Things to Do on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach: A Walkable Local Guide

Canal Street is one of my favorite walkable areas in New Smyrna Beach. It is the historic downtown, and it feels more local, artsy, and community-focused than the beachside energy of Flagler Avenue. It is perfect for a relaxing weekend of shopping, art, and great food, and almost everything here is locally owned and one-of-a-kind.

What to know before you go

Where: Canal Street Historic District, New Smyrna Beach.

Walking: Everything is within walking distance. Most places are right on Canal Street, and a few are just off the street.

Parking: Several public parking lots are nearby, and you can also park along Canal Street and on the side streets.

Best time: Saturdays. Canal Street has weekly and monthly events, and the farmers market is every Saturday morning.

Weekly and Monthly Events

Every Saturday: farmers market.

1st Saturday of the month: art walk.

2nd Saturday of the month: Classic Cars on Canal.

Check the dates before you go.

Where to eat and drink

Several restaurants, cafés, and bars line Canal Street, and a brewery even makes its own beer. You can have a casual lunch, a coffee, a sweet treat, a nice dinner, or a drink, all within walking distance.

Shops and galleries

Canal Street has a lot of cute little shops: antiques and vintage, boutiques, a record store, fresh flowers, and art galleries. It is easy to spend an hour just browsing.

Art, parks and ruins

The Hub on Canal is an art center with working artist studios, galleries, classes, and workshops, and there is always something going on.

Riverside Park is one of my favorite places for a quiet morning. People fish under the bridge, walk their dogs, and run, and the sunsets are just as beautiful as the sunrise.

Old Fort Park ruins are an interesting place to visit. On Saturday mornings, the farmers market is held right around here

Why I Love Canal Street

My favorite time to go is Saturday morning: sunrise at Riverside Park, then I head to the farmers market. What I love most is that so much here is handmade and artistic, from the crafts to the restaurants, things you just can't find at a big store. And everything is within walking distance.