Flagler County

Flagler County is well-known for its coquina beaches and quaint beach-community atmosphere. Flagler County is a beach destination for vacationers who are trying to avoid a metropolitan area. Flagler Beach maintains a historic downtown with a farmers' market and a variety of appealing small, independently owned restaurants. With 18 miles of sandy coastline, Flagler County is a popular destination for surfing, fishing, camping and boating.

While the coastal areas of Flagler County are predominantly coquina sand beaches with large sand dunes and sea oats vegetation, the interior areas are salt marshes and areas with tall pine trees and low-lying shrubs along the Intracoastal Waterway. From December to March, Atlantic right whales migrate to the warm, protected waters near Flagler County to give birth and raise their calves. These whales often are sighted from the beach along the coast. As part of the right whale sighting network, the Town of Beverly Beach maintains an observation base location on one of its public beach access points to help gather information and sightings on this endangered species. Flagler County coastal areas are vital habitats for many varieties of birds including the bald eagle.

Archaeological evidence suggests early human habitation of Flagler County dating back nearly 10,000 years ago. Spanish colonization of the area began in the mid-1500s through the 1700s. From 1763-1821, Britain and Spain fought for control of this area. Flagler County was named after Henry Flagler, the railroad tycoon who transformed the East Coast of Florida with the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway.

At the northernmost part of Flagler County, Marineland Dolphin Adventures, the world's first oceanarium, is a popular tourist destination. Flagler County also offers a variety of ocean-side resorts and 10 golf courses. Flagler is an ideal beach destination for visitors looking for a quiet, quaint beach getaway.