There are so many fun things to do in Palm Coast, Florida! After having lived in the area for 14 years, I should know. We moved into this area in the late 1980's when things to do in Palm Coast were few and far between. Since that time, this area has grown tremendously and has become a popular tourist destination for good reason. In this blog post, we'll cover all the fun things there are in this area to do, so you can make the most of your Palm Coast vacation.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Where is Palm Coast, Florida?
Palm Coast, Florida is a hidden gem located on the east coast of Florida, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Palm Coast holds a central location to both the world famous Daytona Beach and the historic St. Augustine, Florida which has in large part contributed to the substantial growth in the past decade.
St. Augustine, Florida is a short 30-45 minute drive north of Palm Coast and is known for its title “Nation’s Oldest City”. Daytona Beach, Florida is a mere 30 minute drive south of Palm Coast, renowned as the Spring Break capital, the home to Daytona 500 and International Speedway, and host of the annual Bike Week and Biketoberfest.
Tourists often find that the tranquil atmosphere of Palm Coast, paired with its proximity to these well known cities makes Palm Coast the best choice for a family vacation. What you find when you arrive is that Palm Coast itself boasts a rich history, beautiful beaches, abundant nature, and breathtaking scenery that has attracted full time residents, spring breakers and snowbirds alike.
Airports Near Palm Coast, Florida
- JAX: Jacksonville, FL (~75 miles away)
- DAB: Daytona Beach, FL (~34 miles away)
- SFB: Sanford, FL (~72 miles away)
- MCO: Orlando, FL (~98 miles away)
Palm Coast, Florida is situated between both the Jacksonville and the Daytona Beach airports. The Jacksonville airport is a much larger international airport between the two. You will likely find more flights to this destination and they will likely be less expensive in comparison. The Daytona Beach airport while probably a bit closer to Palm Coast is a much smaller airport with direct flights from Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA through American Airlines and Delta respectively. In light of that, there will be limited airlines that service this destination and sometimes that also means those flights can be more costly at times. The nice thing about a smaller airport though is less crowds, easier security lines, and a more peaceful environment.
The Orlando-Sanford International airport and the Orlando International airport are also viable options. Although they are much further away from Palm Coast in distance (1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes respectively, not accounting for traffic). If you are looking for flights, these destinations should also be included to see if flight times and/or cost is better. Out of all 4 airports listed above, the Jacksonville and Daytona Beach airports are the closest and the easiest for your Palm Coast vacation.
Places to Stay in Palm Coast
When you are looking for places to stay in Palm Coast, here are the things that you should take into account. Cost, availability, location, size, and amenities. After having lived here for many years, I would say I’m quite picky when it comes to giving you all recommendations on places to stay in Palm Coast. So, I basically only have two recommendations for your Palm Coast accommodations. The first and only hotel to be recommended is the Hammock Beach Golf Resort. It’s as it's name implies a beautiful location right along the beach on a golf course, but with plenty of fun amenities for kids. They often have fun activities seasonally for their guests. It’s pretty reasonable priced (not budget, but not luxury either).
Easter at Hammock Dunes Beach and Golf Resort
The second recommendation of places to stay in Palm Coast is a rental home. You can find great ones through Marriott (you know I love staying at Marriott) who vets their locations before advertising them or other sites like AirBNB and VRBO. While there are pros for a hotel stay, like cleaning services, free breakfast, and restaurants on the premises, there are some pros for a rental home too. Now that I have kids, I almost prefer booking a home rather than a hotel stay. There’s more room to spread out, so kids can have their own sleeping space, and one of the most important parts is having your own kitchen. For those of us with food intolerances, eating out at every meal can be stressful. So having an opportunity to make your own meals or pack snacks and meals for later is really important. Unless the hotel has a kitchen, like we found in this gem in Montreal.
Fun Things to do in Palm Coast, Florida
1. Visit Marineland
- Cost: $20 per person for general admission, Ages 4 and under: Free
- Parking is Free
- Please check the Marineland website as costs will vary in regards to other offerings that are available here also like swimming with the dolphins, dolphin encounter, dolphin meet and greet, dolphin artwork, trainer or aquarist for a day, or even the tortoise encounter.
- Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 3pm
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
If you come to Marineland with general admission, you will find that almost every 30-45 minutes there is a different specialty talk. During these you can learn all about the beautiful creatures that make Marineland their home. If you want a more hands on experience, Marineland has a plethora of different opportunities to make that happen. With all different price points too, they make it quite accommodating for everyone to have a once in a lifetime experience.
Before it's renovation in 2004
Before it's renovation in 2004
Marineland has been in this area since 1938. In 2004, Marineland closed for a few years and underwent a massive renovation to be the beautiful aquarium it is now. I like to think of it as a smaller more personal version of Sea World (minus the roller coasters). Definitely would be a Palm Coast attraction not to be missed.
