5 Fun Summer Destination Drives Across Florida: Flagler Avenue New Symrna Beach
Driving Distance: 60 - 90 minutes from Downtown Orlando.
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Flagler Avenue: (in New Smyrna Beach)
Running five blocks from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, iconic Flagler Avenue is a true connector in New Smyrna Beach. It is named after the “Father of Modern Day Florida,” Henry Flagler, who dramatically increased the population of New Smyrna Beach after his railroad to Miami opened at the end of the 19th century.
This quaint beachside street is lined with boutiques, galleries, surf shops and restaurants and has a true old Florida ambiance.
New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau
New Smyrna Beach’s tight-knit community is always looking for ways to gather, so special events take place year-round. January sees the Festival of the Arts; come spring is the New Smyrna Beach Wine & Food Festival, a long weekend of wine tastings and multi-course dinners. Flagler Avenue closes to traffic as diners sample cuisine from local chefs.
Summertime sees the free Summer Concert Series at Riverside Park, where musicians of all genres take the stage in the early evenings of July and August. More music can be had year-round, at the Shamrock & Roll Music Festival around St. Patrick’s Day, the Voo Doo Music Festival around Mardi Gras and the Red, White & Blue Music Festival, which is New Smyrna Beach’s July 4th bash.
Classic cars are always on display here as well; every Second Saturday is the Classic Cruise Car Show, when members of the East Coast Cruisers Car Club display their hot rods, coupes, classic Cadillacs and Rolls Royces with a cruise beneath the palms. Later, they park diagonally and pop their hoods to display polished engines.
New Smyrna Beach is committed to sustainable tourism and is the first One Planet Living destination in Florida. Ecotourism events include the annual June Beach Cleanup Days.
