The Ultimate Guide to Family Vacations on Florida’s Historic Coast

From toddler-friendly beaches and hands-on museums to pirate adventures, wildlife encounters, and centuries of history, Florida’s Historic Coast makes it easy to plan a vacation the whole family will love. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an entire week, this guide covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and what to do to the best beaches, restaurants, seasonal events, and insider tips for making the most of your trip.

Best Attractions
Choose Your Adventure
Best Beach
Family Friendly Dining
Family-Friendly Events

Why Families Love Florida’s Historic Coast

From building sandcastles on 42 miles of Atlantic beaches to climbing centuries-old forts, Florida's Historic Coast offers experiences the whole family can enjoy together. St. Augustine—the Nation's oldest city—blends history, outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and hands-on attractions that appeal to every age. Families can spend the morning exploring the Castillo de San Marcos, cool off at the beach in the afternoon, then end the day with ice cream on St. George Street or a sunset cruise. With family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and attractions located throughout St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, & The Beaches, it's easy to create a vacation that balances education, relaxation, and fun.

☀️ Best Time to Visit

Florida's Historic Coast is a year-round destination, with each season offering something unique. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) feature pleasant temperatures, smaller crowds, and a full calendar of festivals and outdoor events. Summer is ideal for beach vacations, water activities, and family adventures, while winter brings cooler weather and the internationally acclaimed Nights of Lights celebration. No matter when you visit, you'll find plenty of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and activities to enjoy.

📅 How Many Days Should You Stay?

A three- to four-day getaway gives families enough time to experience the area's rich history, beautiful beaches, and top attractions without feeling rushed. If you're planning to explore Ponte Vedra, Hastings, or nearby state parks—or simply want time to relax at the beach—consider extending your stay to five to seven days.

Suggested stay:

  • 2 Days: Historic downtown and one beach day
  • 3 Days: History, beaches, and top family attractions
  • 5+ Days: Add outdoor adventures, day trips, golf, shopping, and local festivals

🏨 Choose Your Home Base

Choosing the right accommodations can make all the difference when planning a family vacation. Whether the goal is to explore the Nation's oldest city on foot, wake up just steps from the beach, or enjoy a full-service resort, Florida's Historic Coast offers lodging options for every travel style and budget.

Historic Downtown St. Augustine

Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, and families who want to walk to attractions.

The Historic District places families within easy walking distance of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. George Street, museums, restaurants, and waterfront attractions. Popular options include Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Augustine San Sebastian, and Bayfront Inn, all offering convenient access to the heart of the city.

St. Augustine Beach

Best for: Classic beach vacations, families with young children, and easy access to the ocean.

St. Augustine Beach offers miles of sandy shoreline, the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier, beachfront restaurants, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Families can choose from oceanfront resorts and hotels such as Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach, Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach, and Hampton Inn St. Augustine Beach, many featuring pools and direct beach access.

Vilano Beach

Best for: Families looking for a quieter beach vacation with dining and easy access to historic downtown.

Just across the Vilano Bridge from historic St. Augustine, Vilano Beach offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with wide beaches, colorful shops, waterfront restaurants, and stunning sunset views along the Intracoastal Waterway. Families can enjoy beach days without the larger crowds while remaining just minutes from the Historic District. Popular accommodations include Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vilano Beach, Hampton Inn & Suites St. Augustine-Vilano Beach, Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn, and Oceanview Lodge.

Crescent Beach

Best for: Quiet beach getaways, extended stays, and vacation rentals.

Known for its wide beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Crescent Beach is ideal for families looking to slow down and enjoy time together. Accommodations range from oceanfront condominium rentals to family-friendly properties like Beacher's Lodge Oceanfront Suites, offering spacious accommodations and direct access to one of the area's most peaceful stretches of coastline.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Best for: Resort vacations, golf enthusiasts, and multi-generational family trips.

Ponte Vedra Beach combines luxury resorts, championship golf, beautiful beaches, and outdoor recreation in a relaxed coastal setting. Families can enjoy world-class amenities at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa or Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, with nearby opportunities for kayaking, nature walks, shopping, and dining.

Insider Tip: Florida's Historic Coast is easy to explore by car, making it simple to choose one home base while enjoying day trips throughout the destination. Families staying downtown can spend the day at the beach, while beach visitors are just a short drive from historic attractions, museums, shopping, and dining.

🚗 Do You Need a Car?

A vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore beyond historic downtown. While the Historic District is highly walkable and trolley tours make it easy to see the city's landmarks, a car provides convenient access to the beaches, state parks, golf courses, Ponte Vedra, and Hastings. If you're staying downtown, many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within a short walk, and rideshare services are readily available.

👶 Is It Stroller Friendly?

Yes. Much of the Historic District is stroller-friendly, with sidewalks connecting many attractions, restaurants, and shops. Keep in mind that some streets are brick, which can make for a bumpier ride. Many museums and attractions are accessible, and family-friendly parks and beaches provide plenty of open space for little ones to explore. Lightweight or all-terrain strollers are often the easiest option for navigating historic streets.

