Can you drive on the beach in New Smyrna Beach? Yes!
New Smyrna Beach is one of the few places in Florida where you can legally drive on the beach. We also have long, peaceful, traffic-free sections. Whether you love the convenience of pulling up with boards and coolers or you prefer a quieter shoreline, NSB gives you both. Here is how to pick the right zone for your day and your stay.
First things first: where you can and cannot drive on the beach
- Drive-on beach: From the jetty at Smyrna Dunes Park south along the beach to 27th Avenue.
- No-drive beach: South of 27th Avenue through Silver Sands and Bethune Beach to Canaveral National Seashore.
For additional information, here is a map of all drive on beach areas and no traffic zones in New Smyrna Beach.
Park Volusia: current fees and passes to drive on the beach
Volusia County runs Park Volusia, the unified program for beach driving and off-beach lots.
- Residents: register your vehicle for no-cost access to on-beach driving and County off-beach lots. Apply online or at a Park Volusia office.
- Visitors and unregistered residents:
- On-beach driving: $30 daily or $150 annual visitor pass
- Off-beach parking lots: $20 daily or $100 annual visitor pass
Pay at beach ramp booths or County lots, or purchase passes online.
Hours and rules to know when you drive on the beach
- Speed limit: 10 mph on the sand. Obey signs and drive only in marked lanes.
- Typical drive hours: During sea turtle nesting season May to October, driving is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. when conditions allow. Outside nesting season the beach generally opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Always follow ramp attendants and posted notices.
- Parking on the beach: Park in the designated lane east of the conservation zone. Keep aisles clear and watch for pedestrians.
- Monitor Surf Conditions: Weather and offshore storms can push water and tides higher onto the beach. Always check the weather & tides reports before parking on the beach.
Drive on the beach vs. No-drive: pros, cons, and who will love each
Drive-on beach
Why you’ll love to drive on the beach
- Roll right up with surfboards, coolers, tents, and little ones
- Easy in and out during the day if you are hopping to lunch on Flagler Avenue or back to your condo
- Closest access to Smyrna Dunes Park and the north end surf scene
Keep in mind when you drive on the beach
- Traffic lanes and parking rows mean more movement on the sand. Keep your eyes open and obey the speed limit to avoid accidents.
- The beach fills early on sunny weekends and during events. Those who arrive early will have the best chance to grab prime spots on the sand.
Drive on the beach areas are perfect for:
- Surfers with their boards ready to catch the prime waves at the inlet break.
- Families who need to bring more than the basics to the beach and want the convenience of the car on the sand.
- Anyone who wants to have the opportunity to drive in one of the few places in Florida where you can drive on the beach.
No-drive beach
Why you’ll love a car-free beach
For those who enjoy a slightly calmer vibe, visit the traffic-free sections of NSB beaches. Visitors and beachgoers can enjoy wide, open sand from 27th Avenue south toward the park. This car-free area is great for long walks, shelling days, and relaxed beach time. Parents can relax a little easier as the little ones run up and down the beach, and it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the view, enjoy a little more quiet, or just take a siesta on the sand!
Keep in mind
- You will have a longer distance to carry gear from the beach to your car or to your rental.
- There are fewer services near the beach the further south you go to find your spot in the sand.
No-Drive beach is perfect for:
- Families who prefer a quieter shoreline and want less worry for little ones running around or back and forth from the surf to the sand.
- Couples and walkers who want space and scenery to enjoy the beach with minimal interuptions, intrusions, or traffic.
- Shellers who are looking for the perfect beach souvenir to take home from NSB.
Drive on the beach stays in NSB
Ready to stay steps from your favorite stretch of sand?
Whether you love the ease of drive on the beach or the calm of the no drive beach, we have New Smyrna Beach vacation rentals that fit your vibe. Every stay comes with local support, clean standards, and the small touches that make it a 5 star getaway.
Insider tips from our local Casago NSB team
For drive-on beach days
- Arrive early for the best parking rows, especially on weekends
- Check the tides and listen to beach rangers. Soft sand shows up near high tide
- Bring a simple shovel and traction mats if you drive a two-wheel-drive sedan
- Rinse your undercarriage after you leave. Salt loves metal
For no-drive beach days
- Use 27th Avenue Beachfront Park and nearby city lots as staging points for southbound walks
- Pack a wheeled beach cart for longer treks toward Silver Sands and Bethune Beach
- Plan a sunset dinner at JB’s Fish Camp after a Bethune afternoon, then detour to Canaveral National Seashore for golden hour
Smyrna Dunes Park pro move
Walk the two-mile elevated boardwalk for inlet views, wildlife, and access to calm water on the river side. Leashed dogs have designated access on the inlet side with time rules for the boardwalk. Entry is per vehicle, posted by the County
What you need to know about Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach is inside Canaveral National Seashore. The northern end near Lot 5 is known for clothing-optional sunbathing. Plan your family day accordingly if this will disturb any members of your group.
How do I get to New Smyrna Beach’s drive on beach?
From I-95: Take Exit 249 for SR-44 east into New Smyrna Beach. Follow SR-44 over the North Causeway to the beachside. Turn left on S. Atlantic Ave (A1A) for the no-drive stretch south of 27th Ave, or continue straight to the drive-on ramps below.
Primary drive-on beach ramps in NSB
- Flagler Avenue Beach Ramp
- Third Avenue Beach Ramp
- Beachway Avenue Beach Ramp
- 27th Avenue Beach Ramp
- Crawford Road Beach Ramp for current annual passholders
No-drive beach access points
Park at 27th Avenue Beachfront Park to step directly onto the start of the traffic-free zone, then head south toward Silver Sands and Bethune Beach.
Smyrna Dunes Park option
For inlet views and elevated boardwalk access near the north jetty, enter Smyrna Dunes Park at 2995 N. Peninsula Ave.
Parking and permits needed to drive on the beach
Residents register with Park Volusia for no-cost beach driving and off-beach lot access. Visitors can buy day or annual passes online or at staffed locations.
Local Casago NSB pro tip to drive on the beach
If one ramp is closed due to tides or conditions, your same-day permit works at other open ramps in Volusia County. Use the Volusia Beaches app to find an open entry and check tides.
FAQ: Drive on the beach and no-drive beaches
Where does the no-drive beach start in New Smyrna Beach?
At 27th Avenue. North of 27th you can drive on the beach when ramps are open. South of 27th is traffic-free through Bethune Beach to the national park.
How much does it cost to drive on the beach or park in off-beach lots?
Visitors pay $30 per day to drive on the beach or $150 for an annual beach-driving pass. Off-beach County lots are $20 per day or $100 annually. Volusia County residents who register with Park Volusia get no-cost access to both.
What are the driving hours?
During May through October the beach is typically open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for driving, conditions permitting. Outside turtle season, expect sunrise to sunset. Always follow posted guidance.
What is the speed limit when you drive on the beach?
10 mph. Keep headlights on and stay alert for pedestrians and wildlife.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on the Atlantic Ocean beach. They are allowed on the inlet side at Smyrna Dunes Park in designated areas and times, on leash.
Are there maps of the drive on the beach areas and no-drive zones?
Yes. The County publishes maps that show current ramps, off-beach lots, and traffic-free sections. Ramp closures can vary by tides and maintenance.
