Family Activities in St. Augustine

St. Augustine, FL, is a beautiful place to visit, and plenty of activities keep the family busy. Regardless of whether it's your first vist, your fifth, or if you're a newly transplanted resident, it can be challenging to find family activities in St. Augustine that the entire family can rally behind. But there is one activity the whole family can enjoy - paddleboarding. Paddleboarding gets you out in the sun and on the water. It's a great workout, and at the same time, it's very relaxing. If you're worried about finding a spot to paddleboard in a new city, don't be. There are plenty of safe spots for paddleboarding in St. Augustine. Some locations are touristy, while other locations are only known to the locals, like me. If you never been paddleboarding and you're a bit nervous as to whether or not the family can and will do it, don't be. You don't need any experience paddleboarding to have fun. All you have to do is pick the right paddleboard rental company (hint: A1A SUP), and they will cover all the details for you. They will deliver and even pick up the paddleboards for you. Some will even provide water, beach chairs, and sunshade tents. First things first. If you're new to paddleboarding, read on as we'll walk you through what you need to know. Let's get started! 

What is Paddleboarding?

Paddleboarding is an outdoor activity that involves standing on a board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water. It's similar to surfing, but instead of riding waves, you use your own strength to paddle through the water. Paddleboarding is a great workout and a lot of fun! Plus, it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family. 

Why Choose Paddleboarding for Family Activities in St. Augustine?

Paddleboarding is an excellent activity for families because it gets everyone outside, on the water, and in the sun. It is also a very safe activity if you follow basic guidelines and choose a safe location to paddleboard. Some locations are more touristy than others, but there are plenty of great locations that only locals like us know about. No matter where you choose to paddleboard, you will indeed have a great time with your family.

Where to Paddleboard in St. Augustine

Anastasia State Park

This state park is a must-visit when you’re in St. Augustine. And it’s also a great place to go paddleboarding! There’s a launch site just south of the main parking lot where you can put your paddleboard. Then explore the beautiful Anastasia Island coastline or head to Turtle Mound National Historic Site – an ancient Native American shell mound that’s now a part of the park. Just be sure to watch out for manatees, as they often frequent these waters!

Fort Matanzas National Monument

This is another excellent spot for exploring by paddleboard. Fort Matanzas is located on Rat Island, just off the coast of Anastasia Island. You can put in your paddleboard at the boat ramp on Anastasia Island and then paddle over to Rat Island. Once you reach Rat Island, you can explore the island or check out Fort Matanzas – an 18th-century Spanish fort now a National Monument. Just be sure to bring your camera, as there are some great photo ops!

Matanzas Inlet

This is our favorite and it's know only to the locals. When families ask us for the best place to paddleboard if you're a beginner, this is where we take them. It's located just south of the main public entrance to the Mantanzas River yet it's unmarked, so most folks won't even realized the gravel lot that holds 10 cars and has a path leading directly to the inlet is in fact, one of the absolute best locations for beginners and experience paddleboards alike. Because it is an inlet with less people traffic and near zero traffic from fishing canoes, it is not uncommon to see dolphins and sea turtles as close up at 15-20' away from you. Don't worry though, they won't bother you, they're just enjoying the sun and water as well! 

St. Augustine Municipal Marina

The Municipal Marina is located in historic downtown St. Augustine and is a great place to go paddleboarding if you want to explore downtown by water. There’s a small public beach next to the marina where you can put in your board and then explore downtown from the water. You’ll get some great views of the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and other historical landmarks while paddling around! Be careful of boat traffic, as this is a busy area with many boats coming and going.

How to Choose the Right Paddleboard Rental Company 

There are many paddleboard rental companies in St. Augustine, so how do you choose the right one? First, you must decide what kind of experience you want. Do you want someone to deliver and pick up the paddleboards for you? Do you want someone to provide water, beach chairs, and sunshade tents? Once you know what kind of experience you want, you can start looking at different companies and compare prices. Be sure to read reviews from other families before making your final decision.

Now Go Enjoy the Sun, Sand, and Water

Paddleboarding is a great way to spend time with your family while on vacation in St. Augustine, FL. It is an activity that everyone can enjoy regardless of age or experience level. There are many different rental companies to choose from, so be sure to do your research before deciding which one is right for your family. With the right rental company, you will indeed have a fun and memorable experience paddling around beautiful St. Augustine.