Flagler County has 18 miles of Atlantic coastline. Its public parks-and-trails network includes more than three dozen parks, preserves and trailheads. Flagler County also has 125 miles of paths and trails. These figures give you an idea of the range of landscapes and activities you can consider when planning your trip.

Explore Wetlands and Trails

Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve covers 320 acres of salt marshes, maritime hammock vegetation and black mangrove communities. You can watch birds and fish from a pier. More than 2,500 acres of Graham Swamp Preserve consist of forested wetlands, where you can hike and bike. The two preserves therefore offer different focuses for nature experiences and land-based activities.

The 90-acre River to Sea Preserve offers hiking trails and beach access. A canoe and kayak launch provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Matanzas River. Pellicer Creek is also a specific option for comparison with a paddling trip: the 6.7-mile paddling route is an out-and-back, rated easy and listed as suitable for beginners. Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve includes 505 acres of salt marsh in Flagler County.

Coast and Waterways

At Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, coastal scenery meets landscaped gardens: the park encompasses 425 acres of coastal landscape and 20 acres of formal gardens. Highlights include a 0.75-mile Atlantic beach, with areas lined by coquina rock formations, as well as hiking and biking trails. The beach, distinctive rock formations and trails offer different reasons to visit.

The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway ends in Flagler County at Gamble Rogers Memorial Park in Flagler Beach. The route connects state parks, beaches, nature trails, boating and fishing opportunities, preserves and estuaries. It brings together a variety of coastal and nature experiences without requiring you to commit to a single activity.

History in the Landscape

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park covers 150 acres and recalls the rise and fall of sugar plantations in eastern Florida. A scenic hiking trail leads to the sugar mill ruins. There is a launch ramp for canoes and small motorboats on Bulow Creek; the creek is a designated state canoe trail. Here, you can pair the site’s historical significance with a hike or an activity on the water.

The 1,500-acre Princess Place Preserve lies at the confluence of Pellicer Creek, Moody Creek and the Matanzas River. The original lodge is the oldest surviving structure in Flagler County. The preserve is also home to Florida’s first in-ground swimming pool. These two structures give the preserve a distinctive historical connection in addition to its location at the confluence.

The Florida Agricultural Museum has been located on a 460-acre site in Flagler County since 1997. The Historic Buildings Tour takes visitors through 11 historic buildings; the Animal Tour includes a hayride around the grounds. The museum is also committed to preserving rare Florida Cracker cattle, horses and sheep. Tour details may change; check the current offerings before your visit.

Plan More Experiences

At Marineland Dolphin Adventure, interactive programs offer the opportunity to swim with, touch and play with dolphins. Check which programs are currently offered before visiting. Equestrian Adventures of Florida offers guided beach rides at low tide; check availability with the provider in advance. These experiences have different conditions, so you can choose according to your interests.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Flagler, you can start your search by focusing on your main interest: the coast, natural areas, trails for walking or biking, paddling or history. This can help you decide which experiences you want to shape your trip, without having to plan a fixed itinerary in advance.

Discover more destinations: Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Marineland, Hernando, Santa Rosa, Gulf County, Holmes, Brevard.

For the main travel overview: Florida.