Planning Your Family Vacation to St. Augustine, Florida — Travel Tips from a Local Photographer
If you’re planning a family trip to St. Augustine, Florida, you’re in for something special.
This charming coastal town is where old-world history meets sunny beach days and it’s one of my favorite places to photograph families who are visiting from out of town.
As a local St. Augustine photographer, I often get questions from families visiting on vacation, such as where to stay, what to do with kids, and of course, how to make the most of those golden Florida sunsets. So, I’ve put together a few favorite travel tips paired with a recent local beach session to help you plan a memorable, relaxed stay.
1. Plan Your Days Around the Light
The light here in Northeast Florida is truly magical, especially early in the morning and just before sunset. If you want to explore or book a photo session, aim for these times of day.
Morning light is soft and peaceful, perfect for exploring the historic district before the crowds.
Evening light glows warm and golden over the dunes and beaches of Guana, Vilano, Ponte Vedra, and Anastasia State Park. These beaches are ideal for a family photo session.
(That’s when the photos you see here were taken — a quiet, loving evening in the dunes, filled with soft light and salty air.)
2. Explore Beyond the Downtown
While the historic area is beautiful, and a must-see, some of St. Augustine’s best family moments happen just outside the city center. A few local favorites:
Anastasia State Park — wide beaches, nature trails, and tide pools for little ones to explore.
Ponte Vedra Dunes — quiet, scenic, and breathtaking at sunset.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park — where the beach meets coquina rock formations and lush gardens.
Boneyard Beach—a beautiful beach with an abundance of driftwood
San Marco—a charming area in Jacksonville
These spots are perfect for both sightseeing and relaxed family photos that feel naturally “Florida.”
3. Spend a Day at the Beaches
You simply can’t visit St. Augustine without spending time at the beach and one of the things that makes our coastline unique is how varied each beach experience can be.
St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach are drive-on beaches, meaning you can take your car right onto the sand. Families love this because it makes beach days easier…no lugging chairs, umbrellas, and coolers across the dunes. Park, set up your spot, and spend the day playing in the waves.
Vilano Beach has a more local, laid-back vibe and gorgeous views at sunset.
Anastasia State Park is perfect if you prefer a quieter, nature-filled experience — no cars, just soft sand and sea oats.
Guana Tolomato Reserve (GTMNERR) and Ponte Vedra dunes offer untouched beauty and a peaceful, natural setting. This location is a favorite for sunset photo sessions.
Each beach has its own charm, and whether you want an adventurous drive-on experience or a calm evening walk through the dunes, there’s something for every type of family.
(The photos featured here were taken along the dunes near Ponte Vedra — golden light, gentle breeze, and one very sweet family enjoying every minute together.)
4. Family-Friendly Favorites
Between exploring and beach time, there are a few can’t-miss local gems:
The Hyppo – gourmet popsicles made with real fruit (a hit with kids and adults alike)
The Ice Plant – great for dinner or drinks in a historic building near the distillery
Catch 27 – fresh local seafood with a cozy coastal vibe
Mayday Ice Cream – handcrafted ice cream with creative flavors
Cap’s on the Bay—fresh local seafood with a water view
Preserved – for a memorable date night while visiting
5. Book a Local Photographer (Hint: That’s Me!)
Many families visiting from out of state choose to schedule a vacation photo session during their trip. Family photos are such a beautiful way to remember this season of life and your time in Florida.
My sessions are relaxed and connection-focused, designed to feel more like a quiet evening spent together than a photoshoot. Whether we photograph your family in the dunes, along the Intracoastal, or in the cobblestone streets of historic St. Augustine, the goal is the same and that is to create images that feel like your vacation memories.
You can learn more or view session options here.
6. Pack Light — But Thoughtfully
For both exploring and photo sessions, comfort is key.
Choose breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, light layers).
Bring one outfit that feels a bit elevated for photos. Choose soft colors like sand, sage, sky blue, and cream photograph beautifully in Florida light. An even easier option is to borrow a dress from my client closet.
And don’t worry about perfection. The wind, water, and sunshine are all part of the charm.
Your St. Augustine Vacation Story
Whether you spend your trip walking the historic streets, soaking up the sun on the dunes, or exploring Florida’s oldest city, I hope you take a few moments to slow down and take it all in.
If you’d love to bring a piece of your trip home with you, I’d be honored to help you document it.
Contact me for more info or learn more about vacation photography in St. Augustine here.