🐾 Is It Pet Friendly?

Yes! Florida's Historic Coast is a welcoming destination for travelers bringing their four-legged family members. Leashed dogs are welcome at many outdoor attractions, restaurant patios, parks, and select beaches, making it easy to include pets in the vacation experience. Families can stroll together through historic downtown, enjoy outdoor dining at many pet-friendly restaurants, or explore scenic trails and parks.

Several accommodations throughout the destination also welcome pets, including hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Before booking, check each property's pet policies, including size restrictions, fees, and breed requirements. While dogs are welcome on many beaches, local regulations vary by location, so be sure to review beach rules before visiting.

Insider Tip: Visit the Pet-Friendly page on Florida's Historic Coast for a complete guide to pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, parks, beaches, and activities.

♿ Is It Accessible?

es. Florida's Historic Coast is committed to creating welcoming experiences for visitors of all abilities. Many attractions, accommodations, restaurants, beaches, and parks offer accessible amenities, making it easy for families to explore the destination together. Beach wheelchairs are available at select beach access points throughout St. Johns County, and many attractions feature accessible parking, paved pathways, and public facilities.

Florida's Historic Coast is also home to several Certified Autism Centers™, reflecting the destination's commitment to creating inclusive travel experiences for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. Certified partners include Old Town Trolley Tours and Treaty Park, where staff have completed specialized autism and sensory awareness training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

For detailed accessibility information, including accessible beaches, attractions, lodging, transportation, and sensory-friendly experiences, visit the Accessible Travel page before planning your trip.

Insider Tip: The Accessible Travel guide includes information on accessible attractions, beach access, sensory-friendly experiences, and Certified Autism Centers™, helping families plan with confidence before they arrive.

💰 Budget-Friendly Tips

A memorable family vacation doesn't have to break the bank.

Save money by:

Insider Tip: Check out the 50 Free Things to Do page to plan your ultimate getaway.

🅿️ Parking & Getting Around

Parking is available throughout Florida's Historic Coast, with several convenient options in and around historic downtown St. Augustine. The St. Augustine Historic Downtown Parking Facility offers all-day parking within walking distance of many attractions, while additional public lots and on-street parking are available throughout the city. During busy weekends and special events, consider using the Old Town Trolley, Ripley's Red Train Tours, rideshare services, or seasonal shuttle services when available. If you're spending the day at the beach, arrive early during peak summer months, as parking lots often fill quickly.

Best Family Attractions

Whether your family enjoys history, animals, or adventure, Florida's Historic Coast has something for every interest. Meet hundreds of reptiles and tropical birds at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, discover interactive exhibits at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, or climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for panoramic views of the coast. Younger children love feeding marine life at the St. Augustine Aquarium, while older kids enjoy ghost tours, trolley rides aboard Old Town Trolley Tours or Ripley's Red Train Tours, and hands-on experiences at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Families can also explore the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument or spend an afternoon learning about marine science at the GTM Research Reserve.

🏰 History Lovers

🐊 Animal Encounters

🚴 Active Families

☔ Rainy Day Fun

Man carries a green and blue spiral patterned skimboard on Vilano Beach during the Skimboarding Pro Am Tournament

With 42 miles of shoreline, families can find the perfect beach for every type of vacation. St. Augustine Beach offers wide stretches of sand, nearby restaurants, volleyball courts, splash parks, and a fishing pier. Vilano Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and colorful beachfront village, while Mickler's Landing in Ponte Vedra is a favorite for shelling and surfing. Nature lovers can spend the day at Anastasia State Park, where kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife complement nearly four miles of pristine beach.

Remember to check daily beach conditions and flag warnings before entering the water.

🏖️ Find the Best Beach for Your Family

St. Augustine Beach

Best for: First-time visitors, younger children, and families who want to be close to restaurants and activities.

Wide sandy beaches, a fishing pier, splash park, playground, and plenty of nearby restaurants make St. Augustine Beach a favorite for families looking for a classic beach vacation.

Vilano Beach

Best for: Families looking for a quieter beach that's still close to historic downtown.
Just across the Vilano Bridge, this laid-back beach offers fewer crowds, beautiful sunsets, and easy access to waterfront restaurants and the Vilano Beach Town Center.

Crescent Beach

Best for: Families seeking a peaceful beach getaway.
Known for its wide shoreline and relaxed atmosphere, Crescent Beach is perfect for sandcastle building, shell collecting, long walks, and spreading out without the crowds.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Best for: Nature lovers and resort vacations.
This scenic stretch of coastline offers beautiful beaches, excellent shelling, nearby golf courses, and a quieter atmosphere, making it ideal for families looking to unwind.

🌴 Explore Family-Friendly Itineraries

Pirate and Treasure Museum
GTM North Beach Walkover looking north
Three kids in front of the Lightner Fountain

🍽️ Family Friendly Dining

🍦 Sweet Treats

🎉 Family-Friendly Events

🧳 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