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Looking for ideas for a laidback vacation or chilled day trip? You’ll find it in our guide – things to do in Flagler Beach, Florida!
Golden sand, fierce surf, good catches, seafood restaurants, drinks on decks, motels by the beach; what else could visitors want for a dreamy getaway to the East Coast?
You may also find our guide to Daytona Beach useful.
Things to Do in Downtown Flagler Beach
As with all of our Florida guides, we have grouped activities together for easy planning.
Now let’s dive into what to do in Flagler Beach so you can pack your car and hit the road.
Sunbathe at Flagler Beach
While the West Coast has its sought-after sugar beaches, Flagler offers a unique grain – six miles of golden coquina sand.
Coquina sand is a little coarser than white sand as it is made from a coquina shell.
You do need to give your feet a thorough wash before getting into your car, or you’ll be vacuuming coquina fragments for years!
Lifeguards watch over the beach every day 9am – 6pm from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day, then on weekends only from October to May.
Restrooms are located at the arch of the pier, where you’ll also find an accessible ramp.
Doggos are allowed on the beach within the N. 10th St and south of S. 10th St boundary.
Visitors can bring alcohol but cannot host beach parties without a license.
Bonfires can be lit from May 1 to October 31 by those who have a permit, but not at night during turtle nesting season.
Naturally, a day at the beach is one of the best free things to do in Flagler Beach; put the phones away and enjoy a tech-free afternoon.
Turtle Watch
Flagler Beach’s turtle nesting season kicks off on May 1 and runs until October 31.
The nonprofit Flagler Turtle Team looks after the mama turtles and nests (clutch) to ensure eggs don’t get washed away.
Turtles, such as the loggerhead, green turtle, and leatherback, are protected in Florida, and the state sees high numbers of nests produced each year!
You can keep up to date with the season on Facebook.
Surfing
Flagler’s waves have been graced by champion surfers like Frieda Zamba, so if it’s good enough for the pros, novices are sure to have a rare time, too.
The areas around the pier tend to get a little rammed, but there’s plenty of the Atlantic to space out; just watch for the riptides.
Plan ahead using the Flagler Beach webcam.
There are a number of charity surfing events that take place throughout the year including the MayDay Memorial Surf Classic, which is held annually the Saturday before Mother’s Day.
You can stock up on surfer gear at Surf Station, Flagler Board Shack, and Z-Wave Surf Shop.
Fishing
One of the most popular things to do at Flagler Beach is to try and catch redfish, bluefish, whiting, flounder, or trout.
The original fishing pier (105 S 2nd St) in Flagler opened in 1928 but has been a victim of storms.
Alternative fishing opportunities can be found from the beach for surf fishing and through fishing trips.
Tortugas Fire Pit Bar
Embrace the day slipping into the night at Tortugas (608 S Ocean Shore Blvd), where customers love the fire pits and views over the Atlantic.
Tacos or trivia, there’s always something going on at Tortugas.
Seafood and Live Music at the Golden Lion
For such a small town, there are plenty of restaurants in Flagler Beach to choose from.
Dine on trays of shellfish with views over the ocean from this decked bar.
Keep an eye on the schedule of live music.
The Golden Lion (501 N. Oceanshore Blvd) also puts on a special menu for holidays such as Memorial Day and Mother’s Day.
Seafood at The Anchor
Ahoy mateys!
Step aboard and dine among the nautical decor at The Anchor (500 S Ocean Shore Blvd).
The menu details a whole host of seafood delights like oysters, calamari, shrimp, clams, and mussels.
For those who believe ‘if it is from the sea, let it be’, go for pasta, burgers, tacos, filet, and salad.
Round it all off with a fresh frozen cocktail.
Mmm, mudslide.
Something Sweet
Cool down with gelato from Sally’s Ice Cream (401 N Ocean Shore Blvd)!
Choose from a variety of flavors served in traditional cones, sugar cones, and cups.
