Flagler Beach sits along a stretch of Atlantic coastline where wild shoreline, coastal marshes, and maritime forests create a rich stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. This small beach town offers direct access to diverse habitats within minutes, which is exactly what makes birding near Flagler Beach so rewarding. From shorebirds skimming the surf to ospreys circling above the Intracoastal Waterway, the variety here surprises even seasoned birders. For travelers interested in Florida nature, this area blends ocean views with estuaries, tidal creeks, and protected preserves, making it one of the most compelling places for bird watching that Florida visitors can experience in a single trip.
Beyond the trail itself, Flagler Beach offers plenty to round out your stay. You can walk Flagler Beach at sunrise and spot pelicans diving just offshore, then explore Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area for some of the best birding in Florida along the river and dunes. Paddling the Intracoastal Waterway reveals wading birds tucked into mangroves, while nearby parks and conservation areas expand your Florida birding trail checklist. When you are ready for a break, local restaurants serve fresh seafood with ocean views, and the laid-back downtown is perfect for browsing shops and galleries. Birdwatching near Flagler Beach pairs easily with beach time and biking or scenic drives along A1A.
For travelers searching for Flagler Beach Hotels that offer both comfort and proximity to the action, Island Cottage Inn stands apart. As a Boutique Hotel with private beach access, an onsite cafe, and thoughtfully designed spaces, it creates a refined yet relaxed home base for your birding getaway. Early risers can step directly onto the sand to scan for shorebirds, then return for coffee and a fresh breakfast before heading back out on the Great Florida Birding Trail. With personalized hospitality and easy access to top birding sites, our Hotel is conveniently located for birding near Flagler Beach. Book your stay today!
The Great Florida Birding Trail Stops near Flagler Beach
The Great Florida Birding Trail is a statewide network of more than 500 designated sites selected for habitat quality, accessibility, and consistent bird activity. Created by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it guides visitors through some of the state’s most ecologically rich landscapes, from coastal estuaries to inland scrub and hardwood forests. What makes the Florida birding trail especially appealing is how clearly marked and thoughtfully organized it is, whether you are new to bird watching or an expert. Around Flagler Beach, the Great Florida Birding Trail passes through a mix of oceanfront parks, river habitats, and conservation lands, making birding here convenient and surprisingly diverse.
Here are some of the best stops near Flagler Beach on the Great Florida Birding Trail and what you can expect at each:
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is divided between oceanside and riverside sections. This park is a must for birdwatching near Flagler Beach. Along the beach, look for black skimmers, least terns, sanderlings, and willets moving with the tide. On the Intracoastal side, you may spot roseate spoonbills, great egrets, tricolored herons, and ospreys perched high above the water. Arrive early in the morning when the light is soft, and bird activity is strongest, especially in cooler months.
Bulow Creek State Park protects one of the largest remaining stands of southern live oak forest in Florida. The shaded trails attract barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and migratory warblers during fall and spring. It is a great contrast to the open coastline. Bring binoculars with good low-light performance; the canopy can be dense, but the birding rewards are worth it.
Where history meets habitat, Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park offers river views, open clearings, and wooded edges that attract belted kingfishers, bald eagles, and anhinga. The mix of open sky and tree cover makes it a productive stop for scanning both branches and water. Walk slowly along the riverfront trail, pausing often; movement in the trees is usually the first clue you have found something interesting.
Just south of Flagler Beach, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers formal gardens, a tidal marsh, and a rocky coquina shoreline. The gardens attract songbirds and butterflies, while the marsh side is prime for wading birds and shorebirds. During migration, it can be one of the best birding experiences in the East region of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Check both sides of the park in one visit; they offer completely different birding environments within minutes of each other.
A bit inland from Palm Coast, Princess Place Preserve features freshwater marshes, hardwood forests, and open fields. Expect to see sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, hawks, and other seasonal migratory species. The variety of habitats here makes it an ideal addition to your Florida birding trail itinerary. In the late afternoon, when raptors are often active, the golden light improves visibility across the fields.
Together, these sites make birding near Flagler Beach surprisingly diverse. Within a short drive of our Boutique Hotel, you can experience some of the best birding in Florida: on coastal shores, quiet forest trails, and expansive marshes, all part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Relax at Adults-Only Flagler Beach Hotels
After a full day exploring the Great Florida Birding Trail, our Hotel offers a refined place to recharge while staying connected to everything that makes this stretch of coast special. Among Flagler Beach Hotels, we stand apart for our private beach access, allowing you to begin and end your day with the sound of the Atlantic and the chance to spot shorebirds right outside your door. Early mornings on the sand, pelicans often glide low over the water, sandpipers race the tide, and the occasional osprey scans for breakfast. It is bird watching Florida visitors dream about, without ever needing to get in the car.
Beyond its ideal location for birding near Flagler Beach, our Hotel offers some of the best things to do in Flagler Beach right onsite. Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast at our cafe before heading out to nearby parks, then return for quiet time on the beach or by the pool. Our thoughtful amenities, like beach cruiser bikes and beach umbrellas, are part of what keeps guests coming back year after year. For birders following the Great Florida Birding Trail, turn your birding trip into a romantic coastal getaway. Reserve your room now!
