Spring Break in St. Augustine & 15 Things for the Family To Do
Nestled on Florida's northeast coast, St. Augustine is a treasure trove of history, adventure, and seaside charm that makes it a perfect spot for a family vacation. As the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S., this city offers families a unique blend of educational experiences and fun-filled activities. Here's how to make the most of your family trip to this historic gem.
📅 Plan Your Visit
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit St. Augustine is between March and May.
Spring brings warm (but not too hot) weather, fewer crowds compared to summer, and lots of festivals and events. It's perfect for exploring the historic sites, beaches, and outdoor activities without feeling rushed or overheated.
Fall (September to early November) is also really nice — slightly cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and beautiful sunsets, plus fewer tourists after Labor Day.
Summer can be fun too if you're mainly looking for beach time, but just know it gets very hot, humid, and crowded, especially June-August.
Best Airports to fly into:
1. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Distance: About 50 minutes north (roughly 50 miles)
Why it's good:
Bigger airport = more flight options, often cheaper fares.
Easy access via I-95 straight down to St. Augustine.
Rental cars are readily available.
Tip: This is usually the most popular choice for St. Augustine visitors.
2. Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Distance: About 1 hour south (about 55 miles)
Why it's good:
Smaller airport = quick and easy in and out.
Sometimes great flight deals, especially with airlines like Avelo or American.
Tip: It’s super calm and kid-friendly if you don't want to deal with big crowds.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Distance: About 2 hours south (about 120 miles)
Why it's good:
HUGE airport with tons of direct flights from everywhere.
Good if you’re combining St. Augustine with Disney/Orlando attractions.
Tip: Be ready for heavier traffic around Orlando — but rental car options are abundant.
*We found a $27 flight from Boston to Orlando on Spirit Airlines! Worth the 2 hour drive.
Now heres 15 family friendly activity ideas…
🏰 Dive into History and Adventure
1. Castillo de San Marcos
Step back in time at this 17th-century fortress, where kids can explore ancient walls and learn about the city's colonial past. The fort's unique coquina stone construction and scenic views of Matanzas Bay make it a must-visit. We loved the cannon demonstration. Make sure you bring your National Parks Pass for FREE entry.
2. St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Embark on a swashbuckling journey through pirate lore. With over 800 artifacts, including one of the only authentic pirate treasure chests in the world, this museum captivates both young and old adventurers.
3. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climb 219 steps to panoramic views of the city and ocean. Interactive exhibits and a shipyard playground make it fun for younger kids too.
🐊 Wild Encounters and Natural Wonders
4. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Home to every species of crocodilian, this zoo offers thrilling wildlife shows and a chance to see rare animals up close.Don't miss the bird rookery during nesting season for a vibrant display of native birds.
5. St. Augustine Aquarium
Dive into marine life with snorkeling adventures in an 80,000-gallon tank teeming with native fish. It's an interactive experience that brings ocean education to life.
6. Disease Vector Education Center (The Mosquito Museum)
A quirky yet educational stop, this museum features an insect-themed playground and exhibits on mosquito-borne diseases, blending science with fun.
7. Marineland Florida
This oceanarium offers one-of-a-kind dolphin experiences where you can swim with dolphins, see our sea turtles and sand tiger sharks, or join us for a Sea to Shore Aquarium Tour. An incredible place to play and the opportunity to join in the adventure of preserving marine life for future generations.
🏖️ Beach Days and Outdoor Play
7. Anastasia State Park
With over 1,600 acres of pristine beaches, tidal marshes, and nature trails, it's perfect for kayaking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL
8. Project SWING Playground
Located near the historic district, this expansive wooden playground offers a castle-like structure, slides, and swings—ideal for letting kids burn off energy.
9. Micklers Beach
This is the beach is a popular spot for shark tooth hunting. Get here early because parking can fill up.
10. Washington Oaks State Park
Has beautiful gardens and trails to walk. Then you can head across the street to the beach and check out the Coquina Rocks.
11. Boneyard Beach
This beach is littered with driftwood trees that are perfect for kids to climb on and explore. It kept our kids entertained ALL day. You can walk down the beach to a black sand beach as well.
12. Kelly Park - Rock Springs
Just over two hours southwest of St. Augustine, but well worth the drive, Kelly Park is home to Rock Springs—a natural lazy river that’s a favorite among families. The spring-fed stream maintains a refreshing 68°F year-round, making it ideal for tubing, swimming, and snorkeling. Bring your own float (under 5 feet) or rent one from nearby vendors. The float run takes about 20 minutes and winds through a shaded, crystal-clear stream surrounded by lush greenery. This was my favorite of the trip!
The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, and a full-service concession stand. Tent and RV camping are available for families looking to extend their stay. Fills up quickly on the weekends or holidays.
12. Silver Glen Springs
Approx 90 minutes drive this pristine oasis known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. The spring maintains a constant 73°F, providing a refreshing escape during warmer months.Families can enjoy swimming in the shallow areas, snorkeling alongside schools of striped bass, and paddling down the scenic Silver Glen Run.
The recreation area features 58 picnic tables and 30 pedestal grills, making it perfect for a family cookout. Two hiking trails—the short Spring Boils Trail and the longer Lake George Trail—offer opportunities to explore the surrounding forest. Parking reservations are required on holidays, and weekends during the peak season.
🎭 Unique Attractions and Local Favorites
13. Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
This 15-acre waterfront park is where Spanish explorer Ponce de León is said to have searched for the mythical spring of eternal youth. Families can sip from the famous spring, explore lush gardens, meet friendly peacocks roaming the grounds, and watch live blacksmith and cannon-firing demonstrations.
Kids especially love the interactive exhibits and the reconstructed Timucua village, which shows what life was like for Florida’s Indigenous people when the Spanish arrived. It's educational, beautiful, and just the right mix of history and hands-on fun.
14. Potter’s Wax Museum
Pose with over 160 wax figures, from historical icons to pop culture stars. It's a fun photo opportunity and a chance to spark conversations about famous figures. Wikipedia+1Crazy Family Adventure+1
15. Capybara Café
For an unforgettable experience, visit this café where you can interact with friendly capybaras and other exotic animals.Sessions are popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
🍽️ Family-Friendly Dining and Accommodations
St. Augustine boasts a variety of eateries catering to families. Local favorites include Aunt Kate’s for waterfront dining and Puccini’s Pizzeria for a casual meal. Reddit
For accommodations, consider staying in Vilano Beach, known for its family-friendly inns and proximity to attractions. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL
