St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a treasure trove of history, family-friendly activities, and natural wonders. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 5-day itinerary that balances history, wildlife, and some good old-fashioned family fun!

Day 1: Welcome to St. Augustine!

Morning:

• Arrival & Check-in: Settle into your hotel or vacation rental. If you’re looking for family-friendly options, consider places like the Holiday Inn St. Augustine or the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront.
• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Blue Hen Café. Their pancakes and Southern-style dishes are a hit with families!

Afternoon:

• Explore the Historic District: Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Historic District. Don’t miss the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Kids will love exploring the fort and learning about its history!

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to The Columbia Restaurant for some delicious Spanish cuisine. The atmosphere is family-friendly, and the food is fantastic!
• Ghost Tour: If the kids are up for it, consider a family-friendly ghost tour. It’s a fun way to learn about the city’s spooky history!

Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

Morning:

• Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at Daisy’s Diner for some classic diner fare.
• Dolphin Tour: Book a morning dolphin-watching tour with St. Augustine Eco Tours. You’ll get to see dolphins in their natural habitat, and the guides are super knowledgeable!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at Anastasia State Park. Pack some sandwiches or grab takeout from a local deli.
• Beach Time: Spend the afternoon at the beach! Anastasia State Park has beautiful sandy shores and is perfect for building sandcastles or just relaxing.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head back to town and dine at O'Steen's Restaurant for some of the best fried shrimp in the area. It’s a local favorite!
• Sunset at the Beach: If you have the energy, catch the sunset at the beach. It’s a beautiful way to end the day!

Day 3: Alligators and More History

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day at The Kookaburra for some great coffee and Aussie-style breakfast.
• Alligator Farm: Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. It’s not just alligators; they have a variety of animals and a fun zip line over the alligator exhibits!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Conch House. The outdoor seating is lovely, and the seafood is fresh!
• Old Town Trolley Tour: Hop on the Old Town Trolley for a guided tour of the city. It’s a great way to see the sights without too much walking, and you can hop on and off at various stops.

Evening:

• Dinner: Try Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for a taste of New Orleans in St. Augustine. The atmosphere is lively, and the kids will love the menu options.
• Evening Stroll: Take a leisurely stroll along the bayfront and enjoy the views of the historic buildings lit up at night.

Day 4: Culture and Adventure

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company for some delicious biscuits and gravy.
• Lightner Museum: Visit the Lightner Museum housed in the former Alcazar Hotel. The museum is filled with fascinating artifacts and is a great way to learn about the Gilded Age.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Grab a bite at The Ice Plant for a unique dining experience in a historic ice plant building.
• Fort Matanzas: Take a short drive to Fort Matanzas National Monument. You can take a free ferry to the fort and explore the grounds. It’s a great spot for a family photo!

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to The Raintree Restaurant for a cozy dinner. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for families.
• Evening Activity: If you’re up for it, check out a local event or live music happening in the area. St. Augustine often has family-friendly events in the evenings!

Day 5: Relax and Reflect

Morning:

• Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at The Breakfast Table. Their creative breakfast dishes are sure to please everyone!
• St. Augustine Lighthouse: Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city and the coastline. The kids will love the interactive exhibits!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Floridian, which focuses on local ingredients and Southern comfort food.
• Shopping & Souvenirs: Spend your last afternoon exploring the local shops for souvenirs. Don’t forget to grab some saltwater taffy or a St. Augustine mug!

Evening:

• Dinner: For your final dinner, treat yourselves to Cap’s on the Water. It’s a bit of a drive but worth it for the beautiful waterfront views and delicious seafood.
• Wrap Up: Take a final stroll along the waterfront or through the historic district, soaking in the charm of St. Augustine one last time.

And there you have it! A delightful 5-day itinerary filled with history, wildlife, and family fun in St. Augustine. Enjoy your trip! 🌞🏰🐬🦎