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The short answer

Yes, though it's across the water from most of the city. Palm Coast's city limits stop at the Intracoastal Waterway, and the oceanfront is the barrier island known as the Hammock, plus Flagler Beach to the south. From most Palm Coast neighborhoods the sand is 10 to 15 minutes away, over the Hammock Dunes Bridge (a toll) or the free SR 100 bridge into Flagler Beach. Locals use the Flagler County beach parks along A1A, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park with its coquina rocks, and the walk-up beach in Flagler Beach.

Public beaches near Palm Coast, north to south

TopicWho runs itKnow before you go
River to Sea Preserve, MarinelandFlagler County and Town of MarinelandBeach access, boardwalk, trails and a kayak launch
Washington Oaks Gardens State ParkFlorida State Parks$5 per car; coquina rock shoreline and tide pools; formal gardens across A1A
MalaCompra ParkFlagler CountyCoquina rocks, not a swimming beach; parking, restrooms, showers
Old Salt ParkFlagler CountyCoquina rocks and a whale-watching spot; parking, restrooms
Jungle Hut ParkFlagler CountyPaved parking, restrooms, dune walkover; rocks and currents, so swim with care
Varn ParkFlagler CountyWheelchair access to the beach, ample parking, restrooms
Flagler BeachCity of Flagler BeachWalkovers almost every block, five free city lots (paid parking planned for 2027), lifeguards in season
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation AreaFlorida State Parks$5 per car; beach plus Intracoastal side and campground

Market numbers: Stellar MLS; they refresh live when you open this page. Single-family homes, condos and townhomes.

Why the beach isn't in Palm Coast itself

The Intracoastal Waterway is Palm Coast's eastern border. The barrier island between the Intracoastal and the ocean is the Hammock, in unincorporated Flagler County, home to Hammock Dunes, Ocean Hammock and the Hammock Beach resort. The beach parks there carry Palm Coast mailing addresses, which is why most people think of them as Palm Coast's beaches. If you want to walk to the ocean, you're looking at the Hammock communities or Flagler Beach; see Palm Coast vs. Flagler Beach.

Getting there

From I-95 at Palm Coast Parkway it's about 9 minutes to A1A over the Hammock Dunes Bridge, which charges $3 in cash or 75 cents with the prepaid ExpressCard for a car, eastbound only. From Town Center and the south side, SR 100 takes you into Flagler Beach in about 11 minutes with no toll. From central Palm Coast either way is about 10 to 15 minutes.

Rocks, waves and swimming

The north end of Flagler County has something most Florida beaches don't: coquina rock formations, best seen at Washington Oaks, MalaCompra and Old Salt parks. They're great for tide pools and photos, but the county says those spots aren't suitable for swimming. For swimming and lifeguards, head to Flagler Beach, where guards cover the central beach daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends from October through May.

Parking, dogs and sea turtles

The county beach parks have parking lots, and the two state parks charge $5 per car. Flagler Beach has five free city lots for now; the city picked a paid-parking vendor in September 2026 with a target start in mid-2027, and property owners will get at least one free pass. Leashed dogs (8-foot leash or shorter) are allowed except in Flagler Beach between North and South 10th Streets. Sea turtle nesting season runs May 1 through October 31, so shield lights that face the beach, fill holes and take your gear home at night. The Flagler Beach pier, closed since Hurricane Ian, is being rebuilt and is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

David Stanley, REALTOR®

My take

I spent 12 years as a Flagler Beach ocean rescue lifeguard, so I know these beaches well. For a swim, I send people to Flagler Beach. For a quiet walk, Jungle Hut or Varn Park. For something different, Washington Oaks at low tide. If being close to the sand matters, tell me how close, and I'll show you homes by their drive time to your favorite beach.

David Stanley, Broker Associate, CENTURY 21 Fine Homes & Estates Realty Exchange. 23 years in North Florida, over $60 million in closed sales.

Find a home near the beach

See for yourself:Oceanfront homesFlagler Beach homes

More questions people ask

What is the closest beach to Palm Coast?
For most of Palm Coast, the county beach parks on A1A in the Hammock, such as Jungle Hut Park, about 10 minutes away over the Hammock Dunes Bridge. From the south side of the city, Flagler Beach is closest by SR 100.
Is there a toll to get to the beach from Palm Coast?
Only on the Hammock Dunes Bridge: $3 cash or 75 cents with the prepaid ExpressCard for a car, charged eastbound. The SR 100 bridge into Flagler Beach is free.
Is beach parking free in Flagler Beach?
For now, yes, in five city lots and along A1A. The city has chosen a paid-parking vendor and is aiming to start in mid-2027, with at least one free pass for property owners.
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Yes, on a leash 8 feet or shorter, except in Flagler Beach between North 10th and South 10th Streets.
Why are there rocks on the beach at Washington Oaks?
They're coquina, a rock made of compacted shells and sand. Washington Oaks, MalaCompra and Old Salt parks have the most visible formations, which make good tide pools but poor swimming.
Can I live on the beach in Palm Coast?
Yes, in the Hammock communities such as Hammock Dunes, Ocean Hammock and Hammock Beach, or in Flagler Beach. They have Palm Coast or Flagler Beach addresses.

Sources

Facts checked against these sources on November 3, 2026. Rules, rates and fees change; confirm anything you'll rely on before you buy.

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