Whether you’re about to visit New Smyrna Beach for the first time or have made it your go-to beach destination, Flagler Avenue is a hot spot for newbies and old-timers alike. From the best restaurants in the area to cute local shops to merry events and parades, Flagler Avenue truly is the heart of this east coast beach town. We’ve saved you time scouring the internet for the best things to do along Flagler as we’ve created an ultimate dream-day spent entirely on this NSB street! Save this as your future itinerary or simply follow along virtually as we give you the local tour.
Our dream day first begins with breakfast at Third Wave Café… Who doesn’t want to start their day eating under string lights in a magical garden? Located on the furthest tip of Flagler Ave you’ll discover this charming café that’s a whispered favorite among locals. Aside from its photo-worthy ambiance, this eatery is known for gourmet dishes such as Nutella crepes and lip-smacking shrimp and grits. We recommend the Chai Banana Bread French toast paired with an iced latte! If breakfast is a meal you normally skip, the upstairs portion is perfect for grabbing a cappuccino, reading the paper, and chatting with friends. They also have a great outdoor balcony where you can sip and watch the bustle of cars (and local chickens!) go by.
Work off your breakfast by joining a morning game of shuffleboard. There’s nothing like a fun game outdoors to fix the feeling of a few pancakes too many! Just a short walk up the street you’ll find the Coronado Beach Shuffle Board Courts alive with sliding discs and light-hearted competition. The courts are free to those with their own equipment and $20 (for a year’s membership!) to those who need to rent some. The clubhouse constantly is hosting different events, browse the ones going on during your stay here.
Time for a mid-morning smoothie stop at GoJuice! With hammocks hanging from palm trees and a colorful beachy vibe, you’ll be instantly drawn to this cheery juice truck. GoJuice is permanently parked along Flagler Ave and has been giving residents and tourists alike their daily dose of fruit for the past several years. Truly there’s no wrong order; absolutely everything on their menu is delicious and nutritious. From ginger kale juices to PB Acai Bowls, you’ll find a pick-me-up to match whatever you’re craving. Browse their menu here!
Grab candy for later at Beachside Candy Co. To the right of GoJuice, you’ll find a shop that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth in a more traditional way… with candy! This storefront has curbside appeal with its teal, beachy hues and welcoming veranda. Beachside Candy Co.’s interior makes you feel as if you stepped into another era as it sells old-fashioned candy and retro knick-knacks you won’t find anywhere else. Plus it has an unparalleled selection of salt-water taffy. As it is only morning, you can save them for a later treat… or quickly pop one in your mouth when your friends aren’t looking. Calories don’t count on vacation, right?
Get lost in the magical Garden Arts nursery. Unnoticed between the flash and flare of local shops you’ll find a little gem of greenery on Flagler Ave. While Garden Arts is a small nursery, it boasts of a beautiful vast inventory of household plants. You’ll find yourself immersed in a world of Monstera, Pothos, Bonsai and every other plant you’ve been meaning to fill your home with. The workers are very friendly have plenty of green-thumb tips should you decide to take a few plant babies home!
Shop the boutiques. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed shopaholic or not, you certainly won’t want to skip perusing the curated clothing and gifts found in Flagler’s boutiques. From Brighton jewelry and fashionable beachwear to eclectic beach décor and home goods, there’s a local shop on the avenue for all tastes. You can search the shops and their locations with this guide here.
Pause for a lunch break at Flagler Tavern. You’ve now browsed and shopped your way up half of Flagler Avenue, time to celebrate with lunch! Flagler Tavern is a staple along the Ave for its two-story outdoor balcony, lively music, and top-notch seafood. The menu has something for everyone; healthy eaters will opt for the Greek Salad, picky-eaters will love the “It Ain’t Easy Being Cheesy” burger, and seafood lovers will rave about their Red Thai Chili Salmon. Give their menu a read and eat up; there’s still more of Flagler to explore!
Dessert? Did someone say dessert? It’s truly not a beach day if ice cream isn’t involved! Walk a bit further to one of New Smyrna’s most famous ice cream shops, Treats on the Beach. This outdoor-only shop serves flavors such as Rocky Road, Snickerlicious, Bubble Gum, Pistachio Almond, and so many delicious others. If you feel like branching out, you have to try either the Oreo milkshake or Coca-Cola float. We will warn you that once you’ve tried this place, you’ll be back every day for more.
Take a spin in a two-man scooter car. Yes, you heard us right! Across from Treats on the Beach you’ll find the store Wild Side Beachwear that has fun scooter and golf cart rentals revved up and ready to ride. Grab a friend and hop in a little scooter car for a joyride on the beach. Aside from it being a fun, silly activity, it makes for great photo ops and the best memories.
Walk onto the beach and lay out in the afternoon sun. You’ve officially made it to where Flagler Avenue ends… the beach! Spread out a towel, smear on sunscreen, and spend the rest of the afternoon baking in the hot Florida sun. Make sure to keep a water bottle on hand and frequently take dips in the refreshing blue waves.
End the perfect day at The Breaker’s. Your feet have roamed every inch of Flagler, your bags are heavy from a great day of shopping, and your skin is golden from the sun… All that’s left is to end the day with a bite at the oceanfront Breaker’s. This iconic pink building sits along New Smyrna’s shore and has earned itself an award-winning burger reputation. Watch the hazy pink skies over the crashing waves with a cocktail and burger in hand and your favorite people alongside you. It’s the finishing touch to the ultimate day on Flagler Avenue.
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