📍 The Ultimate Guide: Things to Do in Palm Coast & Flagler Beach (2026)

Whether you’re looking for “Old Florida” solitude, world-class golf, or the best surf in the state, Flagler County is your playground.

🌿 The Great Outdoors: Parks & Nature Walks

Flagler County is known as the “Emerald of the Coast” for a reason. We have preserved thousands of acres of pristine Florida canopy.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: A “must-visit.” Famous for its formal gardens and its unique Coquina Rock Beach (one of the few in the world). It’s a photographer’s dream.
Princess Place Preserve: This 1,500-acre estate feels like stepping back into 1888. It features the oldest salt-water swimming pool in Florida and miles of equestrian and hiking trails.
Graham Swamp: For the serious hiker or mountain biker. This is raw, rugged Florida. Great for birdwatching and seeing the occasional alligator in its natural habitat.
Waterfront Park: A local favorite for a sunset stroll along the Intracoastal Waterway. It features paved paths, a children’s playground, and fishing piers.
Bulow Creek State Park: Home to the Fairchild Oak, one of the largest live oaks in the South (over 400 years old).

🌊 The Blue Side: Beach, Boats & Boards

Our coastline is famous for its “Cinnamon Sand” and uncrowded shores.

Flagler Beach: The heart of our surf culture. Unlike the concrete jungles to our north and south, Flagler Beach is low-rise and laid back.
Kayaks & Paddleboarding: Rent a board at Tropical Kayaks Palm Coast. The breaks near the Pier are legendary. For a calmer pace, take a paddleboard into the salt marshes behind Gamble Rogers State Park.
Kayaking: Explore the Princess Place or Pellicer Creek birding trails by water.
Boat Rentals & The Intracoastal: Rent a pontoon boat at the Palm Coast Baot Rental, Crescent Water Sports, Mystic Knot: Boat Rentals, Jet Ski Rentals & Tours, FunFloat and Boat & Jet Ski Rentals Palm Coastor Flagler Beach and spend the day “sandbar hopping” or cruising past the luxury estates of the Hammock.
Fishing: Whether it’s surf fishing on the beach or dropping a line at the Highbridge Boat Ramp, the redfish and trout are always biting.

⛳ The Sporting Life: World-Class Golf

Palm Coast was literally designed for golfers.

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa: Home to the Ocean Course (Jack Nicklaus) and the Conservatory Course (Tom Watson). These are world-ranked tracks with stunning views.
Cypress Knoll & Pine Lakes: Designed by Arnold Palmer, these courses offer a more traditional “Old Florida” golf experience through the pines and oaks of Palm Coast.
Grand Haven: A signature Jack Nicklaus course set along the Intracoastal Waterway.

🏰 Culture & Landmarks: Places to Visit

Fort Matanzas National Monument: Just a short drive north. Take the free ferry across the river to explore the 1742 Spanish watchtower that guarded St. Augustine.
Barberville Yard Art: A quirky, iconic Florida landmark. Even if you aren’t buying a 10-foot metal rooster or a life-sized dinosaur, it’s worth the drive to see the sheer scale of the creativity.
Barberville Pioneer Settlement: Just down the road from the Yard Art, this living history museum shows you what Florida life was like in the 1800s.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure: Founded in 1938 as the world’s first oceanarium. You can swim with dolphins and learn about ocean conservation.
Blue Spring State Park: A day-trip favorite (especially in Winter). This is the premier spot to see hundreds of Manatees huddling in the 72-degree spring water.

🛍️ Shopping & Social Hubs

European Village: The “Social Center” of Palm Coast. Come for the boutique shopping and visit the many restaurants and bars that will satisfy your cravings while providing unique vibes.
Downtown Flagler Beach: Walkable, funky, and full of local charm. From high-end gift shops to surf shacks, it’s the place to find one-of-a-kind treasures.

🛍️ European Village Farmers Market

Experience the charm of an open-air European market right in the heart of Palm Coast.

When: Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Rain or Shine).
Where: The Courtyard at European Village (101 Palm Harbor Pkwy).
What to Expect: A curated selection of over 40 local vendors. You’ll find everything from organic produce and fresh-baked artisan breads to handmade jewelry, local honey, gourmet hot sauces, and plants and food trucks are usually parked on the outer edge just outside of structure.

Why It’s a “Must-Do”:

The market is set within the Mediterranean-style courtyard of European Village, meaning you can browse the stalls while listening to live music. It’s a “lifestyle” market—most locals grab a coffee or a mimosa from one of the surrounding restaurants and make an afternoon of it.+1

🐾 Is it Pet-Friendly?

Yes! The market is very welcoming to four-legged friends. It’s one of the best places in town to socialize your pup, provided they are leashed.

Insider Tip: Keep your pets at least 10 feet away from the specific food-vendor stalls to comply with local health guidelines.

🚗 The Parking Secret

European Village gets busy on Sundays. If the main lot is full, don’t circle for an hour—there is additional free parking located directly under the bridge nearby. It’s a short, scenic walk to the courtyard and usually has plenty of space.

🐢 Turtle Trail – A Self-Guided Public Art Adventure

Looking for a fun and unique way to explore Palm Coast and Flagler County? The Turtle Trail is a colorful public art experience featuring hand-painted loggerhead sea turtle sculptures placed throughout the community.

Created by the Flagler County Cultural Council in partnership with local artists and sponsors, each turtle is a one-of-a-kind design inspired by famous artists, local history, music, nature, and coastal life. These life-sized sculptures can be found at parks, community centers, businesses, and landmarks across Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, and even Marineland.

This isn’t a traditional walking trail — it’s a self-guided art hunt. You can visit one location or try to find them all!

💡 Explorer’s Pro-Tip: The “Hidden” Trail

Looking for something unique? Follow the Flagler County Turtle Trail. Throughout the county, you can find hand-painted, life-sized sea turtle statues created by local artists. It’s a great scavenger hunt for kids!

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