Tucked between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Palm Coast is one of Northeast Florida’s best-kept secrets. With 70 miles of pristine canals, championship golf courses, uncrowded beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere that big resort towns have long since lost, it’s no surprise that more vacationers are making Palm Coast their go-to Florida destination.
Whether you’re planning a week-long family escape, a romantic getaway, or a long weekend with friends, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Palm Coast, FL.
Getting to Palm Coast
Palm Coast sits in Flagler County, about 30 miles north of Daytona Beach and 35 miles south of St. Augustine. The nearest airports are Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), both about 45–50 minutes away. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is roughly 90 minutes southwest for those flying into a larger hub.
Once you’re here, you’ll want a car. Palm Coast is spread out, and the best beaches, restaurants, and parks aren’t walkable from each other.
The Best Beaches Near Palm Coast
Palm Coast’s crown jewel is its stretch of the A1A, where several distinct beach communities offer different vibes.
Flagler Beach
Just south of Palm Coast proper, Flagler Beach is a classic, no-frills Florida beach town with a wooden pier, surf shops, and some of the best casual seafood restaurants on the coast. The beach itself is wide, rarely crowded, and popular with surfers and families alike. Parking is easy and free along the main strip.
Cinnamon Beach at Ocean Hammock
Inside the exclusive Ocean Hammock gated community, Cinnamon Beach is a semi-private stretch of Atlantic coastline with calm, blue-green water, resort-style amenities, and a beautiful setting backed by the Hammock Dunes golf course. If you’re staying at a vacation rental in Ocean Hammock, you’ll have access to the community’s pools, hot tubs, and private beach boardwalk.
Painters Hill and Beverly Beach
Less known but equally beautiful, Beverly Beach offers a quieter alternative with a public access point and no crowds. Great for sunrise walks and shelling.
Top Things to Do in Palm Coast
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
One of Florida’s most underrated state parks, Washington Oaks features the only coquina rock formations on Florida’s Atlantic coast — dramatic, photogenic outcroppings that appear at low tide. The park also has formal gardens, a riverfront picnic area, and excellent fishing in the Matanzas River.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
A favorite among campers, kayakers, and beachgoers, Gamble Rogers sits directly on the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Rent a kayak or bring your own and paddle the salt marshes at sunrise — it’s one of those experiences you don’t forget.
Kayaking the Palm Coast Canals
Palm Coast has over 70 miles of freshwater and saltwater canals running through residential neighborhoods. These waterways are excellent for kayaking, paddleboarding, and spotting dolphins, manatees, osprey, and herons. Several local outfitters offer rentals and guided tours.
Golf
Palm Coast is a golfer’s playground. The area is home to some of Florida’s best public and semi-private courses, including the courses at Hammock Dunes, Palm Harbor Golf Club, and Matanzas Woods. Most vacation rentals in the area are within minutes of multiple courses.
Fishing
From pier fishing at the Flagler Beach Pier to offshore charters out of Marineland Marina, fishing is a year-round pursuit in Palm Coast. The Intracoastal offers excellent redfish and flounder action, while the Atlantic holds cobia, mahi, and kingfish depending on the season.
Best Restaurants in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach
High Tides at Snack Jack (Flagler Beach)
Arguably the most famous restaurant on the Flagler County coast, High Tides sits directly on the beach and serves fresh seafood with an unbeatable ocean view. Get there early — the wait can be long on weekends, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Island View Restaurant
A Palm Coast local institution with waterfront seating on the Intracoastal. Known for fresh fish, crab cakes, and a relaxed atmosphere that epitomizes Northeast Florida dining.
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
One of the more lively spots in Palm Coast proper, Finnegan’s has a wide menu, a good draft beer selection, and live music on weekends.
The Golden Lion Café (Flagler Beach)
A Flagler Beach landmark with outdoor dining, cold drinks, and a menu built around fresh local ingredients. The fish tacos and conch fritters are standouts.
Day Trips from Palm Coast
Palm Coast’s location makes it a perfect base for exploring the wider region.
- St. Augustine (35 min north) — The oldest city in the US, with a stunning historic district, Castillo de San Marcos, and excellent dining on St. George Street.
- Daytona Beach (30 min south) — The famous speedway, hard-packed sand beach driving, and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.
- Ormond Beach (20 min south) — A quieter alternative to Daytona with great beaches and the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park nearby.
- Jacksonville (55 min north) — A full city experience with world-class restaurants, the Jacksonville Zoo, and the Jaguars if you’re visiting during NFL season.
Best Time to Visit Palm Coast
Palm Coast has genuinely pleasant weather year-round, but the sweet spots are March through May and October through November. Spring brings warm temperatures (70s–low 80s), low humidity, and clear water. Fall is equally beautiful with smaller crowds and lower rental rates. Summer is the peak season — hot, humid, and occasionally stormy in the afternoons, but the beach is still excellent and the water is warm.
Where to Stay in Palm Coast
The best way to experience Palm Coast is in a private vacation rental — whether it’s a pool home backing onto a golf course, a canal-front house with a private dock, or an oceanfront condo with direct beach access.
We manage a curated collection of vacation homes in Palm Coast and the surrounding area. Browse our available properties and book direct for the best rate — use code BOOKDIRECT at checkout.