Palm Coast FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Palm Coast, Florida.
1. Varn Park
SERENE HIDDEN BEACH GEM
Varn Park is a quiet, hidden gem beach in Palm Coast recognized by its colorful, Jetson-esque outbuilding. Visitors enjoy plenty of room for sandcastle building, ball tossing, swimming, or simply relaxing on this dog-friendly beach with cinnamon-colored sand framing the cerulean Atlantic. It's also a prime location for shelling and popular with birdwatchers and fishermen casting for blues, whiting, flounder, and snapper.
2. Jungle Hut Road Park
ROCKY BEACH HIDEAWAY
Jungle Hut Road Park offers an expansive beach with cinnamon-colored sand and large coquina rocks cropping up along the shoreline. This 2-acre city beach provides direct access to the ocean, though it's more popular for lounging than swimming due to the rocks and strong undercurrents. Visitors can get into a zen state by watching the tide pools that form around the ancient coquina formations.
3. Mala Compra Road Beachfront Park
WILDLIFE WATCHING BEACH
Mala Compra Road Beachfront Park delights visitors with its unspoiled shoreline and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. From this secluded beach, visitors can spot pelicans diving for lunch, turtles surfing the waves, and dolphins frolicking in the water. The beach is also known for horseback riding experiences offered by Equestrian Adventures of Florida, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty from atop a gentle giant.
4. Flagler Beach
LIVELY COASTAL TOWN BEACH
Flagler Beach serves as the main and more lively beach option in the Flagler County area, contrasting with the area's more secluded spots. This vibrant beach town offers a classic Florida beach experience with its iconic pier, cinnamon-colored sand, and proximity to waterfront restaurants and shops. Visitors flock here for swimming, surfing, and the energetic atmosphere that makes it a centerpiece of local beach culture.
5. Matanzas Inlet
CALM WATERS SANCTUARY
Matanzas Inlet is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Florida, located just 15 minutes north of Palm Coast on A1A. This natural inlet is known for its exceptionally calm waters, making it ideal for families and those seeking a gentle swimming experience. The area offers stunning natural scenery where the Matanzas River meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique ecosystem for wildlife viewing and peaceful recreation.
6. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
GARDENS MEET SHORELINE
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park features a unique shoreline known for its unusual coquina rock formations along the Atlantic beach. The park offers a distinctive combination of formal gardens and natural beach areas, creating a diverse experience for visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore tidal pools among the rocks, photograph the dramatic shoreline, or visit the lush gardens that give this park its name.
7. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
BEACHFRONT CAMPING PARADISE
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers one of the rare opportunities for beachfront camping along Florida's east coast. The park features a beautiful stretch of orange-hued sandy beach with both ocean and river access, allowing visitors to experience two distinct Florida ecosystems. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking before retiring to campsites overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Marineland Beach
DOLPHINS AND DUNES
Marineland Beach offers a less crowded alternative just south of Palm Coast with wide stretches of pristine shoreline. The beach is adjacent to the historic Marineland Dolphin Adventure, adding the unique opportunity to combine a beach day with marine life encounters. Visitors appreciate the natural dune system, the absence of high-rise buildings, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes this beach feel like a step back in time.
9. Pellicer Creek
PADDLER'S PARADISE WATERWAY
Pellicer Creek is a pristine blackwater stream that winds through the natural areas near Palm Coast, offering an exceptional paddling experience. The creek's calm waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing through old Florida landscapes rich with wildlife including wading birds, turtles, and occasionally manatees. This natural waterway provides a peaceful escape into Florida's wetland ecosystems with access points available through Faver-Dykes State Park.
10. Crescent Beach
WIDE SANDY SHORES
Crescent Beach is a favorite local destination just north of Palm Coast known for its wide, white sand beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. The gently sloping shoreline and typically calm waters make this beach an ideal spot for swimming and wading, even for younger visitors. Driving is permitted on certain sections of this beach, allowing for convenient access with beach gear and creating a unique coastal experience.