bridge for saint Augustine with kids

Exploring St. Augustine FL with kids

Exploring the town of St. Augustine, FL with kids will take you back in time, let you get in touch with nature, and help you relax with ocean breezes.

St. Augustine is located in the northeast part of Florida, along the Atlantic coast.  A quick 45-minute drive from Jacksonville makes St. Augustine the perfect day trip to relax or have some fun.  It is also less than 2 hours away from Orlando International airport.

Holding the title of Oldest City in America, St. Augustine has a lot to explore.  It has been the site of Native American communities dating back over 2,000 years.  The Spanish first discovered it when Ponce de Leon, a Spanish conquistador, explored the area in 1513.  St. Augustine was founded as a fort and colony in 1565, making it the oldest European city established in the US and the longest continuously occupied city ever since.

Note: This post on Exploring St. Augustine with Kids has affiliate links from trusted partners and websites such as Amazon, and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).

There are so many fun and educational activities in St. Augustine to do with kids that it will be hard to fit them into just a day or even a weekend. 

History in St. Augustine with kids

saint Augustine fl with kids, san Marcos fort

Castillo de San Marco National Monument:

Castle? Fort?  How about both?  The Castillo de San Marco is a main attraction in St. Augustine to see with kids.  The oldest stone masonry fort constructed in the US, Castillo de San Marco is built from a special limestone composite rock called coquina.  This porous rock is made of tiny clam shells fused together over thousands of years.

St. Augustine with kids, old fort

The Spanish constructed the fort from 1672-1695 and used the only rock available in the area, the coquina.  This turned out to be an amazing defense material.  When cannons were fired at the fort, they either bounced off or were absorbed.  Think of it like your kid (the cannon) running into a foam pit (the coquina walls) at the jump park.

Photo credit: Aaron Shaner

This national monument has lots to explore.  You can check out the historic weapons, see the moat (point for Team Castle), and talk with park rangers and costumed volunteers who can answer questions.  The Castillo de San Marco also offers the National Parks Jr. Ranger Program.  My kids love doing the Jr. Ranger Program whenever we visit a national park.  As you explore the fort, fill out the required pages and at the end of your adventure kids are sworn in and receive Jr. Ranger badges.

Plan your visit:

Allow 1-2 hours at the park

Operating Hours: 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day) 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Adults $15 (valid for 7 days), Children (15 and under)- Free

Website: https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

saint Augustine with kids, fountain of youth sign

Fountain of Youth:

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is an educational and functional site.  Try to turn back time by tasting the mineral-rich water at the Fountain of Youth spring house.  Then learn about the Native American people, the Timucuan,  who inhabited the area for thousands of years.  No visit to St. Augustine with kids would be complete without watching a cannon display, which is demonstrated every hour at the park.  From peacocks and a planetarium to blacksmith exhibits and archaeological excavation sites, the Fountain of Youth will spark curiosity and wonder for grown-ups and kids alike.

Plan your visit:

Free parking.  Bring food or purchase BBQ on site

Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

Cost: Adults- $19.95, Children (6-12)- $9.95, Children (5 and under)- Free

Website: https://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/

St. Augustine with kids, Fountain of Youth, man at fountain

photo credit: Aaron Shaner, faithandfamilytravel.com

Pirate and Treasure Museum:

Hop aboard the Pirate and Treasure Museum and step back in time 300 years when piracy was in its heyday.  Learn about pirates such as Sir Frances Drake and how they shaped life for colonists in St. Augustine.  With a collection of over 800 artifacts and treasures and interactive exhibits, the Pirate and Treasure Museum is a great attraction to see in St. Augustine with the kiddos. 

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily (Closed Christmas day)

Cost: Adults- $18.99, Children (5-12)- $9.99

Website:https://www.thepiratemuseum.com/

saint Augustine fl with kids, shipwreck

Shipwreck Museum:

Florida and St. Augustine are no strangers to storms and hurricanes.  Over the hundreds of years, many ships have sunk to the bottom of the sea.  St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum offers a unique look into the treasures of the deep.  Marvel at artifacts from some of the world’s most famous shipwrecks such as the Titanic and the Spanish Fleet from 1715.  The museum’s interactive exhibits let you feel immersed in the shipwreck discovery without having to get wet.

