Spring Break 2025: We bravely loaded up our crew of 7 kids (yes, seven) and set off to conquer the Atlantic coast—St. Augustine to St. Simons Island to Savannah—armed only with two hotel rooms per stop, an appetite for adventure, and a borderline concerning love for complimentary breakfasts. Join me and my wife, Heather, as we wrangle our crew through historic streets, haunted tours, and sticky ice cream cones, weaving our way from the pirate-laden charm of St. Augustine to the Spanish moss-draped squares of Savannah—each stop a delightful mix of chaos, curiosity, and comfort food.
St. Augustine:
We kicked things off at Pirates Inn, a budget-friendly, bunk bed-filled ex-hostel that had strong “college dorm meets pirate cosplay” energy. Our host Jesse from Brazil, part pirate/part pancake whisperer, whipped up breakfast each morning like a culinary magician with a spatula. We strolled to Castillo de San Marcos (very old, very sturdy), the Lightner Museum (fancy), and historic streets where we admired architecture while desperately counting heads. Pro tip: OC Whites = live music + seafood; Casa Maya = where Latin flavors and parental sanity meet.
Jekyll Island Detour:
We pit-stopped at the Sea Turtle Center, where we learned about turtles and instantly wished we could nap like them. Driftwood Beach offered scenic views and the perfect backdrop for yelling “Don’t climb that!” every 30 seconds. Lunch was Larry’s Giant Subs—we ordered four sandwiches and fed nine people. Math? We don’t know her.
St. Simons Island:
Best Western = pool, hot tub, and clean towels we used to mop up kid-related chaos. The trolley tour was equal parts history and "please sit still." Highlights included the lighthouse museum and beach walks that turned into seashell hoarding missions. Barbara Jean’s served true Southern comfort food. Iguana’s won the kids’ MVP for the unlimited soft serve (because who needs actual nutrition on vacation?).
Savannah:
Checked into SpringHill Suites and immediately began walking everywhere because: charming squares, Spanish moss, and exactly zero parking. Trolley tours made us feel educated, the haunted one made us laugh-snort. Weather? A dreamy 79°F. We capped off the trip at Fire Street Food Where Asian fusion met travel exhaustion. On our last day there I ditched the kids at the hotel and took the wife to Myrtle & Rose rooftop bar on River Street to enjoy the views and plan our next family trip!
Final tally: 3 cities, 2 hotel rooms at each, 7 kids, 1 haunted trolley, and approximately 84 pancakes. Would we do it again? Ask us in a year… after we finish the laundry.