Planning a family vacation that makes everyone happy is a challenge, especially when there are wide age ranges and varying preferences involved, plus hundreds of destination options. So, consider this your CliffsNotes for a successful family-friendly vacay: three unique itineraries in some of Florida’s most stunning locales, each tailored to please everyone in your group, from grandparents to the littlest explorers. Let’s dive in and discover just some of what the Sunshine State has to offer, shall we?
Soak Up History in St. Augustine
If your family has any history buffs, you’ll love a getaway to St. Augustine on Florida’s Northeast coast. Recognized as the nation’s oldest continuously settled city, it was founded in 1565—that’s a whopping 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. And from that 460 years of history springs an abundance of unique and culturally significant architecture, attractions, and more that will intrigue and inspire everyone in your crew.
For your first stop, head to the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, where you’ll learn about the fascinating history of Spanish Colonial medicine. (Spoiler alert: The Spanish settlers were way ahead of their time!) Take the guided tour to get a demonstration of both surgical and apothecary treatments during the colonial era.
Next, enjoy some outdoor history at Castillo de San Marcos, arguably the city’s most historically significant structure. It was built between 1672 and 1695, making it the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. The site has played host to a wide range of events, from a Thanksgiving Mass with the founders of St. Augustine and the local native tribes—more than five decades before the Pilgrims would have their famous shared meal in Plymouth—to an occupation by Union soldiers during the Civil War.
Shift gears for dinner and check out La Nouvelle for dinner, a French bistro from Chef Michael Lugo located at the Jefferson House in historic Lincolnville. Grab a seat on the wraparound porch or the garden patio and order the Bouillabaisse, the steak au poivre, and a bowl of the best French onion soup in St. Augustine. Pro tip: Don’t miss the freshly baked bread with butter imported from France.
Wrap up your St. Augustine adventure with some time on the water, specifically a Mystic Knot boat tour along the scenic waterways around Fort Matanzas National Monument. Choose from a two-, three-, or five-hour excursion; you can also add jet skis to the mix if your family is craving more adventure. Finish off your day in the sun with gourmet ice pops from The Hyppo. Made by hand with only the freshest fruit, these ice pops are the perfect way to end a sunny getaway.
Catch Ultimate Summer Vibes in Panama City Beach
There’s hardly a better spot for a classic beach vacation than Panama City Beach. The 27 miles of sandy white shores kissed by turquoise waters are just one of the reasons why it’s a best-loved destination in the Sunshine State; there are also ample entertainment options, waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood, and adventures in the great outdoors at every turn. It’s an ideal spot for a getaway with the entire family, especially grandparents and grandkids.
Once you’ve gotten some beach time under your belt, head to Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s marquee shopping and entertainment destination. Expect something for everyone, including 18 holes of mini golf and the SkyWheel observation wheel that soars 200 feet above the pier.
From there, take your pick of adventures to get close to Mother Nature. Try a dolphin boat tour of Shell Island, where you’ll cruise through Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay before heading into the gulf to scout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The tour ends with a snorkeling session around Shell Island, where you can spot all kinds of wildlife. Prefer your adventure with a bit of wind in your hair? Book an airboat tour to explore the wild marsh landscapes and look for alligators, dolphins, and native birds.
If you have aspiring (or accomplished) anglers in your group, take a walk along M.B. Miller County Pier or Russell-Fields Pier, where you can easily rent fishing gear for everyone to try their hand at casting and catching. If you’d rather take in the view, head over after dinner as another perfect Florida sunset gets underway.
Enjoy Everything Within Reach in Palm Coast
If yours is the type of family that loves taking vacations but doesn’t love planning them, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Situated on Florida’s Atlantic coast just south of St. Augustine, Palm Coast is a haven for family-oriented travelers, with plenty of postcard-worthy beaches, expansive parks, golf resorts, and unique museums. As a resort, Hammock Beach captures everything to love about Palm Coast and puts it at your fingertips—so you can spend time relaxing versus researching what to do next.
On a multi-generational family trip, you might start the day with a round of golf with the grandparents on the Ocean Course or the Conservatory Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, respectively. Not ready to hit the links just yet? Enjoy a self-care kind of morning at the luxe full-service spa.
From there, enjoy lunch at one of the eight dining venues on the property before taking the kids to the 91,000-square-foot Fantasy Pool complex with a water flume and lazy river. Before dinner, challenge the grandparents and grandkids to a round of mini golf; cap off the night with s’mores before bed.
Should you decide to explore beyond the resort, good news: You’re just minutes away from historic St. Augustine, Daytona International Speedway, and the Kennedy Space Center.
To find more inspiration for your next family getaway to the Sunshine State, head to VISIT FLORIDA.
