FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Flagler Beach has long been a hidden gem for locals and in-the-know tourists alike. Now, this laid-back beach town is receiving national attention for something residents already knew: it’s wonderfully weird—in the best possible way.

According to a recent ranking by WorldAtlas, Flagler Beach is one of the "8 Quirkiest Florida Towns You Didn’t Know Existed." From its copper-tinted beaches and pirate statue sentinels to its rainbow-colored retro motels, Flagler Beach has carved out a distinct identity as a town where coastal charm and eccentricity go hand in hand.

And that’s exactly the way the locals like it.

A Town That Refuses to Be Ordinary

At first glance, Flagler Beach might look like your typical Florida surf town—but take a stroll down Scenic A1A (now officially renamed the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway), and you’ll quickly realize this place is anything but typical.

It’s not just the copper-hued sand, created by centuries of eroded coquina shell rock. It’s the vibe. It’s the "Old Florida"energy that clings to the boardwalk, flows through funky surf shops and retro diners, and echoes in the laughter of folks eating ice cream at sunset.

Then there are the pirates—yes, pirates.

Near the northern stretch of town, perched above Griff and Carol Detrick’s beachfront home, are several life-size pirate statues keeping watch over the ocean like salty, resin guardians. Locals have embraced them as unofficial mascots of Flagler’s offbeat charm.

“You won’t find that in Miami or Daytona,” laughed resident Becky Carrol, owner of a local beach boutique. “We’re proudly weird. We love that we’re not polished and commercial. That’s the whole point of Flagler Beach.”

A Walkable Wonderland of Color and Character

Flagler Beach’s compact layout makes it one of the most walkable towns on Florida’s east coast. Everything—from sandy footpaths to ice cream counters—is within reach. You can start the morning with a cinnamon roll from a bakery, grab lunch at the iconic Funky Pelican (where guests leave handwritten notes and doodles on chalkboards), and end your day swinging in a hammock at the Si Como No Inn, a motor court motel painted like a Crayola explosion and strung with surfboards and twinkle lights.

The town is also known for its weekly farmer’s market, live music at beachside bars, and uniquely themed pop-up events, like a “Flip Flop Formal” held annually to raise money for local sea turtle rescues.

Speaking of sea turtles, conservation efforts have become part of the local culture here—residents are fiercely protective of wildlife, coastal erosion, and the slow pace that sets Flagler Beach apart.

Pier and Progress — Without Losing the Quirk

Flagler Beach’s A-frame entrance and historic pier, perhaps the most iconic visual anchor of the town, are currently undergoing major reconstruction following damage from Hurricane Ian. But even amid the changes, the city has remained dedicated to preserving the funky personality that put it on the map.

The pier’s replacement, a longer and more storm-resilient concrete structure, will keep its original entryway intact, preserving the familiar landmark. Even city officials have embraced a “quirk-conscious” approach to redevelopment, with public input sessions ensuring that upcoming improvements—like new boardwalks, signage, and beach access—don’t erase the character that keeps visitors coming back.

“Progress is necessary, but so is personality,” said City Manager Dale Martin. “We want to be smarter about infrastructure while keeping the heart of this town as colorful as ever.”

A Community That Embraces Its Eccentricity

Flagler Beach’s pride in its identity is reflected in its people. From local artists painting murals on surf shops to restaurateurs serving up Cuban-fusion tacos from converted shipping containers, there’s no shortage of DIY spirit and community collaboration.

“I moved here for the waves,” said surfer and yoga teacher Danny Rivera, “but I stayed because where else can you run into someone in pirate garb, get a tarot reading on the beach, and hear Jimmy Buffett playing from three directions at once? This place feeds the soul.”

The town’s events calendar is equally unorthodox. There’s the annual “Dog Surfing Day,” where dogs ride waves with their owners, and the “Weird and Wacky Parade,” which includes floats made from beach cruisers and kayaks. There’s even talk of starting a “Gnome Hunt” inspired by a similar tradition in nearby Holly Hill.

What Makes Flagler Beach Truly Quirky?

Here are a few fan favorites that helped Flagler Beach earn its quirky crown:

The Pirate House: Lifesize statues that tourists mistake for real people until they realize they’re holding swords.
Si Como No Inn: Painted in tropical rainbows, decked out with hanging hammocks and lawn flamingos.
Funky Pelican Restaurant: A beachfront eatery where your check might come with a Sharpie to leave your mark.
Copper-colored sand: A rare geological feature that gives the beach a golden glow, especially at sunrise.
Pet-friendly everything: From bars to boutiques, even some yoga classes allow furry friends.
Local art: Almost every corner of the downtown strip features public art, mosaic benches, and ocean-themed murals.

More Than a Beach Town—A Living Moodboard

In a state dotted with commercialized coastal developments and resort-heavy beach cities, Flagler Beach stands out not just for its sand and surf—but for its soul.

It’s the kind of place where the mayor might know your dog’s name, where visitors become locals, and where eccentricity is part of the charm—not an exception to the rule.

So yes, Flagler Beach is quirky. And for the people who love it, that’s the highest compliment it could ever receive.

As one bumper sticker spotted on a rusted-out Jeep parked near Veterans Park reads: “Keep Flagler Weird—And Wonderful.”

Flagler Beach Earns National Spotlight as One of Florida’s ‘Quirkiest’ Towns

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