Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Marybeth
Where to stay in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, with its 17 miles of beach? You could choose to be close to the action on the downtown main street, Flagler Avenue – there are so many shops and restaurants, New Smyrna Beach has been named one of the most walkable small towns in Florida. Hotels and vacation rentals abound in this northern end, scattered around the neighborhoods of the driving beach. Certainly fun, and vibrant with activity, foot traffic, and beach traffic.
Or you could choose quiet luxury in the center of the large stretch of town on the traffic-free beach. RossLee Retreats’ Ocean Vista is a tranquil, direct oceanfront home with a mesmerizing view to the ocean. Spacious and light-filled interiors designed for comfort have an upscale, modern feel.
Located in the center of the 17-mile-long beach means easy access to dynamic Flagler Avenue, and nearby Dunes Park with its elevated walkways surrounded by water on three sides. Another excellent spot for nature lovers is Canaveral National Seashore, a short drive south. 58,000 acres of barrier island, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, surfing, kayaking, and bird watching, makes for a recreational paradise.
Canaveral National Seashore is one of the largest areas of unspoiled coastline in the U.S. The day we visited we saw only two other people on the beach. And your host at RossLee Retreats provides a free pass for your visit!
New Smyrna Beach is best known for great surfing. With the most consistent surf break in Florida, the long beaches full of sandbars “hold swell” better than any other place in Florida. (American Surf Magazine, Surfing in New Smyrna Beach: The Complete Beach & Surf Guide.)
You don’t need to be a surfer to find your ultimate vacation experience in New Smyrna Beach. Maybe floating around in the ocean, sitting in the sand, finding excellent little restaurants, and leisurely exploring the town is more your vision for your trip.
That was our vision for this trip. More and more we seek solitude. A restful home base to return to and totally chill after a day of exploring, or a place for more relaxing after the pleasant lassitude of sunning oneself and eating beach snacks.
STAY
RossLee Retreats is owned by a local couple whose three properties are all oceanfront or ocean view.
We chose RossLee Retreats’ Ocean Vista for this peaceful trip. 2023 was quite a year for our family. I know I’m not alone in this, and for us there were tough lows and beautiful highs. Grief, and joy. Though my daughter and I see each other often, as I spend several days a week with my granddaughter (it truly does take a village) we literally can’t get a word in edgewise with my beloved Ellis around. For this trip we planned a lot of talking. Eating, walking. And not talking.
A deep quietude settled our souls as soon as we opened the front door for this rare mother-daughter vacation. The subtle luxury surrounded us as we explored the townhome.
Almost more space than we needed, just us two; feeling a little spoiled, almost selfish… Should we have brought along more family? Nah.
After my daughter and I almost speed-walked through the rooms and floors, finding delight at every turn (and almost getting ‘lost’ a couple of times, “Are you upstairs? Or down? Or in between?”) we sat down to compare our impressions. Zen-like… They must be interior designers! … Pristine and clean… SO much storage space, especially in the bathrooms! … High quality everything.
The view of the ocean was the star. We’ve stayed all over Florida, finding an abundance of lodging styles and locations: we’ve loved them all. But there is nothing like the elation looking out your windows at the ocean brings.
We chose RossLee Retreats’ Ocean Vista for this peaceful retreat trip. 2023 was a mercurial year for our family (for whom wasn’t last year a bit helter-skelter?) (also the years beginning with 2020?) A deep quietude settled our souls as soon as we opened the front door for this rare mother-daughter vacation. The quiet luxury surrounded us as we explored the townhome. Almost more space than we needed, just us two; feeling a little spoiled, almost selfish… Should we have brought along more family? Nah.After my daughter and I almost speed-walked through the rooms and floors, finding delight at every turn (and almost getting ‘lost’ a couple of times, “Are you upstairs? Or down? Or in between?) we sat down to compare our impressions. Zen-like… They must be interior designers!… Pristine and clean… SO much storage space… High quality everything. The view of the ocean was the star. We’ve stayed all over the place in Florida, finding an abundance of lodging styles and locations: we’ve loved them all. But there is nothing like the elation looking out your windows at the ocean brings.
RossLee Retreats’ Ocean Vista is a 2/3 end unit townhome accommodating up to eight guests. The small, neighborly complex includes an oceanfront swimming pool. Two bedrooms offer a total of four beds: a king bed in the primary bedroom, a queen bed in the second bedroom – where there is also a bunk bed for two guests – and a double sofa bed in the living room.
A more sizable feel than “townhome” may imply, and at 2022 square feet, no wonder! And you read the description right: there are three bathrooms. Three full bathrooms. Pure splendor! And speaking of splendor, is it fine to talk about the heated seats in the bathrooms? And the bidets? I think it is entirely fine.
