The 5 Best Beaches Near Palm Coast

The area in and around Palm Coast, Florida, is packed with pristine beaches and idyllic settings that are perfect for your next family getaway or romantic date. Check out our list of the best beaches in Palm Coast, and visit one the next time you have time off. You won’t regret it.

1. Flagler Beach

Discover 6 incredible miles of lightly populated beach just a short trek away from four great public parks at Flager Beach, situated at the lower coastal edge of Flagler County. This beach is only 18 minutes away from Palm Coast and features a large number of popular fishing spots. The most developed destination on the beach is Flagler Beach Municipal Pier, which is flanked by a wide array of restaurants, gift shops, recreational facilities, and ideal places for oceanfront dining. This beach is accessible and offers beach wheelchairs.

2. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

If beachfront camping is more your style, check out Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, just 25 minutes away from Palm Coast just south of Flagler Beach. This recreation area is home to 144 acres of land that’s ideal for coastal camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, eco-tourism, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. No matter what your outdoor interests are, it’s likely that Gamble Rodgers Memorial State Recreation Area has something for you. Keep an eye out for the loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles that call the area home.

3. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Just 10 minutes away from Palm Coast sits a state park packed with history and wildlife. A previous owner of the area was a close relative of President George Washington, hence the name Washington Oak Gardens State Park. Here, you’ll find sea turtles, white-tailed deer, bobcats, northern cardinals, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, foxes, and Virginia opossums alongside the threatened manatee. The park’s recreation activities include hiking, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Washington Oaks is open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year, excluding holidays, and a small admission fee is required.

4. The River to Sea Preserve

The River to Sea Preserve at 9805 N. Oceanshore Blvd. in Palm Coast is a wildlife preserve located on either side of state Highway A1A. This 90-acre preserve features low-challenge walking trails that pass a set of genuinely gorgeous natural vistas. Visit the beachside boardwalk for the most majestic ocean views or take a canoe or kayak down the Intracoastal Waterway and the Matanzas River. Available activities at the preserve include modern and primitive group camping, bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, pet walking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

5. Old Salt Road Beach Park

For a more isolated beach, visit Old Salt Road Beach Park, just over half an hour away from Palm Coast, Florida. This pet-friendly park is ideal for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, but not for swimming. Beautiful coquina rock formations dot the coast, and this park is a perfect place for whale watching. Parking is always plentiful at this location, and showers and restroom facilities are available to all visitors.

Each of these locations is a great place to stretch out and experience the great outdoors with family, friends, or partners. Check out one or more of them to have a beautiful day.

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels

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