It’s hard to believe that one, charming, little, seaside town could have so many amazing public parks, but it’s true; and while Canaveral National Seashore is the most impressive, New Smyrna Beach is also home to many smaller and just as beloved parks…

There’s Buena Vista Park on the North Causeway – a terrific place to fish or relax and just a short walk across the bridge to the great array of dining and shopping options on Flagler Avenue.

Flagler Avenue Park is a very nice area at the end of Flagler Avenue with a pavilion, a brick courtyard, restrooms, showers and off-beach parking. You can also drive on the beach for a fee.

Esther Street Beachfront Park is another hard-packed sand beach that allows vehicle access.

Detwiler Park on Horton Street has tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground and is also not far from the Flagler Avenue restaurants, shops and beautiful beach.

Want a great place to walk your dog? Try the dog beach at Smyrna Dunes Park, which also offers well-maintained facilities and a fishing pier and boardwalk.

The 27th Avenue Park on Atlantic is also a beach park with a nice covered playground. Parking can be a little pricey here, but it’s free after 5 p.m.

Riverside Park is an eight-acre downtown park on the Indian River with walking paths, a gazebo, a playground, a stream side boardwalk and fishing pier; and it holds the coveted title of host to a summer concert series and art festivals.

Indian River Lagoon Park on Sandpiper Avenue offers a paved, three-mile-long loop for walking and a mile-long dirt trail that leads to a fishing pier and a bench with a great view for dolphin and manatee watching.

Volusia County Lake Ashby Park is a hidden gem on Boy Scout Camp Road with picnic tables, grills, two pavilions, a playground, miles of scenic walking trails and a boardwalk that stretches over the water.

So, the moral of this story is, if you are in New Smyrna Beach, go ahead and park it!