Anastasia Island offers a mix of beaches, outdoor recreation, historic attractions, wildlife experiences, dining, and live entertainment. Located just across the water from historic downtown St. Augustine, the island makes it easy to enjoy the coast while staying close to many of the area’s best-known attractions.
Guests staying in a St. Augustine condo rental can spend their days swimming, paddling, biking, sightseeing, and exploring local businesses. Here are some of the best things to do on Anastasia Island during your next Florida vacation.
Spend the Day at Anastasia State Park
Relax on the Beach
Anastasia State Park protects more than four miles of Atlantic shoreline. Its wide beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, surfing, or simply taking a long walk beside the ocean.
Beyond the beach, the park includes nature trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing opportunities, and other outdoor activities in St. Augustine. Visitors can easily spend several hours exploring the park or make it the focus of an entire beach day.
Kayak and Paddle Through Salt Run
Salt Run, the tidal lagoon inside Anastasia State Park, provides another way to experience the island’s natural environment. Visitors can explore the water by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.
Paddling along Salt Run offers views of the surrounding marsh and opportunities to spot coastal wildlife. Rentals are available within the park, so you do not need to bring your own equipment to get out on the water.
Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is one of Anastasia Island’s most recognizable landmarks. Climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views across the island, Atlantic Ocean, and St. Augustine area.
The museum also explores the region’s maritime history through exhibits, historic structures, and educational programs. For visitors interested in history and sightseeing, the lighthouse deserves a spot on any list of things to do near St. Augustine.
Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park has welcomed visitors for more than a century. Today, the attraction is home to alligators, crocodiles, birds, reptiles, mammals, and other animals from around the world.
Educational exhibits focus on wildlife and conservation, making the park a good choice for families. Visitors looking for more adventure can also experience Crocodile Crossing, a zip-line course that travels through the park above several animal habitats.
Explore St. Augustine Beach
Walk the St. Johns County Ocean Pier
The St. Johns County Ocean Pier & Park is a well-known gathering place along St. Augustine Beach. It is a great area to enjoy ocean views, take a walk along the coast, or add some time by the water to a day of sightseeing.
The surrounding park includes beach access, picnic areas, volleyball courts, a splash park, and recreational spaces. Its location also makes it easy to continue exploring other attractions and businesses around St. Augustine Beach.
Visit Local Shops and Restaurants
St. Augustine Beach has plenty of local businesses to explore between trips to the sand. Aqua East Surf Shop and Sunshine Shop are popular stops for beach clothing, surf gear, and vacation essentials. Visitors interested in local artwork can also check out The Art Studio of St. Augustine Beach.
When it is time to eat, try local restaurants such as Beachcomber Restaurant, Café Eleven, Mango Mango’s Caribbean Bar & Grill, or Sunset Grille. Exploring the shops and restaurants around the beach gives you another way to experience the local community beyond its shoreline.
Catch a Show at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, often called The Amp, is one of the US’s top live entertainment venues. Located near Anastasia State Park, it hosts concerts, performances, community gatherings, and other events throughout the year.
Check the venue’s calendar while planning your vacation to see what is happening during your stay. A night at The Amp can be an easy addition after spending the day at the beach or exploring the island.
Explore the Island by Bike
Biking is a fun way to see more of Anastasia Island while enjoying the coastal weather. Anastasia State Park offers park roads and cycling opportunities surrounded by the area’s natural scenery.
You can also explore portions of St. Augustine Beach by bike, stopping along the way for beach access, parks, restaurants, and local businesses. Plan your route before leaving and use designated bike lanes and paths when available.
Plan Your Visit
The best of Anastasia Island awaits! Browse our full inventory of rentals in St. Augustine to find your ideal stay.
Final Thoughts
The best things to do on Anastasia Island combine the outdoors with history, wildlife, local culture, and entertainment. Spend a day at Anastasia State Park, paddle Salt Run, climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse, visit the Alligator Farm, explore St. Augustine Beach, see a show at The Amp, or tour the island by bike.
Booking one of our St. Augustine rentals on Anastasia Island puts many of these experiences within easy reach. With the beach nearby and downtown St. Augustine just across the water, you can build a vacation that includes both relaxation and sightseeing.
Book Your St. Augustine Beach Vacation Rental with St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet
Stay close to the best of Anastasia Island with St. Augustine Ocean & Racquet. Our beachfront condo community gives you convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean while keeping parks, attractions, restaurants, shops, and entertainment nearby.
Browse our St. Augustine Beach vacation rentals and find the right place to call home during your next coastal getaway.