Keeping a list on my phone notepad the entire time of all the things I loved about this townhome, I was constantly tapping away at my screen. There was so much to share with you. How about I just show you…
Plan to sit awhile to enjoy this gorgeous coffee table book while you’re relaxing at RossLee Retreats: Living the Dream – New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This years’-long photographic journey compiled by Cathy Rose Rader brims with beautiful visuals and so much information on the area and the people who make this town legendary. Featuring the author’s photography as well as many other talented creators, you’ll see why many visitors to New Smyrna Beach end up staying and calling this town home. Cathy Rose has a cool story of how she came to be a local, detailed in the book, and is now living the dream!
Back outside:
RossLee Retreats tells you “All you need is your bathing suit,” and this has never been more true. Complimentary bicycles, coolers, multiple beach chairs, beach games and boogie boards are all neatly arranged in the garage that is so shockingly* clean you’ll think it’s never been used. (* I’m more envious than shocked… You should see our garage!) The kitchen’s roomy cabinets and pantry have everything you need to cook and bake, along with extras like tea, coffee, special snacks, and premium bottled water. If you’ve forgotten any bathroom basics you’ll find them here, and it’s worth mentioning again that each bathroom has a huge amount of storage.
As you can see, it may be a little challenging to encourage yourself to leave this beachside bliss. We were at risk of settling in a little too firmly ourselves… but the TWO downtown districts – yes, TWO! – called to us and we answered. The main street located on the island, Flagler Avenue, is three miles north of Ocean Vista. The mainland Canal Street Historic District is 4.5 miles from Ocean Vista.
PLAY
Canal Street Historic District
Plan some time to explore this gorgeous, revitalized historic district with “Small Town Charm – Florida Style.” Most buildings date back to the early 1900s, and the district includes Riverside Park, River Deck Marina, and over 50 restaurants, breweries, and shops, including art galleries and antique stores. View the calendar, here, for events like the 1st Saturday Sip & Stroll and the Art & Artisan Stroll.
Restaurants
Just a small sampling of all the stellar restaurants you’ll want to choose from during your visit:
The hosts at RossLee Retreats have designed a beautiful online guide with everything you need to know about the area, and the townhome. We were thrilled to get this recommendation, for Cafe Del Sol, as my daughter is vegan. The menu of organic wraps, salads, nachos, quinoa dishes and more includes gluten-free, plant-based, and vegetarian options. The interior is gorgeous, along with showcased local photography. My quinoa wrap was the most delicious vegetarian meal I’ve had – probably ever – and was so huge it provided leftovers for two more meals!
City Market Bistro offers natural, seasonal, and local food made by owner Chef Scott Krause. Serving fresh seafood, meats and produce in season, with a rotating selection of wine and beer with an emphasis on local makers. Follow on Instagram for specials and events.
“Casual, fun dining experience” is what you’ll find at Corkscrew Bar & Grille, featuring American classic comfort food, along with a full bar that is also now offering Spiritless Liquor options as well as alcohol-free wine. Check out their Instagram for featured specials and events.
Locally famous and reliably delicious, the Jimmy Hula’s chain, begun in Winter Park, FL, brings a festive vibe – along with tons of outdoor seating – to the Canal Street Historic District. Tacos, burgers, burritos, bowls and salads come under the hashtag #FoodNirvana – “total enlightenment of your tastebuds.”
Locally owned by the “humble proprietor” Chef Fish Morgan, Yellow Dog Eats began in Gotha, Florida in a house that was built in 1910. You’ll find tacos, nachos, BBQ and pulled pork, sandwiches, wraps, and salads – vegetarian options, as well – all with Yellow Dog Eats’ unique flavor twists and creativity. With names like What the Fig?, The Holy Crap, Are You Chicken?, and White Trash, you know this is going to be fun. Beer & wine are served.
Find a full list of restaurants, shops and galleries in the Canal Street Historic District, here.
Around town in the Historic Canal Street District
Flagler Avenue, The Island Main Street
Not many coastal towns can boast a walkable Main Street that stretches from the river to the ocean. Within this easy five block walk you’ll find over 20 shops and 19 restaurants – a few are just a block or so off of Flagler Ave. Festivals and art shows are held each month on Flagler Avenue, check out the schedule at the Flagler Avenue Business Association, along with a full list of merchants and places to eat and drink.
During our visit an event was in full swing, with more vendors than I’ve seen at most festivals in Florida. This meant I couldn’t get a ton of good photos of individual shops or restaurants (and they all have so much beachy personality!) but the festival vibe was upbeat and exciting.
