New Smyrna Beach – Nice Roads for Running

There is some very pleasant road running in the downtown area of New Smyrna Beach, about 2 miles inland from the beach, across the causeways. They can be run standalone, or combined for a longer run.

Historic District. Downtown, the officially designated historic district consists of 312 buildings — including some lovely homes, and nice, tree-lined streets. The area is bound from Riverside Dr. west to Rt. 1 (Dixie Highway), and 1 mile from Smith St. in the south to Ronnoc Ln. in the north. One can put together a few miles on these pleasant streets (Live Oak, etc.).

Riverside Drive runs along the Indian River and makes for some pleasant running along the water. One can run for nearly 4 miles one-way from Wayne Ave. in New Smyrna Beach, south to E. Marion Ave. in Edgewater. There are water views most of the way, with a couple of short sections that are more inland. There’s a good sidewalk as well, on the western side for most of the road except for the southernmost 2 miles near Edgewater.  An especially pretty section is the two miles between Wayne Ave. south to the Yacht Club. MAP

New Smyrna Beach Multi-Use Trail. This relatively new gravel trail is a good off-road running option. It runs for 2.2 miles from West Pine Avenue., west to Sugar Mill Dr. It can be reached from downtown, about 1.5 miles along Canal St. (OK for running, but not overly pretty). MAP

Note: We don’t recommend the causeways between New Smyrna Beach’s historic downtown and the beachfront downtown — they’re very busy and not pleasant for running.