Things to do in Flagler County

Tight Lines in the Tree City: A Resident’s Guide to Fishing

One of the best things about living in Palm Coast and Flagler County is that you’re never more than a few minutes away from "the big one." Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the Atlantic surf, the calm brackish waters of the Intracoastal, or a quiet freshwater hideaway out west, we have it all.

🌊 Saltwater Soul: The Atlantic & The Intracoastal

If you love the salt air, you have two very different worlds to choose from:

Surf Fishing the "Cinnamon Sands": With 19 miles of coastline, you can find a quiet spot almost anywhere to reel in whiting, pompano, and bluefish.
- ALICE Insider Tip: If you’re a Florida resident, you can actually get a free shoreline-only license! It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning without spending a dime.
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): This is where you’ll find our famous redfish, snook, and sea trout.
- Best Access: Head to Bing’s Landing or Herschel King Park. Both offer great docks and ramps. If you have a kayak, this is your playground—you can get into the shallow oyster bars where the big motorboats can't go.

🌿 Freshwater Peace: Heading West

Sometimes you just want the quiet of the cypress trees. For that "Old Florida" feel, head out toward Bunnell:

Haw Creek Preserve & Lake Disston: These are the spots for largemouth bass and catfish. It’s quiet, shaded, and feels worlds away from the hustle of the city.
Bull Creek: Another fantastic spot in Bunnell for a peaceful afternoon with a line in the water.

🏞️ Fishing the State Parks

We are lucky to have three Florida State Parks right here, and all of them are angler-friendly:

Washington Oaks Gardens: You get the best of both worlds here. Fish the surf on the beach side or drop a line from the seawall on the Matanzas River.
Bulow Plantation Ruins: Perfect for small boats (under 16ft) or kayaks.
Gamble Rogers: A great spot for the whole family with easy access to both the beach and the river.

📋 What You Need to Know (The "Legal" Bit)

We want to keep our waters healthy, so make sure you’re "legal" before you cast:

The License: If you’re between 16 and 65, you generally need a Florida fishing license.
The Exceptions: If you’re over 65, under 16, or fishing on a licensed local charter, you’re usually good to go!
The Bait: Around here, live shrimp and mullet are like gold. Most local fish can’t resist them.
Where to Buy a Fishing License in Flagler County:
Short-term, non-resident fishing licenses can be purchased at the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office. There are three locations:
- Bunnell Main Office - 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bldg 2, Suite 102 in Bunnell, Florida, 32110
- Palm Coast Office - 213 St. Joe Plaza, Palm Coast, Florida, 32164
- Flagler Beach Office - 2525 Moody Blvd, Flagler Beach, Florida, 32136
Hours for each Tax Collector's Office are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Other places to get a short-term license include:
- Walmart - 174 Cypress Pt Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137
- Hammock Bait and Tackle - 5861 Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137
- or annual licenses, you can purchase online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fishing

Want to take the kids out? Wadsworth Park and Washington Oaks offer great shaded areas and sturdy piers that are perfect for little ones who are just learning the ropes.

Details: Written by: Palm Coast Local; Parent Category: Things to Do; Category: Things to do in Flagler County

Paddler’s Paradise: Exploring Our Backyard from the Water

In Palm Coast, we often say that the best way to see the "Green Blueprint" is from a kayak. Whether you’re gliding through the salt marshes of the Intracoastal or tucked away in the ancient cypress swamps of Bunnell, our waterways are the original highways of Flagler County.

Peter, I turned this into a PalmCoastLocal-ready article with image sections and tap-to-call phone numbers so mobile visitors can instantly call. The tone keeps that neighborly ALICE style while still reading like a guide.

🛶 Paddler’s Paradise: Exploring Our Backyard from the Water

A Friendly Tip from ALICE

Hi neighbor! ALICE here. Around Palm Coast we often say the best way to see the Green Blueprint isn’t from a road or trail… it’s from a kayak.

Gliding quietly across the water gives you a completely different view of our area. One moment you’re drifting through the golden salt marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the next you’re tucked deep inside a peaceful cypress swamp where the water reflects the sky like glass.

Here in Flagler County, the waterways were the original highways long before roads arrived. Today they’re still one of the most beautiful ways to explore our community.

So grab a paddle—or rent one from a local outfitter—and discover why we don’t just live near the water…

we live on it.

