For beach lovers, Florida’s Anastasia Island is a pristine paradise
When searching for an idyllic sandy spot to spend sunny summer days at the seashore, look no further than Anastasia State Park, which has four miles of unspoiled beaches for family and friends to enjoy.
This more than 1,600-acre oasis is situated just outside the oldest city in the United States near a picturesque lighthouse and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Visit the Atlantic Coast destination, a haven for wildlife and humans alike, to see untouched dunes, maritime hammocks and plenty of beautiful flora and fauna.
Modern-day visitors will sometimes camp out before or after attending concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, which has a walking path connected to the state park. Overnight visitors can choose from one of 139 sites that can accommodate tents or RVs (with two tent-only loops).
The area’s history is revealed during a short hike that meanders through an old coquina quarry on the immediate righthand side of the park’s entrance. More than 300 years ago, sites like this were busy with workers hauling out coquina rock used to construct nearby buildings, including the Castillo de San Marcos.
The beach is by far the biggest draw of Anastasia State Park. A designated swimming area is under a lifeguard’s watch in the summer through Labor Day. Cycling, walking, swimming, surfing and shelling are all options along the pristine shoreline. The dunes within the park are home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse and are protected, so be sure to cross on designated boardwalks.
When it comes time for a snack, visit the Island Beach Shop and Grill near the main beach access point. The concession stand serves burgers, tacos, sandwiches, hot dogs, wraps, salads, ice cream and other light bites. Visitors who are 21 or older can enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from the grill. Find beach toys, apparel, souvenirs, bait and camping essentials within the gift shop — plus rentals of surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, bicycles and boogie boards. Beach wheelchairs are available for free to visitors with mobility limitations.
On the side of the park opposite the Atlantic Ocean, explore the estuarine tidal marsh where dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, crabs and marsh birds have been spotted. Anastasia Watersports is set up with rentals of sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes.
Away from the beach, the Ancient Dunes nature trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock and over former sand dunes. The state park is listed on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so be on the lookout for a variety of shorebirds on the beach, great blue herons, tricolored herons, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, osprey, bald eagles, owls and songbirds within the maritime hammock.
Important information
- Location: 300 Anastasia Park Road in St. Augustine
- Hours: Open 8 a.m. until sundown daily
- Fee: $8 per vehicle
- Amenities: Boardwalk, beach, campfire circle, campground, canoe/kayak launch, hiking trails, laundry, picnic tables and pavilions, historic sites, accessible amenities, concession and restaurant, rentals, parking, playground, restrooms
- Activities: Bicycling, birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, shelling, surfing, swimming, wildlife viewing
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The estuarine tidal marsh is a prime location for kayaking at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel) - Accessibility: Anastasia State Park offers a number of accessible amenities, including elevated boardwalks, a Mobi-Mat for beach access, beach wheelchairs available for free, accessible campsites and interpretive exhibits.
- What to bring: When spending a day on the beach, pack some form of shade, sunscreen, towels, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in the cooler for a full day of fun in the sun.
- What not to bring: Florida’s state parks prohibit alcohol (except in designated areas) and the removal or destruction of plants, animals and cultural artifacts.
- Pets: Pets are prohibited on beaches, buildings and boardwalks, but permitted in the campground.
- Pro tips: While Anastasia State Park has a large campground, the sites tend to be booked far ahead of time. Look at availability months before planning an overnight trip to the park, which proves a worthwhile experience in seeing the sunrise and sunset on the beach, plus offering after-hours access.
- More information: 904-461-2033 or floridastateparks.org
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.