Things to Do in Palm Coast: Beaches, Parks & Outdoor Adventures

If you are in search of the best things to do in Palm Coast, Florida, then you are at the right place. Palm Coast is one of the hidden gems in Florida and it offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. From silent beaches and beautiful nature preserves to world-class golf courses and waterfront dining, there are so many things to explore. If you’re planning a weekend trip or a vacation, you’ll find activities that suit every interest. In this travel guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Palm Coast that will help you enjoy every moment of your visit.

Tip: BUSXOXO offers Florida charter bus rentals, which will be an affordable and comfortable option if you are travelling in a group or planning a corporate tour to the Palm Coast. 

Best Beaches In Palm Coast

There are so many things to do in Palm Coast. However, this place is popular for its cinnamon-colored coastline, which has about 10 major public beaches. It might not be possible to visit them all in one trip, that is why here are the top four beaches in Palm Coast that you should definitely explore.

Jungle Hut Park

Location: 125 Jungle Hut Road, Palm Coast, FL 32137

If you want the best experience at the Palm Coast beaches, then start by visiting the Jungle Hut Park. It is a quiet, natural, oceanside beach park in Palm Coast. Jungle Hut Park is a very well-maintained and organized place with parking, a pedestrian bridge and washrooms. It has beautiful coquina rocks which make the place more scenic. But because of these rocks, swimming is not ideal here. Visitors who love less-crowded, peaceful coastal areas should visit this park.

Things To Do In Jungle Hut Park

• Go beachcombing with perfect views and wind.
• Enjoy birdwatching and capture them.
• View the Sand and Surf along the golden sand beach.
• Hike the Jungle Hut Park trail to witness iconic landscapes including saw palmettos, cabbage palms and sand live oaks.
• Have a perfect relaxation time along the beach.
• This place offers amazing photography opportunities.

Varn Park: Goldilocks Of Palm Coast Beaches

Location: 3665 N Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Varn Park is one of the most accessible places in Palm Coast, offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors. Many visitors prefer to explore this beach for its unbothered experience away from the city’s bustle. This picturesque beach area is perfect for bringing your pets. Here you will find outdoor shower facilities, washrooms and walkways. In addition, many love to collect seashells here.

What To Experience At Varn Park

• This area is ideal for seabird viewing and photography.
• Try surf fishing here to catch bluefish, snapper, flounder, whiting and so on.
• Have a fun experience by trying an outdoor shower facility.
• Visit this place early in the morning if you love fishing (don’t forget to bring your licenses).
• Have a peaceful beachcombing moment by the shoreline.
• Go on a weekday to unwind with a peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds.
• If you love to exercise, then this is a perfect place for a morning walk and running.
• Travellers can enjoy swimming here in summertime.

Flagler Beach: Coastal Area In Old Florida

Location: 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Flagler Beach in Palm Coast is one of the best beaches in Florida and has a vintage charm that is worth visiting. This place has historic parks to wander and also offers outdoor adventure opportunities for visitors. This place is popular among tourists for its copper-tinted shore, unique rock formation and locally driven atmosphere. You will find many shops selling fishing supplies, seafood, bait and other essentials. Rich with wildlife, Flagler Beach has all four types of turtles and is protected by federal laws.

• Weather: Weather in Flagler Beach is generally hot and humid in the summer and dry during wintertime. So the ideal time to visit this place is spring and fall.
• Staying Options: You will find most hotels in Flagler Beach along North or South Oceanshore. 

Things To Do In Flagler Beach

• Explore beachside dining options to enjoy amazing seafood with waterfront views. Popular dining options are The Golden Lion Café, High Tides at Snack Jack, Flagler Beachfront Winery, etc.
• Try water activities such as surfing and paddleboarding for an amazing experience.
• Visitors can go on bike rides along the highway.
• If you are a hiker, then you can hike along the lush forests towards the Princess Place Preserve.
• Tour the Flagler Beach Historical Museum to experience the local history and culture.

