Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is home to Florida’s most pristine beaches.

Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1, and St. Johns County officials are asking residents, visitors, and businesses to help protect natural habitat by observing all nesting season laws and regulations. The beaches of St. Johns County are home to several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles.

From May 1 to Oct. 31, St. Johns County staff will close vehicular beach access gates at 7:30 p.m. and reopen them at 8 a.m. to allow nesting sea turtles to have a safe beach throughout the night. Have a positive impact with these tips.

Anastasia State Park features four miles of white quartz sand beaches and is one of Florida’s most popular parks. The park’s protected wildlife area and trail systems attract birders, bicyclists, fishermen, surfers, and of course, sunbathers. And the sunrise here is spectacular.

Park hours are from 8 a.m. until sundown year-round and there is an $8 entrance fee per vehicle with up to 8 people, $4 per vehicle with one occupant, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. The park offers 139 campsites and more than 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes, and dunes for visitors to explore.

Swimming

The four miles of beaches and designated swimming areas are monitored by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Birding & Wildlife

Anastasia State Park is located on the Great Florida Birding Trail. This is the place to see songbirds such as warblers, cardinals, robins or even painted buntings. Resting on the beach. you may find laughing gulls, least terns and black skimmers.

From the ample parking area, take the raised wooden boardwalk over the dunes to the shore, and keep your eyes peeled for gopher tortoises. Beyond the shore break, dolphins often pass by.

Water Sports

Ready to go offshore? Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) are available for rent at Anastasia Watersports.

History

Since St. Augustine is the oldest city in the nation, of course Anastasia State Park has a connection to the area’s history. Inside the park, you can visit the Coquina Quarry, an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to help construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

And just around the corner from the park’s entrance is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Climb 219 steps to the top of the light tower for a spectacular view of Anastasia Beach and the Matanzas Inlet.

Parking & Facilities

Nearby covered picnic pavilions and permanent restrooms make it easy to spend the entire day. The Island Beach Shop and Grill is located within the park and offers casual dining options, sundries, a gift shop, and free wifi. Anastasia State Park is committed to providing amenities accessible to all visitors. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request at no charge.

Pets

Pets are allowed in designated park campgrounds, and service animals are welcome in all public areas of the park. Pets are not permitted on the beach at Anastasia State Park.

Camping

In 2015, Travel + Leisure magazine included Anastasia State Park on its list of America’s prettiest beach campsites. The campground contains 139 campsites for RVs and tents all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach.