A Local’s Guide on Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore in Flagler Beach

Discover laid-back eats, drinks, and coastal adventures just steps from Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Flagler Beach.

Welcome to Flagler Beach, Florida, a coastal town where surf breaks, sea breezes, and small-town charm create the perfect escape from the everyday. At Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Flagler Beach, you are just steps from cinnamon-hued sands, vibrant local dining, and easygoing adventures that make it effortless to slip into a Margaritaville state of mind. Use this local-inspired guide to discover the best places to eat, drink, and explore while making Compass Hotel your laid-back home base in paradise. 

Where to Eat in Flagler Beach 

Food is at the heart of Flagler Beach, with menus that celebrate fresh seafood and casual bites made for sandy feet and salty hair. From breezy beach shacks to chef-driven eateries, every meal here feels like part of the vacation. 

• Local seafood favorites: Grab the catch of the day at waterfront spots serving everything from crispy shrimp baskets to mahi tacos and oysters on the half shell with an ocean view. 
• Farmers markets: Swing by the Flagler Beach Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm or visit the Palm Coast Farmers Market on Sundays for local produce, baked goods, and artisanal treats to enjoy back at the hotel or on a beach picnic.  
• Downtown eats: Stroll Flagler Beach’s walkable main strip, where you can pop into cafés and restaurants offering beachy bites, creative specials, and desserts worth lingering over. 

Back at Compass Hotel Flagler Beach, staying local never tasted so good. Share Peel & Eat Shrimp and other feel-good favorites at Salty Rim Bar & Grill, where island-inspired flavors and frosty margaritas set the tone for the night. Then head up to Chill Bar, the rooftop hangout with tempting appetizers and ocean views that pair perfectly with your favorite frozen concoctions before or after an evening out on the town. 

Where to Drink in Flagler Beach 

Flagler Beach’s bar scene is relaxed and unpretentious, making it easy to find a spot to order a drink, kick back, and let vacation mode take over. Whether you are craving a local craft beer, tropical cocktail, or chilled glass of wine, there is always somewhere to raise a glass to coastal living. 

• Beach bars and breweries: Sip craft brews and beachy cocktails at casual spots overlooking the surf, where flip flops are encouraged, and live music often drifts in with the ocean breeze. 
• Oceanview lounges: Settle into a comfy seat, order a cocktail, and watch the waves roll in as the sunset offers the perfect shade of entertainment. 
• Flagler Beachfront Winery: Enjoy a tasting just steps from the sand, the perfect pairing with a late afternoon stroll or date night on the coast. 

At Compass Hotel Flagler Beach, you do not have to go far for the perfect drink with a view. Spend the afternoon by the pool with boat drinks from Salty Rim Bar & Grill, delivered right to your lounger as you soak up the sun. As evening approaches, make your way to the rooftop where Chill Bar offers panoramic views, creative cocktails, and shareable bites that create a sunset ritual you will want to repeat every night. 

Things to Do in Flagler Beach 

Adventure comes naturally in Flagler Beach, where oceanfront fun, scenic parks, local arts, and Florida history all come together in one easygoing destination. Whether you are chasing sunrises, waves, or quiet moments in nature, there is always something new to discover. 

Beach and Ocean Adventures 

With six miles of uncrowded shoreline, Flagler Beach invites long walks, mellow surf sessions, and lazy days stretched out on the sand. Start the day at the Flagler Beach Fishing Pier, a classic sunrise spot and photo-worthy landmark just a short drive from the hotel. If you are ready to ride the waves, local surf schools and rental shops can set you up for your first lesson or help you refine your style with the Atlantic as your playground.  

Natural Escapes 

The surrounding area is filled with state parks and preserves that showcase Florida’s wilder side. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, under a 10-minute drive from Compass Hotel Flagler Beach, offers paddling and fishing along a stunning stretch of shoreline. Other nearby parks like, Bulow Creek State Park, Princess Place Preserve, and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park invite you to hike beneath towering live oaks, explore forest trails, and wander through lush gardens and unique coquina rock formations along the coast.  

History and Culture 

When you are ready to take a break from the sun, Flagler Beach’s cultural side offers a slower, more reflective pace. The Flagler Beach Historical Museum, literal steps from Compass Hotel, highlights local stories from prehistoric times through today, providing a deeper sense of place. Not far away, the Florida Agricultural Museum explores the region’s farming heritage, while local galleries showcase coastal-inspired artworks and handcrafted pieces to bring a bit of the beach home. 

Adventures Beyond the Shore 

For a classic Florida road trip, cruise the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway—also known as the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway—a celebrated route with sweeping Atlantic views and other charming coastal towns similar to Flagler Beach. On the water, Backwater Cat Boat Tours let you pilot your own two-seater cat boat through the Intracoastal, a fun and memorable way to explore the area’s waterways. Cap off your coastal adventures with a visit to Marineland Dolphin Adventure, where you can learn about and interact with dolphins for a bucket-list-worthy experience. 

Flagler Beach Events and Local Vibes 

Staying at Compass Hotel Flagler Beach puts you at the center of the community’s vibrant, small-town spirit. Throughout the month, local events bring live music, artisans, food trucks, and neighbors together, giving you the chance to experience Flagler Beach like a true local.  

• First Fridays in Flagler Beach: On the first Friday of each month, Veterans Park comes alive with music, food vendors, and local artisans, creating a festive block-party atmosphere steps from the ocean.  
• Food Truck Tuesdays: Every other month starting in March, Central Park in nearby Palm Coast hosts an evening of creative food truck cuisine on the third Tuesday, perfect for sampling something new.  
• Second Saturday Plant Sale: Browse native plants and garden finds while mingling with locals and adding a bit of Florida greenery to your life.

Stay at Compass Hotel Flagler Beach 

After a day of exploring, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Flagler Beach is your relaxed retreat by the shore, where every detail is designed to keep you in vacation mode. Coastal-inspired rooms feature colors drawn from the sand and sea, cozy custom bedding, and modern touches like mini fridges, Keurig coffee makers, and high-speed connectivity to make your stay as comfortable as it is carefree.  

The hotel’s amenities make it easy to embrace the Margaritaville lifestyle without leaving the property. Fuel up with the complimentary Sunrise Breakfast, grab on-the-go bites and beverages at Provisions, then rotate between Salty Rim Bar & Grill and the Chill Bar for food, drinks, and relaxed socializing throughout the day. Pet-friendly accommodations mean four-legged family members are welcome too, and a well-equipped fitness center and convenient parking add to the ease of your stay. 

Pack your flip flops, set your out-of-office, and let Compass Hotel Flagler Beach do the rest.