Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches

Destination Highlights

Parks
Shopping
Restaurants
Music
Outdoor Activities
Festivals
Beaches
Attractions

Things to do in Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches

Unblemished by high-rises, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches welcomes visitors from the start with miles of unobstructed views along A1A, so taking the scenic route is not a choice, but a must. You won’t find any chain hotels or restaurants,  so expect to be greeted and treated like a friend by the locals. And the reception continues each step you take along the cinnamon sand, pet-friendly beaches.

Did You Know?

Interesting & useful facts

1.

You won’t find any chain hotels or restaurants in Flagler Beach. All mom and pops!

2.

The area is home to the third best waves for surfing in the entire state thanks to the iconic Flagler Beach pier.

3.

Parking is free along the public areas so don’t worry about your parking meter racking up. You’re on island time!

News About Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches

Discover Sky-High Fun at Warbirds Over Flagler

Make those flight plans! Warbirds Over Flagler returns in 2025 with two days of aviation fun! Get an up-close look at vintage and modern military aircraft, enjoy…

Fun for Little Ones at Sea Squirts at Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Attention Flagler, Volusia and St. John’s County Moms! We’ve found the perfect activity for those toddler and pre-school aged kiddos—and it checks off all three boxes: fun,…

Celebrate Native American Culture at the Princess Place Preserve Pow Wow

Celebrate the rich heritage of indigenous peoples during Flagler County’s annual Native American festival, the Princess Place Preserve Pow Wow. The 2025 event is slated for February…

Reasons To Visit

Unblemished by high-rises, Palm Coast and the Flagler beaches welcomes visitors from the start with miles of unobstructed views along A1A, so taking the scenic route is not a choice, but a must. You won’t find any chain hotels or restaurants,  so expect to be greeted and treated like a friend by the locals. And the reception continues each step you take along the cinnamon sand, pet-friendly beaches. Palm Coast and the Flagler beaches have been able to maintain a tranquil spirit by keeping things simple and undisturbed. You are more likely to see dolphins and loggerhead turtles then rowdy spring breakers. Don’t be surprised to see traffic come to a standstill when sea turtles stroll too near the road, as locals regularly get out of their vehicles to move them to safer ground. Located on the  Northeast coast of Florida, Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches is 31 miles South of Saint Augustine and 24 miles North of Daytona Beach, boarded on the east by 19 miles of Atlantic Ocean. Exit 284 off I-95 is the closest exit to the beach from Maine to Miami. Just 3 miles!

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Horseback Riding

Beaches

Parking is FREE along the public areas of Flagler Beach, so don’t worry about your parking meter racking up. Experience the beach the way it’s supposed to be—without large condos or high rises blocking the sun. Many areas are strictly preserved and don’t allow for development, which means Flagler beaches are pure and beautiful, with gorgeous cinnamon-colored sand and natural vegetative dunes. Frolicking dolphins, swooping pelicans…the sea life is a constant. Between December and March, you might see gorgeous right whales off the coast as they migrate to warmer waters.  And between May and October, it’s possible to witness the hatching of hundreds to thousands of baby sea turtles (from a safe distance)—a natural miracle that occurs in only a few places in the country. Home to the third best waves for surfing in the entire state, the area is also known for its hip vibe and near-perfect waves. Local surf shops offer lessons and rentals for all ages and no experience required!

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Beaches

Outdoor Adventures

Every day is an “EcoAdventure” in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, with so much to explore and see year-round! With Mother Nature as the main attraction to this coastal town, here you will find some of Florida’s favorite birding spots, miles of trails for bikers, hikers and horseback riders, and abundant fishing and scenic waterways where you can paddle. Explore one or more of our state parks, where you’ll find a variety of activities, unique history and unforgettable scenic views.

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Paddle boarding sup

Arts & Culture

Come and experience art in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches. Hand-painted masterpieces by local artists are on display and available for purchase throughout the community at popular venues like the Gallery of Local Art and the Flagler County Art League. Culture, music and fine arts are prevalent  including performances at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center to outdoor concerts and songwriter festivals, there is plenty to experience. First Friday’s in Flagler Beach offers an assortment of musical genres from reggae to bluegrass and beyond. Celebrate your vacation on the beach with great tunes and food at any of the year-round festivals or just by hitting up some of the local hot spots. Many bars and restaurants offer entertainment nightly and there are a variety of nights when you can be the entertainment with karaoke!

