to Do
Walt Disney World Resort
New Smyrna Beach is known for being one of the closest beaches to Disney World. Just an hour and 15 minutes away, Disney may be an obvious suggestion, especially when many will fly into Orlando to get to our wedding. We love the idea that some of our guests may make a vacation out of our wedding, and think Disney is always a great idea!
Universal Orlando Resort
Just like Disney World, Universal may seem like an obvious suggestion, especially since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is now located here. Just an hour and 20 minutes away from NSB, you can make it a day trip or part of a larger trip while hitting up Disney.
Kennedy Space Center
It’s not every day you can see a rocket launch, but we have! That’s because the Kennedy Space Center is so close to New Smyrna Beach. With NASA and Space-X constantly sending rockets to the beyond, there’s lots of opportunities to see a launch from NSB (rockets once launched can be seen headed to space from the beach just in front of Flagler Avenue). But you can get even closer to a launch than that! Kennedy Space Center is just 55 minutes from downtown NSB, and makes for a perfect day trip. Check their website for upcoming launches (we will check too when the time gets closer). Even when there aren’t launches, there’s plenty to see here. You can get up close and personal with famous space craft, learn what it’s truly like to be an astronaut, get a behind the scenes look at the launches and experience what it’s like to be on a Space Shuttle. We hear there’s lots for kids to do here too!
Cape Canaveral National Seashore
We love the NSB beaches and all there is to do in town, but we also think the Cape Canaveral Seashore is a must see. The federally protected park is located on a Barrier Island and offers one of the longest stretches of pristine beach in the United States. The National Seashore is located about 40 minutes south from NSB and just 15 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center. We like the idea of doing both in the same day.
Blue Spring State Park
This little gem is about 50 minutes from NSB. This natural crystal clear spring is located in Orange City, Florida. People can rent kayaks or in a separate area, floats (there’s a slow current that will take you from one end of the spring to the other in about 15 minutes), or you can swim or snorkel. The day we came, we rented tubes for $5 each, and spent an hour hanging out in the water. There are signs warning of gators, but we didn’t see any in the swimming area. We did see a small gator and several manatee where the kayaks are located. There were around 100 people swimming the day we were there. The water is 72 degrees year round, so pick an extra hot day, but make sure you get there early because sometimes the park reaches capacity. Also bring a water proof camera! There is opportunity for some amazing pictures here.
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
So this suggestion is only for people who are interested in this sort of thing, and we know it’s not for everyone. Cassadaga, Florida, is known as the “Psychic Capital of the World.” It’s a really unique community established in 1894 with a rich and long history. The community is made up of psychics and mediums. There is an entire road with house after house of people doing readings. If you didn’t know it was there, you would probably miss it. There’s various guides online on how to get the most out of visiting Cassadaga and how to find it. We have two family members who visited here and really enjoyed it, and said it was a unique and enlightening experience. This is located about 35 minutes from NSB.
New Smyrna Beach
You can’t visit NSB, without going to the beach! We love the beautiful beach here. The beach in front of Flagler Avenue is actually a drive on beach, so cars can pay to park on the beach for the day. If that’s not your thing, head about a mile south and the beach is car free. No matter where you are on the water, keep an eye out for sharks, no really, NSB is considered to be the shark bite capital of the world!
Smyrna Dunes Park
Are you bringing a dog? This place is for you! New Smyrna Dunes Park has a dog friendly beach. The dogs can swim without worrying about big waves knocking them out or animal patrol telling you they are not allowed here. This park is located on more than 60 acres, and surrounded by water on three sides. It’s gorgeous. There’s a long and winding boardwalk that snakes through the park if you’re looking for a nice run or walk. It’s $10 a car to get in and located in New Smyrna Beach.
Turtle Mound River Tours
Take a tour of the Indian River, and all of its wildlife. On the Turtle Mound tour that leaves from New Smyrna Beach, you’ll see animals like dolphin, manatee and birds, plus views of the Canaveral National Seashore. The guided tour is 2 hours and cost $28. These tours are very popular and sell out fast, so book far in advance.
