Visitors to the New Smyrna Beach Area who are seeking a place to explore that’s close to everything, yet away from the hubbub, should look no further than Port Orange. Just minutes from the area’s big attractions, the town is also home to many natural spaces, dining options, and family-friendly activities that are sure to keep everyone happy.
Your Home Away from Home
Visitors to Port Orange will find a variety of lodging options. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson features an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. And for guests traveling with their four-footed companions, pets are welcome at this hotel. The complimentary breakfast includes the hotel chain’s famous waffles. Also in Port Orange is the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, with its nicely appointed rooms, indoor pool, and free continental breakfast.
For travelers looking for more rustic accommodations, the town is home to several campgrounds. Nova Family Campground sits on 20 acres, close to the city center, yet is worlds away from city life. Campers will find tent sites, fully serviced RV sites, and furnished cabins here. Another option is Daytona’s Endless Summer Campground, which also offers full hook-ups for RVs, an outdoor pool and playground, and basic tent sites, as well as cabins and lodges for a complete glamping experience.
A Taste of Port Orange: Where to Eat and Drink
Dining options in Port Orange run from quick snacks to casual pub grub to fine dining. For a bit of nourishment on the go, Taqueria Juanita serves up delicious tamales, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare. Nestled in the dunes between the ocean and the Halifax River, Dunes Brewing pours house-brewed beers and offers bar snacks, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Port Orange.
Diners can build their own bowls to order at Filo, depending on whether they’re craving a hearty dish with rice, steak, and veggies or just a light meal of salad with falafel. Make sure to save room for one of their Mediterranean desserts! Mulligan’s Grille is a family-friendly sports bar, with games for all ages and a wide-ranging food and drinks menu.
For a decadent treat, Neighbors Ice Cream Parlor features house-made ice cream with all the mix-ins one could dream of. The waffle cones, hard dip toppings, and hot fudge and fruit sauces are also made in-house—so go ahead and splurge!
Shopping, Entertainment, and Local Markets
Shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts will both find plenty to do and see in Port Orange. For those seeking clothing and home goods, entertainment, and dining, the Pavilion at Port Orange is the spot. Along with wandering through department stores, like Belk, visitors can peruse for deals at Marshalls and HomeGoods. The 14-screen Regal Cinemas shows Hollywood blockbusters for all ages. The Pavilion is also home to several restaurants, including Copperline Coffee + Cafe, the San Diego Grill, and Another Broken Egg Cafe. To stretch their legs, visitors can stroll on the walking trail around the Pavilion or take the kids to the covered play area for a much-needed break from shopping. Each Saturday, the Port Orange Farmers Market is held here, with live entertainment while vendors sell fresh produce, crafts, and prepared foods.
Explore the Outdoors: Parks, Gardens, and Trails
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Those itching to get outdoors and enjoy the area’s famous sunshine will find several parks in town. The 23-acre Spruce Creek Park is crisscrossed by several miles of natural trails, which are open to walking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also stroll along the 536-foot boardwalk and the 15-foot observation tower, which provides views across the marshes. The park also features picnic facilities, a playground, and a canoe launch for those who want to explore by water.
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens features 10 acres of botanical gardens and ruins to explore, including a children’s garden, to keep the little ones engaged. This land has been farmed since 1804, when the original owner, Patrick Dean, grew sugar cane, cotton, and rice. The mill on the property was destroyed during the Second Seminole War in 1835–1842, and the farm was abandoned. Over the years, different owners tried to revive its agricultural life, and it eventually became an amusement park. In the mid-1980s, the Botanical Gardens of Volusia took over the site with a mission to educate local gardeners about what type of plants flourish in this region as well as create a beautiful destination for visitors to explore, with a variety of gardens, including a children’s garden, as well as life-sized dinosaur sculptures, a sun dial, and a Florida-shaped herb garden.
Also fun for the whole family is the Riverwalk Park. The park is split into two sections, with the north section offering a paddling launch, a new boardwalk, fishing piers, a concession stand, and restrooms. Paddle equipment rentals can be found at the concession stand. The south section features a splash pad—fun for all ages—a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms, a concession stand, and an event stage. A walking path leads through the park for a quarter mile and includes a QR Fit Trail, with instructions for getting a full-body workout. The exercises change often and are scaled to meet any fitness level. The park is also host to numerous community events throughout the year, such as Spring Brew & Food Fest and Shop-A-Palooza Craft & Vendor show.
Port Orange is the perfect location for a family getaway. It’s close to all the attractions in the New Smyrna Beach Area, yet still maintains a tranquil, natural environment in which to get away from it all.
