Things to do in St Augustine

If you’re planning a trip to St. Augustine, there’s no shortage of things to do, but figuring out what’s actually worth your time (especially with kids) can feel overwhelming.

This guide is a mix of go-to favorites and a few quieter spots, along with locations that naturally lend themselves to photos without feeling like you’re stopping your day just to take them.

Explore Historic St. Augustine

There is so much to do in the historic downtown area. It is my favorite place to go to walk, see the sights, grab a coffee and to just simply take in the beautiful architecture and scenery. There are plenty of great restaurants, ice cream ships, and coffee shops. Some of the highlights in the area are lined below. Visit this blog post to learn more about family friendly restaurants int the area.

Walk St. George Street + Aviles Street

This is usually the starting point for most visits, and for good reason. The streets are walkable, full of character, and easy to explore at your own pace.

Early morning or later in the day tends to feel more relaxed, especially with younger kids.

Castillo de San Marcos + Bayfront

Just a short walk away, the fort and surrounding waterfront offer open space, breezes off the water, and one of the best sunset views in the city.

Flagler College & Lightner Museum

Flagler College and the Lightner Museum are two of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Augustine, and they’re worth seeing even if you only spend a short amount of time here.

The architecture is what stands out immediately; the arches, courtyards, and details throughout the buildings give this area a completely different feel than the rest of downtown. It’s a nice shift from the busier streets and tends to feel a little more open and calm.

This area works especially well earlier in the day or closer to the evening when the light softens and there are fewer people moving through.

Spend Time on the water

There are so many ways to enjoy the water in the are and many people travel here just for that reason.

Visit the Beach (But Choose the Right One)

• Crescent Beach for quiet + natural feel

• St. Augustine Beach for convenience

• Sunrise is calmer, cooler, and less crowded

Learn about the best time to schedule photos at the beach here.

Take a Dolphin or Sunset Boat Tour

• Relaxing break from walking

• Kids love spotting dolphins

• Sunset tours are especially beautiful

Boat tours are one of the easiest ways to experience the water without planning a full beach day.

Anastasia State Park

You can enjoy the beaches here, hiking and biking trails and even camp here.

Things to Do with Kids

Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse

• 200+ stairs climb (older kids love it)

• Incredible views at the top

• Quick but memorable stop

This is one of the most iconic experiences in the city and gives a completely different perspective of St. Augustine.

Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm

• Huge hit with kids

• Wildlife + birds + reptiles

• Optional zipline for older kids

This is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the area.

Visit the Pirate & Treasure Museum

• Interactive + engaging

• Great for younger kids

• Quick indoor activity (good for hot days)

Ride the Old Town Trolley

• Easy way to see everything

• Hop-on, hop-off stops

• Great if you don’t want to walk all day

• Especially helpful for first-time visitors trying to get oriented.

For Adults or a Slower Afternoon

Explore the St. Augustine Distillery or San Sebastian Winery

• Great for couples or adults

• Free tours at the distillery

• Easy stop near downtown

It’s a nice way to slow down and adds a different kind of experience beyond sightseeing.

Take a Ghost Tour (Older Kids / Adults)

• One of the most unique things here

• Evening activity option

• Fun mix of history + storytelling

St. Augustine is known for its history—and ghost tours are a big part of that experience.

Short Drive From ST AUgustine

Washington Oaks Gardens

A quieter, more tucked-away location with a mix of formal gardens and a unique rocky shoreline.

Gardens + unique coquina rock beach. It is truly a beautiful place to spend a morning or late afternoon.

A1A Scenic Drive

If you want something low effort, this is one of the easiest ways to take in the coastline. You can stop along the way or just enjoy the drive.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas is a little outside of downtown St. Augustine, but it’s one of those places that feels completely different once you’re there.

You take a short ferry ride across the water to reach the fort, which tends to make the whole experience feel a bit more memorable, especially for kids. The setting is quieter, surrounded by water and marsh, and it naturally slows the pace of the day.

There are also trails, boardwalks, and access to a more natural stretch of beach nearby, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here without feeling rushed.

A Thought About Photos While You’re Here

If you’re already visiting St. Augustine with your family, it’s one of the easiest times to have photos taken without it feeling like something extra you need to plan.

Most sessions are designed to feel like part of your evening. We’ll choose a location that fits your family, and the session unfolds naturally through walking, pausing, and letting your kids settle into it rather than forcing anything.

The result is a mix of a few classic images and the in-between moments that tend to matter more over time.

If you’re planning a trip and thinking about photos while you’re here, you can reach out or explore session details below. I’m always happy to help you choose a location and timing that works well for your family.