JB's Fish Camp
We love JBs to watch the sunset while sipping a drink or eating a big plate of fish, but we also love it to kayak! JBs offers kayaking for around $15 an hour on the Indian Lake, and is located right in NSB. People can ride as singles or as doubles. There is all sort of wildlife here, especially in the summer. We once spent an entire hour watching a dolphin feed — it was incredible. There is an area on the river called Manatee Point where the manatee hang out in big groups during the summer. It’s about a 15 minute paddle from JBs. We usually spend the entire hour right at Manatee Point!
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Florida’s tallest lighthouse and one of the tallest in the entire country is located right near NSB. There’s 203 steps to the top, but well worth it view. If the climb isn’t for you, you can see the lighthouse from a distance from New Smyrna Dunes Park. It’s beautiful.
New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company
Self-described as a microbrewery and taproom serving handcrafted ales “suited for the beach lifestyle.” They’re open seven days a week, and located on Canal Street in NSB.
Sugar Mill Ruins
A very cool historical area. Here's how Volusia County describes it: "The sugar mill, once part of the Cruger-dePeyster Plantation, was built in the early 19th century. This 17-acre historic site contains the ruins of the coquina sugar factory that was raided during a war between the Seminole Indians and the United States."
Sugar Works Distillery, LLC
Handcrafted spirits right in NSB! Come here for a tour (it’s free) or a tasting. They also host fun events. Check out their website for more information.
Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille
This is by far our favorite restaurant in NSB. Located on the Indian River, it's not unusual to see dolphins swim by while your're eating dinner and listening to live music. Sometimes there is a wait here, but it never seems long, because you can grab a drink from the bar and sit down by the water. And the menu has plenty of gluten-free options! Shannon's favorite here: To eat: The Shrimp and Grits (it’s gluten-free) To drink: "The Missunderstood" Adrian's favorite here: To eat: The Fish and Chips To drink: The Moscow Mule
Corkscrew Bar and Grille
Corkscrew Bar and Grille is located on Canal Street, a quick Uber ride away from downtown NSB and right by our wedding venue. It's one of our favorite restaurants, and you can't beat $5 margaritas every day! Shannon's favorite: To drink: Did we mention the $5 margaritas? To eat: GF Mahi Mahi sandwich Adrian's favorite: To drink: Okay, this is the third time we've mentioned the $5 margaritas. To eat: The turkey club
Flagler Tavern
One of our favorite places to grab a drink, listen to live music or have a bite to eat. If you've been to NSB, you've been to this staple. This is located on the heart of Flagler Avenue in NSB, and it's also where our wedding after party will be! There's options to sit inside, or outside on a upper and lower deck. There’s almost always live music, and dancing at night. They also have a nice unlimited drink brunch option. They have every kind of margarita you can think of. Choose to eat here or party! Shannon's favorite here: The coconut margarita Adrian's favorite here: The classic margarita Our favorite here: The nachos
The Breakers Ocean Front Restaurant & Bar
The Breakers is about as close you can get to eating on the ocean. Located right in the sand, on Flagler and next to the Marriott, you can't beat the view. Stroll on the beach after you are stuffed with seafood, or watch the sunset as you sip a drink!
The Grille At Riverview
The view of the Indian River here is breathtaking, and this restaurant has a lot of outdoor seating. We saw dolphin the first night we ate here, and there is docking for boats that come in with people ready to eat. The food was delicious, but expensive. You’re unlikely to find a dish under $25. Date night and willing to splurge? Check it out. Shannon’s favorite: To drink: Sunset at the Grille To eat: Caribbean Mahi-Mahi Adrian’s favorite: To drink: Hector Bird To eat: The steak and lobster
Riverpark Terrace
Not to be confused with Riverview. This restaurant has a high rating, and great reviews, but no water view here.
Norwood's Eatery & Treehouse Bar
This place is designed like an actual tree-house, and eating here is an experience in itself. It's one of the top rated restaurants in NSB and so delicious! It's been featured in destination restaurants in places online.
SoNapa Grille
We have not eaten here, but it's one of the highest rated Yelp restaurants in NSB. We hear it's a little pricey, but worth it. There's no beach view here, and it's about 5 minutes driving from Flagler.
The Garlic
This is another one of the top rated restaurants in NSB. It’s literally known for its garlic. So if you’re a garlic fan, we’re told, this restaurant can’t be beat. Online it’s described as an Italian restaurant with an old-world vibe.
