Things to Do in Flagler Beach

The iconic Flagler Beach Pier extends into the Atlantic, offering fishing access, ocean views, and a front-row seat to sunrise over the water. Fishing from the pier produces catches of whiting, pompano, bluefish, and drum. The Funky Pelican restaurant sits at the base of the pier with outdoor seating, cocktails, and ocean views. Walking the pier is free; fishing requires a small fee. It is the social center of the town and the best spot for watching the waves.

State Road A1A through Flagler Beach and Flagler County is one of the most scenic coastal drives on Florida's east coast. The road runs directly along the oceanfront, with the Atlantic on one side and the town or natural coastal hammock on the other. South of Flagler Beach, A1A passes through Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Painters Hill, where the road sits atop a bluff overlooking the ocean — a rare sight on Florida's flat coastline. The drive connects to Ormond Beach to the south and Palm Coast to the north.

Flagler Beach's small downtown along A1A is a mix of locally owned restaurants, surf shops, boutiques, and cafes. Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar serves elevated coastal cuisine with an ocean view patio. Golden Lion Cafe is a breakfast and lunch institution. High Tides at Snack Jack offers casual oceanfront dining where you can watch the waves. Small shops sell surf gear, beach art, and handmade jewelry. The commercial district is compact and walkable, with a distinctly unhurried atmosphere.

One of the most unique state parks on Florida's east coast, Washington Oaks features formal gardens with roses, exotic plants, and ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The park's Atlantic beach side is famous for its coquina rock formations — natural rock outcrops formed from ancient shell deposits that create tide pools and dramatic coastal scenery found nowhere else on this stretch of coast. The park also includes a coastal hammock nature trail and Matanzas River frontage.

Named after the Florida folk musician and storyteller, this state recreation area on A1A offers Atlantic beach access, campgrounds, and nature trails along the Intracoastal Waterway. The beach is wide, uncrowded, and backed by natural dune vegetation. Kayaking and fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway are popular activities. The campground is one of the few beachside camping options in northeast Florida and is popular year-round. Day visitors can use the beach and trails for a per-vehicle entry fee.

Flagler Beach's restaurant scene is small but satisfying. Funky Pelican at the pier is the go-to for beachfront cocktails and seafood with a fun atmosphere. Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar offers creative coastal cuisine with one of the best patio views in town. High Tides at Snack Jack has been serving casual oceanfront fare for decades. Golden Lion Cafe is loved for its hearty breakfasts and tropical lunch specials. Most restaurants are casual, reasonably priced, and locally owned — no chain restaurants here.