TRAVEL GUIDE FOR ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA: A FAMILY TREASURE TROVE
Hello, fellow travel enthusiasts and wanderlust families! Have you been dreaming about a place that blends American history with oceanside fun, peppered with enchantment? Look no further—our travel guide for St. Augustine, Florida, a magical spot, will be the answer you were looking for.
It’s a timeless city that hums with tales of the past, where every cobblestone and corner spins a yarn of yesteryear. Say hello to Florida’s Historic Coast.
Family Fun in the Nation’s Oldest City
This is different from your regular history lesson. St. Augustine dubbed the “Nation’s Oldest City,” is a living museum where every street, building, and breeze is steeped in tales of bygone days. The city has welcomed folks since it was first settled by Europeans, making it the oldest continually inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.
And did I mention it’s an utterly jaw-dropping city? Picture this: You’re strolling through Flagler College —which, by the way, could easily pass for a Spanish palace—snapping family pics that are sure to be frame-worthy.
Or you’re wandering down St. George Street, a buzzing pedestrian-only thoroughfare dotted with quirky shops, mouthwatering eateries, and even bars for that craft beer you’ve been craving.
Where the Past Meets the Present
Imagine touching the walls of the Lightner Museum, which once were part of an opulent Henry Flagler hotel where the crème de la crème came to see and be seen. Nowadays, those walls are adorned with Tiffany windows and show-stopping murals that hark back to an era of grandeur and grace.
Walk in the footsteps of the Spanish explorers at the historic Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. It’s not just a legend—it’s a 15-acre 500-year-old playground where history comes alive. Visitors sip the spring water to allegedly restore their youth. It didn’t work for me, and it tastes pretty nasty, but you be you.
I am always intrigued by anything having to do with the National Park Service, so Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental US, is a must. This Spanish stone fortress is well preserved, and the oldest structure in St. Augustine. Tickets are $15 for adults, and good for seven days.
Watch your kids marvel at cannons firing over the serene Matanzas Bay waterfront, and be sure to capture their fascination with the free-roaming peacocks. This interactive spectacle spans five centuries and is as educational as it is thrilling.
Pro Tip: You may want to bring ear protection for the real little ones.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Moments
Foodies, rejoice! St. Augustine’s culinary scene is as eclectic as its history. From the homey Southern charm of The Floridian’s pulled pork BBQ waffles to Catch 27’s fresh seafood delights, your taste buds are in for a treat.
And Michael’s Tasting Room? It’s an upscale treasure where gourmet burgers and wines are in abundance. Special memories can be made at The Columbia Restaurant, serving amazing Cuban specialties.
Read more about the awesome food in St. Augustine in this informative post.
A Gastronomic Journey with Savory Faire Food Tours
What’s a family vacation without good eats? The Savory Faire Food Tour will take you on a three-hour walk-and-nibble that’s as educational as it is mouth-watering. From savory hummus and pita bread at Cafe Alcazar to sweet indulgences at Claude’s Chocolates, you’ll know why this tour’s reputation precedes it. My tour featured six stops.
Treats for the Taste Buds!
Swing by Peace Pie for a taste of heaven sandwiched between cookies. Their gourmet ice cream sandwiches (bananas foster, key lime pie, pumpkin latte, and more) are the talk of the town.
Are you craving something with a little kick? Next door, the Forgotten Tonic offers handcrafted cocktails for the grown-ups to enjoy. Don’t worry; they’ve got an ambiance that caters to all!
The Heartbeat of Downtown
Imagine strolling through bustling streets, where laughter and the chime of boutique doorbells fill the air. Downtown St. Augustine is alive with sidewalk cafes sporting the day’s best brews and treats, set against a backdrop of gorgeous architecture.
Don’t forget to visit the Andrew Young Crossing to honor moments of our past while the war cannons and monuments provide that perfect ‘say cheese’ moment for your family album.
Artistic Gems and Seaside Inspirations
A hidden splendor of St. Augustine, the Lost Art Gallery on historic George Street is a treasure chest of breathtaking art from across the globe. Just next door, sea lovers will be enchanted by the Sea Spirits Gallery & Gifts, where ocean-themed jewelry and ornate creations marry craftsmanship with maritime charm.
An Animal Adventure Awaits at Alligator Farm
The Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a treasure trove of awe and inspiration. Here, you can marvel at hundreds of alligators and crocodiles and an incredible array of wildlife, including lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, and birds.
Zip lining over the tree canopy? Absolutely! It’s where nature and adventure meet, creating experiences that will be etched in your family’s holiday memory bank.
A Wax-tastic Start at Potter’s Wax Museum
Potter’s Wax Museum is a touristy but incredibly appealing attraction in St. Augustine, where history and pop culture stand still – quite literally! Here, celebrities and historical figures crafted from wax will greet you, each one born from the skilled hands of a master artist.
You’ll even catch sight of Harry Potter himself, take a step back to Henry VIII’s era, or salute the Founding Fathers. With nearly 150 figures, you’ll find your favorites, guaranteed!
Endless Entertainment for Every Age
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not, wonder and weirdness collide, bringing forth an exhibition of oddities that will bewilder and delight. And who can resist a round of mini-golf at Fiesta Falls, complete with a towering Spanish ship?
Rainy day or not, the St. Augustine Aquarium is a splash hit for kids of all ages. Sharks, rays, and vibrant reef fish (over 200) await your curious explorers. Plus, you can even don a snorkel and get up close with underwater residents, as well as feed sharks and touch horseshoe crabs.
Before you bid adieu to this coastal jewel, take a drive over the iconic Bridge of Lions. Snap a family selfie with sweeping views of the bay, then venture to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
Ascend 219 steps and be rewarded with vistas that stretch out to forever.
Hop-On, Hop-Off & Discover!
Maximize your discovery time with Old Town Trolley Tours. With tickets that offer on-and-off privileges at 22 stops, you’re in control, zipping from one attraction to the next on a clean and exciting ride.
Opt for the narrated tour for fascinating tidbits about the city. Your ticket gives you access to the St. Augustine History Museum, the Alligator Farm, and the beach shuttle!
When the Sun Sets: Ghosts and Gravestones
Are you intrigued by supernatural stories? St. Augustine’s Ghosts and Gravestones Tour is your ticket to a spooktacular evening. The Old Jail (1891), San Marcos National Monument, and St. Augustine Lighthouse are a few of the eerie sites you’ll explore as you unravel the ghostly tales chain-linking the city’s past.
FYI: The Haunted Evening Stroll has been voted Florida’s #1 guided tour.
Cozy Corners: St. Francis Inn
Step into America’s oldest inn, St. Francis Inn, nestled on picturesque St. George Street. Families can choose from an array of room options to match their needs. This place is a slice of paradise, with a heated pool, charming gardens, and plenty of amenities, from complimentary breakfast and evening social hour to bicycle use.
Grande Villas: Your Spacious Retreat
Grande Villas at Golf World Village (part of Bluegreen Timeshares) is just a short jaunt off I-95 for those craving peace away from city vibes. With manicured lawns, a refreshing pool, and modern rooms, it’s a perfect home base for families.
Although there’s no restaurant onsite, the surrounding area promises plenty of culinary delights. Pets are not allowed.
Read more of our Florida posts:
10 Things You’ll Love About Mount Dora
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