Flagler Beach is a salty, retro beach town that offers a quintessentially laid-back Florida experience. Located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Coast, Flagler Beach is the perfect place for a beach vacation.
Whether you’re a boater, swimmer, hiker, shopper, or sun-bather, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Flagler Beach is well-suited for families and couples alike.
If you’re starting to plan out your Florida getaway, you’ll want to take a look at all the awesome Flagler Beach. You’ll find that whether you love history, nature, animals, adventure, or culture, Flagler Beach fits the bill!
Without further ado, let’s jump into all of the fun things to do in Flagler Beach.
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Get Outside
When you head to Flagler Beach, you’ll find that the weather is pretty much perfect. The ocean breeze helps to quelch the heat and humidity during even the hottest days of the summer. If you’re ready to get some fresh air and sunshine, check out all the Flagler Beach activities in the great outdoors.
Head to Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach stretches for six beautiful miles on the lower coastal edge of Flagler County. Just eighteen minutes away from Palm Coast and home to a plethora of popular swimming spots, Flagler Beach is your ticket to paradise.
Flagler Beach Municipal Pier is by far the most developed destination on this lightly populated beach. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and more, you’ll find most of the activity in Flagler Beach centers around the pier.
If you want a more isolated beach experience, hop in the car and head to Old Salt Road Beach Park. The coast here is dotted with beautiful coquina rock formations and offers ideal opportunities for whale watching. While this is a great place to view wildlife, picnic, and fish, it isn’t very good for swimming.
Flagler Beach Pier
The Flagler Beach Pier stretches into the Atlantic Ocean more than eight hundred feet. A popular spot for sightseeing and fishing, your Flagler Beach vacation wouldn’t be complete without a little time spent here.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Named after the much-loved Florida storyteller and folk singer Gamble Rogers, this 145-acre park is perfect for swimming, fishing, and sun-bathing. While you’re in town, be sure to wake up early to watch the sunrise from here at least once. You won’t regret it!
Princess Place Preserve near Flagler Beach
With 1500 pristine acres and a rich history, Princess Place Preserve attracts nature enthusiasts from all over. Here you can catch a glimpse of what old Florida was like while hiking, fishing, or camping. This is a particularly popular place for horseback riding with a campsite specifically designed for equestrians.
In the preserve, you’ll also find a lodge that is actually the oldest intact structure in all of Flagler County. On top of that, you can also see the very first in-ground swimming pool in the entire state!
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Located in Palm Coast, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park preserves more than 420 acres of coastal scenery. On the eastern boundary of the park, you can see the Atlantic’s largest outcroppings of coquina rock. There are a number of different ecosystems here, including a coastal scrub community, lush hammock, and scenic tidal marshes.
Inside the hammock area, there are 20 acres of sculpted gardens that are truly remarkable. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the wonders of nature and relax, the Washington Oaks Gardens should definitely be on your list.
Paddling and Kayaking Flagler Beach
Looking for things to do in Flagler Beach this weekend? Consider renting a kayak or a paddleboard for one of the best ways to explore the area. Along the way, you’ll have tons of opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, and birds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can definitely explore the river, estuary, salt marshes, and mangrove tidal creeks on your own. On the flip side, you can also take a tour to learn more about the region and get the insider scoop on the best routes.
Things to do in Flagler Beach: Explore History
The history of this region of Florida is seriously fascinating. From native tribes and Spanish colonization to sugar plantations, you’ll want to spend some of your vacation taking a trip back in time.
Florida Agricultural Museum
The Florida Agricultural Museum offers a unique look at the not-so-distant agricultural past of the Sunshine State. With several historic buildings that have been moved from their original locations and restored, you and your family can take a step into the past. In addition to focusing on the agricultural legacy of Florida, the museum also works to conserve heritage livestock breeds including Florida Cracker horses, cattle, and sheep.
Flagler Beach Historical Museum
Located in the heart of Flagler Beach, you can find the Flagler Beach Historical Museum one block west of the fishing pier. The collections here span thousands of years, ranging from prehistoric up to World War II.
Looking for Flagler Beach on a rainy day? Head over to this sweet, small-town museum for a wholesome and educational outing.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Nature lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy a trip to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Once a prosperous sugar plantation operated by the Bulow family, what remains now is only the ruins. Destroyed in the Seminole War of 1836, this site stands as a reminder of just how tumultuous and volatile the Florida frontier once was.
