Smyrna Dunes Park wraps the southern shore of Ponce Inlet in New Smyrna Beach: 184 acres of protected dunes crossed by more than two miles of elevated boardwalk, with the Atlantic on one side, the Indian River on another, and the inlet — and its lighthouse — straight ahead. Entry was $10 per vehicle as filmed, and the park is open 365 days a year.
The boardwalk loop
The boardwalk runs about a mile and a half in a loop with overlooks and picnic decks the whole way — ocean, river and inlet views rotating as you walk. Gopher tortoises feed beside the boards, osprey work the shoreline, and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse stands in frame across the water for most of the route. The full 71-minute walking film on this page covers every boardwalk at strolling pace.
The jetty and the surf
The loop ends at the south jetty — natural rock on this side of the inlet, unlike the paved Ponce Inlet side — where waves crash over the stones and surfers work the inlet break that made New Smyrna famous. The films flag the flip side of that fame plainly: this coast carries a shark-bite reputation alongside top-tier surf.
One of Florida's biggest dog beaches
The dog beach by the jetty is a headline feature — but know the rule the dog-day film demonstrates: dogs use a gravel path and are NOT allowed on the boardwalk itself. Dog-wash stations and bag stations sit at the entrance pavilion. Arrive early on busy days; the entry line and limited parking are the films' one recurring complaint.
Sources: the 9 videos on this page, filmed at Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach.
Watch: Smyrna Dunes Park, guided
3 videos · summaries from the actual guidesMore Daytona Beach essentials
- All Fun Things To Do in Daytona Beach →
- New Smyrna Beach →
- Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse →
- Marine Science Center →