Located just minutes from downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park has everything you could want for an afternoon spent here. Endless recreation opportunities, wildlife viewing, learning history, and relaxation along sandy white beaches are the stuff that dreams are made of! Come out to Anastasia State Park after a visit to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Here are 6 great reasons to visit one of the best state parks in the nation!

1. The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail is a fantastic way to get out to a quiet hike and retreat to the shade of live oak trees. It is a short .7-mile scramble up forested dunes. Good for all skill levels, this loop is an opportunity to get up close to native Florida habitat and interpretive signs along the way will help you learn all about the flora and fauna seen here. There is usually a pretty constant breeze, which is a wonderful way to keep the bugs at bay.
2. Anastasia State Park is a great place to try out some water sports. Head out into the water for a refreshing swim. If you prefer to paddle through the water kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available. Here you can make your way through an area called the Salt Run or through the park’s tidal lagoon. More serious kayakers may want to head out to the Intracoastal waterway.
3. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a part of Anastasia State Park. Birdwatching is a popular activity as over 200 species have been seen here. The habitats of the Salt Run inlet and the shaded nature trail make for great protection from the open water. Here you’ll see Reddish Egets, Clapper Rails, and Painted Buntings. On the miles of beach look for nesting Least Terns and Piping Plovers. Out in the water keep your eyes peeled for sea ducks and other pelagic species.
4. There are several miles of beach and park road that are perfect for an afternoon bike ride. Bikes are available for rent at Anastasia State Park. There are bike lanes on the road, but feel free to bike along the shore for an unforgettable ride.
5. At Anastasia State Park there are plenty of opportunities to relax. Set up a lovely afternoon picnic as you watch the waves roll in. You can unwind on the shore by beachcombing for shells. Stay a little later for incredible views of the sunset. In this beautiful location, it’s hard not to let the stress melt away.
6. Learn about the area’s fascinating history by checking out the old Spanish coquina quarries near the entrance to the park. This archeological site is where coquina rock was mined in the 1600s to help build the Castillo de San Marcos. Coquina is made up of sand and mollusk shells and many of the colonial buildings in St. Augustine that are still standing are made of this durable substance.