There are affiliate links in here.  I get a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

I love beaches.  It’s no secret.  They are the one thing I really want to see more of.  Well, and the springs.  But this is about beaches.  During both of my trips to St. Augustine, I went to Anastasia State Park and both were entirely different experiences.

The first visit was back in November of 2016 and it was nice, sunny, and hot.  We walked along the beach for a bit, sat in the sun, and did a little shelling before heading back into town. 

The second visit was in January 2019 and it was absolutely freezing.  My parents were visiting and we were all bundled up like we were back in Wisconsin.  That’s how cold it was, mostly thanks to wind.

Between visiting Castillo de San Marcos, the lighthouse, walking around the old street, and doing a ghost tour, we decided to head out to the beach.  We knew it would be cold, but went anyways. 

I can’t resist some shelling and neither can my parents so it was perfect.  Even though they aren’t the best shells in Florida, we did get some cute little ones.

This was the first stop on our little Florida road trip and we all loved it.  We even caught St. Augustine with all of the Christmas lights up which I loved!  I had been wanted to see it lit up for the holidays and even though it was after, it was still fun to see.

This is such a great little state park with a really nice beach.  The first time it was a little seaweedy, but the second time it was perfect, so that probably depends on weather and time of year. 

If you want a place to relax in the sun near St. Augustine away from lots of people, this is a great option. 

Summer is probably busier because it’s so hot, but winter is a really great time to visit and have a lot of it to yourself.

Where is Anastasia State Park in Florida?

Just a six-minute drive from Castillo de San Marcos, onto Anastasia Island.  It’s super close to St. Augustine and a great beach to visit that isn’t far from town. 

It’s good to visit before or after the St. Augustine Lighthouse, it is only four minutes away and is also on Anastasia Island.  You can actually see the lighthouse from the park!

How much is Anastasia State Park in Florida?

Just $8 per vehicle, which is actually on the more expensive side for Florida state parks, but pretty low compared to Utah state parks.

How long do I need for Anastasia State Park in Florida?

If you just want to walk along the beach, a couple of hours should be good.  It’s a great beach to read on with a book or just in the sun, too.  It’s a huge beach with plenty of space, which is even better.

When is Anastasia State Park in Florida open?

8AM to sundown, 365 days a year.

When is the best time to visit Anastasia State Park in Florida?

Whenever!  Summer will, obviously, be hotter.  It will also probably be more humid and there is always the chance of hurricanes, but you’ll know when those are coming. 

Winter is really nice (when I went both times) but the weather can be hit or miss.  The first time was sunny and hot, the second I had my scarf, hat, gloves, and winter jacket on, so your mileage may vary then.

Shelling in Anastasia State Park

You know I love shelling and while it may not be as good here as Cape San Blas, Lovers Key, or Tigertail Beach, it’s still fun to peruse the sand for some shells. 

You can find clam, scallop, oyster, and olive shells.  You probably won’t find anything big here, so don’t be too let down if everything you find is small. 

The best time to go is at low tide when.  And make sure if you pick up anything living to put it back.

Other things to do in Anastasia State Park in Florida

Swim

There is a designated swimming area with a lifeguard from Memorial Day to Labor Day for those of you that want to cool off. 

This is probably a better summer activity with warmer water and weather.  Just make sure you pay attention to any notices about strong currents.  It’s best to admire the water from the beach in the winter.

Surf

Four miles of break offer some of the better surfing on the east coast of Florida while allowing surfers to spread out. 

While a wetsuit isn’t necessary in summer, it is in winter and possibly even summer and fall.  Equipment can also be rented in the park. 

Make sure to follow any postings about rip tides and dangerous currents before entering the water.

Bike

There is four miles of beach you can bike as well as park roads (some with bike paths.)  You can bring your own bike or rent them inside the park. 

If you’re visiting a bunch of Florida state parks on a road trip and have a way to bring your own bikes, that would be a good idea.  Their parks are great for biking.

Geocache

Florida is great for Geocaching, especially in the state parks.  Download the app and start looking!

Go Birding

The park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail meaning it’s one of the best places to go birding in Florida! 

You can see shorebirds on the beach, songbirds in the hammock forest, and water birds in the salt marsh.  Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

Paddling

Sailing, paddling, kayaking, and canoeing can be done in Salt Run, the estuarial salt marsh in the park. 

Make sure you obey any signs to keep from infringing on habitats if you’re sailing.  Paddleboard and kayak rentals can be done in the park.

Fishing

You can fish at Salt Run or the waters at the north end of the park.  Both are pretty popular.  At Salt Run there is a fish identification kiosk and a fish cleaning station.  You may need a fishing license.

What to bring to Anastasia State Park in Florida

Sunscreen – If you plan on being outside, you’ll want sunscreen.  I like the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch a lot AND it’s reef safe! If you’re sensitive to fragrance though, it’s not a good choice. I also like the same one but specifically for your face.

Shell bag – I usually use a plastic grocery bag for shells but will be getting these mesh bags for shells for my next beach adventure. I think any mesh bag should work pretty well you just want to make sure the holes are small enough so little shells don’t fall out. This kind would be better if you’re snorkeling for shells.

Shell scoop – A Sand Dipper shell scoop can help you get shells that are under water if you don’t want to snorkel/swim. They can also help just on the beach so you don’t have to bend over. You can scoop the shells right up. Buy a shell scoop here.

Sun hat – I got this giant sun hat and I love it! Mine doesn’t have the lining underneath but they do have some with UPF 50+ linings. Buy my hat here.

Water bottle – It’ll be hot and you’ll need to stay hydrated.  Even if it’s not hot you need to stay hydrated.  A Hydro Flask will keep your water ice cold all day long.

Headlamp – I tend to carry my headlamp around all the time when we’re hiking.  This isn’t the exact one I have, but it’s similar and if I needed to replace mine, I’d probably get this one.

Camping at Anastasia State Park in Florida

Camping at Anastasia State Park is $28 a night, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. 

It has 139 campsites with water and electric hookups.  The campsites are close to the beach (within walking distance) but in the hammock forest.

Where to stay in St. Augustine

There are tons of places to stay in St. Augustine whether its a hotel for one night or an Airbnb for five, you’ll be able to find something perfect for you.

Hotels in St. Augustine

We stayed at the Hampton Inn closer to the Historic Distric (not on Vilano Beach) but I would love to stay at some of the cute little inns, too.  

The Cozy Inn and Villa 1565 are the top of that list.  I love bed and breakfast type places and more modern places, total opposites of each other, but I love both.

Florida posts you may also enjoy:

Have you been to Anastasia State Park?  What did you think of it?  Do you want to go?  What is your favorite Florida State Park?