St. Augustine, known as the nation’s oldest city, is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly vacation, and here we will dive into the perfect St. Augustine itinerary with kids.
With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and fun attractions, it offers the perfect mix of education and entertainment for kids of all ages. Our recent trip to St. Augustine over Presidents’ Day weekend was a relaxing and fun-filled experience, ideal for both younger children and older kids.
Scroll down for a bit about our trip, how to get there, the best time to visit, things to do, places to eat, and a 3 + 5 day itinerary.
We traveled to Saint Augustine in mid-February with our friends and rented an Airbnb, which turned out to be the perfect choice for a kid-friendly getaway. Our group included kids ages 9 and two 2-year-olds, so having a comfortable and well-equipped rental was essential.
The Airbnb came stocked with everything we needed, from kitchen essentials and condiments to extra towels, sand toys, and even a hot tub, making it a great place to unwind after all we did.
The weather was a bit chilly, but we were lucky to have two sunny days that allowed us to visit Butler Beach, just a short drive from our rental. The kids loved playing in the sand, and it was a perfect spot for a relaxed beach day.
Since St. Augustine is a small town, everything was within a short drive, making it easy to explore the best things without long travel times.
The best way to reach St. Augustine is by flying into Jacksonville International Airport, which is about an hour away. Alternatively, families looking for more flight options and potentially lower fares can fly into Orlando International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive.
Renting a car is highly recommended, as many of St. Augustine’s best attractions, including its historic sites and beautiful beaches, are spread out across the area.
Spring is one of the best times to visit St. Augustine, with March, April, and May offering warm but comfortable temperatures.
The spring break season brings lively crowds, but the weather is perfect for beach days and exploring the historic district.
Fall is another excellent time to visit, as the temperatures are cooler, and the summer crowds have thinned out.
While we visited in February and still had a great time, expect cooler temperatures and pack accordingly.
St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, and Crescent Beach are great places to let kids run free and enjoy the sand and surf. Families looking for a quieter experience should check out Vilano Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach for more relaxed beach days.
A favorite among families, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is home to a variety of reptiles, including hundreds of alligators, exotic birds, and even rare albino alligators. There are interactive exhibits, feeding demonstrations, and even a fun zip line course for older kids.
This historic fort, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, offers stunning views of the Matanzas River and plenty of open space for kids to explore the historical site. The daily musket drills and reenactments make history come alive for the young ones.
The best way to see historic St. Augustine is by hopping on the Old Town Trolley Tour or Red Train Tours. These guided tours provide fun facts about the city’s history while allowing families to hop on and off at different attractions, making sightseeing easy with kids. Don’t miss out on walking around St. George street!
For little adventurers, the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is a must-visit. With interactive exhibits, real pirate artifacts, and a treasure hunt, it’s an exciting and educational stop for the entire family.
Older kids will love climbing the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of Anastasia Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The museum also features exhibits on maritime history and shipwreck discoveries.
One of the oldest wax museums in the United States, Potter’s Wax Museum features lifelike figures of historical and pop culture figures. It’s a fun stop for kids who enjoy interactive exhibits and photo opportunities.
Step back in time at the Colonial Quarter, where families can experience what life was like in 18th-century St. Augustine. With live demonstrations, musket drills, and hands-on exhibits, kids will have fun while learning about Florida’s historic coast.
Visit the legendary Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where kids can learn about Spanish explorers, sip from the famous fountain, and see peacocks roaming the grounds.
For some family-friendly competition, Fiesta Falls Mini Golf and Anastasia Miniature Golf offer exciting courses with scenic views and fun obstacles.
Learn interesting facts about Florida’s historic coast at the St. Augustine History Museum and visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, a fun and educational stop for kids.
For a spooky yet fun experience, hop on a family-friendly ghost tour or take a ride on a pirate ship for an interactive adventure at sea.
1. Marineland Dolphin Adventure: Get up close with marine life, feed dolphins, and even participate in interactive swim experiences.
2. St. Augustine History Museum: Learn interesting facts about Florida’s historic coast with hands-on exhibits and fun displays.
3. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse: Step inside a preserved schoolhouse from the 18th century and experience what education was like in colonial times.
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum: Explore bizarre artifacts, optical illusions, and oddities that will be fun for the whole family.
5. Ghost Tours and Haunted Trolley Rides: If your family enjoys a spooky adventure, take a kid-friendly ghost tour and learn about St. Augustine’s haunted history.
6. St. Augustine Aquarium: A great place to learn about marine ecosystems, touch stingrays, and watch shark feedings.
7. Bridge of Lions Scenic Walk: Walk along this iconic bridge and take in stunning views of the Matanzas River and downtown St. Augustine.
8. Treasure Hunt at the Colonial Quarter: Let kids head out on a scavenger hunt to discover hidden treasures around historic St. Augustine.
9. Birdwatching at Anastasia State Park: Take a nature walk and spot local wildlife, including herons, egrets, and pelicans.
10. Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Enjoy a boat tour on the Matanzas River and watch dolphins play in the waves as the sun sets.