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Nutcracker Ballet at Flagler Auditorium

Restaurants & Bars

Wondering where to grab a bite to eat? Take a look at some of the best places to dine in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches. From raw bars and fresh seafood to an award-winning BBQ joint, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches boasts a spectacular independent foodie scene. Want to take advantage of that beautiful Florida weather? There’s plenty of restaurants in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach with outdoor seating and spectacular ocean views

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Dining in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches

Attractions

While on the beachside, celebrate some rich history at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, where their motto is “From the Stone Age to the Space Age.” Check out the artifacts from days of old or view a flag taken on the Space Shuttle by a local astronaut. Discover the state’s agricultural connections at the Florida Agricultural Museum. Choose from a variety of dolphin encounter programs at Marineland Dolphin Adventure or tour the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory. There’s also traditional activities like bowling and movies which are perfect for those rainy days or taking a break from the sun.

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Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Things To Do:

Mother Nature is the main attraction for the Palm Coast and Flagler Beaches. With over 45 parks and preserves and over 125 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching, this Old Florida community goes beyond the beach.

10 Best Ways to Explore Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches!

1. See the Dolphins Paint or Take Part in Feeding Them Marineland Dolphin Adventure

2. Make Furry Friends Down on the Farm & See the History of Florida Farm Life Florida Agricultural Museum

3. Catch the Big One! Flagler Beach Pier Rentals Available

4. Explore a Sugar Mill Ruin Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park Rentals Available

5. Take a Guided Eco Tour Ripple Effect Eco Tours

6.First In-ground Pool & Home to a Princess Princess Place Preserve National Register of Historic Places Free!

7. Stop and Smell the Roses Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

8. Take A Scenic Ride to View the Ocean A1A Scenic Byway Free!

9. Discover Canopied Trails or Winding Waterways of Florida’s Wildlife Tropical Kayaks Bike, Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals Available

10. Brush Up on History Flagler Beach Historical Museum Free!

Shopping

 

Shopping is always a big part of enjoying any vacation, so be sure to devote some time indulging your inner shopper at our unique gift shops, antique shops, artist studios, fine boutiques and of course all the big box stores we all love. The six-block area in downtown Flagler Beach along Central Avenue should not be missed for the charming, independently owned specialty stores that add to the overall ambiance of the old beach town. In the mood for instant gratification and one-stop shopping? Head into Palm Coast and pick one of the many strip malls loaded with shops galore!

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Sea Casas Jewelry

Golf

Immerse yourself in a true golfer’s paradise. Here you’ll find golfing weather all year long, great topographical contrasts and premier Florida golf courses to choose from. With oceanside links that play directly on the Atlantic Coastline and those with vistas of inland marshes, fresh water lakes and maritime woodlands, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches have landscapes to please golfers of all levels.

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Hammock Beach Golf

History

Guided historic tours are offered through the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. Visitors traveling down historic A1A can take a custom cellphone tour and those on the western end of Flagler can enjoy a walking tour of historic downtown Bunnell. Visitors are fortunate in that they can experience Flagler County’s rich heritage in many ways.Flagler is bustling with history – from storybook beginnings at Princess Place Preserve, aquatic adventures in filming at Marineland Dolphin Adventure and Lindbergh’s unexpected vacation in Flagler Beach. See Florida history in motion at the Florida Agricultural Museum, where dedicated re-enactors in period clothing tell the story of Florida’s past and how it pertains to the present.

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flagler beach historical museum

Where To Stay

They have room for you in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches! Finding a place to rest your head is easy. There’s something for every taste and budget with a collection of diverse lodging options. Choose from a luxurious Four Diamond resort with sweeping ocean views at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa or a quaint oceanside escape like Island Cottage Inn.

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Cinnamon Beach Condos