A1A is one of America's great coastal drives — a two-lane road that hugs the Atlantic from Jacksonville all the way to Miami. From Palm Coast, you're perfectly positioned to run it in both directions. Here's how to make the most of it in the Rubicon.
Why A1A Is the Perfect Jeep Drive
A1A was built for open vehicles. The road runs right along the coast — sometimes within feet of the ocean — with salt air, palm trees, and the Atlantic filling your peripheral vision the entire way. With the Rubicon's roof back and the windows down, it's the kind of drive that makes you forget you had anywhere to be.
Starting Point: Palm Coast
From 33 Putter Drive, you're about 10 minutes from A1A at Flagler Beach. This is your on-ramp to everything. Head north for St. Augustine, south for Daytona. Either direction is worth the drive.
A1A North Route — Crescent Beach & St. Augustine
Heading north, A1A takes you through Marineland, Crescent Beach, and into the historic district of St. Augustine. The drive is about 45 minutes and passes some of the most scenic stretches of Florida coastline. Stop at Crescent Beach for a walk, then continue into St. Augustine for lunch on St. George Street.
A1A South Route — Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach & Daytona
Heading south, A1A winds through Flagler Beach — one of the most charming small beach towns in Florida — then continues through Ormond Beach and into Daytona. The Flagler Beach pier is worth a stop. From there, it's a straight shot to Daytona Beach where you can drive right onto the sand.
Jeep Tips for the A1A Drive
The Rubicon is ideal for A1A. Drop the soft top before you leave the house — it takes about 60 seconds. Bring sunscreen; the Florida sun is intense even at speed. Fill up in Palm Coast before you go; gas stations on A1A are sparse in some stretches.
Dog-Friendly Stops Along A1A
Flagler Beach is extremely dog-friendly — dogs are welcome on the beach year-round. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (just north of Palm Coast) allows leashed dogs on the trails and the coquina rock shoreline. Crescent Beach has a quiet stretch that's perfect for a quick dog run.
Perfect A1A Jeep Day Plan
- 7:00amLeave 33 Putter Drive with coffee, dogs in the back, roof down.
- 7:15amHit A1A at Flagler Beach. Stop for a sunrise walk on the pier.
- 9:00amContinue north to Washington Oaks for a trail walk.
- 11:00amArrive St. Augustine. Lunch on St. George Street, walk the fort.
- 2:00pmHead back south on A1A. Stop at Crescent Beach for a swim.
- 5:00pmBack at the house. Hot tub. Dogs exhausted. Perfect day.
A1A is the kind of drive that reminds you why Florida exists. From Palm Coast, you have the whole coast in both directions. The Rubicon makes it effortless.