Hammock Beach Area: Home To The Famous Resort & Spa

Hammock Beach is a famous Atlantic coastal area just east of Palm Coast. It is a prime resort destination located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. The most famous highlight of this coastline is Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. You can not bring your pets here. This area includes many facilities such as private beach access, oceanfront swimming opportunities and so on.

Things To Do In Hammock Beach

• Go for a bike ride towards the coastal area or nearby Mala Compra Mountain Bike Trail. You will find many bike rentals available at the beach area from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• If you arrive early, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise by the Atlantic
• Swim in the ocean if the weather and surf conditions are favorable.
• There is a zero-entry family pool and an adult pool with drink and food service available.
• Enjoy fun activities at the beachside like building sandcastles. 

Comparison Table Between The Palm Coast Beaches

The four best beaches in Palm Coast were discussed above, but not all are ideal for every beach activity. This is why you should refer to the table below to find which beach is ideal for each activity, find their nearby attractions and pet policies.

Name Of The Beach	Best For	Pet Policy	Nearby Attractions
Jungle Hut Park	Photography, less crowded	Pets allowed on leash (in certain areas)	Bing’s Landing (~4.5 miles), European Village (2.3 miles)
Varn Park	Family outing	Pets allowed on leash	Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park (~7 miles)
Flagler Beach	Dining, surfing	Allowed with leash	Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area (3.1 miles)
Hammock Beach	Staying at beach resort	Generally not allowed	Daytona International Speedway (35 miles), Marineland Dolphin Adventure (2 miles)

Explore The Best Parks In Palm Coast

There are many things to do in Palm Coast, but its parks are among the most significant attractions to explore. Let’s find out Palm Coast’s Best Parks in the list below.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Location: 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Among the other state parks, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is an oceanfront park in Florida. It is a famous scenic park in Palm Coast. The main attraction of this place is the beautiful formal gardens but it also has a picturesque shoreline which is worth visiting. You should surely visit this park if you are looking for a perfect place to unwind amidst nature. You can bring your pets to the park areas on leashes. However, they are not allowed inside the gardens.

What To Do At Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

• Here you can enjoy birdwatching since this park has more than 144 species. Carry your binoculars to spot them better. 
• Adventure lovers can go biking and hiking along the Bella Vista Trail and enjoy beautiful landscapes.
• Take a short walk (around 0.5 mile) to the Matanzas River and enjoy fishing
• Try beach activities such as tidepooling and beachcombing by the beach
• Stroll around the beautiful Washington Oaks Gardens, visit the famous rose garden and relax by the garden’s ponds.

Nearby Attractions To Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

• Fort Matanzas National Monument(~6.5 miles north): Have a scenic boating experience here and enjoy the surroundings. 
• Flagler Beach Fishing Pier(~12 miles south): It is a prime destination for beach lovers. Here travelers can enjoy fishing, views of the Atlantic Ocean and dining at oceanfront restaurants and cafes. 

Princess Place Preserve/ Cherokee Grove

Location: 2500 Princess Place Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Princess Place Preserve is famous among Flagler County’s preserves and it is also known as Cherokee Grove. It is a perfect combination of manmade and natural beauty. This used to be the place where Princess Angela Sherbatow lived and is now known as a prime tourist destination for mountain bikers and adventure lovers. Princess Place Preserve in Palm Coast mainly showcases a historic lodge and an in-ground swimming pool. You will not have to pay any charge to visit this place and you can visit anytime from 7 AM to 6 PM.

What To Do In Princess Place Preserve

• Adventure lovers love to visit this place to experience mountain biking on Princess Preserve trails.
• Go on a walk or ride to the iconic covered bridge to have amazing views and photography opportunities.
• Adventure lovers should definitely try canoeing in the Pellicer Creek
• Another fun thing to try here is having a kayak session in the Matanzas River (around 18.2 miles away from Princess Place).
• Always be ready with your binoculars to spot pretty birds of different species all around.

