A Local Spring Break Staycation in St. Augustine, Florida

A Local Spring Break Staycation in St. Augustine, Florida — With Kids!

Spring break looked a little different for us this year. With no big travel plans on the horizon, we decided to keep things simple and stay close to home — and honestly, I’m so glad we did. Living near St. Augustine, Florida, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country, gave us the perfect opportunity for a little staycation magic — no airports required.

If you’re local to North Florida or planning a family trip to St. Augustine soon, this itinerary is packed with fun ideas for exploring the nation's oldest city with kids. Whether you’re here for a weekend or just want to make the most of a few free days, here’s what we did — and loved.

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First Stop: The Fountain of Youth (and Peacocks!)

We kicked off our staycation with a visit to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park — and while the historical significance is fascinating, let’s be honest, my daughter was there for the peacocks. She was completely obsessed, and it’s easy to see why. These feathered friends wander freely throughout the park, and spotting their colorful displays was a highlight of the day.

The Fountain of Youth is a must-see for families visiting St. Augustine with kids. There’s plenty of room to roam and history to soak up, and it’s a peaceful escape just minutes from the hustle of downtown.

Photograph taken mid-day of the outside front sign of the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. A little boy with blonde hair stands in front of a sign at the Fountain of Youth. A vibrant blue peacock stands in front of a red wall and a cannon at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children stand in front of the Ponce de Leon statue at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children stand together in front of the purple lilacs at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. A giant peacock spreads his feathers on the grounds of the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. A little boy with blonde hair in a white shirt gets peanuts out of a feeder to feed the peacocks at the Fountain of Youth. An outdoor photo of the Magnolia Room on the grounds of The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children feed a blue peacock at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children dressed in neutral outfits stand in front of a tree watching a peacock at the Fountain of Youth. Two children dig at the dig site at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children stand in front of the Fountain of Youth sign by the ICW in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children in neutral clothing stand on the dock at the Fountain of Youth in Florida. A landscape birds eye view of the ICW at the Fountain of Youth lookout in St. Augustine, Florida. Two children walk around the ICW entrance at the Fountain of Youth. A red and white Spanish flag on a flag pole at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. A little girl feeds a blue and green peacock at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. A little girl in a neutral jumpsuit feeds peanuts by hand to a white peacock at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, FL. A peacock walks around the grounds of the Fountain of Youth. A little girl feeds a peacock by hand at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida.

Smoothies and Sunshine at The Fountain of Juice

Right across the street from the park is one of our favorite little gems — The Fountain of Juice Café. It’s bright, cheerful, and full of healthy options (which is not always easy to find when you’re traveling with little ones). We grabbed smoothies and sat outside, enjoying the tree-lined view that feels like something out of a movie.

Insider tip: This is one of the most photogenic corners of town, and in the United States! If you’re a fan of charming streetscapes and pretty drinks, this spot directly on the famous tree-lined Magnolia Street deserves a stop!

Two children hug on the canopy of oaky moss on the tree-lined street near the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida. A photo of the outside of the Fountain of Juice juice shop in Saint Augustine, Florida. Two children wait in line at the Fountain of Juice in Saint Augustine, Florida. Two children dressed in neutral colors stand in front of the Fountain of Juice smoothie shop in downtown Saint Augustine, Florida. A little girl in sunglasses, dressed in a neutral jumpsuit, stands in front of the Fountain of Juice shop in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Strolling the Marina + Lunch Downtown

We headed into historic downtown St. Augustine next and made our way to the marina along the waterfront. My kids love watching the boats and spotting dolphins, and the breeze off the water always feels like a mini vacation moment, even if you’re just there for a quick walk.

For lunch, we grabbed a table at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille — a longtime favorite for its outdoor courtyard, kid-friendly menu, and live music. It's right in the heart of downtown and just steps away from some of the city’s best sights.

Two children taking pictures with toy cameras on the marina in downtown Saint Augustine, Florida. A daytime photograph of the marina and wharf with sailboats in downtown Saint Augustine, Florida.

Old Town Trolley Ride = Parent Win

After lunch, we hopped on the Old Town Trolley — an easy and stress-free way to explore the city. My kids thought it was such a treat to ride around town like tourists, and I loved not having to re-park or drag everyone down crowded sidewalks. It’s the perfect way to take in the history of downtown St. Augustine while giving little legs a break.

A Little Friendly Competition: Mini Golf Fun

One afternoon, we squeezed in a round of mini golf, which is always a hit with my crew. There are several great mini golf spots around St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island, and it was the perfect mix of silly fun and that classic vacation vibe, even though we were only minutes from home.

Two children play mini golf in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Dinner at Cap's on the Water = Perfection

We ended one of our staycation days with dinner at Cap’s on the Water in Vilano Beach — one of my all-time favorite restaurants. We got there early, scored a table right on the water, and watched the sun dip below the horizon while dolphins swam by our table. It was actual magic.

Cap’s has a casual upscale vibe, delicious seafood, and unbeatable views. If you’re visiting St. Augustine or even if you’re a local who hasn’t been in a while, this is the spot for a truly special family dinner.

A drone photograph of the dock at Cap's on the Water in Vilano Beach, Florida.

Why a Staycation Was the Right Choice

Our few days “off” turned out to be exactly what we needed — a chance to slow down, explore the places we sometimes take for granted, and make sweet new memories close to home.

If you're traveling to St. Augustine with your family — or you're a local like us just looking for a way to reconnect and relax — there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this beautiful city. From peacock sightings and trolley rides to sunset dinners by the water, St. Augustine continues to surprise and charm me with each visit.

A girl walks along the water on the shore outside of Cap's on the Water in Vilano Beach, Florida.

Planning Your Own St. Augustine Family Staycation?

Whether you’re staying in the city, along St. Augustine Beach, or over in Vilano, there’s so much to see, taste, and do with kids. And if you're visiting from out of town and want to capture your time here, I’d love to connect. I'm a local family photographer in St. Augustine, and nothing makes me happier than documenting the sweet, sunny moments that make this place so special.

Let’s plan something magical — right here at home.

Lanscape photograph of the water on the ICW at Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida.