Your complete local guide to every public beach access
Flagler County offers 19 miles of natural, coquina-sand beaches with an Old-Florida feel. All beaches in the county are public, open to everyone, and known for being clean, quiet, and uncrowded. Parking is free at most access points, and no driving is allowed on the beach.
Yes. Every beach in Palm Coast and Flagler County is public-access, including Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, The Hammock, Washington Oaks, and Matanzas Inlet. Walkovers, parks, and access points are maintained by the county and state.
A retro, walkable beach town known for surfing, restaurants, and sunrise views. Dogs are allowed only north of 10th Street and south of 10th Street (8 ft leash max). The central Pier area is a no-dog zone.
A quiet, residential stretch with elevated views and peaceful morning walks. Always use public walkovers and avoid stepping on dunes.
Home to dramatic coquina rock formations, tide pools, and scenic photography spots. Nearby Mala Compra offers mountain biking that leads directly to the shoreline.
A wild, natural area popular for fishing and shelling. Do not swim in the inlet channel due to extremely strong currents. Swim only on the ocean side.
Dunes protect the coastline from storms. Never climb, sit on, or cut through them. Use walkovers only.
White lights disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings. Use red, long-wavelength lights only.
Fill all holes before leaving. They are dangerous for both people and wildlife.
Currents are extremely dangerous. Swim only on the ocean side.
Flagler Beach Pier area is a no-dog zone. Dogs are allowed only north and south of 10th Street.
Flagler County beaches are home to sea turtles, dolphins, shorebirds, and seasonal whales. Avoid nests, keep distance from wildlife, and follow posted signs.
Beaches: 19 miles of natural, public-access coastline. No driving. Free parking.
Popular Spots: Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, The Hammock, Washington Oaks, Matanzas Inlet, Varn Park, Jungle Hut, Old Salt Park, River to Sea Preserve.
Do: Surf, kayak, explore rocks, watch sunrise, enjoy local restaurants.
Don’t: Walk on dunes, use white lights during turtle season, leave holes, swim in inlet channel, break dog rules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Short-term, non-resident fishing licenses can be purchased at the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office. There are three locations:
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:
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.
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.
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 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.