The Shipwreck Museum also offers a fun way for families to experience St. Augustine together.  Purchase a virtual Treasure Hunt that offers clues to locations around town.  Each time you find a new location you earn virtual gold coins.  These coins can be redeemed for sunken treasure at the museum gift shop at the end of your hunt.   The chase is on! 

Plan your visit:

Treasure Hunts begin and end at the Shipwreck Museum gift shop.

Operating Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Cost: Museum:Adults: $15, Children (11-17)- $10, Children (10 and under)- Free

Treasure Hunt: $20.00 for 72 hours

Website: https://staugustinemuseum.com/

Groupon Deal: Admission for 2: $19.50/Admission for 4: $39

468*60

Colonial Quarter:

The Colonial Quarter is a living history museum that lets you step back in time to imagine life during the Spanish colony in St. Augustine.  From working blacksmiths to live rifle demonstrations, this family-friendly experience allows you to see the past in a new way.  Visitors can climb the 35-foot Spanish watchtower for an awesome view of Castillo de San Marco across the street.  After a taste of history, you can grab lunch or dinner at the Quarter’s 3 restaurants; take your pick of an English pub, Spanish tavern, or seafood grub. 

The Colonial Quarter also offers regular live music and improv comedy nights.  If your family enjoys music, check out the events schedule to see if there is an artist that you might all enjoy.  Best of all, these concerts are free! 

Plan your visit:

Daily History Tours are at 10:30 am, 12:00, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm

Operation Hours: Open daily (closed Christmas day)

Cost: Museum: Adults- $14.99, Children (5-12) $8.99, Children (under 5)- Free

Concerts: Free

Website: https://colonialquarter.com/

Oldest Store Museum Experience:

Go from Spanish colonial to early 20th century America and you have the Oldest Store Museum Experience.  This museum was originally a store built because of the Flagler boom.  When Henry Flagler came to Florida bringing railroads and opening hotels, stores and businesses came with him to meet the needs of supplies for the construction and workers.  The Oldest Store Museum Experience lets you wander through fun and unusual items from the turn of the 20th century, while tour guides in character take you back in time to “shop” bygone era goods.

Plan your visit:

Parking is free if you also visit the Old Jail Museum

Operation Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (except on specific holidays)

Cost: Adults- $13.14, Children- (4-12) $8.08, Children- (under 4) Free

Website: https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/oldest-store-museum

saint augustine fl with kids, ariel view of st augustine

St. Augustine History Museum:

If you’re short on time or attention spans, the St. Augustine History Museum gives you a brief overview of the 400 years of history in the town.  Children will enjoy seeing dolls and toys from 100 years ago and looking at treasures washed up on the Florida coast.

Plan your visit:

Admission to the museum is FREE if you purchase an Old Town Trolley Tour.

Operating Hours: Open daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Cost: Adults- $6.07, Children- (5-12) $5.06, Children (under 5)- Free

Website: https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/history-museum-stop

saint Augustine fl with kids, house

Oldest House Museum:

The St. Augustine Historical Society runs the Oldest House Museum Complex.  They have preserved for the public some of the oldest continuously standing houses in Florida.  Many of these homes are constructed from the coquina rock that was used to build the Castillo de San Marco.

With your admission, you can take a guided tour of the Oldest House as well as five other museums and exhibits.  If you like riding the waves, be sure to see the Surf Culture Museum and be inspired to try your luck at surfing in St. Augustine.

Plan your visit:

Guided tours run every half hour

Operation Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Adults- $10, Family- (2 adults + 2 children under age 18) $23

Website: https://staughs.com/

saint Augustine with kids, old jail statues

Old Jail Museum:

If you were wandering the streets of St. Augustine, you might just walk right by the Old Jail.  This is because it’s disguised, and that was done on purpose.  When Henry Flagler built his grand Ponce de Leon Hotel he also had a jail built.  This Romanesque Revival style building housed criminals up until the mid-1950s.

