3 Days of Family Fun on Florida’s Historic Coast

From wildlife encounters and pirate adventures to beach days and sweet treats, Florida’s Historic Coast offers endless opportunities for family fun. Follow this three-day itinerary to discover family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and memorable experiences throughout the destination.

Create lasting family memories with three days of adventure on Florida's Historic Coast. From wildlife encounters and pirate treasures to beach days and sweet treats, this itinerary is designed for families looking to make the most of a summer getaway. Along the way, discover family-friendly attractions, local dining favorites, and unforgettable experiences that make Florida's Historic Coast a destination for all ages.

Day 1: Wildlife Encounters & Beach Fun

Stay Here

Make your home base in St. Augustine Beach, where miles of sandy shoreline, family-friendly attractions, and casual coastal dining create the perfect setting for a summer getaway. Stay just steps from the ocean at either Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort or Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach, both conveniently located near the beach and many of the area's most popular family activities.

Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at Beachcomber Restaurant, where families can enjoy a relaxed meal just steps from the ocean before heading out for a day of adventure.

Morning

Begin your adventure at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, one of Florida's oldest and most beloved attractions. Families can explore exhibits featuring alligators, crocodiles, exotic birds, reptiles, and wildlife from around the world.

For an even more memorable experience, book one of the park's animal encounters. The popular Sloth Encounter gives visitors the opportunity to meet and learn about these fascinating animals up close, creating a one-of-a-kind experience the whole family will remember.

For an added thrill, older children and adventurous adults can take on Crocodile Crossing, an aerial adventure course that soars above animal habitats with zip lines and suspended challenges.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at The Floridian where fresh Florida flavors and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal stop before spending the afternoon exploring St. Augustine Beach. Families looking for a quick and casual beachside meal can also grab a bite at Salt Life Food Shack before heading back to the sand.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon enjoying everything that makes St. Augustine Beach a favorite family destination. Build sandcastles, search for shells, splash in the surf, or simply relax along the wide stretch of coastline.

Continue the fun with a round at Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf, where waterfalls, tropical landscaping, and family-friendly challenges make for a memorable afternoon activity.

For an unforgettable beach adventure, book a guided Sand Surfer Tour with Seaside Adventures. These electric skateboard tours cruise along the beach at low tide and are designed for riders ages 8 and up, making them a fun and unique experience for families looking to try something new. No skateboarding experience is required.

Families looking for even more adventure can explore the coast from the water with paddleboard and kayak rentals from Anastasia Watersports.

Sweet Treat Stop

After a day of beachside fun, head into Historic Downtown St. Augustine for a sweet treat. Enjoy handcrafted ice cream from Maci's Ice Cream or Tedi's Ice Cream, or cool off with a gourmet ice pop from The Hyppo while exploring the charming streets of the Nation's oldest city.

Dinner

Stay downtown for dinner at Pizzalley's Chianti Room or Pizzalley's on St. George Street, a family favorite serving pizza, pasta, and Italian classics.

Plan Your Trip

A woman looks over her shoulder by the beach on the cover of a St. Augustine travel guide that lies on top of a faded image of the beach in Florida.
family walking on beach

Day 2: Pirates, History & Family Fun

Breakfast

Start the day with breakfast at Parlor Doughnuts before heading into the heart of Historic Downtown St. Augustine.

Morning

Step into the Golden Age of Piracy at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and engaging displays bring pirate history to life and capture the imagination of visitors of all ages.

Afterward, climb aboard Old Town Trolley Tours and explore the Nation's oldest city while learning about the people, places, and events that shaped its rich history.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at Florida Cracker Cafe, a downtown favorite serving classic Florida fare in a relaxed setting.

Afternoon

Continue your family adventure at the St. Augustine Aquarium, where hands-on exhibits and marine life encounters provide fun and educational experiences for children and adults alike.

Then head back toward downtown to explore either Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum or Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, two of St. Augustine's most iconic attractions.

Sweet Treat Stop

Take an afternoon break with a handcrafted ice cream sandwich from Peace Pie or satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolates and confections from Whetstone Chocolates.

Dinner

Enjoy waterfront dining at O.C. White's Seafood & Spirits overlooking Matanzas Bay.

Evening

End the day on the water with a family-friendly sightseeing cruise aboard Florida Water Tours or Red Boat Tours. Keep an eye out for dolphins while taking in beautiful views of St. Augustine's historic skyline.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures & Coastal Memories

Breakfast

Start your final day at Paladar Cuban Eatery with authentic Cuban coffee and breakfast favorites. Local Tip: Grab a few of Paladar's freshly baked pastries to go—they make the perfect mid-morning snack while exploring.

Morning

Experience the natural beauty of Florida's Historic Coast with St. Augustine Eco Tours. Explore local waterways while learning about the area's unique ecosystems and watching for native wildlife.

Families looking for another perspective can also enjoy a scenic outing with Adventure Boat Tours.

Lunch

Enjoy a casual waterfront lunch at Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House.

Afternoon

Discover even more of the destination's natural side with a visit to Anastasia State Park. Hike nature trails, spot wildlife, or spend time along one of Florida's most beautiful stretches of beach.

Families can also explore the St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, where walking trails and gardens provide a peaceful setting to connect with nature.

Sweet Treat Stop

Before heading back to the hotel, cool off with a stop at LikIT Soft Serve Ice Cream.

Farewell Dinner

Celebrate the final evening of your family getaway at La Cocina at The Cellar Upstairs, where sweeping views of Historic Downtown St. Augustine and the San Sebastian River provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable farewell dinner.

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St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

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St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

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