There’s something special about experiencing a place in a way that gives back to it, and in New Smyrna Beach, that connection to nature comes naturally. With miles of pristine shoreline and biodiverse waterways, and as Florida’s first One Planet Living® destination, this coastal gem makes it easy to turn a getaway into something more meaningful.
This Earth Day, trade the typical beach trip for an eco-friendly escape, one where every paddle, path and shoreline stroll helps you appreciate (and protect) the natural beauty that defines New Smyrna Beach.
At the heart of New Smyrna Beach’s ecotourism experience is the Canaveral National Seashore and Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, home to thousands of plant and animal species.
The best way to experience it? On the water.
Outfitters like Viking EcoTours offer guided, hands-free kayak adventures through mangroves and coastal waterways, where you might spot dolphins, manatees, and even bioluminescence on select nights.
For a more educational experience, the Marine Discovery Center leads immersive eco-tours guided by certified naturalists who share insight into the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem while you cruise through its calm, wildlife-filled waters.
Beyond exploration, the Marine Discovery Center also plays a vital role in conservation, restoring habitats, recycling oyster shells back into the lagoon and helping protect this critical environment for future generations.
Visitors can take part in a Coastal Cleanup, helping preserve New Smyrna Beach’s shoreline while learning about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. These hands-on experiences reflect the destination’s larger mission: turning tourism into a force for conservation.
Year-round efforts, like the area’s “Leave No Trace” initiative, encourage visitors to minimize their impact by adhering to these seven principles:
Because here, even small actions help protect something big.
Ecotourism does not stop at outdoor adventures. It extends to what is on your plate.
New Smyrna Beach is home to restaurants that prioritize locally sourced, responsibly harvested ingredients, helping reduce environmental impact while supporting local producers.
Standouts like Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar embrace a globally inspired menu while sourcing locally whenever possible and partnering with organizations like Smart Catch and Seafood Watch to support sustainable seafood practices.
Choosing where you dine becomes another way to travel with intention and support businesses that are committed to protecting the destination you came to enjoy.
Whether you are kayaking through quiet mangroves, spotting wildlife along the shoreline, or enjoying a meal made with care for the planet, New Smyrna Beach invites you to slow down and reconnect with what matters.
Through conservation programs, community partnerships, and eco-friendly initiatives, visitor spending directly contributes to preserving natural habitats and supporting long-term environmental efforts.
The best trips don’t just take you somewhere beautiful. They help keep it that way.