Experiences
Bicycling
Over 4 miles of beach and several miles of park roads, some with bike lanes, are available for bicycling. Bicycles are available for rent at the concession inside Anastasia State Park.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Anastasia State Park is located on The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so visitors will have the opportunity to observe numerous species of birds. Many shorebirds, such as laughing gulls, least terns and black skimmers, are found resting on our beach or gathering on the shore.
Water birds such as the great blue heron, tricolor heron, wood stork and roseate spoonbills can be seen in the salt marsh along Salt Run. Osprey, bald eagles and owls can be seen flying high above or resting in the tree tops.
Song birds love the maritime hammock within the park. You may even see warblers, cardinals, robins, woodpeckers or painted buntings.
Camping
The campground has 139 sites for both RVs and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach. Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills.
All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers. Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds.
Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers ages 4 to 9. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station.
- Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
- Maximum RV length = 38 feet.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except for campers who consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Fishing
The fishing area on Salt Run features a fish-cleaning station. Waters off the north end of the park are also popular.
If you come ashore onto the park during your fishing adventure, please avoid the delicate marsh and fragile dunes.
- Please take all trash with you, as garbage is harmful to wildlife.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Picnicking
Please enjoy our accessible picnic facilities. Anastasia State Park has three picnic areas.
- Hilltop picnic area, close to the marsh and the ocean, features 10 covered picnic tables and a nearby restroom. Hilltop picnic area cannot be reserved and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Watersports Picnic Pavilion is by the marsh and available to rent at $100 (plus tax) per day.
- Sea Turtle Picnic Pavilion is close to the ocean and available to rent at $100 (plus tax) per day.
- Contact Anastasia Watersports at 904-460-9111 to reserve a pavilion or if you have questions about our picnic facilities.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except for campers who consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
Shelling
Beachcombing is a favorite pastime of many visitors, and the beaches of Anastasia State Park are a great place to find shells.
Collectors can find a multitude of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster and olive. Plan your shelling around the low phase of the tide, which exposes the most beach area.
Please be aware that most everything you find on the beach was or still could be alive.
Surfing
Anastasia State Park hosts some of the better surfing on the east coast of Florida. Four miles of beach break allow visitors to spread out if they like.
Surfers wear trunks or bathing suits in the summer months, but water and air temperatures can make a full wet suit desirable in late fall, winter and even early spring.
Ocean and beach equipment can be rented from Island Beach Shop and Grill, right in the park by the beach. There are also local surf shops.
Entering the water in tidal or ocean areas always presents some degree of danger, including the threat of rip currents. Always heed advice or warnings posted for your protection.
Swimming
A designated swimming area at the beach access ramp behind Island Beach Shop and Grill is monitored by a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but swimmers should always exercise caution, whether a lifeguard is present or not.
Swimming in tidal or ocean areas always presents some degree of danger, including the threat of rip currents. Always heed advice or warnings posted for your protection.
Walking and Running
The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The trail is mostly flat but contains uneven terrain and some hills or even stairs.
- You can also explore up to 4 miles (one way) of pristine beach.
- Also visit the Marsh Trail, nestled between the maritime hammock and the Salt Run. you can access this trail by Anastasia Watersports pavilion.
Wildlife Viewing
Anastasia State Park includes 1,600 acres of rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The estuarine tidal marsh is teeming with animal life such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, crabs and marsh birds.
The sand dunes are home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse, while the beach is home to a variety of shorebirds, crabs and other marine animals.
The Windsurf Picnic Pavilion area, the beach boardwalk and the beach overlook provide wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Anastasia State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Elevated boardwalks to the beach.
- Mobi-Mat that allows access to the beach.
- Beach wheelchairs are available for free. Inquire at the Island Beach Shop and Grill or Anastasia Water Sports.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Concession with food and gift shop.
- Campsites with concrete pad, picnic table, ground grill and nearby restrooms.
- Campfire circle
- Interpretive exhibits.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Amphitheater
The St. Augustine Amphitheater is within walking distance or a short bike ride from the campground and hosts a variety of activities year-round.
In addition to live music and art shows, the amphitheater holds a weekly farmers market enjoyed by campers and the local community. The market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until noon. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted items and live music.
- Entrance to the market is free of charge.
Beach
Anastasia contains 4 miles of pristine beach. A designated swimming area is monitored by a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Swimmers should always exercise caution whether or not a lifeguard is present. Swimming in the ocean or tidal areas always presents some degree of danger, including the threat of rip currents. Always heed advice or warnings posted for your protection.
- The beach is open to bicyclists and pedestrians; however, motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Beach wheelchairs are available upon request at no charge.
- Pets are prohibited from the beach.
- All visitors are prohibited from entering the sand dunes, which provide vital habitat for protected wildlife.
Campfire Circles
While camping with us, attend a ranger-led program at our newly renovated campfire circle. This area is located between the Shark Eye and Sand Dollar camping loops and includes ADA accessibility, multiple benches for seating and a campfire pit. Programs could include campfire sing-alongs, history of Anastasia State Park and the popular campfire cooking program. Visit the events section of the website to see a schedule of upcoming programs.
Campgrounds
The campground contains 139 sites for both RVs and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach.
Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills.
All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers.
Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station.
- Maximum RV length = 38 feet.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Concession and Restaurant
Island Beach Shop and Grill has a grill with freshly made food. Visitors can enjoy dining in an accessible dining area with connection to Wi-Fi.
- Sundry items and assorted souvenirs are available at the gift shop. Be sure to go home with an Anastasia memory. The concession can be reached at 904-461-9322.
- Anastasia Watersports provides guests with rental opportunities for bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, sail boats and canoes. Call 904-460-9111.
Historic Site
Visitors can enjoy the coquina quarry, an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to help construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in downtown St. Augustine, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nature Trail
Take a stroll along the banks of Salt Run and enjoy the picturesque views on the Marsh Trail. You may catch a glimpse of wading shorebirds or a gopher tortoise, or, if you are lucky, maybe a manatee or sea turtle. Walk across the road and take the foot bridge to our Ancient Dunes trail, where you will wind through the beautiful hammock and trek through an ancient dune system. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife enjoying the shaded landscape.
Parking
With a total of 350 parking spots, Anastasia State Park usually has enough room for you and your family to park and enjoy the park for the day. During busy weekends or holidays, parking tends to fill to capacity, but just come back an hour or two later and you can usually find a spot. Parking is covered with park admission, but overnight parking is not permitted.
Picnic Pavilion
There are three different picnic pavilion areas located in the park. The watersports pavilion is located along beautiful salt run and the Sea Turtle pavilion is located near the Island Beach Shop and Grill. Both of those pavilions can be rented or reserved by calling 904-461-9322 or visiting AnastasiaWaterSports.com.
Located just north of the beach parking lot is our Hilltop picnic area. Hilltop consists of 10 pavilions that are utilized on a first-come, first-served basis and can seat eight to 10 people. Each covered pavilion has a barbecue grill and picnic table. At the top of the hill you will find a walkway that leads to a covered gazebo that can accommodate a larger group. The gazebo is also equipped with picnic tables and barbecue grills.
RV
The campground contains 139 sites for both RVs and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach.
Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills.
All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers. Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station.
- Maximum RV length = 38 feet.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
