Paddling through the tranquil, marshy waters of Anastasia State Park offers a scenic, deeply peaceful escape into Florida's unspoiled coastal wilderness. This 1,600-acre state park features a pristine marine sanctuary centered around the Salt Run, a sheltered tidal lagoon located between the park's white-sand dunes and the mainland. As you glide across the calm, emerald-tinted water, you are surrounded by a thriving salt marsh ecosystem dominated by wild cordgrass, maritime forests, and wind-swept dunes.
What makes this paddling experience highly rewarding is the incredible opportunity for close-up encounters with local coastal wildlife. Paddlers frequently share the water with playful bottlenose dolphins, gentle West Indian manatees seeking warm shallows, and a spectacular array of wading birds such as roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, and majestic blue herons. It is a slow-paced, active adventure that showcases the natural, undeveloped beauty of Florida's coastline just minutes away from the busy city streets.
One fun fact people love:
The park contains the historic King's Coquina Quarry, where the Spanish mined the shell-limestone blocks used to build the Castillo de San Marcos in the 17th century.
Where in St. Augustine is it?
Located on Anastasia Island, roughly three miles southeast of the historic downtown district.
How to reach:
Accessible by driving south on State Road A1A, turning left into Anastasia State Park, and driving down the main park road to the Anastasia Watersports rental shack on the Salt Run.
Best time to visit:
April to May or September to October, which offers warm, pleasant weather ideal for water sports without the intense heat of mid-summer.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 8:30 AM when the winds are calmest, the water is flat, and local wildlife is most active feeding along the shoreline.
Entry fee:
Park entry is 8 USD per vehicle; kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals on-site cost approximately 25-35 USD per hour.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; launching and maneuvering a kayak requires a basic level of upper-body strength, balance, and physical coordination.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Check the local tide charts before heading out; paddling against a strong outgoing tide in the Salt Run can be an incredibly tiring workout.
- The park's beach is a major nesting site for threatened sea turtles and shorebirds, meaning certain areas of the dunes are strictly off-limits to visitors.
- Keep all your personal gear in a waterproof dry bag, as the wakes from passing motorboats near the inlet can occasionally splash water into your kayak.
