Beaches & Outdoor Activities Near Flagler Beach
Your Guide to the Best Beaches and Outdoor Adventures on Florida's Atlantic Coast
Flagler Beach punches well above its weight when it comes to outdoor adventure. Across this gorgeous stretch of Atlantic coastline, a whole world of outdoor adventure is waiting to be discovered. Consider this your personal guide to making the most of the great outdoors during your stay at Compass Hotel Flagler Beach.
Nearby Beaches to Spend the Day
The coastline stretching north and south of Flagler Beach is some of the most unspoiled in Florida, with wide-open shores, soft sand, and that soul-restoring Atlantic breeze.
Flagler Beach
Start right at your doorstep. Flagler Beach is one of Florida's most laid-back stretches of coastline, with cinnamon-colored sand, gentle surf, and a small-town charm that feels refreshingly far from the resort crowds. Spend the morning combing the shore for shells and sea glass, or sign up for a surf lesson and let the Atlantic do the rest. There's no bad way to spend a day here.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Just a few miles north along A1A, Washington Oaks is unlike anything else on Florida's Atlantic coast. Dramatic coquina rock formations jut from the sand to create natural tide pools filled with sea life– a hit with curious kids and nature lovers alike. Cross the highway, and you'll find beautifully maintained rose gardens and towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss. It's a two-for-one that's absolutely worth the short drive.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Named after Florida's beloved folk singer, Gamble Rogers sits right on the ocean just south of Flagler Beach. Direct beach access and some of the best sunsets on the East Coast make this a local favorite. Come for the afternoon, stay for golden hour.
Matanzas Inlet Beach
Wild, windswept, and wonderful, Matanzas Inlet is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered something. Located about 25 minutes north of Flagler Beach near St. Augustine, this natural inlet is for anyone craving a stretch of peaceful, untouched shoreline away from the bustle of the city.
Outdoor Activities to Explore
Beyond the beach, Flagler Beach and the surrounding area is a playground for all kinds of outdoor adventures and activities.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding the Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway winds right through the heart of the Palm Coast area, offering calm waters ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Glide past towering cordgrass and keep an eye out for manatees drifting beneath the surface. It's one of the most peaceful ways to take in the natural beauty of coastal Florida.
Bulow Creek & Bulow Plantation Ruins
If you like a side of history with your adventure, set out on Bulow Creek and explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the old Bulow Plantation. The 13-mile canoe trail winds through pristine subtropical landscape, past ancient oaks and into a world that feels far away. Round out your visit with walking trails, shaded picnic pavilions and a fishing pier for a full day of exploration.
Tomoka State Park
Tucked where the Halifax and Tomoka Rivers meet, Tomoka State Park is a paddler's paradise and a nature lover's dream. Kayak through winding tidal creeks and wander shaded trails draped in old Florida beauty. It's a peaceful escape, only 25 minutes south of Flagler Beach.
Princess Place Preserve
Just inland from the coast, this serene 1,500-acre county park sits tucked along Pellicer Creek and has a little something for everyone. Hiking and equestrian trails wind through native wilderness, the historic lodge on the property is open for tours, and the birdwatching is exceptional; herons, egrets, wood storks, and the occasional bald eagle call this place home. Try to find them all during your visit!
Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail
One of Florida's most beautiful drives, the Ormond Scenic Loop winds along the Tomoka River and through some of the most stunning natural scenery on the east coast. It's equally spectacular by bike or on foot, with trails threading through wildlife-rich habitats where deer, gopher tortoises, and other wildlife make regular appearances. Pack a camera; you'll want it.
Make Flagler Beach Your Base Camp
With so much to explore right outside your door, Flagler Beach rewards those who show up curious and ready to play. Spend your next vacation riding waves, paddling waterways, or wandering through coastal wilderness. Here, every moment feels like an escape from the everyday.
Check out our hotel offers and book your stay! The best of Flagler Beach is waiting.