Flagler Beach is a tiny very quiet ocean community just north of the Ormond-Daytona metropolitan area. The beach is very near I-95 in this part of the coast, so it is easy to get to. Unless you want traffic, crowds, and condo canyons then you’d best give Ormond-Daytona a miss and take I-4 E to I-95 N and exit at Hwy 100, Flagler Beach. Most of the motels and diners will be just south of Hwy 100. There is a fishing pier right there. I have often seen dolphins in this area and once spotted a whale.

It’s a very pleasant drive from Flagler to St Augustine, and Anastasia State Park is a wonderful seashore with huge tidal pools full of live fish and crabs. At that point I advise giving up the coastal route until north of Jacksonville as traffic is very heavy and slow.

If you have time, take the family to Cumberland Island National Seashore, E of I-95 in at Georgia Exits #1 & #2. This is an all day trip as you must ride a ferry boat over. No vehicles are allowed on the island, not even bicycles, but cold freshwater showers and flush toilets are available. You must pack out EVERYTHING you pack in, and that includes banana peels and soiled diapers. There are wild horses running free on the island.