St. Augustine is a city where history, charm, and adventure collide — and we loved every second of it. It may have been a short, single full day, but we got in as much of this city as possible during that time. As the oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S., it’s packed with cobblestone streets, Spanish forts, and stories around every corner. But beyond the history, we found family fun, incredible food, unexpected surprises (like cuddling capybaras!), and some truly unforgettable moments. From exploring centuries-old landmarks to just soaking in the coastal vibe, St. Augustine had something for all of us — and it totally lived up to the hype.

Colonial Quarter

We had a blast exploring the Colonial Quarter — it felt like stepping straight into the pages of a history book, only way more fun. The kids loved watching musket demonstrations and getting hands-on with old-world tools at the blacksmith’s shop. One of our favorite parts was climbing the 35-foot watchtower for awesome views of the bay and Castillo de San Marcos. Between the costumed guides, live demos, and interactive exhibits, this spot made learning about history feel like an adventure.

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum was one of the coolest stops of our trip! We got to fire a (pretend) cannon, explore a pirate ship, and even see a real 17th-century treasure chest that once belonged to Captain Thomas Tew. The kids loved hunting for hidden treasures throughout the museum, and we were all amazed by the massive collection of pirate artifacts — including one of the few original Jolly Roger flags left in the world. It felt like stepping straight into a pirate’s world, and honestly, we could’ve stayed and played all day!

Seafood Company

Delish fresh seafood and BONUS, 10% off with Pirate Museum ticket. SCORE!

OLD TOWN TROLLEY

Riding the Old Town Trolley in St. Augustine was one of our favorite ways to explore the city. The hop-on, hop-off tour includes 22 stops and over 100 points of interest, from the Castillo de San Marcos to the Fountain of Youth and St. George Street. The guides were lively and full of fun facts, making the ride both entertaining and educational. It was a relaxing, breezy way to see the sights without worrying about parking or tired feet. Plus, the kids loved the open-air trolley and the chance to hop off for ice cream or a quick photo op whenever we wanted.

Our favorite stops:

St. George Street / Old City Gates

Pedestrian-only historic street in the heart of old St. Augustine
Lined with colonial buildings, local shops, and restaurants
Great for walking, exploring, and grabbing a bite
Try treats like:
- Hyppo Gourmet Pops – creative, handcrafted popsicles
- Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar – fun and indulgent
- Whetstone Chocolates – offers free samples
Check out quirky stops like the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse (fun to see from the outside!)
Enjoy street performers, free candy samples, and unique gift shops
A fun blend of history, charm, and kid-friendly fun

Lightner Museum

Gorgeous museum housed in the former Alcazar Hotel.
Amazing architecture and unique collections.

Flagler College

Formerly the Ponce de León Hotel, built by Henry Flagler.
Stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and rich history.

Bridge of Lions

Historic drawbridge connecting downtown St. Augustine to Anastasia Island

Opened in 1927 and named for the two marble lion statues guarding its entrance (replicas of Florence’s Medici lions)
Classic postcard moment.

Castillo de San Marcos

Visiting Castillo de San Marcos was like stepping straight into a real-life fortress adventure! Built between 1672 and 1695, it’s the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States — and it’s made of coquina, a unique shell stone that actually absorbed cannon fire instead of shattering. We loved wandering through the old rooms, climbing up the walls for incredible views of the bay, and watching a live cannon demonstration (yes, it was loud!). The kids couldn’t believe that pirates once attacked here, and that the fort changed hands six different times without ever falling in battle. It was definitely one of those places where history didn’t just feel like a story — it came alive right under our feet.

Capybara Cafe

To be honest, the main reason we stopped in St. Augustine for the day wasn’t the history or the sights — it was the Capybara Café! We told the kids we had one last history museum to visit, and they totally fell for it. But instead of dusty exhibits, they walked into the ultimate surprise: cuddles, snacks, and quality time with capybaras — Foster’s absolute favorite animal. His face lit up the second he saw them, and the joy was contagious. We had the best time feeding, hugging, and laughing with the world’s chillest rodents. It quickly became one of our most unexpected and favorite family memories, filled with squeals (from both capybaras and kids) and so much love.

St. Augustine truly surprised us in the best way — a perfect blend of history, charm, and unexpected fun. From cobblestone streets and colonial sights to capybara cuddles and sweet treats, it was a day full of laughter, learning, and special moments we’ll never forget. It may have been a quick stop, but it left a lasting impression on all of us.

St. Augustine, FL