Today visitors can tour the jail with costumed guides who give you a feel of what it was like to ‘do time’ at this unique penitentiary.  You can tour the maximum security cell and learn about the infamous Sheriff Joe Perry.  If you like spooky and scary, the Old Jail is also included in the St. Augustine Ghost Tour.  The Old Jail is a fun and different attraction to see in St. Augustine with kids.

Plan your visit:

Tours last 30 minutes

Operation Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Cost: Adults- $15.16, Children- (4-12) $9.09, Children- (under 4) Free

Website: https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/old-jail


Vrbo

Ft. Mose State Historic Park:

Ft. Mose State Historic Park is known for being the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in the US.  Established in 1738, the king of Spain created this colony for Africans escaping slavery from British colonies.  This was during the power struggle to see who would have European dominance over North America.  The king required settlers to swear allegiance to the Spanish crown and convert to Catholicism.  It is believed that around 100 Africans made a new life in this free settlement in St. Augustine. 

Today guests to the park can learn more at the interactive visitor center.  There is also a First Saturday Monthly Military Muster that takes place at the park.  Visitors young and old can watch musket firings and kids and take part in the children’s militia training.

Ft. Mose is also a great place to enjoy nature.  There are many trails and boardwalks that allow you to get out and enjoy the natural ecosystems.  Birding is especially popular and 107 species of birds have been spotted in the park.  This is because Ft. Mose is on the migration route for many east coast bird species.  You can take a guided bird-watching tour with a ranger at various times throughout the month.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park

Looking for more family friendly destinations? 

Check out our Fun Family Weekend Getaways in Asheville NC post.  

Nature for the family in St. Augustine

St Augustine with kids, alligator

Alligator Farm:

When you think of Florida, alligators might definitely come to mind; they are native to the area.  Although you don’t want to come across them in the wild, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a great way to experience these large and in charge animals up close.  This reptile park began back in 1893, and today is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. 

In addition to the massive amount of alligators and crocodiles, the park has snakes, exotic birds, lemurs, and sloths.

If you want to go wild, then try out the farm’s 2 ropes courses.  The shorter course takes about 45 minutes to complete and the longer course is 90 minutes.  Both courses have zip lines that fly you over the alligator enclosures!  This unique zoo is a great family-friendly attraction in St. Augustine.

Plan your visit:

Visit the website to print a $1.00 off coupon for up to 6 guests.

Operating Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Farm: Adults- $34.99, Children- (3-12) $19.99

Zip-lines: Sepik River Course – $38.00
Nile River Course – $68.00

Website: https://www.alligatorfarm.com/

saint Augustine fl with kids, family on bikes

Anastasia State Park:

This beautiful state park protects the many different ecosystems within its 1600 acres.  From white sand beaches to tidal marshes to the coquina quarry, Anastasia State Park is for nature lovers.  There are many ways to experience the wildlife and have fun at the park.

-take a hike

-bike on the beach

-go geocaching

-bird watching

-kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding

-beach-combing and shell collecting

-swim in the ocean

-surf or boogie boarding (my family’s personal favorite beach activity)

-picnic and play on the 3 playgrounds in the park

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: 8:00 am to sunset

Cost: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

St Augustine with kids, scenic cruise boat

St. Augustine Scenic Cruise:

See St. Augustine and its surrounding areas from a different perspective.  The St. Augustine Scenic Cruise takes guests on a 75-minute tour from the Matanzas River into Matanzas Bay and up into Salt Run.   Some notable sights would include the Bridge of Lions, the Castillo de San Marco, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.   Bring your binoculars to spot some native wading birds, alligators, or turtles in the salt marshes.  The Scenic Cruise is pet friendly and offers drinks and snacks during the tour.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Closed Sept. 6- Oct. 14, Open all other days.  Cruises run at 11am, 1pm, 2:45pm, 4:30pm, and 6:45pm