Look out for celebration desserts, like rainbow sprinkles for Flagler’s PRIDE.
Sally’s is an institution in Flagler.
It was started by Sally Horvath and bought over by Karen Barchowski in 2012, who then sold it on in 2022.
Buns at Whaam
If you’ve sickened yourself with seafood and all you want is a well stacked bun, head to Whaam Burgers (400 S Ocean Shore Blvd) for American food in a nostalgic setting.
This cute diner serves meat and vegan burgers, tacos, dogs, and string fries, a firm favorite with the kids.
Funky Pelican
Funky by name, fun by nature!
This Flagler restaurant and bar has the best view in all of the city, with some seats directly overlooking the pier.
Dine from breakfast until dinner at the Funky Pelican (215 S Ocean Shore Blvd)’s indoor and outside seating areas.
If you’re a cocktail fan, seasonal drinks pop up throughout the year, including orange creamsicle, spiced sangria, and Yule Mule; many reasons to keep returning.
Cocktails and Dancing at Finns
Finns Flagler Beach (101 N Ocean Shore Blvd) is another breezy beach view bar with seating on the top deck.
There’s a stage, and some patrons have been known to throw a shape or two.
Look out for deals on drinks and burgers throughout the week.
Delicious Drinks
Need a sugar injection to wake up from the morning slump or an afternoon siesta?
Let Surfside Shakes (111 S 3rd St) blitz up a thick or malt shake to take out.
Veterans Park
A lush piece of green landscape, water fountain, and Flagler Beach City Hall are all located at Veterans Park (101 N Ocean Shore Blvd).
It is situated directly across from the beach and has benches, free parking, and epic sunrise views over the water.
In winter, the park receives a festive touch!
First Friday at Veterans Park
One of the most popular Flagler Beach events takes place monthly.
First Friday is a grassroots celebration where local businesses come together and provide family-friendly entertainment such as live music, Easter bunny visits, and school dance groups.
Check the schedule for your visit here.
Tearific
If you’re gluten-free and like a cup of tea, you’ll love this unique thing to do in Flagler Beach, located just off Veteran’s Park.
Flagler Tea Company (208B S Central Ave) is a veteran and woman-owned urban tea bar serving loose-leaf tea, GF treats, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
The store sells over 150 variations of loose tea, such as lemon, spearmint, and oolong.
You can sip a cup of hot or cold tea in the cafe or take it out to drink in Veteran’s Park.
Learn More at the Flagler Beach Museum
How did Flagler Beach get its name? Why is there a mosaic turtle at the museum? What does a prehistoric shell look like?
Find out the Flagler Beach Historical Museum (207 S Central Ave)!
Located in the Flagler 1965 Beach Volunteer Fire Department, all of the artifacts, photography, and items have been donated by those who want to preserve the history of the city of Flagler Beach.
Do a Walking Tour of Flagler Beach
Take a self-guided tour of the “The Jewel of Florida’s East Coast,” created by the Flagler Beach Museum.
Follow in the footsteps of the Moody, Upson, Wickline, Fuquay, and Holden families that founded this beachfront community.
Find out why the first name, Ocean City, was rejected…
Hint: Maryland and New Jersey, and what community event takes place in the old Grand Hotel?
Download this map before you set off.
Shopping
Whether you’re hoping to pick up some new surfing gear, fun souvenirs, or a grocery shop, you’ll find a handful of options along the six-block area in Downtown Flagler Beach.
SeaCasas Boutique (213 S 2nd St #7) specializes in jewelry, home items, and rare gifts.
For shells, pop into The Jose Gaspar Treasure Co (2119 N Ocean Shore Blvd).
Publix Flagler Beach is located at 414 Beach Village Dr.
Relax with a Massage
Unwind after a day of sunbathing or surfing at the Golden Magnolia Resort’s White Orchid Spa (1104 S Ocean Shore Blvd).
