Visiting St. Augustine with the family

St. Augustine is one of the most charming and unique cities to visit. With an incredible history and a warm presence, St. Augustine offers so much to visitors. Whether you’re searching for the perfect spot for a getaway for two or a family vacation, the city has incredible shopping, amazing attractions, and ghostly adventures. Our family vacations to Daytona Beach always included at least one stop in the historic city. We visited the sites, shopped in some of the cutest boutiques, and ate at some great little restaurants.

Here’s what you need to know about America’s oldest city:

• History. Founded 55 years before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, St. Augustine has enough historic sites to keep any history buff busy. The Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fortress and one of the oldest standing structures in North America, is now a national park and open to visitors. A trip to the 15 acre archeological park, The Fountain of Youth, will educate guests about Ponce de Leon’s famous search for the water. The St. Augustine Historical Society has several old homes open to the public, including Florida’s oldest house and the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial Dwelling in Florida.
• Ghostly adventures. Travelers in search of the other side of St. Augustine’s history must take advantage of one of the several ghost tours available. ghoST Augustine has some of the most unique tours, like the Haunted Pub Tour where you can enjoy some ghost history while visiting four local pubs. 
• Attractions. The St. Augustine Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is the original and oldest of the chain of museums. Besides the odd and unusual items on viewing at the museum, Ripley’s also offer sightseeing train tours of the city. Guests can jump on and off with tickets that are valid for three days. Children will love visiting the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Don’t let the name fool you. Many animals beside alligators live here and you’ll be amazed to find anacondas, monkeys, owl, vultures, and more at the Alligator Farm.
• Shopping and eating. St. George Street is a pedestrian-only mall lined with historic buildings and quaint boutiques. Grab a beer at the St. George Tavern, a local and tourist favorite, or lunch at the Mill Top Tavern, where you’ll find great food and live music.

More information about the sites and scenes to visit in St. Augustine are available here and here.

Chris Flynn is mom to two rambunctious boys. A homebody at heart, Chris fell in love and found herself moving around like a gypsy. When she isn’t packing, on a plane, or in a car, you can find her at Mom’s Favorite Stuff or on Twitter.

Image of St. Augustine Light courtesy of chriswsn.