Discover the Natural Beauty of Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is one of Flagler Beach’s most peaceful escapes. This 145-acre park sits on a barrier island, with beaches and sand dunes on one side and marshes and estuaries on the other. Its unique geography means you can watch the sun rise over the ocean and later see it dip behind the marsh, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. Either way, it’s pure magic!

Honoring Gamble Rogers

The seaside park originally opened in 1961 as Flagler Beach State Recreation Area. It was renamed for Florida folk singer and storyteller Gamble Rogers, who tragically lost his life in 1991 while trying to rescue a swimmer caught in rough surf. The park continues to honor its namesake through Gamble Jams, casual acoustic gatherings where musicians of all levels can sing, strum, and share stories. These musical meetups are just one of the many events and hands-on programs offered year-round that are inspired by art and nature.

Beaches & Sea Turtles

Gamble Rogers boasts a half-mile stretch of coquina sand beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the waves. From May through September, the park’s beach becomes a protected nesting ground for sea turtles. Loggerheads, greens, and even leatherbacks return year after year to lay their eggs in the soft sand. Park staff and volunteers mark the nests to help protect them, and guided turtle talks during the summer months teach visitors about conservation efforts and how to spot nests without disturbing them. Walk the beach early in the morning or at sunset, and you might spot the turtles’ distinctive tracks in the sand — a small but magical reminder of nature at work.

Kayaking & Waterways

Across A1A, the Intracoastal Waterway offers another kind of adventure. Paddlers can launch from the boat ramp and explore quiet estuaries and marshes, where dolphins and manatees are often spotted. The Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park hosts guided two-hour kayak tours several times a month, highlighting the area's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. You can rent kayaks or bring your own gear, making it accessible for both casual paddlers and more experienced adventurers.

Nature Trail & Butterfly Garden

If you’d rather stay on land, follow the Joe Kenner Nature Trail through the shady coastal hammock. This easy, ¾-mile trail is well marked and maintained, making it perfect for observing songbirds flit through the trees and butterflies drift among native wildflowers. The butterfly garden near the trailhead is a favorite stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Signage throughout the garden helps visitors identify native plants and butterflies, with monarchs, gulf fritillaries, and white peacocks fluttering among colorful blooms year-round.

Birdwatching

Gamble Rogers sits on the eastern section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Along the beach, shorebirds like sandpipers and terns feed in the surf, while the marsh side is home to egrets, herons, and woodpeckers. During spring and fall migration, the park comes alive with warblers and other songbirds passing through. Birders can easily spend hours exploring the different habitats and watching for both resident and migratory species.

Fishing

Anglers will find plenty of options at Gamble Rogers, thanks to its location on a barrier island. Cast from the beach for whiting or red drum, or try surf fishing in the early morning or evening to increase your chances of snaring snook and tarpon during the warmer months. The Intracoastal Waterway offers consistent catches of redfish, trout, and flounder, while the salt marshes are ideal for redfish and black drum. The ranger station can provide up-to-date information on tides, local bait shops, and fishing regulations, helping you plan the perfect outing.

Old Florida Charm

Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area captures the essence of Old Florida — unspoiled, peaceful, and full of natural charm. During your next Flagler Beach getaway, take a short five-minute drive south from The Beach Front Motel and spend a day exploring this coastal gem. You’ll come away refreshed, inspired, and maybe even humming a tune in honor of Gamble himself.