Buttercup Flower Latin Name

Palm Coast snuggles the Atlantic coast of Florida in an almost perfect spot. Just south of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, and north of Daytona Beach plus offers up the best of the northern coast.

Palm Coast is smaller than its neighbors to the north and south and provides a more relaxing and less hurried experience for those visitors who just want to chill out and be mellow. The beaches of Daytona Beach can be crowded and noisy, especially on weekends as can be Jacksonville. Those looking for quiet white sand and perfect blue sky will find it in the Flagler County area. All told, there are 19 miles of beach in the Palm Coast area with many locations open to the public for surfing, snorkeling or just laying in the sand.

If exploring tide pools and rocky shores is your thing, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is the place to go. Located just north of the city of Palm Coast, Washington Oaks encompasses 425 acres and includes pavilions and grills. The beach, although the sand has washed away over time, offers up great fishing and sunbathing. The park itself is a great place to bird watch and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Explore the formal gardens filled with sub-tropical flowers like azaleas, roses, and camellias.

Flagler Beach to the south sports five parks- River to Sea Preserve, Varn Park, Jungle Hut Road Park, Old Salt Road Park, and Malacompra County Park where you can walk, bike or just enjoy the sunshine. The beach itself is six miles long and vehicles are not allowed. The municipal boardwalk and pier provide a central gathering place for beachgoers, with restaurants, food stalls and gift shops surrounding it. A great beach for sunbathing beside the ocean.

Beverly Beach sits south of the city and north of Flagler Beach. This tiny resort town is a popular RV destination on trips south down the I-95. The full services RV park is close to the public beach which is uncrowded and quiet most days of the year. There are some great fishing spots along the beach for in-shore redfish and sea trout.

For those who like their beach experience to be a little more upscale, Hammock Beach Resort provides golf, tennis, a water park, fine dining, spa services, deluxe accommodations and, of course, the beach. Hammock Beach also offers kayaking tours down the Intracoastal Waterway and through local creeks and marshes where you are likely to see manatees, dolphins and sea turtles.

Flagler County, Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Its residents come from all over the world, and most are attracted by the area's charm and its beautiful beaches. Housing prices for beachfront property are significantly less than to the north and the south so those who dream of waking up to the sound of the ocean every morning can realize that dream within their budget.

Palm Coast Florida, surrounded by warm beaches, sparkling ocean and wide open skies, is one of the best kept secrets on the Atlantic coast. With something to offer everyone, this part of Florida is a favorite of both residents and visitors alike.

David Keys is a partner in Beach Bum Realty with his wife Therese and lives in the Palm Coast area.