Florida is famous for its incredible beaches, which makes it perfect for tourists, but when some places are too crowded it can make for a more pricey vacation. One wonderful Florida destination that has flown under the radar is Flagler Beach, which is located between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. According to Vacation Idea Magazine, it is one of the cheapest beach vacations in the U.S.
Flagler Beach is ideal for free or bargain activities as well as less expensive accommodations which makes it the laidback yet budget-friendly vacation you’ve dreamed about. If you’re staying here, it’s easy to plan a day trip to busier beaches and return to your hotel for peace and quiet in the evening. There is still plenty to do at Flagler Beach though, with six miles of sand where you can lose the crowds. If you’re planning to drive along the beautiful Florida coastline then you should definitely add Flagler Beach to your itinerary.
Things to do at Flagler Beach
All trips to Flagler begin at the beach which has free parking, and it’s also pet-friendly, something that is rare for Florida sands. It is a great place to watch the sunrise behind the beach’s iconic pier that you can also go fishing on. This is a beach where you can really experience as camping, RV parking, beach bonfires (for those with a permit), and surfing are all allowed here.
It is also a fantastic place to watch wildlife like dolphins and pelicans, as well as the whales which pass by from December to March. You can watch turtles hatch and join a local organization called Turtle Patrol as they check the nests from May to October. To get even closer to wildlife, join a kayaking trip where you can spot manatees and birdlife. As Flagler has a big art community, it is a great place to visit an artist’s gallery or catch a show at one of its three theaters. After a busy day of exploring, enjoy some freshly caught seafood at one of the delicious beachside restaurants.
Places to stay at Flagler Beach
There are some lovely accommodations to choose from on Flagler Beach. According to Tripadvisor reviews, the top-rated option is Island Cottage Inn – Flagler Beach. This adults-only B&B has private access to the beach, balconies overlooking the ocean, and a pool. It also has a healthy breakfast buffet and sports lovely boutique hotel decor that would look great in your vacation snaps.
The second most popular is Si Como No Inn, a family-friendly option where pets are welcome. It is great for adventurous travelers as it rents out surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles to its guests. This Inn also has a gift shop and a Tiki Hut complete with a grill for outdoor dining. Another highly rated choice is Flagler Beach Motel and Vacation Rentals. It is close to the beach, with a pool and rooms that face the ocean. These rentals are decorated with artwork created by local artists too. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t forget to stop at this overlooked spot when planning your next trip to Florida.
