A day at  Flagler Beach is no ordinary day. In fact, the Flagler Beach Pier has its own radio station. It prides itself as an alternative to other tropical destinations along the coast.

"We were unfound for years and years," said Capt. Rodney Harshbarger, of Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue. "We still have enough neat ordinances in place that keep us with that small-town feel."

In Flagler Beach, you'll discover a beach community proud to be popular but also slow-growing.

"We're like the Mayberry on the ocean — the Atlantic Ocean," Harshbarger said.

Since 1928, the famed Flagler Beach Pier has beckoned those to the shore to swim, surf and fish. Visitors can rent fishing rods and angle for a fresh catch until midnight.

For those who prefer to have their fish arrive already cooked, the Funky Pelican awaits. Grab chalk outside and leave a message on the giant chalkboard. Patio seating and wide windows face the Atlantic. The remodeled restaurant on the pier now features surf-and-turf on the menu.

It is summer in the Sunshine State, and so Flagler Beach is no stranger to an afternoon thunderstorm. That's why there are plenty of things to do — all within walking distance of the pier.

"We happen to have 10 pieces of art in here of the pier," said Frank Gromling, owner of Ocean Art Gallery. "And it's so iconic."

Across the street from the pier, the Ocean Art Gallery features art inspired by the ocean and the pier.

In walking distance is the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. Inside, you'll find the legacy of the pier, as well as the piers that came before it.

"The pier was under construction and it never really got finished because the ocean was not cooperating with it being finished," said Karen Young, of the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce.

About this destination

Where: Flagler Beach, Flagler County

Times:
Pier closes at midnight

Tickets:
Fishing: $6
Walking: $1.50

Address:
215 Highway A1A
Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Websites:
Flagler Beach Pier: http://www.cityofflaglerbeach.com/facilities/Facility/Details/5
Funky Pelican: http://www.funkypelican.com/
Ocean Art Gallery:  http://www.flagleroceanartgallery.com/
Flagler County Historical Museum:  http://www.flaglerbeachmuseum.com/

Parking:
Free, for now

Accessibility note:
Pier is a flat surface.  Beach access to the south contains steps. There's a ramp on the north side of the pier. Handicapped parking is available.

GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude—Longitude:
29.479994,-81.126533

Lat: 29° 28' 47.9784"
Long: -81° 7' 35.5182"

Drive times:
From Orlando: 1 hour, 40 minutes
From Tampa:  2 hours, 55 minutes

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Tankful on Demand
This story was part of the Florida on a Tankful Summer Road Trip.  Catch the 30-minute special with Scott Fais now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.