Florida ’ s Family Friendly Coast
Peacock at the Fountain of Youth
Family Friendly
Pirate and Treasure Museum
Kayak tour
PHOTOS : © FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ; © ST . AUGUSTINE PIRATE & TREASURE MUSEUM ; © LEWIS KEMPER
Budget Travel magazine editors selected St . Augustine as one of the top 12 destinations when traveling with toddlers , tweens and teens . And , nearby Ponte Vedra Inn & Club was named by Travel + Leisure magazine as the number one family hotel in America .
Florida ’ s Family Friendly Coast
Attractions keep little hands busy
Historic attractions that keep little kids busy with interactive activities include the Pirate and Treasure Museum with its scavenger hunt , cannon firing and immersive , surround-sound pirate ship experience . Or step aboard the Black Raven for a seafaring Pirate adventure . At the Fountain of Youth , taste the water , feed a peacock , and explore a Timucuan Indian village , Feel the heat as the resident blacksmith works his metal at The Colonial Quarter . And explore the world ’ s oddities at Ripley ’ s Believe It or Not ! Museum .
Teens and Tweens Find Adventure
Teens and tweens will enjoy the many water sports on Florida ’ s Historic Coast . Paddle the waterways in your choice of a kayak or stand-up paddleboard ( SUP ), or try a surfing lesson . Feed the alligators at the St . Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park and hunt for shark ’ s teeth at Mickler ’ s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach . Climb 219 steps to the top of the St . Augustine Lighthouse . Take the 3D movie experience to the extreme at the World Golf Village IMAX Theater . See the world from behind the bars at the frontier-era Old Jail . After dark , check out St . Augustine ’ s haunted spots on a ghost tour adventure .
Togetherness Comes in All Forms
Adult members of the family will love getting the family active together with a hike at Anastasia State Park or the GTM Research Reserve where you ’ ll see plenty of Florida wildlife . And speaking of wildlife , you can ’ t get much more in tune with nature than by swimming with the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure . After all that adventure , sit back and enjoy the ride on the St . Augustine Scenic Cruise . Then enjoy a treat on the Whetstone Chocolate Factory Tour .
Dads and Moms Can Enjoy Their Hobbies
Dads will want to schedule time on the links at one of the golf courses at World Golf Village and then tour the World Golf Hall of Fame to see surprising artifacts from the Hall ’ s members and golf ’ s biggest names . The ladies can shop till they drop at St . Augustine ’ s two outlet malls or at any of the unique boutiques , vintage stores or antique shops in St . Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach .
Dining Doesn ’ t Have to Be Difficult
Dining on the Historic Coast is plentiful and varied . There are many casual options for families and restaurants are dedicated to serving up fresh local produce and seafood . The area ’ s many independent restaurants serve up heritage inspired dishes for adults and kids who want to try something new and plenty of familiar favorites for even the pickiest eaters .
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