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Things to Do on the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches

Last Updated on January 24, 2024

South of St. Augustine on Florida’s east coast, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches offer miles of pristine honey-colored sandy beaches, dolphin adventures, parks, preserves, and also trails for hiking and biking.

Palm Coast and Flagler Beach waterfront view.
Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches stretch 19 miles along the coastline

Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches stretch 19 miles along the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a perfect destination for cruising Florida’s coastline, playing on the beach, swimming with dolphins, and paddling through aquatic preserves.  

Sea turtle on Palm Coast.
Source: Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches

You may observe a migrating whale swimming along the coast, or a sea turtle laying her eggs in a sandy nest.

While enjoying this salty getaway, don’t miss some tasty cuisine from seafood to barbecue, and even an adult beverage with a waterfront vista.

Visiting the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches

From chill time to adventure, the area provides many delightful excursions. Here are some ideas to make your trip truly memorable.

Table of Contents

    Hang Ten on Flagler Beach

    Three surfers on the beach
    Flagler Beach is where locals meet at the pier

    Start in the charming community of Flagler Beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where this cozy beach town meets at the central pier. Locals gather with friends to watch surfers ride some of the best waves on the East Coast.

    Flagler beach flowers on the waterfront.
    Source: Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches

    The laid-back beach vibe coupled with vast unimpeded ocean views is an inspiring backdrop to charming eateries, retro motels, surf, and eclectic gift shops. If you want to catch a wave, the local surf shops will help you with the equipment and lessons.

    Mahi Mahi on a plate from Flagler Fish Company.

    If hungry, enjoy a meal at Flagler Fish Company, known for its creative dishes and fresh seafood.

    Flagler Fish Company Address: 180 S Daytona Ave, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Rum punch in a glass on a countertop.

    For a cocktail, visit the oceanfront The Island Grille and try a thirst-quenching Rum Shark Bite or their signature Bloody Mary.

    The Island Grille Address: 1224 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Hit the Farmer’s Market & Flagler Surf Art & Stuff

    Florida zucchini from farmers' market.

    The Flagler Beach Farmer’s Market is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 am to 4 pm, however, since this has such a laid-back beach vibe, know that various vendors set up at different times and close when they sell out.

    Flagler Beach Farmer’s Market Address: 315 7th St S, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    If you love a good farmer’s market, don’t miss Fantastic Florida Farmers’ Markets in Fall 2023.

    Earrings at Flagler Surf
    Source: Flagler Surf Art and Stuff

    If you go on a Friday, walk over to 211 S. Third St. and stop by Flagler Surf Art & Stuff. They open from 11 am to 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays (and by appointment on the weekend).

    The fun store features over 15 local artists and crafters and is home to the famous “Please don’t make me cross the bridge.” T-shirt.

    Flagler Surf Art and Stuff Address: 211 S 3rd St #6, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Transport into a Cruisin’ State of Mind

    Flagler Coastline.
    Cruise A1A the coastal scenic route through Flagler County

    Cruise from Flagler Beach to Marineland along A1A, the scenic coastal route that parallels the Atlantic Ocean. Pull off the road to admire views of the sea-foam green waters and watch the waves roll to shore.

    Oak trees on a road in Florida.

    Highway A1A continues through upscale Palm Coast the Flagler Beaches and the oak tree-covered community of the Hammock, reminiscent of “old Florida.” Locally owned motels, restaurants, and art galleries are tucked among the mossy oaks.

    Entance to Marineland 1960s from Florida Roadside Attractions History
    Source: Florida Roadside Attractions History

    Cruise on to the county’s northern end and you’ll be at Marineland (population 16), which is both a town and home of a marine park spanning nearly 80 years of history.

    Marineland Address: Marineland, FL

    Smell the Roses & Hike the Coquina

    Washington Oaks Gardens State Park garden area.
    Source: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

    Keep cruising north to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Once a plantation dating to the early 1800s, it was named by a former owner who was a distant relative of George Washington.

    Tree at Washington Oaks Garden State Park.
    Sprawling oak trees cover the Washington Oaks Garden State Park

    The park offers formal gardens with azaleas, camellas, and roses situated amongst acres of sprawling, shady oak trees with a view of the Matanzas River.

    Rocky shoreline at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
    Source: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

    The ocean side allows visitors to hike extensive coquina rock formations stretching along the Atlantic shoreline.

    Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy either the quiet gardens or the rocky shore.

    Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Address: 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

    Swim with a Dolphin

    Two dolphins at Marineland.
    Marineland Dolphin Adventure

    Along the Atlantic Ocean at Flagler County’s northern tip is Marineland Dolphin Adventure.

    This is world’s first oceanarium dating to 1938 and to this day, still one of Florida’s original roadside attractions.

    The Creature from the Black Lagoon Poster
    Source: Universal International Pictures

    Movies and television shows from The Creature of the Black Lagoon to Seahunt were filmed here while spectacular dolphin shows thrilled visitors.

    Today, Marineland Dolphin Adventure is focused on marine animal conservation and research, but dolphins are still the stars.

    Photo of a dolphin at Marineland
    Meet a dolphin at Marineland’s Dolphin Encounter

    Marineland’s Dolphin Encounter programs range from observing bottlenose dolphins, a Dolphin Touch and Feed experience, or the popular Swim with the Dolphins experience.

    Marineland Dolphin Adventure Address: 9600 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

    Tour the Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Lab

    Whitney Lab Sea Turtle Hospital pool of young sea turtles
    Source: The Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Lab

    Across the street, consider a tour of the Whitney Lab Sea Turtle Hospital, a rehabilitation center for sick and injured sea turtles.

