St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a treasure trove of history, beautiful beaches, and festive cheer, especially during the holiday season. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 6-day itinerary that balances history, beach time, and the magical Christmas lights that adorn the city. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival and Historic Downtown

Morning:

• Arrive in St. Augustine and check into your hotel or vacation rental. If you’re staying in the historic district, you’ll be right in the heart of the action!
• Grab a hearty breakfast at The Blue Hen Café. Their Southern-inspired dishes are a hit with families.

Afternoon:

• Start your exploration at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Kids will love exploring the fort and learning about its history.
• Stroll along St. George Street, a pedestrian-only street filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Don’t forget to stop by the Oldest Wooden School House for a quick tour!

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Columbia Restaurant, where you can savor some delicious Spanish cuisine.
• After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the historic district to see the Christmas lights. The city is beautifully decorated, and the ambiance is magical!

Day 2: Museums and More History

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company. Their biscuits are a must-try!
• Visit the Lightner Museum, housed in the former Alcazar Hotel. The museum features an impressive collection of art and artifacts, and the building itself is a piece of history.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Flagler College campus for a guided tour. The stunning architecture and history of this former hotel are fascinating!
• Grab lunch at The Floridian, which offers a great selection of local and seasonal dishes.

Evening:

• Take a ghost tour! St. Augustine is known for its haunted history, and a family-friendly ghost tour can be a fun way to learn about the city’s spooky past.
• Dinner at O'Steen's Restaurant for some classic Southern seafood.

Day 3: Beach Day

Morning:

• After breakfast at your accommodation or a local café, head to St. Augustine Beach. Spend the morning building sandcastles, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.

Afternoon:

• Pack a picnic lunch or grab something from a beachside café like The Beachcomber.
• After lunch, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Climb the lighthouse for stunning views and explore the museum’s exhibits.

Evening:

• Head back to the historic district and enjoy dinner at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille.
• After dinner, take another stroll to enjoy the Christmas lights, perhaps stopping for hot cocoa at a local café.

Day 4: Nature and Adventure

Morning:

• Breakfast at Daisy’s Diner for a classic diner experience.
• Spend the morning at Anastasia State Park. You can hike, bike, or even rent kayaks for a fun family adventure.

Afternoon:

• Have a picnic lunch in the park or head back to town for a bite at The Conch House.
• Visit the Alligator Farm Zoological Park in the afternoon. It’s not just alligators; there are plenty of other animals to see, and the kids will love the interactive exhibits.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Ice Plant, known for its farm-to-table menu and craft cocktails (they have great non-alcoholic options for the kids too!).
• If you’re up for it, check out the Nights of Lights display, where the city is illuminated with millions of tiny white lights.

Day 5: Day Trip to Nearby Attractions

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a day trip to Fort Matanzas National Monument. It’s a short drive and offers a glimpse into the area’s history with a beautiful setting.

Afternoon:

• Pack a lunch or grab something at a local spot before heading to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The gardens are beautiful, and there’s a lovely beach area to explore as well.

Evening:

• Return to St. Augustine and have dinner at The Raintree Restaurant, which is set in a historic home and offers a cozy atmosphere.
• Enjoy another evening of Christmas lights, perhaps taking a carriage ride through the historic district for a unique view of the decorations.

Day 6: Relax and Reflect

Morning:

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Kookaburra, where you can sip on some great coffee and enjoy Australian-inspired breakfast options.
• Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs on St. George Street or visiting any spots you may have missed.

Afternoon:

• Have a farewell lunch at A1A Ale Works, which has a great view of the waterfront.
• If time allows, take a final stroll along the waterfront or visit the Mission of Nombre de Dios, a peaceful spot with beautiful views.

Evening:

• Head back home, filled with wonderful memories of your St. Augustine adventure!

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in St. Augustine! Enjoy the history, the beach, and the festive spirit of the season! Safe travels! 🎄🏖️✨