In addition to exploring the ruins, you can also picnic, hike, and utilize the boat ramps here. Anglers can enjoy fishing either from a boat or from the dock.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Are you heading from St. Augustine to Flagler Beach? If so, stop at Fort Matanzas National Monument along the way for a taste of Florida’s Spanish history. In addition to hosting a nearly three-hundred-year-old fort, this area also protects 300 acres of the coastal environment.
Things to do in Flagler Beach: Go Shopping
Whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or you just need some retail therapy, Flagler Beach has you covered. In the six-block area of downtown Flagler Beach, you can find locally-owned specialty shops that sell gifts, beach attire, and much more.
Drive the A1A
The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is 72 miles of history, natural beauty, and absolute serenity. While you’re in town, you’re definitely going to want to hop in the car and simply cruise. Grab your camera and your favorite tunes to explore the truly incredible Atlantic Coast of Florida.
Commune With the Animal Kingdom
Animal lovers will have no shortage of opportunities to interact with creatures of all kinds in Flagler Beach. From learning about rehabilitating sea turtles to swimming with the dolphin, you can tap into the Atlantic coast’s rich natural world.
Go Horseback Riding
Is there anything more romantic than going for a horseback ride on the beach? No, we didn’t think so. While you’re in town, consider grabbing your significant other and signing up for one of the guided equestrian tours available in Flagler Beach.
Sea Turtle Hospital
The Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory is a place where you can learn about sea turtles and the importance of protecting this fascinating species. This hospital provides the vital service of rehabilitating injured sea turtles and releasing them back into the wild.
Go Whale Watching
If you visit Flagler Beach between December and March, there’s a good chance you’ll get to witness one of these impressive creatures. During this time, Right Whales make the journey to the waters off Palm Coast and Flagler Beach. Here they use the protected, warm waters to give birth and nurse their calves before heading back north.
You can find viewfinders along the Flagler Beach Pier to increase your odds of catching a glimpse. You can also keep your eyes on the water while dining at one of the beachfront restaurants in Flagler Beach.
Swim With the Dolphins
If you’ve always wanted to swim with the dolphins, Florida is one of the best places to make your dreams come true. Just north of Flagler Beach, Marineland Dolphin Adventure is located in St. Augustine, FL. Here you can get up close and personal with one of the most intelligent animals in the world.
Go Birdwatching
There are more than 200 species of birds that call the habitats of Palm Coast and the Beaches home. If you’re new to birding, consider joining one of the free bird walks hosted by the Flagler Audubon Society. If you prefer to bird in solitude, check out the six trails that are listed as a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Take a Boat Tour
If you’re looking to explore the water with the help of an expert, there are tons of boat tours to choose from. Many of these tours launch from nearby St. Augustine and Daytona Beach or further inland for airboat tours.
Whether you want to take a sunset cruise, a fishing charter, or a dolphin-seeking excursion, you can find what you’re looking for near Flagler.
Get Cultured at the Art Galleries
There are a number of art galleries in Palm Coast and the Flagler to help enrich your stay culturally. Head to the Gallery of Local Art for fine art, gifts, jewelry, and classes, or look at the exhibits at the Flagler County Art League. Other popular galleries include the Baker Gallery, Down to Earth Pottery, and Art Lamay Studios.
Grab a Bite to Eat
While you’re exploring Flagler, you’re definitely going to work up an appetite.
Probably the most well-known Flagler Beach restaurant is the Funky Pelican. Located right on the pier, this is a casual beach eatery famous for its bloody marys.
Other top spots include Flagler Fish Company and Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill. High Tides at Snack Jack offers laid-back eats on the waterfront, while Rocky’s Pizzeria Restaurant is a no-frills, classic pizza joint.
Things to Do in Flagler Beach: What’s Going on Your Itinerary?
When you visit, you’ll find that there is no shortage of Beach. From kayaking and hiking to shopping and exploring ruins, there’s something here for every member of your family. Whether you’re heading down for a day trip from St. Augustine or you’re spending your whole getaway in Beach, you might find this is your new favorite Florida beach town.
Are you looking for more articles about all of the must-see destinations in Florida? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!
