Are you ready for an unforgettable family vacation this summer? Look no further because St. Augustine, FL is the place to be! This historic coastal town is full of exciting new experiences, hotels, and dining options for families of all ages to enjoy in 2023.
As a mom who loves to travel and make memories with my family, I can’t think of a better place to spend a summer vacation than St. Augustine.
Experience history and something new at St. Augustine
From the story of Ponce de Leon’s landing in 1513, to the settling of the first permanent European settlement in 1565, St. Augustine has a rich history that provides endless opportunities for families to learn and experience something new.
New attractions and events in St. Augustine in 2023
And the fun doesn’t stop there! With new attractions and events coming in 2023, there has never been a better time to visit St. Augustine. Get a unique perspective on history by attending the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum’s performance tour “They Lived Here, as Well- Together”, which tells the story of the house through the eyes of male and female enslaved residents.
Immerse yourself in art, architecture, and history at the Lightner Museum, which celebrates its 75th anniversary and 135th anniversary of its iconic building this year. Don’t miss the new exhibitions, events, and opportunities to connect with art, history, culture, and community.
Take a step back in time and visit the Villa Zorayda, which has been operated as an attraction for 90 years and continues to educate visitors about different cultures from around the world.
And let’s not forget about the great outdoors! Get ready to explore the beautiful St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, which is set to open this spring and will offer guided tours and educational programs.
For those sports enthusiasts, the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course is home to THE PLAYERS Championship in March 2023 and tickets are now on sale. And if you’re a fan of Pickleball, check out the new 12-hole course at The Yards in Ponte Vedra Beach, which has been recognized as one of the best course renovations in 2021.
Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime with your family. Whether you’re interested in learning to sail with St. Augustine Sailing’s ASA Certification program or just want to relax and soak up the sun, St. Augustine has something for everyone.
If you travel this winter and spring 2023, the Colonial Oak Music Park is hosting a ton of free concerts and performances every single week. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and even some Saturdays will be filled with amazing music and entertainment. And if that’s not enough, Sunday afternoons will be dedicated to watching all the biggest sporting events on their huge screens! It’s like being invited to a giant party with 200 of your closest friends, all in the cozy and intimate outdoor setting.
Extraordinary lodging and dining in St. Augustine 2023
In recent years, the city has seen a boom in top-notch hotels that cater to families. From the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown to theHoliday Inn Express & Suites on Vilano, to the Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Augustine San Sebastian and the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Resort, there’s no shortage of great options.
And the best part? More are on the way! The Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort recently added 42 new oceanview rooms and won the “Hospitality & Entertainment” award from the Urban Land Institute of North Florida. Meanwhile, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club unveiled 64 newly renovated beachfront guest rooms and added a croquet lawn and bocce court for guests to enjoy.
But wait, there’s more! Get ready for an extraordinary spring and summer on Vilano Beach, because the long-awaited Hyatt Place Vilano Beach is finally opening in April 2023. With its stunning Art Deco design and rooftop dining, the hotel will offer 120 guest rooms and gorgeous event spaces just steps from the beach. Plus, diners can enjoy the one-of-a-kind coastal cuisine by Michael’s at Pesca Vilano, offering fine dining and rooftop experiences with breathtaking views of the St. Augustine skyline, the Matanzas Bay, St. Augustine Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean.
As a foodie, I highly recommend visiting two must-try restaurants in St. Augustine – Catch 27 (read my review) and Ancient City Cooking Experiences. Catch 27 is a local favorite celebrating 10 years, known for its fresh seafood and seasonal fare. They’re launching a new menu with shareable plates, Southern entrees, and specialty cocktails. The restaurant has exciting expansion plans in the works as well.
Ancient City Brunch Bar, started as a high school entrepreneurial project, serves up delicious bagels, pastries, and scones, and has now transformed into Ancient City Cooking Experiences, a series of chef-led demonstrations that showcase local foods. Both spots are a must-visit for all food lovers.
Visit St. Augustine
In addition to the new experiences and space on Florida’s Historic Coast, there are numerous events that take place throughout the year such as, THE PLAYERS Championship®, the St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival, Nights of Lights, and great historic reenactments which create great reasons to experience the history, music, flavor, and sportingly fun excitement that is an important part of the story of Florida’s Historic Coast.
There’s never been a better time to plan a trip to St. Augustine! With so many great family options, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay.
For more information and reviews from my previous trips to St. Augustine, check out my St. Augustine blog posts. It’s never too early to start planning your next family vacation, and there’s no better time to visit St. Augustine than now! Let’s make some unforgettable memories together.
