St. Augustine, FL – Before we know it, summer will be in full swing! Kids will be out of school, the temperatures will rise and unused vacation days will be waiting to be redeemed!  While most travelers board airplanes or take road trip to escape relatives, Hispanics genuinely look forward to spending time – outside of their daily routines – with Mami, Papi, Abuelos, Nietos, Tios y Primos; connecting to their heritage and creating lifetime memories.  

For many families, summer travel has become an overly-traveled path to mega theme parks, including hours standing in line waiting for something to happen… in the summer heat, if you’ve been there, this does not necessarily mean fun! For those tired of the usual family vacation suspects, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches delivers a surprising and refreshing alternative.

Florida’s Historic Coast has evolved into a best-kept secret for Hispanic family travelers, offering intimate-sized attractions that connects them to their heritage without the long lines, overwhelming crowds and drain on your back account – St. Augustine is the place where Hispanic heritage in the U.S. was born more than 450 years ago.

As we are all too familiar, family travel can get expensive, too. Even that trip that sounds cheap at first, adds up when you consider you have to multiply it by four, five, six family members. Florida’s Historic Coast has a great way to travel with the whole family and stay on budget! Travelers can get discounts up to 30% off room rates by traveling mid-week while still enjoying all that St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the beaches have to offer on weekends.   Visitors will enjoy more freedom and more peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the busy weekend crowds. And travelers staying Monday through Thursday won’t miss a thing. Deals can be booked at www.floridashistoriccoast.com/midweek.

So if you’re looking for a vacation that will satisfy your family members at every age, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the beaches are a guaranteed family- and budget friendly destination.

LIST OF MUST DO FAMILY EXPERIENCES

Building Sandcastles

It has been 500 years since Ponce de Leon first saw the magnificent beaches of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, but even after nearly five centuries these beaches remain a major attraction on Florida’s Historic Coast. Beauty, history and unspoiled nature combined have put Ponte Vedra Beach on CNN’s list of 22 Can’t Miss U.S. Beaches and with St. Augustine Beach recently named a Top 10 Beach in the US by TripAdvisor users. Whether it’s family fun in the sun, a romantic walk by the sea or a day of reflection and relaxation to the accompaniment of the gentle surf, this is among Florida’s best beaches.

Travel Back in Time

Walk the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos which has stood guard over the oldest city in the United States since 1672. This massive fortress, which took more than 20 years to build, helped protect Spain’s treasure fleets from the British and pirates. It is the oldest masonry fort in the United States and was designated a national monument in 1924.   The Colonial Quarter is a 2-acre living history museum that recreates St. Augustine’s storied past. Visitors can explore the centuries and mingle with authentically costumed historic interpreters, participate in a musket drill, and climb 35 feet to the top of a 17th century watchtower. The abuelos will love stopping by the Mission Nombre de Dios where the first Holy Mass was held in 1865 – home of the first Catholic parish in the nation.

Attractions keep little hands busy

Other historic attractions that keep little kids busy with interactive activities include the Pirate and Treasure Museum with its scavenger hunt, interactive pirate book, cannon firing, knot tying and immersive, surround sound pirate ship experience. At the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, taste the water, feed a peacock, explore a Timucuan Indian village, and sift for artifacts in an archaeological dig. Explore the world’s oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.

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 brave the waves with a surfing lesson. Feed the alligators at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park and hunt for shark’s teeth at Mickler’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach. Immerse yourself in the 3D movie experience at the World Golf Village IMAX Theater. After dark, check out all of St. Augustine’s haunted spots on a Ghost Tour adventure.

“Togetherness” Comes in All Forms

Adult members of the family will love getting the family active together with a hike at Anastasia State Park or the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve where you’ll see plenty of Florida wildlife. And speaking of wildlife, you can’t get much more in tune with nature than by swimming with the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure.

Dads and Moms Can Enjoy Their Individual Hobbies

Dads will want to schedule time on the links at one of the championship golf courses at World Golf Village. Then tour the World Golf Hall of Fame to see surprising artifacts from the Hall’s members and golf’s biggest names. The ladies can shop til they drop at St. Augustine’s two outlet malls or at any of the unique boutiques, vintage stores or antique shops in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Dining Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Dining is plentiful and varied. There are many casual options for families and restaurants serve up fresh local produce and seafood. Chefs create dishes inspired by the area’s diverse culture – Spanish, French, British, Greek and Minorcan - and menus satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaways and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at  www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Viaja San Agustin on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.