Cost: Adults- $20.75, Children- (4-12) $9.75

Website: https://scenic-cruise.com/

saint Augustine fl with kids, two kids snorkeling

St. Augustine Aquarium:

To get up close with sharks and stingrays, try the St. Augustine Aquarium.  They offer tours with a Marine Biologist which include feeding sharks and stingrays.  There are also exhibits on seahorses, eels, pufferfish, and lionfish.  Want a fun souvenir for the kids from St. Augustine?  The St. Augustine Aquarium offers a shark painting experience for canvas or t-shirts.  Children as young as 4 can take part in the Snorkel Adventures where you can swim with Florida reef fish.

Plan your visit:

Guided tours last 1 hour

Operating Hours: Tuesday thru Friday for guided tours, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Cost: Aquarium: Adults- $14.99, Children- $9.99

Snorkel Adventures: Adults and Children- $49.99

Website: https://www.saaquarium.com/

Groupon Deal: $24.99 For 1 Admission Ticket & 1 Snorkeling Adventure For 1 Person

saint Augustine fl with kids, Matanzas reserve

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve:

The GTMNERR will let your family enjoy a quiet day in nature and see science at work.  This area is part of the National Estuarine Research Reserves, and scientists are using this land to monitor things like water quality, marsh vegetation, and plankton.  Learn about marine research at the Environmental Education Center and the Visitor Center, and enjoy nature hikes and time at the beach.  Each Saturday the GTMNERR has family activities to educate and get adults and children involved in science and ocean life.  This is a great, budget-friendly activity in St. Augustine.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Visitor Center open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Beach and hiking trails are open daily from 8:00 am to sunset

Cost: $3 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

Website: https://gtmnerr.org/

Architecture of St. Augustine

saint Augustine fl with kids, Flager rotunda

Flagler College:

Henry Flagler, a millionaire and tycoon of the early 20th century, built the lavish Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustine in 1888.  This grand resort was constructed in the Spanish Renaissance style and included post features such as Tiffany stained glass windows and Austrian crystal chandeliers.  Today students at Flagler college enjoy these beautiful features in the college dining area.

It is definitely worth a stop for a tour led by student docents to admire the opulent architecture of this historic landmark.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Hourly tours daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, but are subject to change

Cost: $16 per person

saint Augustine fl with kids, Lightner Museum

Lightner Museum:

Another architectural masterpiece commissioned by Henry Flagler as a hotel during the 1880s, the Lightner Museum is now an archive for art and culture in St. Augustine.  The museum hosts an eclectic collection of artifacts and art pieces that will inspire curiosity.  While you are enjoying the beautiful works of art, have a snack at Cafe Alcazar.  The cafe is located at the bottom of the former indoor pool of the Alcazar Hotel.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours:

Cost: Adults- $17, Children- (12-17) $10, Children- (11 and under) Free

Website: https://lightnermuseum.org/

saint Augustine fl with kids, lighthouse

Lighthouse and Maritime Museum:

There has been a light tower in St. Augustine for over 400 years, starting with a wooden watchtower.  With more shipwrecks happening along the east coast of the St. Augustine colony, the need for a lighthouse grew.  Over time the lighthouse tower grew in height.  Beginning as a 30-foot tower, the lighthouse is now 165 feet tall.

Over the years, the lighthouse light has evolved as well.  In the early 1800s, a simple lamp and reflective mirror were used to act as a beacon.  Later a more sophisticated design was commissioned from France.  The light has changed from using whale oil to kerosene to now electricity.  Today the lighthouse still is part of an “aid-to-navigate” system for maritime transportation and military activities.

The Maritime museum has hundreds of artifacts and archeological studies from the lighthouse and the surrounding area.  You can see the original Fresnel Lenses that were the best technology during the 19th century.  There are many other fun exhibits for children and parents to explore, such as:

the lighthouse keeper’s home

butterfly garden

heritage boat works

World War II lookouts

sailing shipyard play area. 

Don’t miss the chance to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse.