11. St. Augustine Distillery Tour (Family-Friendly): While the distillery produces craft spirits, they also offer family-friendly guided tours that highlight Florida’s rich history.
12. Anastasia Watersports Rentals: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes for a fun day on the water at Anastasia State Park.
13. Oldest Store Museum Experience: A living history museum where actors portray shopkeepers selling 19th-century goods.
14. Lightner Museum: Explore this beautiful museum filled with Victorian-era artifacts and interactive exhibits for kids.
15. Splash Pad at St. Augustine Pier: A perfect spot for young children to cool off and play on warm days.
16. Oldest House museum complex offers a guided tour to the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial home in Florida. It has a parking lot attached so you don’t have to worry about finding street parking in downtown St. Augustine.
A local favorite for fresh and flavorful tacos, perfect for a quick and casual meal with the family.
A great lunch or dinner spot with an ocean view, though the food is more about the touristy experience.
A historic dining experience with a stunning interior and delicious Cuban and Spanish cuisine. Reservations recommended.
A must-visit for homemade, locally inspired ice cream flavors in freshly made waffle cones.
A beloved coffee shop serving Australian-style coffee and fresh pastries.
A fantastic brunch spot offering fresh soups, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options.
A highly-rated Peruvian restaurant known for its incredible flavors. Reservations are a must.
A modern Japanese restaurant with delicious drinks and a great dining atmosphere.
A must-stop for fresh, handmade donuts, perfect for a sweet breakfast.
Another top donut shop offering a variety of unique flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
A fun dessert spot serving gourmet waffles and milkshakes, making it a favorite for kids.
A lively gastropub with great food, live music, and a fun atmosphere for families.
A great choice for seafood lovers, with a laid-back beachside vibe.
Start the day with a visit to Castillo de San Marcos, where kids can watch musket drills and explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Afterward, take a ride on the Old Town Trolley Tour, which provides a fun and educational way to see the city while allowing flexibility to hop on and off at various attractions.
Enjoy lunch at Osprey Tacos, a local favorite for delicious tacos with a kid-friendly menu.
In the afternoon, head to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, where kids can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits and a real treasure hunt.
End the day with dinner at Salt Life Food Shack, offering ocean views and casual dining.
Start the morning at St. Augustine Alligator Farm, where kids can watch feeding demonstrations and learn about exotic reptiles.
For lunch, stop by Columbia Restaurant for a classic Spanish dining experience in a beautiful historic setting.
Afterward, take a trip to St. Augustine Beach or Butler Beach, where the kids can play in the sand and enjoy the waves.
If time allows, visit Anastasia State Park for some hiking and birdwatching.
Wrap up the evening with a trip to Mayday Ice Cream for a sweet treat before heading back to the rental.
Spend the morning at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where kids can drink from the legendary spring and explore historical exhibits.
Afterward, take a walk down St. George Street, a pedestrian-friendly area filled with shops, souvenir stores, and street performances.
Grab lunch at Lotus Noodle Bar, known for its flavorful dishes and great ambiance.
In the afternoon, challenge the family to a round of mini golf at Fiesta Falls Mini Golf before wrapping up the trip with dinner at Prohibition Kitchen for delicious burgers and live music.
After arriving in St. Augustine, head straight to Vilano Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Grab lunch at Island Donuts, known for its fresh and creative donut flavors.
Settle into your Airbnb or hotel and enjoy a home-cooked meal for dinner while unwinding from the journey, or better yet, DoorDash something good.
Start the day at Castillo de San Marcos, followed by a stroll through Historic Downtown St. Augustine. Take the kids to Potter’s Wax Museum to see lifelike wax figures and snap fun photos.
Stop for lunch at Ancient City Brunch Bar before heading to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum for an interactive adventure.
Finish the day with dinner at The Kookaburra, a great spot for casual dining and excellent coffee.
Head to Anastasia State Park for an active morning of hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. After working up an appetite, have lunch at Llama Restaurant, one of the best Peruvian spots in town.
Spend the afternoon at Marineland Dolphin Adventure, where kids can interact with dolphins and learn about marine conservation.
End the day with dinner at Sunset Grille, a fantastic place for seafood lovers.
Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, where older kids can climb the stairs to the top for a breathtaking view.
Explore the Colonial Quarter and experience live history demonstrations before grabbing lunch at Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar.
In the afternoon, enjoy a round of mini golf at Anastasia Miniature Golf before capping off the day with dinner at Parlor Donuts and an evening ghost tour for a fun, spooky adventure.
Before heading home, explore St. George Street, browsing souvenir shops and stopping for a coffee at The Kookaburra.
Pick up hand-carved rings or other artisan crafts as unique keepsakes from your trip.
If time allows, visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse for a quick educational stop before heading to the airport.
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St. Augustine is a perfect place for a family vacation, offering a mix of history, outdoor fun, and family-friendly attractions.
The city’s walkable historic downtown area, beautiful beaches, and engaging museums make it easy to keep kids entertained while also providing plenty of opportunities for learning and adventure.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, St. Augustine offers something for the whole family to enjoy.
Want more? Plan your next family trip to the Rocky Mountains!
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