Nearby Attractions To Princess Place Preserve

• Fort Matanzas National Monument(~20.4 miles): Explore this old Spanish fort by taking a scenic drive across the Matanzas Inlet. This ride is free of cost.  
• St. Augustine(~22.7 miles): It is the oldest city in the state and the top attractions you can explore here are huge Castillo de San Marcos fort and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Waterfront Park, Palm Coast

Location: 150 Waterfront Park Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Waterfront Park is one of the most popular parks in Palm Coast. This 23-acre beautiful destination is perfect for kids and families. It not only showcases natural beauty but also offers some facilities for visitors. These amenities include picnic pavilions, a playground for kids, a public art sculpture and a fishing pier for a great fishing experience. Visitors can also access well-maintained walkways along the pavilion area.

• Opening hours: It stays open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Charges: Entry fees to the park are completely free; however, the rental services in the park will charge you to enjoy the services.

Things To Do In Waterfront Park

• Try water activities such as kayak, paddleboards by taking non-motorized boat rentals.
• If adventure water activities are not your thing, then go for a peaceful fishing session along the fishing pier area.
• Do not forget to take your kids to the shaded children’s playground and Children Memorial Garden.
• Enjoy a great lunchtime at the park’s picnic pavilion areas with your dear ones.
• The most amazing thing is that you get a chance to spot dolphins and West Indian manatees along the shoreline.
• The main trail of the park is ideal for walking, biking and cycling.

Nearby Attractions To Waterfront Park

• Equestrian Adventures of Florida(~25 miles): Here you can try many adventurous things such as horse riding with stunning views of the Atlantic.
• Mala Compra Greenway Trail(~5.7miles): Just near the beach, this trail offers perfect blend of coastal scrub and maritime hammock terrain. You will surely love this place if you love intermediate mountain biking or a shaded nature hike.  

Tip: Charges and opening hours mentioned above, may vary; check the official page for recent updates before heading out.

Graham Swamp Preserve

Graham Swamp Preserve is one of the most beautiful swamps in the city of Palm Coast. It is a wonderful place for outdoor adventures for both locals and tourists. With stunning landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities, this is a perfect place for regaining refreshment. You can bring your pets here but definitely on leashes.

• Charges: You will not have to pay any charges to visit this swamp area.
• Cautions: Watch out for poisonous snakes under the Graham Swamp West Hiking Trail area.

Things To Do In Graham Swamp Preserve

• The most ideal activity to enjoy here is mountain biking; head towards the East access of the park to find many accessible trails; among them, Dragon’s Back is the most popular one.
• If you are a hiker, then go to the West access along the Old Kings Road to have an amazing hiking experience.
• In this natural place, you will have the opportunity to spot many wildlife beauties such as tree frogs, white-tailed deer, bobcats, alligators and also various types of birds.

Nearby Attractions To Graham Swamp Preserve

• Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail: Just half a mile south of the Graham Swamp East trailhead, this trail is a perfect option for a smooth bike ride or a long walk.
• Linear Park & St. Joe Walkway: It features shaded unpaved trails which are ideal for beginner mountain bikers and a playground.

Outdoor Adventures in Palm Coast

Palm Coast is a prime location for experiencing outdoor adventures. From adventurous water activities like kayaking to challenging hiking, visitors try it all. Go through the list below to know ideal places for every activity.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding In Palm Coast

If you love outdoor adventures like kayaking and paddleboarding, then Palm Coast is an ideal destination. There are several options to enjoy these activities, such as Tropical Kayaks of Palm Coast at the Palm Coast Marina is a good option if you want to take kayaking lessons. The prime spots for kayaking and paddleboarding include Long Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfront Park. In these areas, you will find guided eco-tours; popular excursions are ‘Ripple Effect Ecotours and Get Up’ and ‘Go Kayaking, Flagler’. In addition, another famous launch point is Bing’s Landing.

