FLATED Roadtrip! Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday in St. Augustine

There are few better places to celebrate America's birthday than St. Augustine, Florida. As the nation's oldest city, it's a destination filled with history, beautiful coastlines, and endless opportunities to get outside.

For this FLATED Roadtrip!, Ken Hoeve, co-founder of FLATED®, loaded up his truck and headed to Florida's historic coast to celebrate America's 250th birthday the best way he knows how—exploring new places, spending time on the water, and enjoying a classic Fourth of July adventure.

Exploring the Nation's Oldest City

The trip began with a walk through the streets of St. Augustine. From historic buildings and waterfront views to local shops and restaurants, it's easy to see why this city continues to be one of Florida's most popular destinations.

Every corner has a story, and it's the perfect place to slow down for a bit before heading back outside for the next adventure.

Paddle Board Fishing Along the Coast

No FLATED Roadtrip! would be complete without getting out on the water.

Ken launched his paddle board and spent the morning fishing along the Florida coastline. Paddle board fishing offers a unique way to explore shallow water, quietly moving from spot to spot while taking in the scenery.

It's one of Ken's favorite ways to experience a new destination, combining adventure with the challenge of finding the next bite.

Climbing One of Florida's Most Iconic Lighthouses

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting one of St. Augustine's most recognizable landmarks—the lighthouse.

After making the climb to the top, Ken was rewarded with incredible views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the city below, and miles of Florida coastline. It's a reminder that sometimes the best views are worth a few extra steps.

Finding the Hidden Fishing Spots

While the popular attractions are always worth seeing, some of the best moments came while exploring the quieter side of St. Augustine.

Ken spent time searching for lesser-known fishing spots tucked away from the crowds. These hidden areas offered a chance to slow down, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and spend a few hours doing what he loves most.

It's these kinds of discoveries that often become the most memorable parts of a road trip.

Celebrating the Fourth on the Water

To finish the trip, Ken spent Independence Day exactly where he wanted to be—on the water.

The day included time on both a jet ski and a boat, taking advantage of the warm Florida weather before finding the perfect place to watch the evening's fireworks.

As the sun went down, boats gathered along the waterfront and the sky came alive with an incredible Fourth of July fireworks display. Watching the celebration from the water made for the perfect ending to a week filled with adventure.

Adventure Is Everywhere

This road trip is a great reminder that some of the best adventures don't require crossing remote mountain ranges or venturing deep into the wilderness. Sometimes they're found exploring a historic coastal town, discovering a new fishing spot, or spending a holiday with friends and family on the water.

Whether you're truck camping for the weekend or planning a cross-country journey, FLATED gear helps make every trip easier, giving you more time to enjoy the places and people that make the adventure worthwhile.

Watch the full video to join Ken as he explores St. Augustine, paddle board fishes along the coast, climbs to the top of the lighthouse, uncovers hidden fishing spots, and celebrates America's 250th birthday with an unforgettable Fourth of July on the water.