New Smyrna Beach Live Cam
Situated on the north side of the Lifeguard Station
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New Smyrna Beach History
New Smyrna Beach is a city located in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The area has a rich history that dates back to the 1700s when it was first settled by the Spanish.
The first known settlement in the area was established by the British in 1768. However, it was short-lived as the settlers abandoned the area due to hostile relations with the local Native American tribes.
In 1769, a group of 1,400 settlers from the Mediterranean island of Minorca arrived in the area under the auspices of Dr. Andrew Turnbull. They established a colony called New Smyrna, named after the Greek city of Smyrna (now known as Izmir). The Minorcan settlers struggled with disease, hostile Native American tribes, and poor living conditions, leading many to flee the colony. Eventually, the colony was abandoned in 1777, and the remaining settlers moved to St. Augustine.
After the Minorcan colony was abandoned, the area was largely uninhabited until the mid-1800s. In 1804, a man named Patrick Dean received a land grant in the area and established a plantation. Dean's plantation was one of the largest in the area, and he grew a variety of crops, including cotton, sugar cane, and oranges.
In the late 1800s, the arrival of the railroad and the establishment of a port in nearby Port Orange led to the growth of New Smyrna as a tourist destination. The area's mild climate and beautiful beaches made it an attractive destination for visitors from around the country. Today, New Smyrna Beach is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, historic downtown area, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city has a population of approximately 27,000 people and is a part of the greater Daytona Beach metropolitan area.
New Smyrna Beach Top Tourist Attractions
New Smyrna Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and historic downtown area. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the area:
- New Smyrna Beach: The city's namesake beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach stretches for 13 miles along the coast and is known for its white sand and clear blue water.
- Canaveral National Seashore: Located just south of New Smyrna Beach, the Canaveral National Seashore is a protected area that offers miles of unspoiled beach, hiking trails, and a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including manatees and sea turtles.
- Historic Downtown New Smyrna Beach: The downtown area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can take a stroll along Canal Street and browse the many boutiques and antique shops or stop for a bite to eat at one of the area's many restaurants.
- Smyrna Dunes Park: Located on the northern tip of New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Dunes Park is a 73-acre park that offers stunning views of the ocean and the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The park features a boardwalk and hiking trails, as well as a dog-friendly beach.
- Ponce Inlet Lighthouse: Just a short drive south of New Smyrna Beach, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that offers tours and stunning views of the surrounding area.
- New Smyrna Museum of History: Located in the heart of downtown, the New Smyrna Museum of History offers visitors a chance to learn about the city's rich history through exhibits and artifacts.
- Marine Discovery Center: Located on the Indian River Lagoon, the Marine Discovery Center offers eco-tours and educational programs that allow visitors to learn about the area's unique ecosystem and wildlife.
New Smyrna Beach Climate
New Smyrna Beach has a subtropical climate, which means that it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 233 sunny days annually. Here are some more details about the climate in New Smyrna Beach:
- Summers: New Smyrna Beach has hot and humid summers, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-34 degrees Celsius). The hottest months are June through September, with temperatures sometimes reaching into the upper 90s (35-37 degrees Celsius). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, and the area is occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.
- Winters: New Smyrna Beach has mild winters, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (13-22 degrees Celsius). The coolest months are December through February, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
- Rainfall: New Smyrna Beach receives an average of 52 inches (132 cm) of rainfall annually, with the wettest months being June through September. However, rainfall can occur throughout the year, and visitors should be prepared for the occasional afternoon shower.
- Water temperature: The water temperature in New Smyrna Beach varies throughout the year, with the warmest water temperatures occurring in August and September, when the water can reach into the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius). In the winter months, the water temperature can drop to the low.
New Smyrna Beach Geography
New Smyrna Beach is a city located in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is situated on the east coast of Florida, approximately halfway between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral. The city covers an area of 37.8 square miles, with approximately 13 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
The city is bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and to the west by the Indian River Lagoon, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. The city is situated on a barrier island, which is separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. The barrier island is approximately 2.5 miles wide and varies in elevation from sea level to about 20 feet above sea level.
The area is known for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and salt marshes. The Indian River Lagoon is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and a variety of fish and bird species.
The climate in New Smyrna Beach is subtropical, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. The area is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can occur from June to November.