Anastasia State Park
The kayak glides through the calm waters of Salt Run, a great blue heron lifting off from the salt marsh as you pass. Behind you, the sand dunes rise where an endangered beach mouse makes its home. Ahead, four miles of pristine Atlantic beach stretch toward a lighthouse in the distance. And just across the waterway, the ancient coquina walls of Castillo de San Marcos stand as they have for 350 years—built from stone quarried from this very island.
Welcome to Anastasia State Park, a 1,600-acre barrier island preserve just minutes from America’s oldest city. This is where natural Florida meets living history—where you can swim on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast, then explore the quarry that supplied stone for Spanish colonial fortifications. Where 200+ bird species draw birders from around the world, and where 139 campsites let you fall asleep to the sound of surf.
Anastasia Island has been shaped by human hands for over 300 years, yet the state park preserves the wild heart of the island: maritime hammock forest, tidal salt marsh, ancient dunes, and that glorious four-mile beach. Whether you come for the surf, the paddling, the history, or simply to escape crowds just a few miles up the coast, Anastasia delivers a complete Florida coastal experience.
What Makes Anastasia Exceptional
4-Mile Beach
Pristine white quartz sand—swimming, surfing, beachcombing.
Coquina Quarry
Historic site where stone for Castillo de San Marcos was mined—National Register.
Salt Run
Protected tidal lagoon perfect for kayaking and wildlife watching.
200+ Bird Species
Great Florida Birding Trail site—spoonbills, herons, painted buntings.
The Beach: 4 Miles of Paradise
Anastasia’s Atlantic beach is the main attraction—four miles of white quartz sand that consistently ranks among Florida’s finest. Unlike the crowded commercial beaches nearby, the state park beach offers a more natural experience with minimal development.
| Beach Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Length | 4 miles of continuous beach |
| 🏊 Swimming | Excellent; lifeguards seasonal |
| 🏄 Surfing | Good breaks; popular with local surfers |
| 🐚 Shelling | Productive beachcombing, especially after storms |
| 🚗 Access | Multiple beach access points; short walk from parking |
🏖️ Beach Tips
- Arrive early on summer weekends—the park reaches capacity and closes to new entries
- Bring umbrella and shade—limited natural shade on beach
- The beach is ideal for long walks—4 miles one way!
- Watch for rip currents; swim near lifeguard stations when available
Coquina Quarry: Stone of the Ancient City
One of Anastasia’s most significant features is the Coquina Quarry, an archaeological site on the National Register of Historic Places. More than 300 years ago, Spanish colonists quarried coquina stone from this site to build the iconic Castillo de San Marcos—the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
What is Coquina?
Coquina is a sedimentary rock composed almost entirely of compressed seashells. It’s unique to this region of Florida and proved remarkably effective for fortification—when British cannonballs struck the walls of Castillo de San Marcos, the soft stone absorbed the impact rather than shattering. The fort still stands today, largely thanks to the properties of Anastasia Island coquina.
| Quarry Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Active Period | 1672–1750s (primary) |
| 🏰 Built With Stone | Castillo de San Marcos, parts of St. Augustine |
| 🏛️ Designation | National Register of Historic Places |
| 🥾 Access | Via park trails; interpretive signage |
Salt Run: Kayaking & Paddling
Salt Run is an estuarine tidal lagoon protected from the Atlantic by the park’s sand dunes. This calm water environment is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing—and it’s teeming with wildlife.
| Paddling Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚣 Conditions | Calm, protected from ocean swells |
| 🦀 Wildlife | Dolphins, manatees, wading birds, fish |
| 🛶 Rentals | Anastasia Watersports (in park): kayaks, canoes, SUPs, sailboats |
| ⏱️ Best Time | Early morning for calm water and wildlife |
🚣 Paddling Tips
- Check tide charts—some areas become very shallow at low tide
- Morning paddles offer best wildlife viewing and calm conditions
- Watch for dolphins and manatees in the channels
- Anastasia Watersports offers guided tours if you’re new to the area
Birding: 200+ Species
Anastasia State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with over 200 documented bird species. The combination of beach, salt marsh, maritime hammock, and tidal lagoon creates exceptional habitat diversity.
Notable Species
| Species | Habitat | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| 🦩 Roseate Spoonbill | Salt marsh, Salt Run | Year-round |
| 🦅 Osprey | Throughout | Year-round |
| 🐦 Painted Bunting | Maritime hammock | Spring migration |
| 🦢 Wood Stork | Salt marsh | Summer-fall |
| 🦆 Great Blue Heron | Salt Run, marsh edges | Year-round |
Best Birding Spots
- 🌿 Salt Run: Kayak or observe from shore—waders, shorebirds, dolphins
- 🌳 Ancient Dunes Nature Trail: Hammock birds, painted buntings in spring
- 🏖️ Beach: Shorebirds, terns, pelicans
Trails
Anastasia offers several trails through its diverse ecosystems:
| Trail | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🌴 Ancient Dunes Nature Trail | ~0.5 mi | Maritime hammock, old dunes, wildlife, interpretive signs |
| 🚴 Multi-Use Trail | ~4 mi | Biking and hiking through forest; connects facilities |
| 🏛️ Coquina Quarry Trail | Short | Historic quarry site, interpretive information |
Wildlife Beyond Birds
- 🐬 Dolphins: Common in Salt Run; often seen from kayaks
- 🐢 Sea Turtles: Nest on beaches (loggerhead, green); summer nesting season
- 🐭 Anastasia Island Beach Mouse: Endangered species living in sand dunes
- 🐢 Gopher Tortoise: Found in upland areas; burrows shelter many species
- 🐊 Manatees: Occasionally in Salt Run, especially cooler months
🐢 Sea Turtle Nesting
During sea turtle nesting season (May–October), portions of beach may be closed or have restricted access. Avoid disturbing marked nests. No flashlights on beach after dark during nesting season.
