Hi there!
If you want to drive down the Atlantic Coast with ocean views somewhere between Jacksonville and Orlando, driving the Florida A1A through Flagler Beach can be perfect!
I was driving from Orlando to St Augustine to Amelia Island.
Or more specifically, the drive through Flagler Beach was from Blue Spring State Park (manatees!) to Washington Oak Gardens State Park! (There are lots of stops you can make if you’re driving between St Augustine and Orlando or Amelia Island and Orlando!)
Because of the Florida A1A is the slow scenic route, you’ll need to specifically adjust your google maps to take this route.
Otherwise, the default will take you on the fastest route which means you will miss out on driving directly along the Atlantic coast and the A1A!
I did this particular drive in January 2023.
Your experience may vary!
Driving to the A1A of Flagler Beach from the south
I left Blue Spring State Park just before 11am. (There was a long line of cars outside of the park waiting to get in! When I arrived at around 9:30am, it was easy to get in!)
When you’re driving north from Orlando, you can drive east to the coast much quicker and get yourself on the A1A.
For example, you might want to set Daytona Beach as your destination in google maps, and then drive up the A1A from there!
I took the fast way for a little bit (aka I-95) before getting on the A1A at Flagler Beach.
And so, around an hour later…
The bridge to the A1A and Flagler Beach!
When you’re on the bridge, you’ll see the ocean right in front you!
You are driving to the ocean!
And then before you know it, you’ll be at the A1A junction!
👆 At this Florida A1A junction, 3 miles to the right is Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flager Beach and 12 miles to the left is the Washington Oaks Garden State Park.
And then you can start driving along the coast with ocean views through Flagler Beach on the A1A of the Palm Coast!
If you start your Flager Beach A1A drive where I did, then in around 5 minutes, you will be at the town of Beverly Beach.
And that’s a bit about what it looks like driving through Flagler Beach along the Atlantic coast!
More of the Florida Atlantic coast:
- Jacksonville to Orlando
- Amelia Island beaches
- Amelia Island shelling
- South Ponte Verda Beach shelling
- South Pointe Park in Miami Beach
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo
- Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys
- Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
HAPPY DRIVING THE A1A THROUGH FLAGLER BEACH!
In the morning head to Blue Spring State Park to see manatees (winter only).
Then drive along the A1A through Flagler Beach.
Then stop by Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Then stop by Fort Matanzas National Monument
And then stay overnight in St Augustine!
The next morning, watch a St Augustine sunrise!
Then you can continue your drive up north, stopping by the St Augustine Lighthouse, maybe Anastasia State Park, maybe a St Augustine food truck, maybe historic St Augustine including Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Continue the drive on the A1A and stop to go shelling at South Ponte Vedra Beach, and then onwards to take the Mayport car ferry. (The ferry is closed through early May 2023, check for updates.)
Then stop by Big Talbot Island State Park to go to Boneyard Beach (short hike).
And then finally... you've made it to Amelia Island beaches!
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