If you’re searching for the best things to do in St. Augustine, Florida, you’ll quickly realize this city offers much more than just history. From iconic landmarks and beaches to unique tours and family-friendly attractions, St. Augustine is one of the most well-rounded destinations in Florida.

This guide covers the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-do experiences so you can plan the perfect trip—whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full vacation. Planning your trip? Don’t miss our 4-Day St. Augustine Family Itinerary (No Car Needed).

Top Historic Things to Do in St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos

This historic fort is one of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Augustine. Kids can explore the open grounds while adults appreciate the history and waterfront views. It’s one of the top stops for first-time visitors.

St. George Street

A pedestrian-only street filled with shops, restaurants, and local finds. It’s the heart of downtown and one of the most popular places to walk and explore.

Plaza de la Constitucion

This central plaza is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great place to relax and take in the atmosphere.

Lightner Museum

Located in a former hotel, this museum features unique collections and beautiful architecture. Even a quick visit to the courtyard is worth it.

Colonial Quarter

An interactive area where you can step back in time and see what life was like in early St. Augustine.

Art Walk

The arts scene in St. Augustine is a vibrant mix of art galleries, theatres, orchestras, plays, ballets and more. Every Friday is First Friday Art Walk, one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events that visits over 20 art galleries. Be sure to visit this site before you plan your trip in case a special show or event is on the calendar!

Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

One of the most engaging attractions for kids, with interactive exhibits and real pirate artifacts.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

A must-visit for families. You’ll see alligators, birds, and wildlife up close in a fun and educational setting. Planning to visit? Don’t miss our full St. Augustine Alligator Farm guide with tips on show times, what to bring, and how to plan your visit.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Climb to the top for panoramic views or explore the grounds below. This is a mix of adventure and history. Climb atop St. Augustine Lighthouse to see breathtaking views of northern Florida, and visit the Maritime Museum. Children must be 44 inches tall to climb the tower (you are not allowed to carry children to the top).

Potter’s Wax Museum

A fun, lighter attraction that adds variety to your trip, especially for younger kids.

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

A combination of history and outdoor space where kids can explore and learn. Check our our blog Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: What to Know Before You Go for more tips about visiting here!

Walking Scavenger Hunt

If you are OK with a lot of walking, consider booking a self-guided tour though St. Augustine Scavenger Hunts. This is a fun outing or kids (they suggest 8-years or older) to see the historical sites up close. There is a cost to join the hunt, but none of the clues take you to places that require additional admission fees. The tour takes 3-5 hours, and you can choose to do it all in one day or spread it out.

Old Florida Museum

Check out Old Florida Museum where you can meet characters from Florida’s past, and take part in interactive adventures. Great for kids!

Unique Experiences in St. Augustine

Red Boat Tours Dolphin Odyssey

A 90-minute boat tour where you can see dolphins in their natural habitat. This is one of the most memorable experiences in the area.

Black Raven Pirate Ship

Set sail on The Pirate Ship Black Raven for a unique pirate adventure, where everyone on board is a member of the crew, and every kid gets special pirate training.

Capybara Cafe

A unique animal experience that has quickly become one of the most talked-about attractions in St. Augustine.

St. Augustine Distillery

A popular stop for adults, offering tours and tastings in a beautifully restored building. A friend recently told me she took her kids (ages 11 and 9) on the St. Augustine Distillery Tour, and they loved it. They got to watch them mix small batches and learn about distilling. It’s science, right?

Wineries

Similarly, there are two wineries in St. Augustine that might provide the same type of entertainment: San Sebastian Winery and Vino del Grotto.

Ghost Trolley Tour

If you are OK with ghosts, consider a spin on the Ghosts & Graveyards trolley tour. On this tour, you’ll visit Potter’s Wax Museum to hear the legendary execution about a famous pirate, as well as an up close and personal tour of the “Old Jail.”

Outdoor Things to Do in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Beach

One of the best beaches in northeast Florida. Wide, flat, and perfect for families.

Anastasia State Park

A quieter alternative to the main beach with nature trails and scenic views.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Includes a short ferry ride to a historic fort. The ferry is free but first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early.

Magnolia Avenue

Known for its beautiful oak canopy, this is one of the most photographed streets in the area.

Tours and Sightseeing in St. Augustine

Old Town Trolley Tours

One of the easiest ways to explore the city. You can hop on and off at major attractions, making it ideal for families.

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

A major venue for concerts and events. Check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.

Best Restaurants in St. Augustine

Columbia Restaurant

A well-known spot serving Spanish cuisine in a historic setting.

Catch 27

A popular choice for fresh, local seafood.

The Conch House Restaurant

Known for its waterfront views and relaxed atmosphere.

The Saint Restaurant

A modern dining option with a unique menu and stylish setting.

Seasonal Events in St. Augustine

Nights of Lights

One of the most popular times to visit. The entire city is illuminated with holiday lights, creating a memorable experience for families.

Short Drives from St. Augustine

If you plan to stay longer than a weekend, there are two places you should consider adding to your trip. The first is World Golf Village, about 20 miles north, which features shopping, restaurants (including the famous Caddyshack Restaurant), an IMAX theatre, museum, virtual golf (at any course in the world), mini golf, and a lot of fun for the whole family.

The second trip, about 30 minutes south of St. Augustine, is Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Marineland originally opened in 1938 as a facility for Hollywood film makers to create underwater footage for movies. Today, it’s a place you can go visit dolphins – whether you’re swimming in the tank with them or feeding and watching them from the dock. We’ve been several times with the kids and every visit is a treat!

Quick List: Must-Do Things in St. Augustine

If you’re short on time, these are the top experiences to prioritize:

Castillo de San Marcos
St. George Street
Old Town Trolley Tour
Alligator Farm
Lighthouse
Dolphin Boat Tour
St. Augustine Beach
Fort Matanzas

Tips for Visiting St. Augustine

Visit attractions early in the day to avoid crowds.
Plan one full day in the historic district instead of splitting it up.
Use the trolley tour to save time and reduce walking.
Mix indoor and outdoor activities to keep kids engaged.

Final Thoughts

St. Augustine offers a mix of history, outdoor experiences, and family-friendly attractions that make it one of the most unique destinations in Florida. Whether you’re exploring downtown, relaxing at the beach, or taking a dolphin tour, there are plenty of things to do in St. Augustine for every type of traveler. Like many vacation posts, I feel like this only skims the surface. There are so many different ways to enjoy St. Augustine and I’d love for you to chime in if you’ve been here.

What are your favorite things to do here as a family? What other tips and locations (including restaurants and lodging) can you suggest?

Planning a Trip With Kids?

Be sure to read our full
St. Augustine Family Itinerary
to see exactly how to plan your days, minimize travel time, and make the most of your visit.

*Some photo were provided with permission from FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

By TMoM team member Katie Moosbrugger updated by Sarah Marchwiany