    Whitney Lab Sea Turtle Hospital Address: 9505 N Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

    Visit an Old Sugar Mill Plantation

    Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park
    Source: Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park

    Savor a stunning scenic drive through a 150-acre Florida hammock to the Palm Coast Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park.

    For a historical glimpse of a Florida sugar plantation, this is the place to visit.

    During the 1830s, the Bulow family grew sugar cane, cotton, rice, and indigo using slave labor.

    Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park.
    Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park

    Ruins of the antebellum plantation, a sugar mill, a springhouse, and the home’s foundation and slave cabins remain after the family abandoned the homestead during Florida’s Second Seminole War.

    Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park Address: 3501 Old Kings Rd S, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Hike or Ride the Mala Compra Trail

    Photo of the Mala Compra Trail, Hammock
    Mala Compra Trail, Hammock

    Outdoor travelers always enjoy the Mala Compra trail. Park at Hammock’s Bing’s Landing on the west side of A1A (one of several access points).

    Hike or bike the 1.5-mile trail to the beach through the maritime oak hammock and also ocean scrub.

    Mala Compra Trail.
    Mala Compra Trail, Hammock

    Or choose to mountain bike the more advanced, technical 5.5-mile trail. Or if you also only wish to visit the beach, drive the Mala Compra Beach road directly to the beach. Whether hiking or driving, the serenity of the beach and coquina rock formations is your reward.

    Mala Compra Beach Address: Mala Compra Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

    Get Your Barbecue Fix

    Captains BBQ plate of ribs and side dishes.
    Source: Captain’s BBQ

    After the beach, follow your nose to Captain’s BBQ located at Bing’s Landing.

    According to locals, and anyone who has dined here, Captain’s is one of the best barbecue joints around.

    Cheesecake at Captains BBQ.
    Source: Captain’s BBQ

    Pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket, and smoked turkey sandwiches coupled with collard greens, cucumber salad, mac & cheese, and also smoked baked beans make it finger-lickin’ good.

    Chase the meal with a homemade cheesecake while overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

    Captain’s BBQ Address: 5862 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

    Become a Florida Cracker

    Florida Agricultural Museum building exterior.
    Florida Agricultural Museum

    Become a Florida Cracker at the Florida Agricultural Museum.

    Take a walking tour of the state’s “ag” heritage spanning the 1880s to the 1940s.

    Explore a pioneer homestead, visit a turn-of-the-century store, admire horses and farm animals, or take a guided trail ride (call for reservations) in the surrounding countryside.

    Florida Agricultural Museum Granary
    Source: Florida Agricultural Museum

    Peer into barns, a sawmill, the granary, and a commissary stocked with goods, tools, and furniture.

    You will also likely gain an appreciation for the challenges of Florida’s rural living.

    Florida Agricultural Museum Address: 7900 Old Kings Rd N, Palm Coast, FL 32137

    Meet a “Princess”

    Photo of the  Princess Place Preserve
    Princess Place Preserve

    Well, you won’t meet a real princess at the 1500-acre Princess Estate, an Adirondack-style hunting lodge dating to the late 1800s. But once upon a time, royalty did call this place home.

    Stable at Princess Place Preserve
    Source: Princess Place Preserve

    Purchased by Henry Cutting in 1886, it was passed on to his widow who then married an exiled Russian prince.

    The property, originally named Cherokee Grove, was eventually renamed Princess Place Preserve.

    Pool at Princess Place Preserve
    Source: Princess Place Preserve

    The lodge is also the oldest homestead in Flagler County with the first in-ground swimming pool (fed by an artesian spring).

    Overlooking the Matanzas River, the lodge is composed of coquina shells, and the outdoor sitting porch is notably supported by Florida cedar and cabbage palm trunks.

    Trail at Princess Place Preserve
    Source: Princess Place Preserve

    Tours of the lodge are available. Hiking and equestrian trails wind through pine and hardwood forests offering a scenic backdrop of “old Florida.”

    Princess Place Preserve Address: 2500 Princess Place Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

    Paddle your Heart to Serenity

    Kayakers with Ripple Effect Ecotours.
    Source: Ripple Effect Ecotours

    Get on the water in one of the area’s most stunning preserves, known as the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve (GTM).

    Paddle through mangrove-lined backwaters and salt marshes.

    dolphins swimming in the water
    Source: Ripple Effect Ecotours

    Enjoy the serenity of this coastal estuary and admire the wildlife. Watch closely, dolphins and manatees may swim by.

    Tour this stunning natural environment with a paddling excursion with a master naturalist from Ripple Effect Ecotours.

    Ripple Effect Ecotours Address: The Town of Marineland Marina, 101 Tolstoy Ln, St. Augustine, FL 32080

    Flagler-Style Accommodations

    There are many places to stay in Flagler County depending on your taste and preference.

    Si Como No Inn

    Si Como No Inn on A1A in Flagler Beach

    For nostalgic charm, also consider Si Como No Inn, a colorful updated motel in Flagler Beach offering direct beach access.

    Si Como No Inn Address: 2480 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

    Photo of  Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

    How about an Atlantic sunrise? Consider beach camping at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area.

    You can enjoy surf fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and endless beachcombing.

    Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area Address: 3100 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

    Palm Coast Hammock Beach Resort

    Photo of the  Palm Coast Hammock Beach Resort
    Source: Visit Flagler

    For luxury accommodation,s try the Palm Coast Hammock Beach Resort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

    It provides full amenities including spacious waterfront rooms, on-site restaurants, pools, a water park, a spa, a fitness center, and also golf.

    Palm Coast Hammock Beach Resort Address: 200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137

    Palm Coast Hammock Beach Resort
    Source: Visit Flagler

    No matter what you choose to do in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, there is something for everyone who seeks to get away from it all.

    Check out more recommendations for fun getaways:

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