Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Anastasia State Park, Florida
Take Florida on as Juan Ponce de Leon and the other European colonists once did—at Anastasia State Park you can explore the wild, native Florida that explorers fell in love with hundreds of years ago! Well-preserved and pristine, Anastasia State Park's four miles of broad beachfront are decorated with sweeping sand dunes, wading birds, colorful wildflowers, and monarch butterflies. And despite its untouched seashore look, Anastasia State Park is one of the few Florida beaches where you can drive right onto the beach's hard packed sand. Sailboard, sail, windsurf, canoe, surf, or swim Anastasia State Park's Atlantic Ocean waters. But if you'd rather enjoy Anastasia State Park's coastal wilderness like a diehard naturalist, then you can hike through hardwood hammocks, bird watch, or hang out near the dunes during the summer months to watch the turtle hatchlings take their first steps. After a day under the Florida sun, sleep beneath the Sunshine State's stars. You can pitch a tent just a short walk from the water; Anastasia State Park is a year-round camping favorite. With a wide range of plants and animals that would gladly recommend it, Anastasia State Park's beach is also a human hangout, though happily without the crowds.
If you are all about the beach, then the Anastasia State Park's sands are a great place to start. Located off A1A, and a short 1½ mile drive from historic downtown St. Augustine, the Anastasia beachfront starts at the St. Augustine Inlet and extends four miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Staking out a personal space of sand-and-water luxury is never a problem. Swimming with lifeguards on duty is available Memorial Day through Labor Day in the area north of the beach ramp, also the hot surfing spot. Sailboarders trying to steer clear of the swimmers should head to the stretch of sand called Salt Run where equipment and lessons are also available. Families with children can enjoy a car-free stretch of beach just south of the beach ramp, though swimming is not advisable in this section, given the strength of the tides. To paddle the shoreline, you can bring your own gear or rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats at the local livery in Anastasia State Park.
To make heads or tails of the fishing scene, start out at the area just north of the jetties or at Salt Run. At Anastasia State Park saltwater surf fishing for bluefish, pompano, sea trout, redfish, and flounder is truly a walk in the park and if your reel in a real biggie, make sure to register your catch at the Ranger Station to win the Anastasia State Park Fish of the Month Contest. Birding buffs should head to Anastasia during the spring and fall, wading birds usually hang out along the shore during low tides. If you are lucky you'll spot the usual Anastasia State Park visitors, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Snowy and Great Egrets, White Ibis, and Wood Stork are among the feathered beach bums in summer. The fall brings in Sharp-shinned Hawk, Peregrine Falcons, among others.
Plan to spend a day at Anastasia State Park and you will likely want to spend another. No problem. Anastasia State Park offers more than 139 wooded campsites open year-round. With picnic tables, grills, and electricity, campsites are equipped for tents and RVs, most of the sites are a short woodsy stroll from the water. Make your reservations well in advance; camping is a popular way to enjoy Anastasia State Park. Driving on the beach is permitted at Anastasia State Park except during sea turtle nesting season, approximately May through September. For back-to-nature Florida fun, Anastasia State Park's beach is a four mile slice of paradise!