Restaurants, Shops, & Points of Interest
Starting at the riverside and making our way toward the ocean:
This 18-room boutique hotel was established in 1885 as a hunting and fishing lodge, built by Captain S.H. Barber, who was also the bridge tender. Just around the corner and overlooking the Intracoastal is The Grille at Riverview, with award-winning food and wine, and incomparable views.
When one of the first things a restaurant excitedly lists on their website is NOW SERVING DOLE WHIP (including a Dole Mimosa!) you know you need to visit. The Mermaid Cafe serves “theme park specialties” and quick serve breakfast and lunch items, including New Orleans’ style Beignets. The sweet pink building to the right is Sea Dogs Dive Center.
Third Wave Cafe’s magical backyard garden draws you in but it’s the globally influenced cuisine that’ll make you stay. Small and medium tapas-style dishes, plus full entrees, specialty pizzas, and extensive wine and beer menus, plus creative cocktails are what you’ll find. Our Harmony Garden Hummus and Char Roasted Brussels may not sound like a filling full meal, but they absolutely were.
The colorful little GoJuice truck that brings smoothies, juice, bowls and coffee originated in Costa Rica! With a mission to provide healthy, approachable food, GoJuice serves up nutritious juices like the BeetNick and SeJuiced by Fire, smoothies like the Colada Tropical, and bowls like the Peanut Butter Acai.
As you stroll down Flagler Avenue you’ll see so many shops and galleries you’ll want to explore. Our list is just a sampling, to give you the lively feel of this coastal town. Speaking of lively: TaDa Gallery & Gift Shop, in business for over 25 years, will supply all your needs for whimsical beachside art.
I didn’t get a shot of Tin & Taco’s brick and mortar restaurant, but any business that has restored a cool vintage VW van sporting good branding gets a shout-out from us. Tin & Taco was founded in 2017 in Orlando by one local guy, Rob Blair, who has over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry. There are 5 locations, a catering and events facility, epic happy hours, and an extensive menu of more than just tacos and burritos – including bowls, salads, mex fries, nachos, and In-the-Bag. I had to look more closely at that: 15 In-The-Bag choices. Did you know that means all the ingredients are topped on a whole bag of Doritos? “Make your teenage snack dreams come true.”
Isn’t it the law that you must get ice cream while at the beach? Pretty sure. And Treats on the Beach is just 100 steps to the ocean, so you can enjoy your cone on the beach. 50 flavors of soft serve, 20 hand-scooped, corn dogs, hot dogs, burgers, fries and more. Your one-stop shop for treats!
Rooftop bar! Another non-negotiable while at the beach. People-watching and beach breezes all in one. Tacos, pizza, salads, and signature snacks, with weekly specials and discounts for Ladies’ Night and Man Monday: check their Instagram for details. Pet-friendly outdoor deck.
Hats off to all the Crabby restaurants out there (we counted ten in Florida) (there is also a Stinky’s, not the same hospitality group) that make us think first of a cranky old grandpa, and then good seafood. It’s got to be good, with ten named Crabby – Dockside, Beachside, Oceanside, On the Pass, Hideaway and more. Crabby’s offers views of the beach upstairs and down, and also their fresh Bairdi Crab, which is a cross between snow crab and king crab, but more meaty and sweet. You’ll find plenty more menu items to choose from; chicken, steak, ribs, pizza, and Sweet Willy’s Ice Cream. Crabby’s also has a full breakfast menu, served daily, and All Day Happy Hour.
We’re not sure which is more famous: the pink Breakers Restaurant, or the iconic sign nearby that stretches over Flagler Avenue. You may have seen a photo (or fifty) of both. The Breakers is one of the original buildings on Flagler Avenue, and not only famous for the photogenic pink but for consistently being voted best burger in Central Florida. You may go just for the burger fame (we did when we lived in Orlando, driving over for the day just to try the burgers) but you’ll also find multiple appetizers, salads, sandwiches, lots of seafood choices, and dinner entrees. And there is just something indescribable about enjoying a meal overlooking the beach.
Indescribable… you’d think I’d never run out of descriptive terms (because my thesaurus lives right next to my elbow) but there are certain things you need to experience for yourself; no amount of photos and glowing terms can do the describing. So book your next vacation in this captivating little beach town. Check in to one of RossLee Retreats‘ serene beachfront accommodations. Stay for a weekend, a week, or more. You’ll have everything you need – just don’t forget your bathing suit.
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We received a complimentary stay at RossLee Retreats, but our opinions, as always, are our own.