Plan your visit:

Admission tickets include Daily Demos and a Maritime Hammock Scavenger Hunt.

Children must be 44 inches to climb the lighthouse.  Children smaller than 44 inches get free admission and their adult gets a half-price ticket.

Guided tours are also available.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Cost: Adults- $14.95, Children- (12 and under) $12.95

Website: https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/

Tours


saint Augustine fl with kids, old town trolley

Old Town Trolley Tour

The Old Town Trolley tour is a great way to get your fill of history in the Oldest Town in the US.  The trolley makes 22 stops on the open-air, hop on hop off style trolley.  Your ticket also grants free admission to the St. Augustine History Museum.  They offer shuttle services to the Alligator Farm, the beach, or your hotel.  Plan your trip around the stops on this tour and save on parking and gas.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed Christmas day)

Cost: $38.48

Website: http://shrsl.com/3pcoy

Walking Ghost Tour of St. Augustine

The Walking Ghost Tour of St. Augustine is a not-so-scary ghost tour that is great for families.  The Oldest City in the US has lots of spooky tales to tell.  Your tour guide will lead you through haunted graveyards and the Old Fort, and share the stories of local legends.  Enjoy an evening full of comedy and creepy ghost stories that will make for a memorable night in St. Augustine with kids.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Tours run daily, every 20 minutes from 7:00 pm to 9:40 pm

Cost: $25

Website: http://shrsl.com/3pe93


Saint Augustine fl with kids, chocolates

St. Augustine’s Not Just A Chocolate Tour

If you want to indulge in a sweet treat, but can’t seem to choose from the variety St. Augustine has to offer, then let the guides from St. Augustine’s Not Just a Chocolate Tour show you the way.  The walking tour takes you past some of St. Augustine’s most significant landmarks, and your guide gives lots of fun facts while offing 5 different types of treats from around historic St. George Street.  Possible treats might include:

+truffles  +pralines  +Hippo pops  +brownies  +macarons

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Tours daily at 10:30 am

Cost: $79

Website: http://shrsl.com/3peb4


Wander Wisely

St Augustine Shared Golf Cart Tour

Learn about the historic city from the comfort of a golf cart.  Relax and enjoy the open air while your guide shares the history and architecture of St. Augustine.  Several site admissions are included in the tour.  This is a breezy way to learn about St. Augustine with kids.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Open daily, tours run at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm

Cost: $29

Website:http://shrsl.com/3ped2

Airboat Adventure Tour:


saint Augustine fl with kids, airboat

To experience Florida’s wetlands you should get out there in it.  With Sea Dragon Airboat Adventures, you will find a unique way to be in nature.  Your guided tour includes headphones to hear about the area’s native plants and animals.  Watch for alligators, turtles, and birds during your 1.5-hour tour.  This is a great activity for families who want to avoid busy tourist attractions.

Plan your visit:

Remember, Florida gets hot!  Choose the earlier tour for the chance to see more animals.

Operating Hours: Open daily, tours at 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm

Cost: $79.95

Website: http://shrsl.com/3pmf4

Digital Scavenger Hunt Tour:

Explore St. Augustine as a family with a digital scavenger hunt.  Answer questions to find clues as you make your way through the historic city.  Take pictures and have lots of laughs as you complete your hunt at your own speed from the convenience of your phone.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: self-guided phone app, anytime at your own pace

Cost: $12.31

Website: http://shrsl.com/3peea

Just for fun

saint Augustine fl with kids, pirate ship

Black Raven Pirate Ship:

This fully immersive experience lets you and your family become pirates and ride aboard a real pirate ship.  Chase down the notorious pirate, Blackbeard, and experience a cannon battle on the high seas, fight the pirates for treasure and share the booty at the end.  The Black Raven has laughs and learning on the 1.5-hour Treasure Hunt tour.  This would make a very memorable experience in St. Augustine with kids.

