The calendar might report that summer is over, but in the New Smyrna Beach Area, the weather is still warm, the sun is still shining, and outdoor activities are still in full swing. Plus, fewer tourists after the back-to-school rush, and autumn visitors have fewer crowds to maneuver with on the trails and beaches.
On the Water: Navigating Nature's Playground
Get out on the water to see the area’s diverse wildlife and thriving ecosystems. Several options for kayaking and boating in the fall are available. The Marine Discovery Center offers guided kayak EcoTours of the Indian River Lagoon throughout the year. Explore the knobby, elevated roots of the mangroves, the birds flitting through the salt marshes, and oyster reefs teeming with sea life. No paddling experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. The MDC also offers several tours on larger craft, including the 2-hour Dolphin Discovery Tour and the 2-hour Sunset Eco Cruise.
Viking EcoTours also leads guided kayak excursions in the fall, where paddlers can experience the beauty of Canaveral National Seashore. Choose a morning outing, with the calm waters perfect for birdwatching and photographing the scenery. The late-afternoon outings feature the area’s vibrant sunsets as a romantic backdrop. For night owls, the Stargazing Tour, which sets out at 9 pm, mesmerizes guests with the velvety black night sky filled with twinkling stars.
Fall Hikes and Bike Rides
With slightly cooler temperatures and more moderate humidity than in the summer months, fall is the best time to explore the area on foot or by bike. Plus, the low season offers a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
The trails in the area’s parks are made for walking. Whether those that wend their way through New Smyrna Dunes or the half-mile Eldora Hammock Trail that borders the Canaveral National Seashore, hikers can take in the natural beauty found around every corner here while getting a bit of exercise.
Visitors who want to go farther with less effort can rent e-bikes from Pedego Electric Bikes or Flaunt e-bikes. Pedego offers guided 2-hour tours of the area as well, so riders can get their bearings before setting out to ride around independently.
Autumn Bliss on the Beach
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Of course, the star attraction in the New Smyrna Beach Area is its 17 miles of white, sandy beaches. The ocean is still warm in the autumn, and the setting is a bit more tranquil than in the summer. Visitors can spread a towel, take a dip, and relax for the afternoon at one of the many beach access points throughout the region. The beaches found near the Flagler Avenue entrance are perfect for resting after a hearty lunch at one of the restaurants on this bustling street. The Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park offers not only fun in the sand, but also a picnic area, a fishing pier, and volleyball courts, so sunbathers can make a day filled with several activities in one place.
Summer might be over, but the outdoor adventure in the New Smyrna Beach Area is still vibrant and inviting. With less heat and humidity, as well as fewer crowds, autumn might be the best season of all to visit this region.
