Stunning Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park plays an important role in the history of St. Augustine- the oldest city in the United States. The park was once a coquina quarry that was mined to help construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Today, the site is home to Anastasia State Park, which has pretty much anything a beachgoer may be looking for: white quartz sand beaches, paddling, surfing, swimming, trails, wildlife, camping, bicycling, etc.

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History of Anastasia State Park

In the 1500s, the Spanish crown laid claim to a vast area in the New World, including what is now known as Florida. The Spaniards struggled to establish a lasting presence in this area until in 1565 when Pedro Menendez founded St. Augustine. His settlement was about 30 miles south of a French settlement called Fort Caroline on the St. Johns River, in present day Jacksonville. Menendez was unaware the French had already settled in the area, and when he found out he aggressively worked to oust them.

The French Huguenot leader, Jean Ribault, learned of the Spanish presence and sailed south to search for their settlement. His ships were struck by a storm and most of the forces were lost at sea. At the same time, Menendez marched north and found Fort Caroline completely unprotected. The Spanish killed everyone but 50 women and 26 escapees. The French settlement in Florida came to a bloody end and the Spanish occupied the site as San Mateo until 1569.

When Menendez and his troops returned back to St. Augustine, he learned that Ribault and his troops were stranded south of the Spanish stronghold. He quickly located the remaining Frenchmen and murdered all but the Catholics and a handful of women. Hundreds of Huguenots died at the Massacre of Matanzas Inlet- just south of Anastasia Island State Park.

Ever since that dreadful day, the inlet where the massacre happened has been known as Matanzas meaning “slaughters” in Spanish. Fort Matanzas, the Matanzas River, and the Matanzas Inlet were all named after the massacre.

More than 300 years ago coquina quarries located within Anastasia State Park were teaming with workers hauling out blocks of coquina rock. The blocks were utilized to construct the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the crown jewel of St. Augustine.

The quarries were continuously used until the turn of the 20th century.

In the 1940s, the Army Corp of Engineers dredged a new inlet that would link the Matanzas Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. The area where they dredged traversed a peninsula which later became known as Conch Island. Since then, the tides and currents have carried sands from Jacksonville Beach down to the tip of the peninsula, causing it to double in size. Later, in 1964, Hurricane Dora deposited even more sand forming the area that we now know as Anastasia State Park.

Anastasia State Park is located near historic St. Augustine on Anastasia Island. It features a wide beach with a lagoon and is bordered by rich tidal marshes.

Today, visitors can visit the coquina quarry, an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos.

Amenities at Anastasia State Park

Bicycling– over 4 miles of beach and several miles or park roads (some with bike lanes). Bicycles are available for rent at the concession inside Anastasia State Park.
Boating
Camping- See below for more information
Fishing

Hiking
Paddling- Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome along the Salt Run- the estuarine tidal marsh. Rentals are available at the concession inside the park.
Playgrounds
Surfing
Swimming

Camping at Anastasia State Park

The campground features 139 sites for both RVs (up to 38 feet) and tent camping. The sites are all nestled in a beautiful maritime hammock juts a short distance rom the beach.

All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Some sites are paved.

Fun Fact: Travel + Leisure Magazine has included Anastasia State Park on its list of America’s Prettiest Beach Campsites.