- Attraction: Anastasia State Park
- Location: 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Industry: State Park
- Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Picture this:
You’re stepping onto four miles of powdery white sand beaches where endangered beach mice scurry through the dunes and colorful roseate spoonbills hunt along pristine salt marshes.
Welcome to Anastasia State Park, where 1,600 acres of untouched Florida coastline create the perfect escape from everyday life.
This isn’t just any beach destination—it’s ranked as America’s 6th best state park and consistently appears on “prettiest beach campsites” lists across the country.
You’ll discover a place where history whispers through ancient coquina quarries that supplied stone for St. Augustine’s legendary Castillo de San Marcos fortress over 300 years ago, while modern adventures await around every corner.
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Keep Exploring →From surfing some of Florida’s best east coast breaks to kayaking through wildlife-rich Salt Run, this coastal paradise delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure just minutes from America’s oldest city.
Beach & Water Activities
Four Miles of Paradise: The star attraction here is undoubtedly the expansive Atlantic coastline featuring gorgeous white quartz sand that stretches endlessly in both directions.
You’ll love how the beach maintains that secluded, untouched feeling even during busy periods, with plenty of space to spread out and claim your own slice of paradise.
The unique orange and yellow-tinted sand comes from crushed coquina shells, creating a distinctive shoreline that’s constantly changing with tidal pools and natural rills.
Excellent Surfing Conditions: Anastasia hosts some of the better surfing opportunities on Florida’s east coast, with four miles of beach breaks that allow surfers to spread out and find their perfect wave.
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Discover MoreThe conditions work well for beginners and experienced surfers alike, though you’ll want a wetsuit during the cooler months from late fall through early spring.
Pristine Swimming Areas: The designated swimming zones offer crystal-clear Atlantic waters that are monitored by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
You’ll find the water temperature delightful during summer months, and even winter dips remain surprisingly pleasant thanks to Florida’s mild climate. The beach features accessible boardwalks and even beach wheelchairs available for free, ensuring everyone can enjoy the oceanfront experience.
Water Sports Galore: Anastasia Watersports provides everything you need for aquatic adventures, including kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals.
The sheltered Salt Run lagoon behind the dunes creates perfect conditions for beginners or those seeking calmer waters, while experienced paddlers can venture into the Intracoastal Waterway for more challenging excursions.
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Keep Exploring →World-Class Shelling: Beachcombing enthusiasts consistently rave about the variety of shells found here, including clam, scallop, oyster, and olive shells.
The best shelling happens during low tide when the most beach area gets exposed, revealing treasures that wash up from the deep Atlantic waters.
Natural Wonders & Wildlife
Incredible Birding Opportunities: As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, you’ll encounter an amazing variety of species throughout your visit.
Laughing gulls, least terns, and black skimmers rest along the shoreline, while the salt marshes attract great blue herons, tricolor herons, wood storks, and those spectacular roseate spoonbills that visitors photograph constantly.
Look up to spot osprey, bald eagles, and owls soaring overhead or perched in the maritime hammock trees.
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Discover MoreEndangered Beach Mouse Habitat: Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, the park’s unofficial mascot marked by its light buff-colored back and pure white underparts.
These endangered creatures scurry through the protected coastal dunes, making this one of the few places where you might glimpse them in their natural habitat.
Ancient Dunes Nature Trail: This 0.7-mile trail winds through shaded maritime hammocks where you’ll spot ancient sand dunes and diverse plant life including American Beautyberries, Firewheel, and the iconic Pink Muhly Grass.
The trail provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities while offering a peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
Historic Coquina Quarries: Step back in time at the archaeological site where Spanish colonists mined coquina stone starting in 1671.
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Keep Exploring →You can explore these historic quarries for free at the park entrance, walking along interpretive trails that explain how this unique building material shaped St. Augustine’s architecture, including the famous Castillo de San Marcos fortress.
Atmosphere & Experience
Maritime Hammock Setting: The park’s campground and facilities nestle within a beautiful maritime hammock forest of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a magical, almost mystical atmosphere.
You’ll feel completely immersed in Old Florida’s natural beauty, with the constant sound of surf providing a soothing soundtrack day and night.
Peaceful & Uncrowded: Unlike many Florida beaches, Anastasia maintains a serene, uncrowded feeling even during peak seasons.
The park’s size allows visitors to spread out naturally, whether you’re seeking solitude for meditation and reflection or active space for family beach games and exploration.
Spectacular Sunrise Views: Position yourself on the east-facing beach for some of the most breathtaking sunrise photography opportunities on the Atlantic coast.
The combination of endless ocean views, dramatic dune landscapes, and abundant bird life creates picture-perfect moments that visitors treasure forever.
Easy Beach Access: Well-designed elevated boardwalks carry you over the protected dunes directly to the shoreline, making beach access effortless for visitors of all mobility levels.
The park’s commitment to accessibility includes Mobi-Mats for wheelchair access and complimentary beach wheelchair loans.
Other Considerations
Affordable Pricing: Entry costs just $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 for single occupants, or $2 for pedestrians and cyclists—exceptional value considering the park’s premium amenities and pristine conditions.
Annual passes make even more sense for frequent visitors to Florida’s state park system.
Convenient Amenities: The Island Beach Shop and Grill provides freshly made food, cold drinks, and essential beach supplies right within the park, plus free Wi-Fi in the covered outdoor seating area.
You’ll find clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and ample parking throughout the park.
Camping Excellence: The 139 campsites rank among America’s prettiest beach camping destinations, with sites tucked into the maritime hammock just a short walk or bike ride from the ocean.
Each site includes electricity, water, picnic table, fire ring, and grill, with clean bathhouses and laundry facilities available.
Perfect St. Augustine Base: The park’s location provides easy access to historic St. Augustine’s attractions, restaurants, and cultural sites, while offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s tourist crowds.
You can bike or drive across the Bridge of Lions to explore America’s oldest city, then return to your coastal sanctuary.
Year-Round Appeal: Florida’s mild climate makes Anastasia enjoyable throughout the year, though summer brings the warmest water temperatures and longest beach days.
Winter visits offer cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and biking, plus excellent wildlife viewing as migratory species arrive.
Anastasia State Park
📍 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