Prima
This Italian place is brand new and is already getting rave reviews. It's also very instagramable. They offer gluten-free pizza, but no gluten free pasta.
Blackbeard's Inn
Think huge portions of fried fish and a unlimited salad bar. This is one of Shannon's dad's favorite restaurants, it's not really her jam, but he loves it!
Beachside Tavern
Okay, this name is a little misleading, because this Tavern is not Beachside. But if you're looking to party, this is one of your spots. Take an Uber from Flagler, and put some money in the jukebox and you got a fun night ahead.
Traders
We haven't had a chance to get a drink here yet, but Shannon's sisters and parents say this place is another good time. If you're looking to bar hop on Flagler, this should be one of your stops!
The Posh Pineapple - Gift Boutique
Our favorite little boutique in New Smyrna Beach. The Posh Pineapple has great gifts, trinkets and more. Shannon stops in here every time she’s in NSB, and usually leaves with a bag full.
Chases on the Beach
Okay, we will preface this to say, don't eat here. This place is strictly to party, and if you come here, party you will. Located on the beach, this place has live DJs often on the weekends, a pool you can drink in, three bars, a sandpit and more. If you are desperate for food, get the nachos, but we usually stick to the fruity colorful drinks.
Clancy's Cantina
Looking for tasty margaritas, look no further. Looking for tasty food, skip this place. We don’t suggest eating here, but we do suggest stopping in for a drink, especially if bar hopping on Flagler Avenue.
Ocean Breeze Bar and Grill
This place is new, but it is already great! It's a second story bar, at the end of Flagler, with a great view of the street and of the ocean. They have two bars with lots of TVs. The chicken wings are always a favorite.
Peanuts Restaurant and Sports Bar
If you’re bar hopping, add this dive to the list. It’s near Flagler Tavern and can get wild at night. There’s pool tables and usually live music.
Tayton O’Brians Irish Pub
An Irish pub and grille on Flagler Avenue. Tayton’s is owned by a family from upstate New York. They serve over 200 beers and homemade food. This is another stop if you’re bar hopping on Flagler, it's a few doors down from Flagler Tavern.
Atlantis Bistro
We haven’t tried this place, even though it’s located right on Flagler Avenue, but we’ve heard great things. Shannon’s mom said she had a delicious meal and drink here.
Cafe Verde
Healthy bites with a Latin twist. They have a lot of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Izzy's Island Tacos And Ice Cream
Best tacos in NSB! We love this place. The tacos are made fresh to order, and even the corn tortillas are handmade. We think this is the perfect lunch spot in between tanning on the beach. This place looks like a shack, but we promise, it's good, but expect to wait because everything is made fresh. Corn tortillas = plenty of gluten free options! Shannon's favorite: Hawaiian taco with shrimp and bacon The nachos sans meat Peanut butter cup ice cream Adrian's favorite: The burritos and nachos
The Taco Shack
We love Izzy’s tacos so we haven’t been here, but, we hear it’s really good. The taco shack describes itself as: “Latin specialties, from tacos to Puerto Rican mofongo, in a funky window-serve setup with a patio.”
Yellow Dog Eats
The food is extremely instagramable! We haven't tried it, only because they have no gluten-free options. If GF isn't a requirement for you, we suggest checking it out.
El Patron Authentic Mexican Restaurant
We love our Mexican food, but haven’t made it to this place yet mostly because it’s not on the beach and we eat a lot of Mexican food at home. It’s one of the only Mexican restaurants in the area, but has consistently high reviews and ratings.
The Baker's Table
One of the top rated restaurants in New Smyrna Beach. We’ve only had coffee here (and it was great!) but we’ve heard they are great for any meal, any time of day. This place is located about 5 minutes driving from Flagler.
Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
Third Wave reminds us of a restaurant you would find in Brooklyn. It's quaint, and trendy, and the food is good. We love Third Wave for breakfast, but not everyone in Shannon's family is a fan, some think it is a little overpriced and too hipster :) This is located on Flagler Avenue, next door to the Hampton Inn. Our favorite: The Southwestern hash. Shannon likes it without meat and Adrian likes it with sausage.