Plan your trip:

Operating Hours: Open daily, tours run at 2:15 pm and 6:15 pm

Cost: Adults- $39.95, Children (3-12)- $29.95, Children (under 3)- $9.95, Family Pack (2 adults, 2 children)- $125.82

Website: https://www.blackravenadventures.com/

Potter’s Wax Museum:

George L. Potter became fascinated with wax figures and started commissioning artists to create them back in 1949.  Today you can visit the Potter Wax Museum with the family in St. Augustine.  The museum has 160 historical and pop culture figures.  It claims to be the oldest wax museum in the oldest pharmacy building in the US.  Find out how these statues are made by an artisan on-site.   

If you like spooky, they have a Ghosts & Gravestones St. Augustine experience called the Potter’s Wax Chamber of Horrors.

Plan your visit:

Operating Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Adults- $14.16, Children (4-12)- $8.08, Children (under 4)- Free

Website: https://www.potterswaxmuseum.com/

saint Augustine with kids, Ripley's believe it or not sign

Ripley’s Believe It or Not:

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium is a fun and unique experience for the family.  The strange but true collection of artifacts and pictures create a sensational museum.  With 14 different galleries, there is plenty of crazy concoctions to enjoy so plan for 1-2 hours to go through it all. 

In addition to the museum, Ripley’s also offers a Red Train Tour that take you around the city.  This 1 hour tour is fully guided and will give you information about 100 sites. 

There is also a Ghost Tour available in the Ripely’s building.  This experience searching for the paranormal can be intense, so it is only for ages 8 and older.

Ripley’s also offers mini golf at the Bayfront Mini Golf Course.  Have fun with a great view on this course listed on the  National Register of Historic Places.

Plan your visit:

Tickets for these experiences are encouraged to be made online.

Museum:

Operating Hours: Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Adults- $23.00, Children (4-12) $12.99, Children (under 4)- free

Red Train:

Operating Hours: Open daily at 10:00 am

Cost: $23.99

Museum + Train Combo: $37.98

Ripely’s Haunted Castle Investigation:

Operating Hours: Beginning at 7:00 pm

Cost: $27.00

Bayfront Mini Golf:

Operating Hours: Open Sunday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: Adults- $11.99, Children (4-11)- $8.99

Website:  https://www.ripleys.com/staugustine/

Beaches

saint Augustine fl with kids, beach boardwalk

Vilano Beach

Just north of St. Augustine is Vilano Beach.  This sandy beach is known for its casual atmosphere, clean water, and family-friendly vibe.  Vilano Beach is pet friendly too.  You can drive on the beach and park for $10.  There are many relaxed restaurants to choose.  There is a public pier and fishing is permitted on the beach or on the Tolomato River.

Crescent Beach

Just 3 miles south of St. Augustine is Crescent beach.  This small community has beaches that are perfect for walking, bike riding, or horseback riding.  Lifeguards are on site seasonally and Crescent Beach Park offers restrooms and picnic tables.  Limited beach access is available for vehicles.

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is a nice beach for families and kids.  It is located 4 miles south of the town of St. Augustine.  Many amenities include a splash pad, a visitor’s center, and showers.  Parents can have a great time in St. Augustine with kids by surfing, boogie boarding, or fishing at the beach.  Lifeguards are on site seasonally.

Where to Eat

saint Augustine fl with kids, burger

Columbia Restaurant

The Spanish-Cuban restaurant fits right into the Spanish heritage and architecture of St. Augustine.  Columbia Restaurant offers a substantial menu full of Latin-inspired options such as Paella “Espanola,” Boliche “Criollo,” and Empanadas de Picadillo.  Located in the Historic District, the Columbia is a unique dining experience for the family.

Website: https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

One Twenty Three Burger House

Burgers.  Pizza.  Ice cream.  I mean, really.  The menu sells itself to anyone in St. Augustine with kids.  There is a burger for everyone including some delicious sandwiches like bison burgers, blackened Mahi, and pulled pork bbq.  Ice cream cones, shakes, and sundaes make for a sweet treat or a delightful dessert at the end of the meal.