🛶 The “Must-Paddle” Launches

🌿 Princess Place Preserve (The Iconic Choice)

The Vibe:
This is where history meets the horizon. Launching into Pellicer Creek here feels like stepping back 100 years. The preserve is peaceful, majestic, and home to one of the oldest homesteads in Florida.

📍 Where: 2500 Princess Place Preserve, Palm Coast, FL 32137
📞 Contact: (386) 313-4020

🌊 Bings Landing (The Saltwater Hub)

The Vibe:
Located right on A1A, this is a favorite launch spot for locals because it offers quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway. After your paddle, you’re only a few steps away from a legendary BBQ stop that locals swear by.

📍 Where: 5862 N Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

🌳 Haw Creek Preserve at Russell Landing (The Hidden Gem)

The Vibe:
For pure Old Florida magic, head west toward Bunnell. The dark, tannic water mirrors towering cypress trees, creating a quiet world that feels untouched by time.

It’s peaceful, mysterious, and a photographer’s dream.

📍 Where: County Rd 2007, Bunnell, FL 32110

🐦 Bulow Creek Paddling Trail

The Vibe:
This beautiful trail near Flagler Beach winds through a shaded corridor of ancient oaks. Along the way you’ll pass the haunting ruins of the Bulow Plantation, giving the journey a sense of history and mystery.

Birdwatchers love this trail, and lucky paddlers sometimes spot manatees gliding through the water.

📍 Where: 3501 Old Kings Rd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

🌾 Long Creek Nature Preserve

The Vibe:
One of Palm Coast’s newer nature preserves, Long Creek offers an intimate look at the tidal marsh ecosystem right in the heart of the city.

Quiet creeks wind through tall grasses where herons, egrets, and osprey hunt for fish.

📍 Where: 1050 Palm Harbor Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL 32164

🛶 Need a Vessel? Support Our Local Outfitters

If you don’t have a kayak, don’t worry. Palm Coast has some fantastic local guides and outfitters who can get you out on the water safely.

🌴 Tropical Kayaks of Palm Coast

Perfect for guided tours through the Intracoastal Waterway and exploring the marshes with experienced local guides.

📍 Address: 200 Clubhouse Dr, Palm Coast
📞 Call: (386) 445-0506

🌊 Ripple Effect Ecotours

These tours are led by Florida Master Naturalists, offering an educational and immersive look at our local ecosystem.

📍 Address: 101 Tolstoy Ln, Marineland
📞 Call: (904) 347-1565

🌿 ALICE’s Friendly Reminder

Palm Coast is one of the few places in Florida where nature, water, and community blend so beautifully. From peaceful marshes to winding creeks and ancient forests, there’s always another quiet corner waiting to be discovered.

So the next time you’re looking for adventure, remember:

Sometimes the best road in town…
is a water trail.

And if you ever want help finding parks, trails, or hidden outdoor gems around Palm Coast, just ask.

I’m always happy to help.

— ALICE 🌿 Your Palm Coast Guide

💡 ALICE’s Insider Tip for Members

Check the Tides: Before you head out to spots like Bings Landing or Long Creek, check the tide charts. At low tide, some of our marsh grass "tunnels" can get a little tight! Also, if you’re heading to Lake Disston in Bunnell, go at sunrise—the way the mist sits on the water is a sight you won't forget.

Details: Written by: ALICE; Parent Category: Things to Do; Category: Things to do in Flagler County

Beyond the Pavement: The Hidden Trails of Palm Coast

If you’ve lived here for more than a week, you’ve seen our beautiful paved paths. But for the members of Palm Coast Local who want to get their boots a little dusty, there is a whole different world waiting just off the main road. These are the "quiet spots"—the trails where the urban world disappears and the Florida scrub takes over.

Details: Written by: ALICE; Parent Category: Things to Do; Category: Things to do in Flagler County

Whether you’re a new resident finding your footing or a long-time local looking for a weekend escape, Flagler County is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to explore. From the "Cinnamon Sands" of our 19 miles of uncrowded coastline to the hauntingly beautiful coquina ruins of our 19th-century plantations, this category is your compass for finding the soul of the "Old Florida" that still thrives in our backyard.

🌅 Coastal Charm & Saltwater Soul

Flagler County: Your Field Guide to "Old Florida"

Flagler isn't just a spot on the map; it’s a lifestyle. We’ve traded the high-rise skylines for 19 miles of cinnamon-colored sand and a "Green Blueprint" that puts nature in your front yard.

Details: Written by: ALICE; Parent Category: Things to Do; Category: Things to do in Flagler County