Hiking Trails In The City Of Palm Coast

Palm Coast has approximately 135 miles of beautiful trails. These trails cover breathtaking natural beauty along the lush forests, coastal areas and so on. If you want to explore the most popular iconic coastal trails, you should go to Washington Oaks Garden State Park. But if you are in search of easy-access trails for walking or biking, then visit Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail. However, those who are nature lovers and looking for peaceful trails amidst nature should definitely visit Graham Swamp Preserve. 

Tip: Visitors should keep bug spray, extra drinking water and binoculars with them.

Boating Activities

Palm Coast is a great place to try water activities, especially boating. The best way to have fun in this city is by trying boating. Start by exploring the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW); it is a great spot for boating and other water activities with a perfect view of mangroves and estuaries that are perfect for photography. Not only are the views amazing, but this place also has amazing cruising options. Top spots for amazing boating options in the city are The Matanzas River and local marinas such as Palm Coast Marina. There are amazing dining options available in these areas, among which Dock and Dine is a famous restaurant, serving delicious food items.

Experience Birdwatching

If you are a birder, then Palm Coast is surely the perfect place for you. This place is a prime destination for birdwatching since it is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are many places to spot a variety of birds, but Linear Park and Princess Place Preserve are the most significant ones. Here you can see many species such as roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, ospreys, and various herons/egrets. Keep your binoculars and camera lenses ready always and the ideal time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon.

Enjoy Camping In Palm Coast

Planning to stay overnight in the Palm Coast? If so, then you are about to get an amazing experience. Here you can have two types of camping experience: one is camping in the wilderness and the other is RV parks with comfortable accommodation. Princess Place Preserve is the prime location for camping with a historic and organised setting. Other than this, visiting Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area will be great if you want to explore oceanfront and riverfront camping. In addition, you can choose Palm Coast RV Park or Bulow RV Resort if you are looking for comfortable camping.

Best Golf Courses in Palm Coast

Palm Coast is located only a few minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean beach which makes it a perfect tourist spot and golf getaway. This sport is very popular here among locals after retirement, during weekends as a refreshment and also among tourists. There are many golf courses in Palm Coast; however, let’s know the ultimate golf destinations here from the list below.

Championship Courses

Championship courses are the prime spots for enjoying golf. These courses play a vital role in the city’s economy. Championship courses for golf in Palm Coast offer high-class facilities, PGA-level courses and many more. The top championship courses are:

The Conservatory Course at Hammock Beach

This is one of the prime spots to enjoy championship golf courses here. This popular golf destination is designed by the famous golfer, Tom Watson. It features 18 holes and each section is insightful. This whole course is around really beautiful landscapes which make the experience more prominent.

Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club

This is a family-owned and operated golf course in Palm Coast. Visitors should go to this place if they want to experience a gray player-style designed course. It is located on Easthampton Blvd in Palm Coast and provides challenging marshland holes. This place provides high-quality facilities such as “Pitch & Putt” options and multiple gaming options depending on skill level. It also offers standard dining options, an amazing fun environment for guests to enjoy and family-friendly facilities for families and friends.

Public Golf Clubs

Not everyone needs to have a resort reservation or championship membership to enjoy golf in Palm Coast. Many local public and municipal courses are available that offer amazing experiences without compromising quality. Let’s know about the popular public golf clubs of Palm Coast.

Palm Harbor Golf Club

Palm Harbor Golf Club is a newly renovated public golf course in the area. It features 18-hole gaming facilities, huge oaks and water landscapes. Its challenging par-72 layout is ideal for advanced-level players. Besides the golf opportunities, it also features a dining place, a pro shop and an amazing driving range.

Pine Lakes Golf Club

Another renowned public golf course that is worth visiting is Pine Lakes Golf Club. This is a perfect golf course that you should go for in the Palm Coast. It stays open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Other than golf, it features a proper restaurant serving delicious dining options, a pro shop and practice facilities. The fees of this place are usually around $69 (charges may vary).