Camping
Anastasia offers 139 campsites in a beautiful maritime hammock setting, just a short walk or bike ride from the beach:
| Campground | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Standard Sites | 139 | Water, electric, picnic table, grill, fire ring |
| ♿ ADA Sites | Several | Accessible facilities |
📅 Reservation Strategy
- Peak season (spring break, summer, holidays) books up quickly
- Sites are shaded by maritime hammock—cooler than open beach camping
- Bike or walk to beach—parking at beach itself limited
- Camp store and concession available seasonally
When to Visit
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Excellent. Warm but not hot. Spring break brings crowds but shoulder weeks are perfect. Bird migration brings painted buntings and warblers. Sea turtle nesting begins late in season. Best combination of weather and wildlife.
Best for: Beach, birding, comfortable weather
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Peak beach season. Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. The park reaches capacity on summer weekends—arrive early. Sea turtle nesting active. Swimming and water activities at their best. Afternoon storms usually clear by evening.
Best for: Swimming, beach activities, families
🍂 Fall (September – November)
Excellent. Summer crowds dissipate. Water remains warm into October. Hurricane season (officially through November) can bring weather uncertainty. Fall bird migration brings shorebirds. Often overlooked but one of the best times to visit.
Best for: Fewer crowds, warm water, birding
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Mild by northern standards but cooler for swimming. Excellent for hiking, biking, and paddling. Manatees may appear in warmer waters. Winter shorebirds present. Great time for beach walks without summer heat.
Best for: Hiking, paddling, wildlife, escape from northern winter
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎟️ Entry Fee | $8/vehicle (up to 8 people) |
| 🏕️ Camping | From $28/night |
| 🚣 Rentals | Kayaks, canoes, SUPs, sailboats via Anastasia Watersports |
| ⏰ Hours | 8 AM – sunset daily |
Getting There
- 📍 Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- 📍 From St. Augustine: ~10 minutes via A1A south across Bridge of Lions
- 📍 From Jacksonville: ~45 minutes south via I-95 and A1A
- 📍 From Daytona Beach: ~1 hour north via A1A
Nearby Attractions
- 🏰 Castillo de San Marcos: National Monument built with Anastasia coquina—5 min
- 🏛️ Historic St. Augustine: America’s oldest city—5-10 min
- 🗼 St. Augustine Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse, museum—10 min
- 🌺 Washington Oaks Gardens: Coquina beach + formal gardens—20 min south
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the park fill up?
Yes—especially on summer weekends and holidays. When the park reaches vehicle capacity, it closes to new entries until space opens. Arrive before 10 AM on busy days to guarantee entry.
Can I rent kayaks in the park?
Yes. Anastasia Watersports operates inside the park and rents kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and even sailboats. No need to bring your own equipment.
Is the beach really 4 miles long?
Yes—you can walk four miles of continuous beach within the state park. It’s one of the longest undeveloped beaches in northeast Florida.
What’s the connection to Castillo de San Marcos?
The coquina stone used to build the famous Spanish fort was quarried from Anastasia Island, within what is now the state park. The quarry site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Are there lifeguards?
Lifeguards are on duty seasonally (typically summer and busy spring weekends). Outside those times, swimming is at your own risk.
🏖️ Where History Meets the Beach
Anastasia State Park offers something rare: a pristine four-mile barrier island beach just minutes from America’s oldest city. Walk the same island where Spanish colonists quarried stone for Castillo de San Marcos 350 years ago. Kayak through Salt Run as dolphins surface beside you. Watch roseate spoonbills feed in the salt marsh. Then rinse off in the Atlantic and camp under live oaks that have witnessed centuries of Florida history. This is the Ancient City’s natural treasure.
📍 Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
📞 Phone: (904) 461-2033
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter a Florida state park?
Most Florida state parks charge $4 to $6 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants). An individual annual pass costs $60, and a family annual pass costs $120, covering unlimited visits to all state parks.
Can I swim with manatees at Florida state parks?
While you cannot swim with manatees (they are protected), several spring parks like Blue Spring State Park offer excellent viewing from boardwalks. Manatees gather in springs from November through March when river temperatures drop.
Are alligators dangerous in Florida state parks?
Alligators are present in virtually all freshwater bodies in Florida. They are generally not aggressive toward humans, but you should never approach, feed, or harass them. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from water edges.
What is the best time to visit Florida state parks?
Winter and spring (November through April) offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures, low humidity, fewer mosquitoes, and peak manatee viewing. Summer brings extreme heat, humidity, and daily thunderstorms.
Explore More Florida State Parks
Anastasia State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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