Experiences & Amenities (2024)

Table of Contents
Experiences Amenities

Experiences

Experiences & Amenities (1)

Bicycling

Experiences & Amenities (2)

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.

Experiences & Amenities (3)

Birding

Experiences & Amenities (4)

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 ternsand black skimmers, are found resting on our beachor 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.

Experiences & Amenities (5)

Boating

Visitors enjoy sailing in Salt Run, the estuarine tidal marsh.

For the safety of visitors and wildlife, operators of sailboats should obey signs, follow regulationsand keep the vessel from infringing on any habitat.

Experiences & Amenities (6)

Camping

The campground has 139 sites for both RVsand 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 grilland 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 ourPet Policy.
  • Maximum RV length = 38feet.
  • 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 800-326-3521or TDD 888-433-0287.

Experiences & Amenities (7)

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 towildlife.
  • All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
  • Afishing licensemay be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’sFishing in Florida.

Experiences & Amenities (8)

Hiking

Experiences & Amenities (9)

The Ancient Dunes NatureTrail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The trailis mostly flat but contains uneven terrain and some hills or even stairs.

You also can explore up to 4 miles (one way)of pristine beach.

Experiences & Amenities (10)

Paddling

Experiences & Amenities (11)

Canoers and kayakers can enjoy cruising along Salt Run, the estuarine tidal marsh.

Rentals are available at the concession inside the park.

Experiences & Amenities (12)

Picnicking

Please enjoy our accessible picnic facilities. Anastasia State Park has three picnic areas.

  1. 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.
  2. Watersports Picnic Pavilion isby the marsh andavailable to rent at $100 (plus tax) per day.
  3. Sea Turtle Picnic Pavilion isclose to the ocean andavailable to rent at $100 (plus tax) per day.
  • Contact Anastasia Watersports at 904-460-9111to reserve a pavilionor if you have questions about our picnic facilities.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except for campers who consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.

Experiences & Amenities (13)

Reunions and Gatherings

Anastasia State Park provides an excellent backdrop for any event. Call 904-461-2002 for more information.

Experiences & Amenities (14)

Shelling

Experiences & Amenities (15)

Beachcombingis 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, oysterand 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.

Experiences & Amenities (16)

Surfing

Experiences & Amenities (17)

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.

Experiences & Amenities (18)

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.

Experiences & Amenities (19)

Walking and Running

The Ancient Dunes NatureTrail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The trailis 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.

Experiences & Amenities (20)

Weddings

Anastasia State Park is an excellent backdrop for any wedding.

  • Call 904-461-2002 for more information.

Experiences & Amenities (21)

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, crabsand marsh birds.

The sand dunes are home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse, while the beach is home to a variety of shorebirds, crabsand other marine animals.

The Windsurf Picnic Pavilion area, the beach boardwalk and the beach overlook provide wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities.

Amenities

Experiences & Amenities (22)

Accessible Amenities

Anastasia State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all ofour 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.

Experiences & Amenities (23)

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 marketenjoyed 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.

Experiences & Amenities (24)

Beach

Experiences & Amenities (25)

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, whichprovide vital habitat for protected wildlife.

Experiences & Amenities (26)

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 seatingand 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.

Experiences & Amenities (27)

Campgrounds

Experiences & Amenities (28)

The campground contains 139 sitesfor 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 grilland 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 ourPet 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 = 38feet.
  • 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 800-326-3521or TDD 888-433-0287.

Experiences & Amenities (29)

Canoe Kayak Launch

Paddlesport launch is located behind the Anastasia Watersports building.

  • Anastasia Watersports provides guests with rental opportunities for bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats and canoes. Call 904-460-9111.

Experiences & Amenities (30)

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 itemsand assorted souvenirs are available at the gift shop. Be sure to go home with an Anastasia memory. The concessioncan be reached at 904-461-9322.
  • Anastasia Watersports provides guests with rental opportunities for bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, sail boats and canoes. Call904-460-9111.

Experiences & Amenities (32)

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.

Experiences & Amenities (33)

Interpretive Exhibit

Throughout the park you will find kiosks or interpretive displays covering a wide variety of topics, including prescribed fire, sea turtles and the North Atlantic right whale.

Experiences & Amenities (34)

Laundry

The campground contains four bathhouses complete with showers, hot water, and washers and dryers.

Experiences & Amenities (35)

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 willwind through the beautiful hammock and trek through an ancient dune system.Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife enjoying the shaded landscape.

Experiences & Amenities (36)

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.

Experiences & Amenities (37)

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.

Experiences & Amenities (38)

Playground

Anastasia State Park offers three accessible playgrounds. Two are located within campground loops and one is available to all visitors in the beach access area.

Experiences & Amenities (39)

Restroom Facilities

The campground contains four bathhouses complete with showers, hot water, and washers and dryers.

The day-use area contains three restrooms. The restrooms at Salt Run and the beach have outdoor showers for rinsing off sand and saltwater.

Experiences & Amenities (40)

RV

The campground contains 139 sitesfor both RVsand 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 grilland 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 ourPet 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 = 38feet.
  • 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 800-326-3521or TDD 888-433-0287.

Experiences & Amenities (41)

Shower Station

Outdoor showers are available by the beach and by Salt Run for rinsing off sand and saltwater. Showers for bathing may be purchased at the ranger station for those who are not camping.

Experiences & Amenities (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6195

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.