Between work and school, life can get hectic. That’s why it’s so important to make time for your family and reconnect with one another away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is an ideal destination to escape and enjoy a vacation that offers a mix of relaxation, sightseeing and memorable experiences that everyone in the family will cherish.

Here is your itinerary for an unforgettable family adventure in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.

Day One

Arrive at the hotel: Luxury awaits you when you book your stay at the elegant and family-friendly Hammock Beach Resort. The lavish villas and condominium accommodations overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are perfect for families since they have plenty of space, and your kids will love experiencing resort living while they’re here. It’s the ultimate place for a beachside vacation as you relax and recharge. Once you check into your room or suite, slip on the flip-flops and explore the wonderland that is Hammock Beach Resort. Every activity and amenity you could desire is here.

Relax and play poolside: After a stop in the Lobby Bar, which serves coffee and tea in the morning and signature cocktails in the afternoon, the resort’s pool pavilion is ready to welcome your family for a day of fun. Pick a spot by the upper or lower level pool, or wade into the zero entry beach pool. Grab an inner tube and float down the lazy river, or enjoy a cold drink as you watch the kids zoom down the spiral water slide. You can also have a contest with your family to see who can build the best sandcastle or enjoy the day splashing around in the ocean.

It’s tempting to spend your entire vacation lounging by the water but you won’t want to miss the resort’s other activities. Rent a complimentary bike from the hotel and cruise around the resort as you feel the ocean breeze in your hair, and channel your inner Jack Nicklaus on the all-ages putting green or on the championship Ocean Course designed by the golf legend himself.

Dinner at Atlantic Grille: Dine alfresco at the resort’s seaside “shore-to-table” restaurant. Admire the stunning ocean views as you enjoy a signature meal like baked local flounder, charred snapper and cioppino with a key lime coconut broth. The Atlantic Grille is Florida cuisine at its finest.

S’mores and stargazing: End your adventurous day around the fire pit on the Grand Event Lawn. Roast marshmallows for s’mores, or face off in a friendly game of cornhole. When you return to your room for the evening, the soothing sounds of the waves will lull you to sleep.

Day Two

Now that you and the family have spent time at the beautiful resort, continue the adventure in town—exploring all that Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches has to offer.

Sunrise at Flagler Beach: Set the alarms to wake up early to witness the breathtaking sight of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean. The orange-red hues glimmering over the water make for excellent lighting for family photos.

Breakfast at Swillerbees: This local gem is a family favorite for its delicious doughnuts and coffee. Bite into classics like the glazed and chocolate dipped donuts or creative flavors like key lime, tiramisu and white chocolate raspberry.

Reel em’ in: Cast your line from the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. It’s a landmark that extends more than 800 feet out over the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing poles are available to rent in the shop at the entrance to the pier. While you wait to see what takes the bait, you’ll love the panoramic views of the glistening ocean. Keep an eye out for whales that migrate to the area every December through March.

Family time at the beach: Stick your toes in the soft cinnamon sand at one of the area’s pristine beaches and relax as you hear the calming waters grace the shore.  The family has plenty of activities to enjoy on the beach. Collect shells, play paddleball or toss around a football. Go boogie boarding or take a surf lesson. You can even go for a horseback ride.

Lunch at Whaam Burger: After working up an appetite at the beach, you’ll be glad to know that mouthwatering burgers are nearby. Whaam Burger serves perfectly seasoned patties in a retro comic book-inspired setting. Other delicious options include hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and a giant wild fish sandwich. Kids can sip a shake or root beer float, while adults can enjoy a selection of beer.

Shop in Downtown Flagler Beach: Indulge in retail therapy along Central Avenue in downtown Flagler Beach. The six-block stretch is lined with unique, independently owned shops that offer everything from beach gear, clothing and jewelry to funky collectibles that are great mementos from your trip. Flagler Beach Gift Shop is a one-stop shop for souvenirs, shells and locally made gifts. Have your camera ready! The charming storefronts and colorful murals throughout downtown make for fun family photo ops.

Visit the Flagler Beach Historical Museum: From the Stone Age to the Space Age, learn about Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches’ fascinating history. The museum houses a collection of artifacts including prehistoric animal bones and a flag that went into space onboard the shuttle Endeavour. What brought famous aviator Charles Lindbergh to Flagler Beach? You’ll find out here.

Dinner at the Funky Pelican: Gorgeous ocean views draw diners to this restaurant on the Flagler Beach Pier. With indoor and outdoor seating, Funky Pelican offers panoramic vistas of the water and a menu of surf, turf and everything in between. Fish tacos, burgers and Maddie’s shrimp and grits are some of the favorite dishes, and the day’s fresh catch can be prepared to your liking.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sally's Ice Cream: No beach vacation is complete without ice cream, and Sally’s has some of the best around. Giant scoops of hand-dipped ice cream are served by the friendly staff, and you have more than 40 flavors to choose from and a variety of toppings. With its bright magenta building, picnic table seating and beachside location, Sally’s Ice Cream is the picture-perfect place to end a day with your family.

Day Three

Connect as a family as you connect with nature. Head up the coast for outdoor adventures and the chance to get up close and personal with local wildlife.

Explore by boat: Ripple Effect Ecotours offers guided kayak tours on the Matanzas River Estuary. As you paddle along the calm waters, you’ll pass by mangrove tidal creeks, salt marshes and sand dunes. Be on the lookout for birds, manatees and bottlenose dolphins that call the area home. No prior paddling experience is necessary, and tours are suitable for children 6 and older. If you’d rather relax and enjoy the view you can book a tour on Ripple Effect One, the only vegetable oil-powered eco-tour boat in northeast Florida.

Swim with the dolphins: Create unforgettable family memories with one-of-a-kind encounters at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. The world’s first oceanarium has been delighting visitors for 80 years with educational programs and hands-on experiences. Meet, touch and toss a ball with dolphins at the dockside encounter. Paint with a dolphin to create a unique piece of art. For the ultimate experience, the dolphin immersion program lets guests interact with dolphins in the water, and even go along on a ride.

Protect the Sea Turtles: Loggerheads, leatherbacks and the endangered Kemp's Ridley are some of Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches’ most precious inhabitants. The Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory is dedicated to their rehabilitation and conservation. The hospital takes in injured sea turtles and once healthy, releases them back into their habitat. You can learn about the Sea Turtle Hospital’s important work during a tour of the facility and lab.

One last seafood feast: Palm Coast and the Flagler Beach’s restaurants are known for their fresh seafood, and the family-friendly Golden Lion is a top-rated eatery. It has a full raw bar menu and starters like steamed mussels and coconut butterflied shrimp are great for sharing. The Golden Lion is famous for its fish ‘n’ chips, and Florida stone crab claws are a must-order when in season. As you enjoy a final sunset view of the ocean, you’ll be reminiscing on the wonderful time you had with the family and ready to plan your next visit.

Click here for more family-friendly activities to enjoy in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.