Mary Mcleod Bethune Beach Park(Bethune Beach)

Near Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, there are several excellent dining options that cater to diverse tastes. The Breakers Ocean Front Restaurant & Bar offers a cozy setting with burgers, seafood, and a great selection of beers, perfect for casual dining with ocean views. For seafood lovers, JB's Fish Camp provides Southern-style seafood along with kayak rentals, making it a great spot for both food and water activities. Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar is renowned for its island decor and seafood-focused menu, offering a unique dining experience. The Garlic serves classic Italian dishes in an old-world style atmosphere, ideal for dinner. Lastly, Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille offers a festive waterfront setting with comfort eats and exotic cocktails.

See the 'hotels' section above for detailed information.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes restrooms, large picnic pavilions, showers, and nearly 800 feet of direct beachfront sidewalk. Additionally, there are boat ramps, barbecues, playgrounds, and a fishing pier available for use. The riverside area features tennis, pickle ball, basketball, and volleyball courts, making it a versatile spot for both relaxation and recreation. While the beach does not have lifeguards, it provides excellent swimming conditions and opportunities for surfing and snorkeling.

The park's facilities are open daily, with restroom facilities available from within an hour of sunrise to sunset. However, there is currently no ADA access to the beach itself. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and wildlife in the river area, which is ideal for spotting manatees and dolphins.

For events, the park requires a Special Event Permit, which can be submitted via email to the Coastal Division. Pavilion reservations are also available, though some may be closed for construction.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is a hub for various activities that cater to different interests. The beach itself is popular for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, thanks to its gentle waves and clear waters. Visitors can also engage in scuba diving, surf fishing, and hiking. The park's riverside area offers opportunities for fishing from the pier and viewing wildlife like manatees and dolphins. For those interested in sports, there are tennis, pickle ball, basketball, and volleyball courts available.

The beach's proximity to natural habitats makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. During different seasons, visitors can spot ruby-throated hummingbirds and gannets, adding to the park's natural allure. With its diverse range of activities, Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is suitable for families, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

For those looking to explore beyond the park, nearby attractions like the Jacksonville Beach Pier and Shipwreck Island Waterpark offer additional recreational opportunities.

While Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is generally handicapped accessible, there is currently no ADA access to the beach itself. However, the park's facilities, including restrooms and picnic pavilions, are designed to be accessible. The riverside area also offers accessible amenities like tennis courts and a playground. Visitors with disabilities can enjoy the park's scenic views and recreational activities, though they may need to plan ahead for beach access.

For events and activities, the park requires a Special Event Permit, which can accommodate specific needs upon request. The park's focus on accessibility ensures that it remains inclusive for visitors of all abilities.

Parking at Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is generally free, with options for street parking nearby. However, starting January 1, 2025, a $20 daily parking fee will be implemented for off-beach parking lots. Volusia County residents can park for free if they register their vehicles online or in-person at designated ParkVolusia offices. Nonresidents can purchase an annual off-beach parking pass for $100, allowing unlimited parking in County-owned lots for a year. Parking is prohibited from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure safety and maintain the park's natural environment.

While the park offers ample parking spaces, visitors are advised to arrive early to secure spots, especially during peak seasons. The proximity of parking areas to the beach makes it convenient for visitors to access the park's amenities and activities.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park holds significant historical importance as it was once the only beach in the area accessible to African Americans during the early 20th century. It is named after Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a renowned educator and civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in establishing Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. The park's historical significance is recognized as part of the Florida Black Heritage Trail.

The park's natural environment is also notable for its diverse wildlife. The river area is an excellent spot for viewing manatees, dolphins, and pelicans, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The beach itself is known for its surfing conditions, earning it the nickname 'surfer's paradise' among locals and visitors.

These unique aspects of the park contribute to its appeal as both a historical landmark and a natural retreat.

Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park is surrounded by several attractions that enhance the overall experience of visiting the area. One of the nearby attractions is the Jacksonville Beach Pier, a quarter-mile-long fishing pier known for its picturesque views and lively atmosphere. Another popular spot is Shipwreck Island Waterpark, which offers a tropical-style amusement park experience with a lazy river, wave pool, and various waterslides. For golf enthusiasts, the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club and Pablo Creek Club provide excellent golfing opportunities.

For those interested in exploring more of New Smyrna Beach, the city itself offers a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cultural events. The Canaveral National Seashore Park, located just south of the beach, offers additional opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

These attractions complement the natural beauty and recreational activities available at Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region.