Smyrna Dunes Park
- 2995 N Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Smyrna Dunes Park is a 184-acre park located at the north end of New Smyrna Beach across the inlet from Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. A great feature of the park is the over 2 miles of handicapped accessible boardwalk that allows everyone access to unfettered views of the Indian River and Atlantic Ocean.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and entry is $10 per vehicle. If you’re a resident or planning to visit multiple times New Smyrna, the $20 Annual Inlet Parks Pass is a great option. The park also allows dogs on the boardwalk before 10 AM and then again one hour prior to sunset. There is also a special section of the beach for them if your furry family member enjoys the water.
Smyrna Dunes Park also has a 300 foot handicapped accessible fishing pier that is 10 feet wide. It has two shade structures, handrails and benches. You do need a fishing license so be sure to get one, they check periodically.
Something unique about the park is that five ecosystems are represented in it: ocean, river, dunes, scrub and salt water marsh. That makes it a haven for nature lovers. On any given day you may see dolphins, eagles, turtles, sharks, gopher tortoises, and many varieties of birds.
Restrooms, showers, dog wash stations, and picnic pavilions are also available at the park as well as an informative educational center discussing history and ecology of the area. Smyrna Dunes Park is jointly owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the State of Florida, but Volusia County manages the park under leases it maintains with the other agencies.
Recent park reviews are positive and highlight how clean Smyrna Dunes Park is and how friendly and helpful the employees are to guests. Just be aware that parking is limited and it is quite a walk (nearly a mile) to the beach areas. Other than that, Smyrna Dunes Park is a local gem in Volusia County.
