Late March Spring Break Advice

Question

We are considering St. Augustine for our spring break becuase we don't want to deal with the crowds elsewhere in Florida. I know it is busy everywhere, but we are looking for a bit less busy.

I'm considering the St. Augustine Beach House on Vilano Beach or the Embassy Suites on St. Augustine Beach.

I have two daughers, 13 and 15, and their only real requirement is warmth, beach and somewhere to lay out lol! Still, I want to be sure they're happy, and have concerns about the bare bones nature of Vilano beach. They are pretty easy going, and would probably be happy anywhere, but I want to make it the best I can for them.

Any opinions or advice are welcome. Not just ont the two locations, but also on St. Augustine in general. Things to see, places to eat, etc. I might bring the dog, but I'm not 100% sure.

Thank you!

Answer

St. Augustine is a fantastic choice for spring break if you’re looking for a more relaxed, historic, and less crowded alternative to the major Florida beach destinations. Late March can be a pleasant time, with milder temperatures than the peak summer months, though the water may still be on the cooler side for swimming.

Regarding accommodations:

St. Augustine Beach House on Vilano Beach – This is a smaller, more low-key property with a quieter, more natural beach experience. It’s perfect if you want peace and minimal crowds. The beach here is beautiful and often less busy than St. Augustine Beach proper, but the property itself may have fewer amenities, which could matter if your daughters want extras like poolside service or easy beachside food options.
Embassy Suites on St. Augustine Beach – This is a larger resort with full amenities, including a pool, suite-style rooms, and easy access to the beach. It’s generally more convenient if you want a worry-free stay with breakfast included and options for indoor/outdoor lounging. The beach here is busier than Vilano but still manageable compared to Florida hotspots like Daytona or Miami.

For your daughters’ priorities (warmth, beach, and laying out), either property could work, but if comfort and convenience are important, Embassy Suites may provide a better balance. If you want a quieter, more “off-the-beaten-path” vibe and don’t mind fewer amenities, Vilano Beach House is charming.

Things to do in St. Augustine:

Explore St. George Street in the historic district for shops, ice cream, and local eats.
Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, a historic fort with great views of the bay.
Check out St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum – climb to the top for spectacular views.
Take a stroll on St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach for sun and sand; both are dog-friendly with leashes.
Consider a ghost tour or trolley tour if you want a fun, interactive way to see the city.
Eat at local favorites like O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits for casual dining or Catch 27 for fresh seafood.

If bringing a dog, Vilano Beach is slightly more low-key and easier for walks without worrying about crowds, but St. Augustine Beach also has dog-friendly areas. For late March, you should find plenty of sunshine for beach time, and crowds will be noticeable but much lighter than central Florida’s main spring break spots.

Overall, for a mix of convenience, amenities, and beach access, Embassy Suites is likely the safer bet for a first-time visit with teens. For a quieter, more local experience and potentially more peaceful dog-friendly options, Vilano Beach House is ideal. Either way, St. Augustine offers historic charm, good food, and accessible beaches without the chaos of major spring break destinations.