Did you know Orlando is only an hour’s drive to New Smyrna Beach? After your theme park adventures, relaxing seaside is the only way to unwind from battling the crowds at theme parks and being on your feet all day. Consider a day trip from Orlando to New Smyrna Beach, or extend your Florida vacation and reserve a stay in one of our oceanfront New Smyrna Beach condos.
How to Get to New Smyrna Beach from Orlando
To get to New Smyrna Beach from Orlando, you’ll drive up Interstate 4 and across State Road 44. The drive takes about an hour but can be longer depending on your departure time from Orlando and if there is traffic.
Where to Stay in New Smyrna Beach
Casago New Smyrna Beach offers 50 New Smyrna Beach vacation rentals designed for comfort and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a small family trip or a large group trip, we have accommodations that sleep four to twenty guests. Our condos and homes feature incredible amenities including beachfront locations and private swimming pools. Book your NSB rental directly on our website and save!
Places to Stop on Your Way to New Smyrna Beach from Orlando
Harry P Leu Gardens – Orlando, FL
Stop and smell the flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical garden filled with various plants from around the world. Enjoy different exhibits throughout the year, stroll through the gardens, and admire the seasonal blooms bursting with color. Pack a picnic or stop by the garden’s marketplace and cafe, which sells various food items, craft beers, wine, and even ice cream! Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 4-17, and free for children under 4, members, and active-duty military.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Sanford, FL
Located north of Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 350 animals representing over 100 species worldwide. Come face to face with giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, snakes, crocodiles, and more. The zoo also offers several attractions, including a giraffe feeding, a train ride, a zipline course, rhinoceros encounters, and keeper chats.
Wekiwa Springs State Park – Apopka, FL
Explore the paradise of Wekiwa Springs State Park, just outside of Orlando, during your road trip from Orlando to New Smyrna Beach. The springs are one of the most popular attractions in the Orlando area, and for good reason! The chance to swim the crystal clear waters, hike the lush trails, and kayak or canoe the calm waters make it a great pit stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors. As of March 1, 2025, reservations are required for day-use visitors and can be made 60 days in advance.
Blue Spring State Park – Orange City, FL
Blue Spring State Park, in Orange City is the perfect place for spotting manatees, enjoying water activities, and hiking the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. Stroll along the boardwalk and keep count of how many manatees you can spot! Blue Spring State Park also hosts “Firefly Nights,” where you’ll witness the park come alive at night with twinkling fireflies.
Longleaf Pine Preserve – DeLand, FL/ New Smyrna Beach
Longleaf Pine Preserve is made up of 12,005 acres and two long marked trails. The preserve can be accessed from its north entrance in DeLand, FL, or its west entrance in New Smyrna Beach. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing. As you hike the trails, look out for sandhill cranes, great blue herons, otters, foxes, and other incredible wildlife that inhabit the area. Be sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection, as the trails have little to no shade.
Must Visit Spots in New Smyrna Beach
The Beach!
Get your fill of sun and sand, and plan a day at the beach! There are several beach parking lots along the water; however, you can make it easier on yourself and reserve a stay at one of our beachfront New Smyrna Beach vacation rentals, just steps away from the ocean. Spend your afternoon building sandcastles, swimming, or surfing (one of NSB’s favorite pastimes). Prefer to drive on the beach? Driving on the beach is allowed in New Smyrna from the jetty to 27th Avenue. There is a fee you must pay to be able to drive on the beach, which can be paid upon arrival.
The Hub on Canal
The Hub on Canal, located in the heart of the Arts District in NSB, is an art gallery featuring the work of over 60 local and regional artists. The space also features monthly live music, occasional theatre and regular cinematic exhibitions, and a range of classes and workshops.
Ponce Inlet and Lighthouse Museum
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the second tallest masonry lighthouse in the US. Climb up the 203 steps and get a birds-eye view of the Atlantic from 175 feet in the air. After snapping photos of the incredible scenery, head to the museum to learn about Florida’s maritime history.