Website: http://www.onetwentythreeburgerhouse.com/

Sunset Grille

This easy breezy restaurant is located across the street from the oceanfront along St. Augustine Beach.  The second-floor seating is open-air and offers a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.  Locals and tourists alike come to Sunset Grille to start the weekend.  The menu has salads, sandwiches, and pasta, but be sure to enjoy some seafood and drinks to get the full experience.

Website: https://www.sunsetgrillea1a.com/

Where to Stay

saint Augustine fl with kids, family camping

VRBO

Rentals are a great option for families because you can have the space of separate rooms, make your own food, and enjoy a home-like experience while traveling.  St. Augustine offers a ton of VRBO options.  From beachfront condos to historic homes downtown, there are options for large families; many are pet-friendly.

Website: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100674346-10697641

Anastasia State Park Camping

Get into nature and go camping at Anastasia State Park.  The campground has 139 spots, some of which are paved.  All campsites are a quick walk from the beach and have electric and water hookups.  The park also has a lending library for bedtime story books.  May through October is sea turtle hatching season.  Your family may be able to view nocturnal hatchings.  Check with park rangers.

Website: https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/web/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx

Guy Harvey Resort

The Guy Harvey Resort offers plenty of amenities and reasonable room prices.  The resort is an appealing place in St. Augustine for families because of the restaurants on property, outdoor pool, beach access, and proximity to downtown.  An events coordinator can help you with tours or other activities.  Enjoy poolside cabanas on a restful day or grab the Old Town Trolley directly from the hotel when you purchase a trolley ticket.

Website: https://guyharveyresortstaugustinebeach.com/


Travel Helps

Travel Insurance

Roam Right – RoamRight provides travel insurance coverage with customer service and claims administration all at a competitive price.  Their policies are designed to provide coverage for any type of traveler, and they offer an easy to navigate technology platform for making purchases and managing coverage. From trip cancellation, overseas medical coverage, and even baggage delays, RoamRight travel insurance can help give peace of mind when taking your perfect vacation.

Hotels

Hotels.com – Hotels.com® offers more than 1,000,000 properties in 200 countries – from hotels and B&B’s to condos and all-inclusive resorts.  Earn free nights for every 10 nights booked with the Hotels.com Rewards program.  Find hotels during sold-out periods.  Book the perfect trip- backed by the Hotels.com Price Guarantee.

Travel Apps

RoadTrippers.com – RoadTrippers is a travel app that helps you find joy in the journey.  Put in your starting and ending points, RoadTripper will map out the best routes, give “off the beaten path” suggestions, estimate gas, offer turn-by-turn navigation, and let you connect with other travelers on the road.  Enter code BTR5QTP and receive a $5 coupon on your subscription.

Upside – Upside is a free cash-back app that lets you save money at the pump, in the store, or at restaurants.  Upside users earn up to 25¢/gallon cash back on gas, up to 45% cash back at restaurants and up to 30% cash back at grocery stores.

Discount Attractions

Groupon – Groupon is a great way to find discounts for things to do on vacation.  You can save money on fun activities for the whole family.  

Viator– Viator delivers online and mobile access to thousands of trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides, in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide.  I’ve used Viator for several family trips and they have all been great.  They offer great prices, which is great for a family on a budget, and they have 24/7 customer service, so they are available to help you out whenever you need.  

If you’re reading this post, then you are interested in planning a family trip.  Need some help?  We lay it all out for you in this post: How to Plan a Family Trip.  

What are your favorite things to do in St. Augustine with kids?

Let me know by leaving a comment below.  And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share or connect with me on social media, and Pin this post to save for later.


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St Augustine with kids, Pin, bridge
St Augustine with kids, Pin, fort
St. Augustine with kids, Pin, Lightner museum
The Bonnie Traveler, headshot

Kyleen Bontrager, the Bonnie Traveler

Kyleen is a wife, homeschool mama, lover of teatime, and passionate traveler.  Having lived on 3 continents and visited +32 countries, she helps others enjoy memory-making experiences for multigenerational travel.  Ready for a bonnie adventure?  Let’s go!