Discovering Coquina: The Cinnamon-Colored Secret of Flagler Beach

There’s something magical about a walk along the Atlantic Ocean here in Flagler Beach. The sand isn’t just sand; it’s a swirl of golden-orange specks that shimmer in the sun. It’s almost like someone dusted cinnamon along the shoreline! What gives Flagler Beach its warm, toasted color isn’t a trick of the light or a camera filter. It’s coquina.

What Is Coquina?
Coquina is a naturally occurring rock made of tiny shell fragments and ancient marine life that have been compacted over thousands of years. These bits and pieces of mollusks, corals, and other sea creatures slowly break down in the ocean, tumble around in the surf, and wash up as sand along the beaches here. In fact, the name “coquina” comes from the Spanish word for “tiny shell” — a pretty fitting description of what makes up this unique sand.

Coquina Rock Formations Along the Coast
But coquina doesn’t stop at just making our beaches stand out. You’ll also find dramatic rock formations made of this material along the northern Florida coastline. These soft, porous rocks have been sculpted by time and tides into all kinds of shapes, from pitted bowls that trap tidepool creatures to wave-like ridges that stretch out across the beach. And you don’t have to go far to see them. There are a few places right near The Beach Front Motel where you can walk out and admire these formations up close.

Where to See Coquina Up Close
One of the best spots to explore is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, just a short drive north. The beach on the ocean side of the park is covered in coquina outcroppings, many of them formed during the Pleistocene era more than 12,000 years ago. When the tide rolls out, small pools form in the hollows of the rocks, and you might spot a crab scuttling across or even a starfish tucked into a shady crevice. Locals call this stretch of coast “The Rocks,” and for good reason — it’s like nature’s own sculpture garden.

If you're in the mood for more exploring, head over to MalaCompra Park or the River to Sea Preserve. Both spots offer beachfront access to coquina formations. These areas aren’t great for swimming (the rocks can be sharp underfoot), but they’re perfect for wandering, wildlife spotting, or just soaking up the beauty of Florida’s coastal geology.

A Rock with a Story to Tell
What makes coquina even more fascinating is its history. Back in the 1600s, the Spanish colonists realized they could quarry this stone and use it for building. One of Florida’s most famous landmarks, the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, is made entirely of coquina. During a siege in 1702, the fort’s soft, shell-packed walls actually absorbed cannon fire instead of shattering — something solid stone forts couldn’t do. That resilience helped protect the city and gave coquina a legendary reputation.

Closer to home, you can learn more about coquina’s role in Flagler Beach’s past at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, where old photos show the coquina-mining operations that once fueled the local cement industry.

A Beach Walk Through Time
So as you’re strolling down the cinnamon-colored beach during your next stay with us at The Beach Front Motel, take a closer look at what’s beneath your feet. The sand and rocks here aren’t just pretty — they’re pieces of Florida’s story, shaped by the sea, sun, and centuries of time.