Fun in the Sun at Anastasia State Park

Located in Saint Augustine at 1340A A1A South Street, Anastasia State Park has all the beauty of the outdoors to offer along with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. If visitors have time to spare, they can also visit the nearby attractions of St. Augustine Alligator Farm and St. Augustine Beach.

History

Since Anastasia State Park opened in 1949 as a state park, it has become a popular recreational spot for tourists and local residents alike. A few centuries earlier, this location was used as a rock quarry. Mined first by Native Americans and later by African-Americans, the quarry produced carved blocks of coquina that were used to construct many buildings in the area. Perhaps one of the most famous locations built from the coquina mined at this location is the Castillo de San Marcos.

Beach

The beach is the most popular reason for visiting Anastasia State Park since there’s so much to do on those sandy shores from sunbathing to swimming to surfing. Plus, visitors can enjoy boating and fishing. Rentals for beach chairs and umbrellas are available. Every year the park hosts a big beach bash on the first Saturday in June. On other Saturdays throughout the summer, campfire programs are run with a variety of entertainment features including slide shows, educational programs, and fire circles. Due to the presence of lots of seashells, many visitors engage in a bit of beachcombing. Fishing along the shoreline is another of the more popular activities.

Hiking

Numerous nature trails exist for hikers and bird watchers alike. The park features a hardwood forest with a wide variety of local flora and fauna as well as a salt marsh. Wildlife viewing is typically a successful activity due to the number of animals present in the park. Picnicking spots are available for those who want to replenish their energy or simply enjoy the scenery.

Water Sports

In addition to swimming, adventurous visitors can try sail boarding. Rental equipment and lessons are both available for those that want them. However, reservations are required. Canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and swimming are all popular activities throughout the year.

Camping

Camping facilities at the park are within walking distance of the beach. Located in a wooded area, the facilities feature a complete camping experience with a camp store, grill, and rental shop. Water and electricity are available. Visitors can pick up supplies or rent out equipment for bicycling, camping, fishing, or sunbathing and swimming. Since the camping facilities at Anastasia State Park are popular, it is recommended that you make reservations almost a full year in advance. Even with more than a hundred camping sites, the campsite is booked solid more often than not. Leashed pets are permitted on the campsite. Facilities for both tent camping and RV camping are available.

Visiting

Anastasia State Park is open all year long from 8:00 am in the morning until sundown. The price of admission varies with a multiple occupant vehicle fee, single occupant vehicle fee, bicyclist fee, pedestrian fee, and passenger fee. Annual passes are available for those who want to purchase them.