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Family Fun

Planning a family vacation in Florida? Try St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach!

St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach are home to family-friendly inns and resorts, activities and attractions for all ages, and dishes for even the pickiest palate. Traveling with kids is a breeze here! Some ideas to help you plan the best family vacation in Florida are below.

What to do:

There are many family-friendly things to do in St. Augustine and the surrounding area. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club offers year-round children’s activities like arts & crafts and movies, as well as a summer camp June through August. St. Augustine Alligator Farm lets you feed the gators, and kids can learn what school was like more than 200 years ago at the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. Little legs can 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.

The ultimate way to experinece the history of St. Augustine is with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. The fort was built to protect the city by the Spanish. Talk to the re-enactors and see musket drills and cannon fire.

Enjoy a beach day! 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 is Anastasia State Park, a 1,600-acre Florida State Park with rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Within the park is Anastasia Watersports, which rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. There are plenty of shady picnic areas and restrooms.

Where to stay:

There are a variety of great family-friendly hotels and accommodations in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. Previously mentioned Ponte Vedra Inn & Club was voted America’s Best Family Hotel by Travel + Leisure readers. If you’re traveling with kids or catering to a larger group you may want a room equpped with a kitchenette and additional sleeper sofa. Try the Saint Augustine Beach House or rent a condo through Ocean Village Club.

Where to eat:

Sunset Grille is a great option for families. The resturant has a kids’ menu and a fantastic view. St. Augustine Seafood Company also has great options for kids, like the fried shrimp basket and cheese quesadilla. Grab a simple lunch in the garden of the Spanish Bakery Café. Fresh baked breads and traditional Spanish flavors include Empandas, picadillo, sausage rolls, fresh soups and fresh baked traditional cinnamon, almond and lemon cookies. Of course, a meal is not complete without dessert. Head to Old Town for an ice cream sandwich from Peace Pie or try a popsicle from The Hyppo which makes for a sweet treat.

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