Choose from massage, reflexology, or cupping.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a full-day spa package for the ultimate zen experience.
Support Local at the Farmers Market
Pick up fresh produce at the local Saturday Farmers’ Market, where vendors sell freshly baked bread, homegrown vegetables, and delicious jam.
The market is held at Wickline Park Flagler Beach (corner of S Flagler Ave and S 7th St).
Where to Stay at Flagler Beach
Hotels in Flagler Beach, Florida
Hilton Garden Inn Flagler Beach offers large rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant on-site, and free parking.
You can check availability at Hotels, Expedia, or Booking.
Motels in Flagler Beach, Florida
Topaz Motel is an affordable oceanfront accommodation with access to an outdoor pool.
Check availability at Hotels, Expedia, or Booking.
Some rooms at the Beach Front Motel have communal balconies overlooking the Atlantic! This accommodation prides itself on being an old-school Florida motel.
Check availability at Hotels and Expedia.
Guests love the A1A Motel for its cleanliness and location.
Check availability at Hotels, Expedia, or Booking.
Flagler Beach Rentals
There’s plenty of choice for VRBO Flagler Beach apartments.
This one-bed is only a three-minute walk to the beach, and the stay includes free bike use.
For larger groups, this 2-bed/2-bathroom apartment has ocean views, a kitchen, a dining room, and a living space with a TV.
RV Parks in Flagler Beach
If you are road-tripping your way through The Hammock, check out the 145 acres of Ramble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, where you’ll find riverside and beachside (max 47 ft) plots, a kayak launch, and bathrooms.
RVs and trailers must exit at 284 or 268 from Interstate 95.
Camping at Flagler Beach
Ramble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area also has tent sites at the riverside area of the grounds.
Amenities include water, electricity, a picnic table, a fire ring, and beach access.
A communal dump station is free to use by paying guests.
For those looking to stock up on groceries before pitching up, Publix is located at 414 Beach Village Drive.
Free parking can be found at Flagler Beach’s Historic Downtown.
Flagler Beach Travel Information
So, where is Flagler Beach?
Flagler Beach, or The Hammock, hugs the Atlantic and is located less than 30 miles from Daytona International Airport.
What makes this destination so special?
Unlike the other coastal cities on the stunning Highway A1A, you can literally park up and see the ocean at Flagler Beach, which is named after the industrialist and oil tycoon Henry Flagler.
Things to Do Near Flagler Beach
Once you’ve exhausted the above Flagler Beach activities, hop in the car and check out the following.
A1A Road Trip
Start your engines for one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the whole of the US.
The All-American Road, Atlantic 1 Alternative (A1A) runs from just South of Georgia on Amelia Island to the lively Key West in the South of Florida.
You can make stops at many of the beach cities and towns along the Atlantic Ocean during the 545 miles!
Check out our Florida road trips and East Coast road trip guides for more driving itinerary ideas.
Daytona Beach
For a bigger beach town, head south to Daytona Beach, where you’ll find a huge boardwalk with entertainment and food.
The “World’s Most Famous Beach” is also home to the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.
Daytona to Flagler Beach takes around 35 minutes and is 25 miles apart.
Find out all about this city in our guide, things to do in Daytona Beach.
St. Augustine
Head north up the A1A to the Nation’s Oldest City!
The cool thing about visiting St. Augustine is that you can combine a city trip with some beach time, as it has both.
On the way to St. Augustine, you will pass Crescent Beach, St. Augustine Beach, and Anastasia Island – home to the city’s lighthouse and park, Anastasia State Park.
You won’t be surprised to read that the city is steeped in history, covering conflicts, civil rights, art, and architecture.
If you are partial to a party, St. George Street is a lively bar crawl location, and there are heaps of breweries if that is more your vibe.
St. Augustine is also home to Flagler College; read more about the city here.
St. Augustine to Flagler Beach takes around 45 minutes and is 36 miles apart.
