One of my favorite places in Florida is New Smyrna Beach, just North of Titusville area and an easy one hour or less drive from most of Brevard County.
Like our Space Coast, there is a charming beachside (A1A) and a historic mainland area each separated by the Indian River, our Intracoastal waterway and accessable via a north and south causeway. On the beachside-a world class beach one considered the safest in the US now a shark attack favorite due to global warming and seasonal feeding or migration routes. There is a Marine center at NSB and with so many water sources, an abundance of flora and fauna including occasional winter whale and tarpon jumping, as well as the manatees, many waterfowl and birds,etc.
The lustre of old fish houses and shrimp boats along the north causeway or Flagler beach road has a quaint but small downtown with lots of beach shops and pubs and at the south causeway the historic Norwoods Restaurant and farmers market. Bob Ross Art Studio also nearby.
A 300 year old stone fort sits at the North end of mainland downtown NSB as many call New Smyrna Beach. One can find many small relics, arrowhead or firearm pieces and tiny ancient sharks teeth in the ruins. Walking south the Canal street area is lovely with many antique stores, restaurants and a museum. All glorifying the great history of Florida and the pioneering of NSB by Dr. A Turnbull, a Scot who brought 1300 folks to settle in 1768, though only 150 settlers remained in 1890. Now over 23000 people call the area home.
Along A1A and this beautiful wide beach, still pristine and just south on A1A a huge deposit of oysters some 200 feet high creating a near mountainous site called Turtle Mound, another home of early florida indians.
A few miles drive away are the sugar mills ruins, once a thriving business in the area and now a lush cathedral oak hammock and a short drive north will bring you to Daytona Beach, home of NASCAR , bike week and the spring break capital of the US. bfm 