27th Avenue Beachfront Park
A 3.4-acre park offering a secure playground, swimming beach, picnic spots, and unique drive-on beach access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
27th Avenue Beachfront Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 3.4-acre park offering a secure playground, swimming beach, picnic spots, and unique drive-on beach access.
"This area of the beach is amazing!!!! It has parking available, a park area, basketball court, and a pavilion."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Secure your spot by arriving before 10 AM. Beach parking fills up fast!
💰 Consider Free Parking
Opt for free parking at Bethune Beach if you're up for a longer stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upgraded Playground
Park area
A secure, fenced playground with engaging new features for kids of all ages. Fun for the whole family!
Beachfront Access
Beach
Enjoy the sun and sand with convenient beach access, including the option to drive your car onto the beach.
Picnic & Courts
Park area
Shaded picnic areas and courts for racquetball and basketball offer recreation beyond the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Playground Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Secure your spot by arriving before 10 AM. Beach parking fills up fast!
💰 Consider Free Parking
Opt for free parking at Bethune Beach if you're up for a longer stroll.
🚿 Rinse Off Post-Beach
Utilize the park's showers and bathrooms to clean up before heading home.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
This spot is great for photographers, especially for beach portraits. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Secure your spot by arriving before 10 AM. Beach parking fills up fast!
💰 Consider Free Parking
Opt for free parking at Bethune Beach if you're up for a longer stroll.
🚿 Rinse Off Post-Beach
Utilize the park's showers and bathrooms to clean up before heading home.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
This spot is great for photographers, especially for beach portraits. +1
🦈 Shark Awareness
New Smyrna Beach is known for shark activity; be aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the upgraded playground and convenient beach access, including the unique option to drive onto the sand. The park offers good amenities like restrooms and showers. However, some reviews note past neglect and limited parking availability, especially during peak times.
"The entire playground has been beautifully upgraded with a secure, all-around fence that locks in place, ensuring a safe environment for children. It’s incredibly accessible and thoughtfully designed for kids of all ages. There are tons of fun, new play features—everything from creative climbing structures to engaging activity zones."
Carla Arzuaga Sheppard
"This area of the beach is amazing!!!! It has parking available ($20 for full day in parking lot, $34 to park on the beach) a park area, basketball court, and a pavilion. This was my first time parking on the beach and the attendant was kind and there was a lot of room and space to park on the beach. I encourage anyone to arrive early anytime before 10am as afterwards it tends to get very busy. My family spent about 4-5 hours and it was well worth it! I look forward to returning and creating more memories."
Zipporah-Darvi Redding
"The neglect of this park over the last few years is pathetic. I cannot believe the parts of the playground that are broken have not been fixed, the ramp access has not been restored, all of the umbrellas have been removed from over the tables, and the swings have been removed from the swingset. And it has been like this for years. This was a really beautiful park I used to love taking my kids to and now it feels totally abandoned. Very, very sad that the city has not stepped up here."
Cameron MacMillan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have a few options for parking. The dedicated lot costs $20 for a full day, and parking directly on the beach is $34. For a more budget-friendly choice, consider parking at Bethune Beach, which offers free parking but requires a longer walk to the park. +1
Parking on the beach is available and can be spacious, but it's highly recommended to arrive early, ideally before 10 AM, as it gets very busy later in the day.
Yes, driving your car onto the beach is an option at 27th Avenue Beachfront Park, offering a unique beach experience.
Information on public transportation to 27th Avenue Beachfront Park is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
The park is located a short drive from downtown New Smyrna Beach, making it easily accessible for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general entrance fee for the park itself. However, parking fees apply if you choose to park in the lot or on the beach.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours for facilities like restrooms may vary.
Advance booking for parking is typically not required, but arriving early is crucial, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.
While not always advertised, the park can be a venue for local gatherings and photography sessions. Keep an eye on local event listings. +1
The playground has been upgraded with secure fencing and features designed for children of all ages, aiming for good accessibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a playground, swimming beach, picnic areas, basketball courts, restrooms, and showers for rinsing off after the beach.
The beach is suitable for swimming, but visitors should be aware of potential currents and marine life, including sharks, which are common in New Smyrna Beach.
Yes, the playground area is noted to be shaded, providing a comfortable spot for families.
Families can enjoy the playground, swimming, picnicking, and playing basketball. The beach itself offers ample space for relaxation and play.
Absolutely! The beachfront setting makes it a popular spot for photographers, especially for portraits and beach-themed shoots. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or food vendors directly within 27th Avenue Beachfront Park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
Flagler Avenue, a short drive away, offers a variety of dining options, from casual taverns to seafood restaurants.
Yes, the park has picnic areas, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal outdoors. Remember to bring your own supplies.
Several grocery stores are located within a short driving distance in New Smyrna Beach, perfect for stocking up on picnic essentials.
Information regarding alcohol consumption in the park is not readily available. It's advisable to check local ordinances or err on the side of caution.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
The beach itself, with its oceanfront views and drive-on access, is ideal. The playground area also offers colorful backdrops. +1
Yes, many photographers utilize this park for family portraits due to its scenic beach setting and family-friendly amenities. +1
Generally, professional photography equipment is allowed, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other park visitors and avoid obstructing public access.
Specific drone regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with local authorities or the park management regarding any restrictions on drone usage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic, as food options are limited at the park. The shaded playground area offers a nice respite from the sun. While some older reviews mentioned maintenance issues, the playground has seen recent improvements, making it a more enjoyable experience for little ones.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photographers can leverage the natural beauty of the coastline, the expansive beach, and even the colorful playground elements for diverse photo opportunities. While professional equipment is generally permitted, always be considerate of other visitors and public access.
🚗 Beach Driving Adventurers
Be prepared for the beach parking fee ($34), which is higher than the lot parking. Arriving early is key to securing a good spot. Remember to drive cautiously and be aware of the tides and other beachgoers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking: Your Key to a Smooth Visit
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly approach, consider parking at Bethune Beach. While this option is free, it does involve a longer walk to the park. This can be a great alternative if you don't mind a bit of extra exercise and want to save on parking fees.
It's also worth noting that the park offers multiple beach access points with sand parking lots within walking distance, providing some flexibility if the main lot is full.
Playground Paradise or Patchy Past?
However, some older reviews mention a period of neglect, with broken equipment and missing amenities like umbrellas and swings. While efforts have been made to improve the playground, it's always a good idea to check recent visitor feedback or see the current state upon arrival, especially if you have very young children.
Despite any past concerns, the playground's current design aims to be accessible and thoughtfully laid out, making it a potentially enjoyable spot for families looking for a break from the beach.
Beach Driving: A Unique Florida Experience
While driving on the beach is a popular option, it comes with a higher parking fee ($34). It's also essential to be mindful of other beachgoers and to drive responsibly. The attendants are generally helpful, and there's usually plenty of room if you arrive early.
New Smyrna Beach, in general, is recognized as a prime spot for beach driving, and this park is a great entry point to experience it. Remember to check tide times and conditions, as they can affect the drivable areas of the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit