Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions are 100% my own.

The biggest Holiday Shopping season is among us! What a better time for an excuse to combine shopping with a trip to a nearby city and explore it. That’s exactly what I did! This year I decided to step out of the box and drove to Port Orange and the New Smyrna Beach area for two amazing days.

Shopping, dining, exploring…and more shopping!

Shopping for our loved ones doesn’t need to be stressful. We all have that one person on our list who is, impossible to shop for. We get it, shopping for gifts for people who have everything, is a daunting task. The New Smyrna Beach area has so much to offer!

From golf courses to the famous The Pavilion at Port Orange, for unique shopping, holiday decor to tons of fantastic dining choices and superb accommodations! I recently visited the area, and I wanted to share some of my favorite places to shop, eat, and generally have a great time with all of you.

New Smyrna Beach Area Holiday Shopping

On my trip, I explored several places including shopping areas, dining establishments, and, of course, the hotel where I stayed. I want to talk about shopping first because those that have been following me long enough know that shopping and finding deals is a passion. So it should come as no surprise that shopping was high on my list of things to do in the area and boy was I NOT disappointed!

Here are some of my favorite shopping spots in the area.

The Pavilion at Port Orange 

First on my list is The Pavilion at Port Orange. With so much shopping and dining to enjoy, it absolutely gets top billing on any post about shopping in the area. So what makes the Pavilion so great? Let me tell you!

The Pavilion is a beautiful open-air shopping center conveniently located off I-95 south & easy access to I-4. Offering amazing shopping from local boutiques to national retailers, such as Ulta, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Belk, Petco, Michael’s, David’s Bridal, Kirkland’s, and Regal Stadium Movie Theater.

After a day of shopping, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants: from Takara Japanese Steakhouse to Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, and everything in between, there’s a great food to be had for every taste. They even have a Chuck E. Cheeses for the kiddos and a movie at one of Hollywood Theaters 14-screens.

Those are just the tip of the shopping iceberg when you head to the Pavilion. The possibilities are too numerous to even list in one spot.

Canal Street

Next up is Canal Street. This historic district offers tons of destination shopping, dining opportunities along with a healthy dose of the arts and history. This historic district is a popular draw among tourists, and it’s easy to see why!

You’ll find art galleries full of original artwork, all kinds of wonderful shops lining the streets, and tons of fun activities. From Sip & Stroll hosted on the first Saturday of every month and offering craft beer and wines while you tour the district to Girls’ Night Out, and the always beautiful Christmas on Canal Street, a series of holiday events beginning November 26th, there’s always something to see and do on Canal Street.

New Smyrna Beach Area – Dining

In addition to great shopping and activities, you’ll find delicious food almost everywhere while you’re on your shopping expedition. If there’s one thing I love as much as shopping, it’s food, and the New Smyrna area did not disappoint. You’ll find an absolute ton of great dining in the area, but there were a couple of places I stopped at that deserve special recognition.

Aunt Catfish’s on the River

For the best downhome comfort food anywhere in the area, visit Aunt Catfish’s on the River “down South River Cookin” indeed. I’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants in my time, and this one is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying bar none. Enjoy delicious fresh seafood, ribs, and libations in a unique old Florida atmosphere. I couldn’t resist and ordered LOBSTER, shrimp, and hushpuppies! They even offer fried alligators and Cajun shark bites. And don’t forget to try their cinnamon rolls!

Copperline Coffee & Cafe

If you love the vibe of a cafe and food that’s a little lighter, head to Copperline Coffee & Cafe. Enjoy amazing coffee along with sweet treats like chocolate cheesecake, cinnamon cream cheesecake, or joy berry cobbler along with savory eats like bagels, chicken salad sandwiches, loaded potato soup, and more. It’s the perfect stop for breakfast or lunch while you’re in the area shopping!

New Smyrna Beach Area – Where to Stay

After a fun day out shopping and exploring the area, nothing beats coming back to your hotel to relax and unwind. We chose the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and we couldn’t be happier! We got to relax in a spacious open-concept suite, with a living area separated from the bedroom by a partial wall, and with a fridge, a microwave, free Wi-Fi, and FREE Breakfast!

It features a lovely Spanish-style exterior with a posh interior that is both modern and welcoming. It’s the perfect combination of sleek and down-home with lots of warm wood and clean lines, and, of course, the furnishing is absolutely cozy, whether you’re sitting in the lobby or lounging in your room, or enjoying the pool!

It’s also close to everything and only an hour’s drive from Orlando. It’s located right off of I-95, putting it in close proximity to everything you’d ever want to see in the area and beyond.

New Smyrna Beach Area – So Much More Awaits

The New Smyrna Beach area may not be as popular as other cities in the United States, but don’t let that fool you. The area is a smaller but unique and gorgeous upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. It’s a “wow destination!

Golfing

If you’re a golfing enthusiast, the New Smyrna Beach area has you covered. There are eight world-class golf courses to choose from. How do these make a shopping list, you ask? Well, in addition to 18 holes of fun, they also have pro shops where you can shop for all kinds of golfing gear from clubs to gloves and everything in between.

Whether you love to get out on the golf course, take in the arts, enjoy delicious food, or get in some serious retail therapy, you’ll find it all in the New Smyrna Beach area. The shopping scene is on point, as is everything else in this delightful city. If you’re planning a trip to Florida, give the New Smyrna Beach area some serious consideration. You will not be disappointed.

Flagler Avenue

Flagler Avenue is a true seaside beach street lined with quaint boutiques, galleries, surf shops, restaurants, and more.  These charming small businesses make for an unforgettable visit. Leisurely walk the five blocks from the river to the ocean and experience our historic street with an Old Florida ambiance. It’s the central vein of life in the New Smyrna Beach area.

Photo Credit

Beach

Skip the theme parks and head over to the beach!  The New Smyrna Beach area is one of our favorite beach towns without the busyness of other beaches like Miami or Clearwater. White sandy beaches and epic sunrise views. The New Smyrna Beach area has so much incredible nature to explore, offering the perfect pandemic-safe outdoor activities.

Tell me, will your holiday shopping include travel this year? Would love to hear all about it in the comments.