Travel and Leisure, a prominent travel and destination guide, has named Palm Coast, Florida, as the top coastal town to visit this year for retirees and seniors. The article, titled "This Coastal Town Was Just Named the Best 'Hidden Gem' Vacation Destination in the U.S. for Retirees and Seniors," highlights Palm Coast as an 'under the radar' destination worth exploring in Florida.
The article praises Palm Coast for its dog-friendly atmosphere, abundant nature trails, parks, and golf clubs. According to the publication, this Floridian town, located just south of Saint Augustine, "offers a beautiful coastal setting with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities." Visitors can enjoy its stunning beaches and waterfront parks, such as Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, or book a tee time at the Palm Harbor Golf Club. The town also features numerous nature trails, including the Flagler County Cultural Council Turtle Trail, which combines fitness with art appreciation, and hosts a variety of arts festivals throughout the year.
Upon further investigation, Palm Coast Local discovered that the article was compiled and written by Carewell, a medical device company. The Carewell team analyzed over 160 cities across the United States with populations ranging from 75,000 to 100,000. Each city was evaluated based on several key factors, including lodging (with a focus on the average daily rates for vacation rentals), dining and bars (considering average Yelp review ratings), walkability, safety, and the proportion of senior populations.
While this brief article on Palm Coast does highlight key aspects that make our "coastal town" a unique destination, it overlooks some of the best features that truly set us apart. Our growing diversity, family-owned eateries, neighboring Flagler Beach, and the local pickleball at The Southern Recreation Center scene are just a few elements that make Palm Coast a desirable place to visit—and often, a place where visitors decide to stay. Additionally, with the expansion of the medical field through Advent Health hospitals, specialty care clinics, and doctors, Palm Coast is garnering attention not just in Florida, but across the nation.
Clifton, New Jersey secured second place, with Evanston, Illinois coming in third.
