Flagler Beach is in Flagler County in Florida, with a population of about 4500, according to the last census. It is named for oil tycoon and Florida railroad developer, Henry Flagler, who was a key figure in developing eastern Florida. This coastal town is similar to towns in other coastal towns in California but with humidity. Located near St. Augustine, Florida, not far from Daytona, the Space Coast, or Orlando, Florida and popular Central, Florida attractions, it is a great spot to add to your education of Florida history. Ranked as one of the top retirement destinations in Florida, it also was a finalist for one of a ”America’s Coolest Small Towns” by Budget Travel Magazine in 2013. Here, Aiken Adventures visited the Bulow Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins, Wadsworth Park, Whaam Burger ($), the Funky Pelican, Flagler Beach, and the Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve.
1. Bulow Sugar MIll Plantation Ruins
2. Wadsworth Park
3. Whaam Burger
4. Funky Pelican
5. Flagler Beach
6. Betty Steflin Memorial Preserve
Bulow Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins
Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park is a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in east Florida. Now a 150-acre state park, it was up to 6,675 acres, with 1,000 acres planted with sugarcane. In 1836, the Second Seminole War destroyed the plantation house, leaving the house in ruins that we see today. The Bulow family grew sugar, cotton, rice, and indigo. The ruins include the house, sugar mill, spring house, wells, crumbling foundations of the house, and slave cabins. The sugar mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. There are boat ramps, picnic facilities and interpretive center that tells the mill’s history. Anglers can fish from the dock or a boat. Activities include biking, hiking, geo-seeking, paddling, fishing, boating, and picnicking. There is also a museum and the facilities are handicapped accessible.
Wadsworth Park
Wadsworth Park had the all-time favoirite of the younger Aiken: a playground. But it also has a skate park, horseshoes area, a pond with observation decks and walkways, where you can look for alligators and snapping turtles, ballparks, tennis courts, and a covered picnic pavilion. This beautiful 45-acre park is located at the western foot of the Flager Beach Bridge. Also, for the fur friends is a 60,000-foot sq ft dog park where dogs can run free and unleashed. This is a great location for family fun.
Whaam Burger
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Aiken Adventure without somewhere to eat! Whaam Burger was the only spot visited that cost money on this trip. Full of nostalgic decor, it claims to have the best burgers and fries in Flagler Beach. A classic American roadside restaurant, it serves, burgers, fries, fish, cheesesteaks, chicken, hot dogs, tots, onion rings, and milkshakes. It also claims to be the “best burger in Florida.” Definitely worth a visit for a full belly. And if that doesn’t fill you up, there is always Burrito Works right behind it.
Funky Pelican
Funky Pelican is a seafood restaurant located on the Flagler Beach Pier. It offers oceanside dining. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is set apart as a local, regional, and area visitor dining destination. Also, there is a giant chalkboard on the side of the restaurant that invites passerby’s to leave their mark on it, chalk provided. It also was named one of the Top 12 Places to Get a Bloody Mary.
Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach is unique in that its sand is a slightly different color: a coral/pink/orange color. Located on the Atlantic Coast between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, it has miles of beaches, fishing, shops, waterfront restaurants, and natural parks. It is a retro, laid back town with a casual atmosphere. There are rooftop cafes you can eat at while listening to local musicians. There are golf courses, museums such as the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, state parks such as North Peninsula State Park and Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flager Beach, specialty shops, or just spend time chilling on the beautiful beaches.
Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve
The Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve is full of boardwalks, nature trails, and gazebos, where you can view turtles and giant palm trees. 217 acres of views of the Apalachicola River estuary are in the preserve for you to see. It is full of salt marsh and coastal scrub communities. Bird watching, fishing, or launching your boat from the Moody Boat Launch are great sources of entertainment. There is a picnic pavilion available for rent. The preserve lies on the eastern side of the Intercoastal Waterway. Fun activities available are nature watching, hiking, boating, fishing, birding, canoeing and kayaking, picnicking, or fun with your pets.
Conclusion
Whatever you may like to do, whether it may be a good meal, a trip down history, a day at the beach, or a day enjoying nature, you will be sure to find it in Flagler Beach. This casual, little town is just the place to find a slower pace and relax and just enjoy life. You can definitely find lots to do and enjoy, plenty to eat, and several scenic views to take in. Enjoy your visit there and Happy Vacationing!
Also, be sure to check out nearby Daytona Beach, Florida while you’re in the area, or explore Space in Titusville, Florida or the Kennedy Space Center.