Best Things to Do in Flagler Beach
If you’re looking for a small Atlantic Coast beach town with a funky, laid-back vibe, you really can’t go wrong with the place we’re profiling today.
The seaside community of Flagler Beach was founded nearly a century ago. In the early 1900s, George Moody had a vision to create a resort he dubbed Ocean City Beach.
He built a Casino that quickly became “the” place to go, and eventually a large hotel and a pier.
In the mid 1920s, the town was incorporated and there was a name change to honor Henry Flagler, the father of modern Florida who extended his train service down the coast from St. Augustine to Key West.
Thankfully, track was never laid in Flagler Beach, keeping this town low-key and free from heavy commercialization and beachside high-rises.
But what some locals describe as a once sleepy beach town is about to undergo some major changes. Changes that will give this place a different vibe.
On a vacant lot in the heart of town where the iconic Flagler Beach Hotel once stood will soon be a new modern place where visitors can lay their heads at night. Plans call for a 100-room boutique hotel from Margaritaville’s Compass brand to be constructed by fall 2024.
With a beachfront evolution on the horizon, we pay a visit to one of our favorite Florida coastal towns to show you some of the best things to do if you’re planning a vacation in Flagler Beach.
Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Florida
The fifth-most populated city in the state, St. Petersburg is known as “Florida’s Sunshine City.” Did you know it averages 361 days of sunshine each year? In fact, between 1967 and 1969, St. Pete logged a world record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. 768 straight days of nothing but sun and fun.
St. Pete’s downtown area is dynamic, always evolving and reinventing itself to attract a younger demographic. When it comes to the best things to see and do here, it’s all subjective and even locals would tell you there’s so much, even they haven’t done everything. '
In this episode, we’re showing you what we think you should see when you’re visiting St. Pete, the best things that should be at the top of your list.
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This location has been home to a number of different piers over the years, each one more elaborate than its predecessor. The landmark pleasure pier extending into the blue waters of Tampa Bay recently underwent a multi-million dollar facelift.
The latest incarnation includes the new 26-acre Pier District that elevates this area to a modern community gathering space.
Families will enjoy the Discovery Center with interactive exhibits about Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem. Kids can expend some energy on the playground or cool off in the Splash Pad while Spa Beach is a great spot to get a little sand between your toes.
Impressive multi-level Pier Point is where you’ll find eateries, a rooftop tiki bar and a gift shop. The views of the bay and the skyline of St. Pete are breathtaking from up here.
Public art adds to the ambiance of the Pier, including this massive billowing net that is perpetually in motion with the wind and this sculpture that commemorates the world’s first commercial plane flight which happened here in St. Pete back in 1914.
The Pier District is free to visit and is open 30 minutes before sunrise. Closing time is 11pm. Pier Drive has metered parking spots and there are 2 parking lots on the property.
At a whopping 3,000 feet, the St. Pete Pier is one of the largest in the world. A tram is available to take visitors to Pier Point. -
Learn more by visiting Discover Downtown.
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Find a list of museums here.
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Hours
Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4:30 p.m.
The last admission is sold at 4 p.m. daily.
Sunken Gardens is open on most holidays except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when the attraction is closed. The Sunken Gardens Business Office is closed on most holidays, while the Gardens remain open.Admission
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $12
Children (2-17): $6 -
