St. Augustine has been featured in Budget Travel magazine as one of the Top 12 U.S. destinations to visit when traveling with toddlers, tweens, and teens. The oldest city in the nation is located on the northeast coast only a short drive from Orlando. Enjoy the best Florida beaches and many attractions, tours and things to do that cost $10 or less. Here’s a great itinerary for family fun on Florida’s Historic Coast. CITY TOURS
Explore History
Little legs get tired after a day of exploring, so hop on an Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Sightseeing Train, which will take you to more than 20 stops around St. Augustine. Along with the ease of transportation, each gets you into attractions including the Old Jail and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum making it a great value.
Grab a simple lunch in the garden of the Spanish Bakery Café. Make an affordable meal by choosing from freshly baked bread and traditional Spanish empanadas, picadillo, sausage rolls, fresh soups and homemade cinnamon, almond and lemon cookies.
To experience the 450 plus year history of St. Augustine, visit attractions such as the Oldest Wooden School House, which is more than 200 years old. Conquer the castle at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. Talk to the re-enactors and see musket drills and cannon fire.
Take a break. A popsicle from The Hyppo makes for a sweet treat.
Then catch a tour at the nearby Colonial Quarter. Climb the watchtower for a great view of the Castillo and the bay.
Enjoy a dinner at fast-casual St. Augustine Seafood Co., adjacent to the Colonial Quarter and the Colonial Oak Music Park, where there are free concerts Thursday – Sunday.
Soak up the Sun and Fun at the Beach
Florida’s Historic Coast has more than 42 miles of white, sandy beaches. If you have younger children, visit the splash pad at St. Johns County Pier Park. A local favorite among beachgoers is Anastasia State Park, a 1,600-acre Florida State Park with abundant wildlife. Within the park is Anastasia Watersports, which rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. There are plenty of shady picnic areas and restrooms.
Have lunch just steps from the beach at Salt Life Food Shack or Sunset Grille, where flip-flops over loafers are the preferred footwear.
Meet some of Florida’s most famous resident at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. In addition to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, there are curious lemurs, colorful birds, and the lumbering giant tortoises.
Gather the family for dinner at the World Famous Oasis Restaurant on A1A where you’ll find a seat next to locals. Try the signature burgers, wraps, sandwiches and an adult treat from the raw bar.
End the day at Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf for a little friendly competition.
Argghhh! Go on a Pirates Adventure
The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museumis fun for kids and adults. This hands-on museum transports you back in time to the Golden Age of piracy. See a real treasure chest and fire a cannon.
You have plenty of options for kid-friendly lunch including Pizzalley’s, O.C. White’s Seafood & Meehan’s on the Bay. After lunch, join a Kids Krew Tour. Specifically designed for families and kids, a professional tour guide will lead you on a 30-minute walking tour through the historic streets of downtown as you master pirate skills like looking through a real spyglass and learning how to use a compass.
As the sun sets climb aboard the Black Raven Pirate Ship. A replica of a Spanish Galleon 74’, this 127-passenger ship features pirate shows performed by some of the best professional pirate actors in the State of Florida.
Budget Lodging for the Family
For a great family vacation you’ll find hotels that won’t break the bank. Check out Beacher’s Lodge on Crescent Beach, Jaybird’s Inn in North City St. Augustine or the Bayfront Inn in St. Augustine’s Historic District.
For a complete list of lodging deals on Florida’s Historic Coast, visit http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/