Sister to New Smyrna Beach is well positioned:
New Smyrna Beach and its sister community Bethune Beach are home to 13.2 miles of wide sand. From Ponce Inlet at the north end of the barrier island to the Canaveral National Seashore entrance, both beaches provide a mixed bag of beach experiences — seven miles are marked as a "transitional zone," which allows driving and parking well off of the dunes or seawalls; and, farther south, the beach is a "natural conservation zone," where no motorized vehicles are permitted.
Mary McCleod Bethune Park named for history maker:
The beach is accessed at Mary McCleod Bethune Park which derives its name from the great African-American educator who helped create Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach. Along with beach access, the county-run park has a picnic area.
Location:
At the south end of New Smyrna Beach and 10 miles south of Ponce Inlet.
Parking:
Free parking at Mary McCleod Bethune Park.
Hours:
Open 24-hours daily.
Facilities:
Concessions, lifeguards, rest rooms, picnic tables, and showers.