Toni & Joe's Patio
You can’t top the view here, you’re literally on the beach. We love Toni and Joe’s for breakfast, because it’s good, reasonably priced and you can watch the waves crash right in front of you. They have gluten-free bread for those breakfast sandwich lovers. Our favorite: Gluten-free breakfast sandwich with bacon for Shannon and sausage for Adrian.
Da Kine Poke NSB
This place is fairly new, and already very popular. If you’re looking for a break from burgers and Mahi-Mahi or lunch to bring to the beach, may be worth checking out. This is located right on Flagler Avenue, next door to the Hampton Inn.
GoJuice
This place is basically a food truck. Located in the middle of Flagler, they are good if you’re looking for a quick breakfast. They offer açaí bowls and smoothies, and sometimes they have gluten-free granola.
Cafe Heavenly
Cafe Heavenly is located at the end of Flagler, on the opposite end of the beach. It has great reviews, and we hear they are known for their lobster and quick bites, like sandwiches. If you’re staying at the Hampton Inn, this place is across the street.
Sasaki Sushi
Sushi and the self-proclaimed best poke bowls in town.
Beacon Restaurant
Diner located in the middle of Flagler Avenue, by the Marriott and the beach. This is a classic diner, with huge portions and every breakfast item you can imagine.
Wake Up Café
With two locations in NSB and highly instagrammable food this place looks, and we’ve heard, tastes great.
Mason Bar
Frozen pops, juice and açaí bowls. A health and Earth conscious, and tasty, establishment.
Manzano's Beachside Deli
We LOVE this place! It doesn't look like much, but if you're looking for a sandwich lunch that will fill you up for hours, this is it. They offer gluten-free sandwiches too. We suggest getting the half portion sandwich on the regular bread, not the full, the half is plenty for anyone unless you're looking for leftovers. Also, they are open into the wee hours on weekends, so if you need a bite to eat then, this is your place. Shannon's favorite: The Maverick on gluten-free bread (Turkey, Chipotle Ranch, Smoked Gouda, Bacon, Jalapeno) Adrian's favorite: Same as Shannon, just on regular bread.
Treats on the Beach
Looking for ice cream right on Flagler? Look no further! Treats on the Beach is the optimal ice cream location. Enjoy dinner at Flagler Tavern and then dessert here, or take your ice cream right to the beach. Shannon’s favorite: Chocolate peanut butter Adrian’s favorite: Caramel, soft serve
Twistee Treat New Smyrna
This cute little ice cream place is actually in the shape of an ice cream cone! Located right by the supermarket, Publix, this is a great place to swing by after or before a grocery store run.
Donnie's Donuts
This place is new to NSB and already a hit. The donuts look delicious and are constantly filling our Instagram feeds. They sometimes have vegan donuts, but no gluten free, yet.
Bagel World
The name speaks for itself. This place has lots of options for bagels, and they are huge. Shannon wishes she could eat them, but alas, not gluten-free.
Cool Beans And More
This place is Shannon's FAVORITE coffee spot! It’s located in a little nook on Flagler, just follow the signs and you’ll see it. She loves the iced coffee, and Adrian thinks it's pretty good too. Looking for an extra jolt -- ask for the iced coffee cubes (and they are no extra charge!)
Beachie Bean's Coffee House
Looking to enjoy your coffee on a deck while watching people pass by on Flagler Avenue, there couldn't be a better location. This is right in the middle of Flagler, and has an outdoor deck or cute and quaint indoor seating. If you have a pup with you, this is a good option for sitting outside.
The Florida Local Market
Located right off Canal Street, this place is adorable. It's brand new, colorful, and their murals make for the perfect Instagram. They sell local products and coffee, we haven't tried the coffee yet, but hear it's really good.
Touch of Italy Restaurant
If you're staying on Flagler, this place is a little out of the way, but if you're gluten-free and craving delicious pizza or pasta, we love this place. We suggest take out, as the restaurant isn't much to look at, but you wouldn't know by their food. Our favorite: The gluten-free cheese pizza!
Flagler Avenue Pizza Company
In between the Hampton Inn and the Marriott on Flagler Avenue, and open late, this is your best stop for pizza after a night out of drinking or dancing — or both.
Pizza Pomodoro
This is a new pizza place, serving up Neapolitan pizza from a wood burning stove.