A Trip In The Back Yard

If your idea of a vacation involves relaxing in nature, pack a picnic and head for Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Acres of formal garden, all centered around a massive live oak dripping with Spanish moss, back up to a rocky, boulder-strewn stretch of ocean. The gardens were developed by Louise Powis Clark, wife of the industrialist Owen D. Young, in the 1930s. She dubbed the property Washington Oaks after a previous owner, a descendant of George Washington. There are special things to see whichever way you turn here, from the coquina rocks and tidepools of the beach to the bubbling springs and well-maintained formal gardens. Check out the historic home that's been converted into a visitor center and make sure to explore a trail or two while you're here.

No day at the beach is complete without ice cream. Sally's Ice Cream will have you feeling like a kid again with their colorful menu of mouthwatering treats. They've got all of the classic flavors like rainbow sherbet, mint chocolate chip, double fudge brownie, and butter pecan, along with a specialties like chocolate dipped key lime pie. The walk-up window also features soft serve, fro-yo, sundaes, and hot dogs. You might need to come back more than once to try them all.

Looking for a souvenir to remember your trip? You'll probably find it at Frankie Alice's Beachside Boutique. This adorable little shop specializes in clothing and accessories that complement beach life. From tote bags and sunglasses to jewelry and apparel and home goods, there's a ton of stuff here, so leave plenty of time to browse the wares. Their offerings are unique, high quality, comfy, and (best of all) reasonably priced, and they'll add a touch of style to your perfect beach trip.

There are all kinds of attractions, parks, tours, and restaurants in Flagler, so if you're having trouble deciding where to start, head to the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. It's a great overview of the area's rich past, from the Stone Age to the Space Age, and will give visitors a whole new appreciation for Flagler. The museum's location right near the beach doesn't hurt, either. It serves as a visitor center on the weekends, so it really is an ideal first stop. Plus, it's free to visit.

Fuel up for a long day of exploring Flagler at the Funky Pelican. Located right on the water, this joint serves up fresh fare and incredible views. Stop by for breakfast (nothing like a helping of shrimp and grits to start off the day right) or take advantage of their daily Funky Hour, with drinks specials between 4-6pm. Their lunch and dinner menus boast plenty of seafood options, from lobster ravioli and a Florida Reuben to Cajun gator bites and clam chowder. There's something on the menu to hit the spot for everyone.

Built in 1927, the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier is one of those classic beach experiences. It only costs $1.25 to access the 800-foot-long historic boardwalk and enjoy the stunning views it offers. It's one of the best spots for fishing in Flagler, and if you didn't bring your own gear, you can rent some from the bait shop. Or, you can stick to strolling along the unique cinnamon-colored sand below while you watch surfers in the water. The vibe here is super laid-back, and it really feels like a hidden gem known only to locals. Pro tip: it's especially pretty at sunset.

Another stellar state park in Flagler is Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Here, you can walk among the crumbling remains of an old sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo plantation, the largest in East Florida. It's been abandoned since the Second Seminole War in 1836, and the ruins of a sugar mill, the spring house, several wells and the foundations of the plantation house and slave cabins have since become overgrown. The museum and interpretive center onsite provide some great background on the Bulow Plantation and the Seminole Wars before you set off to explore the ruins themselves. There are miles of trails to explore, along with a canoe launch on Bulow Creek, so it's not hard to spend a full afternoon here.