A Shore (or Off-Shore) Thing in Palm Coast

By Erin Marvin
Published: November 6, 2008
Last Updated On: July 12, 2011

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Boating

Beaches

Shopping

Spas

Resorts

Daytona Beach

Flagler Beach

Palm Coast

St Augustine

Cruises

Ponte Vedra Beach

Water Sports

You don't need a reason to whisk away on a yacht vacation. Here are some ideas for off-shore getaways and on-shore sidetrips.

Wedding? Honeymoon? Second honeymoon? Maybe you've just been listening to too much Jimmy Buffett lately?

Palm Coast is a quiet piece of paradise situated on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. The area is perhaps best known for its spectacular golfing opportunities at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course (six holes overlook the Atlantic; the last four holes comprise the challenging "Bear's Claw").

But an entirely different - yet equally spectacular - drive can be found along the six-mile A1A Ocean Shore Scenic Highway in nearby Flagler Beach, which is part of the 72-mile scenic Byway.

Remote golden-sand beaches and pristine nature preserves dot the shore. Myriad wildlife, from songbirds and shorebirds flying overhead to sea turtles, dolphins and manatees swimming just off the bow, will be your only companions.

Side trips

Ponte Vedra Beach: A quiet country-club community on the beach just minutes away from the historic attractions of St. Augustine. The Sawgrass Marriott welcomes golfers and their families with 150-plus holes of championship golf, including THE PLAYERS Stadium Course and Dye's Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, a 20,000-square-foot spa; private Cabana Beach Club; and The Sawgrass Xplorer's supervised children's program.

Daytona Beach: This classic beach vacation spot also bears a romantic side. The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort offers romance packages throughout the year. The Plaza Resort & Spa will pamper you both with its Beautiful Day or Express packages.


Nearby shopping

St. Augustine: Shopping isn't confined to St. George Street these days. Wind through the brick-lined streets for art, gourmet goodies and other finds.

St. Augustine Premium Outlets: A collection of 85 designer and name brand outlets such as Brooks Brothers, Coach, Tommy Bahama and more.

Ocean Walk Shoppes @ Ocean Walk Village: Colorful shopping/dining/entertainment complex on Daytona Beach. Enjoy fine dining and brand-name shopping oceanside.