Splash Park at the Pier

Right next to the St. Johns County Pier, this little spot is a lifesaver on those brutal Florida summer afternoons when the surf is too rough for the little ones. The water feature keeps toddlers and preschoolers busy for way longer than you’d expect, and the sandbox buys you even more time. Shaded seating, picnic tables, and restrooms mean you can actually stay a while without scrambling. Parking is free, which honestly makes it a no-brainer when you’re already hauling half your house to the beach. The pier views aren’t bad either — not a bad place to sit while the kids wear themselves out.