Resort Golf

People who are looking for a complete “stay-and-play” luxurious experience during their trip to Palm Coast should definitely visit resort golf. With beachfront views and great amenities and comfort, these resort golf courses are hard to beat.

The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

This is a perfect stay in this entire place. The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa is designed by the popular Jack Nicklaus. It is famous for “The Bear Claw’’ which is a spectacular finishing spot of four oceanfront holes. It features six golf holes that play directly along the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Making it one of the perfect spots for oceanfront golf in Florida. There are also many other amenities that guests can have access to. 

Best Time To Visit Palm Coast By Season

Palm Coast has excellent places to explore, starting from beaches to parks. Visitors love to enjoy their time here by exploring many attractions and trying many activities. But every season may not be suitable for every activity here. This is why it is important to know what will be your ideal time to visit Palm Coast depending on your travel style. 

Season	Best For	Crowd Level	Pros	Cons
Spring	Wildlife viewing, golfing, hiking, beachcombing	Moderate	Pleasant temperature	Nearby attractions may be busier
Summer	Swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, fishing	High	Ideal for beach & water activities	Heavy crowds, high humidity
Fall	Hiking, biking, kayaking, scenic drives	Low to moderate	Comfortable weather, fewer crowds	Hurricane season
Winter	Walking trails, birdwatching, golf, sightseeing	Moderate	Excellent climate for outdoor activities	Water too cold for water activities

Best Restaurants in Palm Coast

Finding the best dining options can be a headache when you are planning to travel. Palm Coast has a lot of significant restaurants with delicious cuisines and picturesque ambiance. Here is a list of top fine Palm Coast restaurants that are worth trying.

• Palm Harbor BBQ Grill: This is an amazing spot to visit if you are looking for authentic Portuguese cuisine.
• Captain’s BBQ: It is a waterfront dining option, serving tasty barbecue items. This restaurant also offers an outdoor deck with a perfect view of sunset.
• Portugal Wine Bar & Grill: This restaurant is famous for Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisines.
• La Piazza Cafe: A perfect place to find delicious Italian dishes. Mainly their Homemade Pasta is really famous. They also offer live music performances.
• Don Luigi’s Gourmet Kitchen: This secret yet significant place is located at 260 Cypress Edge Dr. It serves authentic Italian classics in a fine dining style which impresses visitors.
• FARO Beachside Eatery: It is a beachfront fine dining place at 400 S Ocean Shore Blvd. This restaurant serves delicious flavours; don’t forget to try their Roman-style pizza-al-taglio with a chilled Italian spritz.

Where to Stay in Palm Coast?

Planning a trip to Palm Coast soon? Something that can be confusing is where to stay in Palm Coast, as there are plenty of options available. Use the table below to compare some of the best places to stay in Palm Coast and choose the option that best fits your travel style and budget.

Area	Best For	Pros	Cons	Best Options
The Beachfront & The Hammock	Luxury vacations	Oceanfront resort	Highest price point	Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Intracoastal Waterway & European Village	Food lovers, boaters	Scenic river views, dining options	Not directly on the ocean	The Inn at European Village
Central Palm Coast	Budget travelers	Most affordable rates	10–15 minute drive to the beach	Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center

Travel Tips For Visiting Palm Coast

• Always remember to carry water bottles that can be reused if needed.
• Afternoon rainfall is normal here, so remember to always carry a lightweight rain jacket and umbrella while traveling.
• Before a kayaking session better to put your belongings in waterproof pouches to avoid getting wet.
• Keep binoculars with you to spot wildlife and birds.
• Carry a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV.
• Don’t forget to carry thin, linen t-shirts and shorts for humid summer days.
• Always check weather updates before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Conclusion

There are many famous attractions and hidden gems in Florida; Palm Coast is one of them. Here you can experience it all, from beautiful coastal areas to adventurous trails and top-level golf courses; there is literally everything you need for a perfect vacation. So, don’t forget to include Palm Coast attractions in your plan for your next Florida journey.