When the sun sets in the New Smyrna Beach area, the adventure doesn't stop. Whether you want to spend a quiet evening in nature with friends and family, watch an out-of-this-world rocket launch, or enjoy some of the area’s best and freshest cuisine, here are some ideas for fun after the sun goes down!
Sunset Adventures on Water
Sail off into the sunset on a twilight boat tour with Turtle Mound River Tours. Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on quiet waters while taking in the colorful sky and abundant marine life. Passengers are welcome to bring their own drinks. Ice and complimentary soft drinks are available on the boat.
If you prefer to move on your own power, sign up for a sunset kayak tour at Canaveral National Seashore with Viking Ecotours. During the excursion, you have the chance to witness dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles in their natural environments while appreciating the natural beauty of this diverse ecosystem under a setting sun. Viking Ecotours also offers a nighttime pedal-kayak tour, May through October, where the group glides through shimmering bioluminescence under a starlit velvet sky. Either tour is sure to create lasting memories.
Unforgettable Evenings on Canal Street and Flagler Avenue
The bustling areas of Canal Street and Flagler Avenue offer several evening activities.
The monthly Wine Walk on Flagler Avenue is a self-guided, self-paced chance to taste different wines at participating locations. Tickets are required and the fee includes a tasting passport, 20 tasting tickets (samples “cost” one or two tickets each), a keepsake wine glass, a map, and a listing of each host’s wine choices for the month. More than 100 wines are available each month, so each walk offers a chance to sample unique wines.
On the third Thursday of each month, Canal Street transforms into a family-friendly street party. Whether you just stroll along and window-shop, dance to the live music, or browse through the variety of more than 50 vendors, you will surely have a lively evening.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
If your stay in the New Smyrna Beach Area coincides with a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center, you’re in for a real treat! The best viewing spots in town are at one of the many beaches—with nothing to obstruct your view, you’ll have better than front-row seats. Make sure you confirm the beach parking will be open before you set out—Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore, for example, is a great location, the parking lot closes at 8 pm during the summer. If the launch is scheduled for later in the evening, check out Bethune Beach, with its free parking, public bathrooms, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a good choice for groups with little ones. For a schedule of upcoming launches, see the Kennedy Space Center website.
Nightlife Delights in the New Smyrna Beach Area
The New Smyrna Beach Area is filled with numerous evening dining options, from fancy, romantic bistros to places where the kids will fit right in. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, good ‘ole down-home Southern cooking, or just some burgers and nachos, it won’t be hard to find someplace to eat—the trouble is choosing just one place each evening.
For kid-friendly dinners, try Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille. With spectacular views of the New Smyrna Beach inlet, everyone in the family will enjoy a relaxing meal here. Adults will find great deals for happy hour on both cocktails and appetizers, and everyone will appreciate the indoor/outdoor seating. Live music is available Wednesday through Sunday, and you can even bring Fido along (for outdoor seating).
To enjoy handcrafted artisan spirits, stop by SugarWorks Distillery in New Smyrna Beach’s Historic Canal Street District. This family-owned Central Florida distillery offers a Craft Bar featuring amazing cocktails from the area’s best bartenders.
Lastly, don't miss General Public House, also located on Canal Street. Known as one of Central Florida’s top farm-to-table restaurants, it focuses on exceptional Southern cuisine made with local Florida ingredients. This American Kitchen is not only great for a meal but also an excellent place for a drink.
