Located just minutes from downtown historic St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is worth visiting for its 1600 acres of Old Florida scenery and numerous recreational activities. At this secluded and serene park, visitors can swim, surf, hike, and fish surrounded by diverse natural habitats like salt marshes and dunes. We first spotted Anastasia State Park from the top of the St. Augustine lighthouse and knew we had to check it out. Read on to see why this state park in north Florida is a great destination for beachgoers, families, and anyone who wants to escape into nature.
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HISTORY OF ANASTASIA STATE PARK
Anastasia State Park is located on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Menendez de Aviles, and the area where the park is now located was used as a quarry where coquina rock was mined to build the nearby Castillo de San Marcos and other buildings. Over the years, the landscape of the island changed as currents carried and deposited sand from Jacksonville Beach, causing the peninsula to grow in size. In 1964, Hurricane Dora brought even more sand, and eventually nearby Conch Island was linked to Anastasia Island where Anastasia State Park is now located.
The state park was officially established in 1949 and now protects unique ecosystems and wildlife from development. This area provides critical habitat for various species, including the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse and numerous bird species such as roseate spoonbills and ospreys.
THINGS TO DO AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK
BEACH ACTIVITIES
Anastasia State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, but one of our favorite things to do here is walk the beach and enjoy the views and wildlife. The park boasts four miles of undeveloped coastline perfect for strolling or enjoying other beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, or surfing. We visited during Labor Day weekend and were surprised at how quiet and uncrowded the beach was. We spent about an hour strolling the soft white sand and watching seagulls drift over the waves and sandpipers hop along the shore. I had read on the park’s website that this beach was good for shelling, but at least on the day that we visited, we didn’t find that to be true. There were lots of shell fragments but not many whole shells. (It didn’t matter much to me, but I want to mention it in case you are searching for the best shelling beaches.)
Swimming, surfing, and biking are other popular activities along the long stretch of coast. If you want to swim, we recommend staying near the beach access by Island Beach Shop, as this is the only area of the beach that is designated as a swimming area and that has a lifeguard on duty. (Please note that a lifeguard is only on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.) Be sure to follow the beach flag warning system, which will alert you to the presence of hazardous conditions such as rip tides and dangerous marine life so you will know if it is safe to enter the ocean.
Surfing and biking are also popular activities at Anastasia State Park. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own gear — surfboards and bikes are available to rent at the Island Beach Shop. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available to rent.
For those who want to venture further out and enjoy beautiful views of the St. Augustine lighthouse and the beach dunes from the water, Anastasia Water Sports offers kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to rent. Prices range from $40-$70 per person depending on type and length of rental. Anastasia Water Sports also offers sailboat rentals (tide and weather permitting) that range from $75 (one hour) to $95 (three hours). Reservations for both sailboats and watersports can be made in advance here.
OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Anastasia State Park also offers campsites for those who want to spend the night within the maritime hammock. The 139 sites accommodate both RVs and tents and include electricity, water, a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Reservations can be made here. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible because camping sites at Florida State Parks sometimes fill months in advance.
The park also offers three different picnic areas. The Hilltop Picnic Area is free and includes ten picnic tables that are available on a first come, first served basis. Two covered pavilions can be reserved for $100 a day for larger events such as parties and reunions. Reservations can be made by contacting Anastasia Watersports.
Another popular activity at Anastasia State Park – and our favorite after strolling the beach – is hiking. We hiked Ancient Dunes Trail, which is 0.7 of a mile and loops through a shaded marine hammock. Majestic oak trees, palmetto, and other native Florida plants such as beautyberry bushes line the earthen path that weaves through age-old dunes. We enjoyed this trail very much, although be prepared for uneven and sloping ground at parts. We also had to turn around at one point because of water covering the path, so make sure to bring closed-toe walking or hiking shoes. We also always recommend insect repellant when hiking anywhere in Florida, especially areas near sitting water.
WILDLIFE AND NATURE
Anastasia State Park is a coastal dune system that comprises ancient dunes, beaches, tidal marshes, and marine hammocks. The sand dunes, which result naturally from wind-blown sand and are covered with plants such as sea oats and beach morning glory, provide a crucial role in protecting the coast from erosion caused by storm surges and high waves. In addition to protecting the shoreline, they are also vital habitats for species such as the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse and the protected gopher tortoise. Along with these crucial species, other animals you may see at Anastasia State Park are manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, crabs, and birds such as ospreys, sandpipers, and painted buntings.
If you are interested in wildlife viewing, we strongly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars, as this will allow you to see the wildlife much better without getting too close. Please always stay a respectful distance away from wildlife and never touch or feed any of the animals. Some species, such as gopher tortoises, manatees, and sea turtles, are protected under Florida law and interacting with them is considered harassment, which can lead to fines and even imprisonment for severe cases. Please also do not climb on or walk through any of the dunes. Walking on them causes them to break down faster, which puts the wildlife and coastline at risk.
VISITOR TIPS
Anastasia State Park is open from 8am until sundown 365 days a year. The cost to get in is $8 per vehicle.
The best times of the year to visit are the fall and spring. These seasons are considered shoulder seasons in Florida, which means off-peak times when crowds are lower. The temperature and weather are milder during these seasons as well, and fall brings the added benefit of being an excellent time to spot wildlife, especially birds, since many species migrate to Florida in autumn.
No matter what time of the year you visit, we strongly recommend wearing sunscreen. Due to its location close to the equator, Florida’s sun is very strong, and you can get sunburned quickly without protection. Please wear reef safe sunscreen, which is made without chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinozate that damage coral reefs. A few good brands of reef safe sunscreen include Blue Lizard, Think Sport, and Badger. Rash guards and hats are other good ways to protect yourself against the sun.
We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, because it’s important to stay hydrated in Florida’s heat. We like to use Life Straw Insulated water bottle, because it filters out chemicals, bacteria, and microplastics, which allows us to fill up anywhere, such as at sinks or water fountains, and have fresh tasting water. Lastly, bring a camera or smart phone to capture photos of the wildlife and gorgeous scenery!
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
We love St. Augustine because it is a beautiful city full of fascinating history, cultural sites, and delectable dining! We can’t list all the amazing things to do here, but some options include visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a fort originally built by the Spanish that is over 300 years old, or Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can explore a recreation of a Timucuan village and drink water straight from the fabled Fountain of Youth. Take a historical tour of Flagler College, learn what life was like for prisoners at the Old Jail, and browse the unique shops along St. George Street. For more recommendations for things to do, where to eat, and places to stay, you can check out our guide to St. Augustine here.
We hope that you have a chance to visit Anastasia State Park and experience the real Florida. It is the perfect blend of history and natural beauty, and we encourage you to add it to your Florida itinerary!
Looking for more things to do near St. Augustine? Check out our North Florida page here!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
