On the second morning of our St. Augustine adventure, we decided to head over to Anastasia State Park Beach. As Gulf of Mexico beach regulars, we were excited to see what the Atlantic side had to offer. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!
Entrance Fees and Hours
First things first, getting into the park is super affordable:
- $8 per vehicle (up to eight people)
- $4 for single-occupant vehicles
- $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
Amenities
Anastasia State Park is packed with amenities to make your visit comfortable:
- Campsites (139 sites for tents and RVs)
- Restrooms and shower stations
- Picnic areas with tables and grills
- Island Beach Shop and Grill for snacks, meals, and even free WiFi
- Water sports rentals including kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes
For those with accessibility needs, beach wheelchairs are available at no extra charge.
Insider Tips and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Anastasia Beach is early in the morning (which we did) or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds. It was low tide at 8:29 and we arrived at 8:30 (great timing!). This meant there were little tide pools for the kids to play in and they didn’t have to worry about the bigger waves. Also, If you’re into bird watching, bring binoculars. This park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and home to a variety of species.
Flag Warning System
When we visited, it was a red flag day due to rip tides. Here’s a quick rundown of the flag warnings:
- Green: Low hazard, calm conditions
- Yellow: Medium hazard, moderate surf and currents
- Red: High hazard, strong surf and currents
- Double Red: Water closed to public
- Purple: Dangerous marine life
On a red flag day, always be careful. If you get caught in a rip tide, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then make your way back to the beach. There was a lifeguard stand, and we saw the lifeguard arriving as we left around 10am.
What Makes Anastasia Beach Special?
The beach is part of a larger ecosystem that includes tidal marshes and ancient sand dunes. The park’s history dates back to when the area provided coquina stone for the construction of Castillo de San Marcos. It’s also just a short trip from other attractions like the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Nearby Attractions
After our beach visit, you can explore nearby spots:
- St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
- Castillo de San Marcos
- Fort Mose Historic State Park
Social Media and Website
For more information and updates, check out their social media:
- Facebook: Florida State Parks
- Twitter: @FLStateParks
- Instagram: @fl.stateparks
Website: Anastasia State Park
Address: 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: (904) 461-2033
Final Thoughts
Anastasia Beach was a refreshing change from our usual Gulf Coast hangouts. The Atlantic waves, historic vibe, and natural beauty made for a fantastic day. We are used to lots of shells in the sand, and there weren’t many here. However, that meant the sand was soft where dry and near the water it was firm enough to run or ride a bike on. If you’re in St. Augustine, it’s a must-visit spot for the whole family.
Have you been? Drop your favorite memories in the comments! And as always follow along on Instagram and YouTube for more Florida content.
