St. Augustine Vacation Guide for Families Visiting Florida
Planning a Family Trip to St. Augustine? Start Here
If you’re planning a trip to St. Augustine, you’re probably hoping for a mix of things; time to relax, places your kids will actually enjoy, and moments that feel a little slower and more meaningful than your everyday routine.
I live and work here as a family photographer, and I spend a lot of time helping families figure out how to make the most of their time in this area. This guide is a collection of the places I actually recommend, especially for families visiting for the first time.
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
If You Want Walkable and Historic
Staying near downtown St. Augustine puts you right in the middle of everything. You can walk to St. George Street, grab dinner without getting back in the car, and explore the historic area at your own pace.
The trade-off is that it can feel busy, especially in the middle of the day, and parking can take a little planning.
If you’re drawn to the historic area, Casa Monica and smaller boutique hotels near Flagler College give you that walkable experience, just keep in mind it can feel a bit busier during the day.
If You Want Space and a Slower Pace (Best for Families)
St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach tend to feel a little more relaxed. You have easier access to the ocean, more room for kids to move, and mornings tend to feel especially calm.
If you’re even thinking about family photos during your trip, staying near the beach makes early morning sessions feel easy instead of rushed.
If you prefer something simple and close to the beach, places like Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach or the Guy Harvey Resort tend to be easy options for families.
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine with Kids
Easy, Low-Stress Favorites
These are the kinds of things that don’t require a lot of planning and tend to work well for a wide range of ages.
Walking St. George Street
Stopping for ice cream or a treat along the way
Pirate & Treasure Museum
Outdoor Spaces Where Kids Can Move
When kids have space to run, everything feels easier.
Anastasia State Park
Fort Matanzas
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks is especially beautiful if you want something quieter and more natural, with shaded paths and open space.
A Few Places That Feel a Little More Memorable
These are the spots that tend to stand out when families look back on their trip.
Castillo de San Marcos
St. Augustine Lighthouse
The lighthouse area, in particular, has a way of feeling both relaxed and meaningful at the same time. It’s one of those places that works just as well for exploring during the day as it does for something a little more intentional.
Where to Eat with Kids
You don’t need every meal to be an event. Some of the best spots are the ones that feel easy.
Casual and Easy
Pizza and quick bites near downtown
Taco spots near the beach
Sit-Down but Still Family-Friendly
Restaurants along A1A Beach Blvd
Places with outdoor seating where kids can move a bit
Breakfast (especially important if you’re early risers)
Simple cafes near the beach
Coffee shops downtown before it gets busy
The Best Time of Day to Explore
One thing most families don’t realize until they’re here is how much timing changes the entire feel of your day.
Midday can feel hot, crowded, and a little overwhelming, especially with younger kids. Early morning and early evening tend to feel calmer, quieter, and a lot more enjoyable.
It’s the difference between feeling rushed and feeling like you can actually take your time.
Adding a Family Photo Session to Your Trip
A lot of the families I work with are visiting from out of town and realize while they’re here that this is actually a really meaningful time to document their family.
You’re already together, already outside your normal routine, and often a little more present with each other than usual.
Sessions here don’t feel like something separate you have to plan. They tend to feel like part of the experience; a morning at the beach, a walk through the historic streets, or time spent somewhere that already feels special to your family.
Planning Ahead (A Small Tip That Makes a Big Difference)
If photos are something you’re even considering, it helps to choose a date early.
Vacation schedules fill quickly, and the best times of day, especially at the beach, are limited. Having something reserved ahead of time gives you one less thing to think about once you arrive.
