St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a treasure trove of history, nature, and family fun. Let’s dive into a 6-day itinerary that balances your interests in history, dolphins, alligators, and beach time. Get ready for an adventure!

Day 1: Arrival and Historic Downtown

Morning:

• Arrive in St. Augustine and check into your hotel or vacation rental.
• Start your trip with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Explore the fort and enjoy the stunning views of the bay.

Afternoon:

• Stroll through Historic Downtown. Check out the charming shops and grab lunch at a family-friendly spot like The Columbia Restaurant, known for its delicious Spanish cuisine.

Evening:

• Head to St. George Street for some evening exploration. Enjoy the street performers and grab some ice cream at The Hyppo.

Day 2: Alligator Farm and Beach Time

Morning:

• After breakfast, visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. It’s not just alligators; you’ll see a variety of reptiles and birds. Don’t miss the chance to watch the alligator feeding!

Afternoon:

• Pack a picnic lunch and head to Anastasia State Park. Spend the afternoon at the beach! The kids can play in the sand while you relax or take a stroll along the shore.

Evening:

• Enjoy a casual dinner at Salt Life Food Shack, where you can find a variety of seafood and beachy vibes.

Day 3: Dolphin Tour and Historic Sites

Morning:

• Start your day with a dolphin-watching tour! Companies like St. Augustine Eco Tours offer family-friendly excursions where you can see dolphins in their natural habitat.

Afternoon:

• After your dolphin adventure, grab lunch at O'Steen's Restaurant, famous for its fried shrimp.
• Visit the Lightner Museum in the afternoon. The museum is housed in a former hotel and showcases a fascinating collection of art and artifacts.

Evening:

• Take a ghost tour in the evening! 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.

Day 4: Fort Matanzas and Nature Exploration

Morning:

• Head to Fort Matanzas National Monument. Take the free ferry to the fort and explore the grounds. It’s a great way to learn about the area’s history while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Afternoon:

• After your visit, have lunch at a nearby café, then spend the afternoon at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Here, you can learn about marine life and even have the option to swim with dolphins (check age restrictions).

Evening:

• Return to St. Augustine and enjoy dinner at The Blackfly Restaurant, which offers a great menu with local seafood and a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Exploring More History

Morning:

• Visit the Old Jail Museum for a fun and educational experience. The guided tour is entertaining and gives insight into the history of law enforcement in St. Augustine.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, head to the Mission Nombre de Dios. This historic site is beautiful and peaceful, with lovely grounds to explore. Don’t forget to check out the giant cross!

Evening:

• For dinner, try The Floridian, which focuses on local ingredients and Southern cuisine.

Day 6: Relaxation and Departure

Morning:

• Spend your last morning at St. Augustine Beach. Enjoy some final beach time, build sandcastles, or take a dip in the ocean.

Afternoon:

• Grab a casual lunch at Beachcomber Restaurant before you start packing up. If time allows, stop by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for a quick visit and climb to the top for breathtaking views.

Evening:

• Depart St. Augustine with wonderful memories and maybe a few souvenirs!

---

There you have it! A fun-filled, family-friendly itinerary that balances history, nature, and relaxation. Enjoy your trip to St. Augustine! 🌊🏰🐬🦎