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 include the Pirate & Treasure Museum ’ s scavenger hunt and the seafaring adventure on the Black Raven Pirate Ship . Sip the water , feed a peacock and explore the Timucuan Indian Village at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park . Explore the oddities and amazing collections from around the world at Ripley ’ s Believe It or Not ! Museum .
Peacock at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
St . Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
See our beautiful sights on a kayak tour .
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 and two-toed sloths at the St . Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park and hunt for shark teeth at Mickler ’ s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach . Climb 219 steps to the top of the St . Augustine Lighthouse . Take in the 3D movie experience at the World Golf Village IMAX Theater . See the world from behind the bars at the frontier-era Old Jail . Check out St . Augustine ’ s haunted spots on a ghost tour .
Togetherness Comes in All Forms
Get the family active together with a hike at Anastasia State Park or the GTM Research Reserve where you ’ ll see plenty of wildlife . Experience the undersea world at Marineland Dolphin Adventure — where you can swim with the dolphins — and St . Augustine Aquarium ’ s snorkel adventure . After all that adventure , sit back and enjoy the view from the water on the St . Augustine Scenic Cruise . Then enjoy a treat on the Whetstone Chocolate Factory Tour .
Dads and Moms Can Enjoy Their Hobbies
Like to golf ? You ’ ll want to schedule time on the links at one of the golf courses at World Golf Village , then tour the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum to see surprising artifacts from the Hall ’ s members . Prefer to shop ? You can do it till you drop at St . Augustine ’ s outlet mall or at unique boutiques , vintage stores or antique shops in St . Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach .
Dining Doesn ’ t Have to Be Difficult
Dining on Florida ’ s Historic Coast is plentiful and varied . There are many casual options for families with plenty of restaurants offering fresh local produce and seafood . The area ’ s many independent restaurants also 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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