At the 50th Anniversary in 1988
2. Go for a Horseback Ride
On the beach with Equestrian Adventures of Florida
- Cost: $135 per hour per person
- Hours: 7 days a week
- Advanced reservations are required
Is a horseback ride on the beach a part of your bucket list? If not, add it now, then check it off on your visit to Palm Coast. Experience the natural beauty that Palm Coast has to offer, whether it be along the water's edge, or through the lush woodlands. Check out Equestrian Adventures of Florida to book a horseback ride along the coastline, or in one of the nearby state parks. Equestrian Adventures of Florida offers rides for children over 10, ensuring an amazing adventure for the whole family.
On a guided trail ride with Florida Agricultural Museum
- Cost: $65 for a one hour trail ride at either 10am or 12pm
- $130 for a two hour trail ride at 10am on Tuesdays through Fridays or 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays
- Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday (Closed on Mondays)
- Minimum Age: 8
- Maximum Weight: 250 lbs
If you want to mosey through the Florida woodlands, on a relaxing yet educational trail ride, then head on over to the Florida Agricultural Museum. Here a guide is with you every step of the way, on either a one hour or two hour trail ride. Offered to those aged 8 and above, you'll learn about Florida's history. Similar to the trail ride we took over the rice plantation in South Carolina. Afterwards or beforehand, make sure to visit the Florida Agricultural Museum afterwards, as noted below.
3. Learn more about Florida History
At the Florida Agricultural Museum
- Cost: Historic Building Tour $12, Ages 4-12: $10, Age 3 and under: Free
- Lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Animal Tour $8 per person, Ages 3 and under: Free
- Lasts about 40 minutes and includes a wagon ride
- Hours: Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm
- Cost: Historic Building Tour $12, Ages 4-12: $10, Age 3 and under: Free
You can also check out the Florida Agricultural Museum, which offers a variety of activities for the kids. This includes educational tours about Florida’s history, museums and interactive exhibitions, and they even host a variety of festivals throughout the year. In addition to the guided horseback trail rides mentioned above.
At the Princess Place Preserve
- Hours: Open daily from 7am to 6pm
- Free Lodge Tours are at 2pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
In addition to the Florida Agricultural Museum, visit Princess Place Preserve for a dose of Florida and hands-on learning. Princess Place is a short 10 minute drive from the Florida Agricultural Museum. Princess Place is a 1,500 acre preserve boasting wildlife, 80 foot tall live oak trees (great for climbing), waterfront views and no shortage of walking trails. You can visit the 1888 historic lodge and learn about how the property is the oldest European homestead in the country. You can read the educational signage about how the property went from an orange grove, to a hunting lodge to the home of the Princess that the preserve was named after. You can also ask one of the workers that you can always find roaming the property. They are very informative as well.
4. Explore Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
- Cost: $5 per vehicle with 2 or more people, $4 per vehicle with one person, $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Sometimes there is park ranger present or sometimes the park uses an honor box for fees.
- Hours: Open daily from 8am till sunset
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is an absolutely beautiful place. So beautiful in fact, that it’s a very popular spot for photo shoots and hosting weddings. Michael and I had our engagement photos done here which provided great natural backgrounds.
We also came back again with Roman for family photos. Within the park, there is a beautiful formal garden smaller in scale but similar to that Portland and Point Defiance Park.
There are trails for walking or biking. Although as with any type of outdoor Florida activity, be prepared for wild wildlife like snakes, alligators, bears, and even panthers.
You can also hang at the sea wall for a little bit of fishing. Although you’ll possibly need a fishing license which will detail the rules of fishing for Florida. I had to get a fishing license when I visited Alaska too.
There is also a playground and gift shop to be found here. Now while most of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is comprised of the wooded trails along the Mantanzas River (intracoastal), there is another portion that is along the beach. As you leave the park, cross A1A, and make your way to the beach portion of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Here you’ll see the beach edges lined with coquina rock formations. Coquina is very popular along the beaches of this area. The coquina sand can be very scratchy (because it’s basically crushed up rocks and shells) and can sometimes be difficult to come off your skin later. It’s a very different experience to the silica sand of the Whitsunday Islands, Australia, and the driftwood that can be found lining Jekyll Island beach, but still another unique beach landmark.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
5. Wander the European Village Farmer's Market
You’d never guess that there is a piece of Europe right here in Palm Coast, Florida. One of the most unique spots in Palm Coast is European Village. It is exactly as the name suggests, a little European style village in the middle of Palm Coast. From French crepes, to Italian style Pizza, to German pubs, this area offers a large variety of European inspired restaurants and shops available on a daily basis. Make sure to look up and notice the residences that are atop of each business, giving the ultimate European vibes. Some of these residences are also offered as vacation rentals if you are still looking for places to stay in Palm Coast. If you are visiting on the weekend, make sure to shop local at the Farmer’s Market they host every Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
6. Play Golf
The ocean breeze off the coast makes Palm Coast a premier golf destination for any skill level! If you booked your stay in Palm Coast at the Hammock Beach and Golf Resort, there are a few private courses to choose from that are only offered to guests of the resort or local members. These beachfront courses include: The Conservatory Course, Ocean Course, Ocean Front Link Course and Creek Golf Course.
If you are looking for a more inclusive course, be sure to check out one of the following:
- Cypress Knoll
- Pine Lakes
- Palm Harbor
- Grand Haven
- Creek Golf
These courses offer a warm Palm Coast welcome to locals and visitors alike. These public courses offer a variety of challenges from rolling fairways to strategically placed hazards, which attracts talent of all levels.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
7. Go Canoeing, Kayaking, or Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Palm Coast is also a prime location for water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. If the wind is calm, I highly recommend taking off in the ocean, however the days that it is flat enough are few and far between. Good thing Palm Coast is full of both fresh and saltwater canals, rivers, and lakes. Kayaking, canoeing and/or paddle boarding is your best shot at getting a glimpse of some of the Florida wildlife up close such as dolphins, manatees, and various birds up close.
There are an array of boat ramps that you can use if you have your own equipment. If you need to borrow any, there are SUP “vending machines” provided by the company PADL.
- Cost: $25 per hour or monthly PADL membership is $30 per month and includes a 2 rental hours per day as well as discounts on additional hours.
PADL offers self-serve locations to rental paddle boards at the following locations:
- Waterfront Park
- River to Sea Preserve
- Bing’s Landing
- Herschel King Park
Palm Coast offers weather that supports these types of water sports year round. Although the water may be a little chilly in the winter (maybe not if you're from up north), if you have the proper balance, these activities can be done even in the winter.
Crescent Watersports also charters boats, jet skis, and paddle boards as well. If you want a guide, you can take their dolphin cruise along the intracoastal waterway or a half-day fishing excursion.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
8. Take in a Show at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center - Flagler Auditorium
For some evening entertainment in Palm Coast, head to the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. The Flagler Auditorium is what the locals call it. This auditorium hosts community events, school events, classical shows and much more. To make an evening out of it, grab dinner across the street at the Landing Strip Tavern. This is a popular restaurant that doubles as a local airport. They have indoor and outdoor seating with views of the planes taking off and landing. There is also a playground outside for the kids to burn some energy before the show.
Free Things to do in Palm Coast, Florida
9. Play at one of the many fun playgrounds
In the recent years, Palm Coast has really stepped up their game with parks in the area. At the top of the list, James F Holland Memorial Park. It is a must do for kids of all ages during your visit to Palm Coast. There truly is something for everyone here! The entire park is fenced in, which provides security and peace of mind as well. The older kids might enjoy the zip line, or sledding hill. While the younger kids can climb through the numerous structures, play construction worker at the sand digging pit, and swing and slide until their heart's content. There is also a handicap swing that accommodates a wheelchair.
Don’t forget swimsuits and a packed lunch because the splash pad is a hit and there are pavilions and picnic tables in multiple areas throughout the park. Just down the road from James F Holland Memorial Park is the Palm Coast Community Center which hosts another park to check out on your trip to Palm Coast. This park is a bit smaller, but also offers walking trails and basketball courts at their facility.
10. Walk or Bike the many Trails
If you’re looking to get active, be sure to spend some time at Palm Coast Linear Park. This is a 57 acre, one stop shop for biking, bird watching, hiking, shuffleboard and bocce courts. Palm Coast Linear Park has been designated a Great Florida Biking Trail by the Audubon Society for its vast variety of bird sightings. At the moment, there have been more than 40 different species of birds seen at Palm Coast Linear Park, and that number continues to grow frequently!
One pretty unique amenity this park offers is a bicycle maintenance station. It also provides water fountains, restrooms, shuffleboard courts and a playground. This is a great spot to spend the day on a budget, as there are activities for the whole family, picnic tables for a family lunch and ample shade to cool off from the Florida sun.
11. Take a Scenic Drive along A1A
If you’ve never heard of our state road called A1A, then let me enlighten you to it. A1A stands for Atlantic 1 Alternative and runs all along the eastern coast of Florida. Starting from Fernandina Beach just below the Florida-Georgia border all the way down to Miami, and even a small section in Key West. If you are ever looking to take a really beach-y Florida road trip, driving along A1A is a great place to start.
Now for the ~9 miles of A1A that is specific to Palm Coast, you’ll get ocean views out one window or you’ll get intracoastal waterway views out the other window. Either way, on a clear sunny day, driving this beautiful stretch of road with the windows down is a sight to behold.
12. Visit the Beach
A trip to Palm Coast is never complete without a few sandcastles and a suntan! If you are looking for seclusion on your beach day, check out the beach accesses near Jungle Hut, Varn Park, and Bay Drive Park. These spots offer access to Beverly Beach on the north side of Palm Coast. These Palm Coast beaches offer great opportunities for birdwatching, as they are further away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated beaches.
- Jungle hut welcomes your furry friends as one of the pet friendly beaches in Palm Coast.
- Varn Park provides more facilities like restrooms, showers and picnic tables.
- Bay Drive Park has amenities such as boardwalk walking trails, horseshoe pits and a bocce ball court.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
