Anastasia Island is a must-see destination when on vacation in the St. Augustine area. This barrier island lies just east of the city and is a 14-mile-long island that is, on average, about a mile in width. Bordered by the Matanzas River on the east and the Atlantic Ocean on the right, this small island contains some of the best beaches found in St. Augustine. Anastasia Island shares the rich and varied history that this area holds. There are many attractions, shops, and restaurants to spend the day exploring here. A visit to Anastasia Island is a great way to get out of the more crowded St. Augustine downtown for a day.
Heading to the beach is one of the best things to do at this Florida State Park. The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering by these white sand dunes. Anastasia Island State Park is also located on the Great Florida Birding Trail—it’s a fantastic birding hotspot to catch glimpse of numerous shorebird species, including gulls and terns.
Let our St. Augustine lodging be the perfect place to escape to this season! Our intimate bed and breakfast is centrally located within walking distance of many of the restaurants, historic sites, museums, and shops near the historic district this city is well-known. Our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast offers you unique guest rooms that each vary in size and arrangements so as to make your stay even more special and catered to you. You’ll enjoy a full gourmet breakfast as well as many other free amenities that will enhance your vacation to St. Augustine. If you want the perfect place for a couples getaway this season, book your stay with us today!
The Most Exciting Things to do on Anastasia Island
No trip to St. Augustine is complete without a visit to Anastasia Island. Known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, this island is a great way to separate yourself from the crowds. As early as 1586, Spaniards built a watchtower near the inlet to spy on approaching ships, so you’ll also be in a location that has a rich history.
Here are five of our favorite things to do on Anastasia Island.
- A trademark of Anastasia Island is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Marine Museum. The lighthouse serves as an educational museum where you can view the many exhibits in the keeper’s house and three other historic structures, walk the picturesque grounds, and walk up the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of Matanzas Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Tours are available daily, and there are daily demos about lighthouses, boat building, and archaeology.
- Fort Matanzas National Monument is an excellent place on Anastasia Island to see more of the history that makes up this unique area. The fort was built in 1742 to defend the city from increasing British attacks. You’ll see similarities between Fort Matanzas and the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine in their construction. Both are made of coquina, a naturally occurring stone made of shells. There are frequent reenactments and living history demos here, as well as nature trails to explore.
- Anastasia State Park features four miles of white quartz sand beaches where you can relax. There are many things to do here at one of Florida’s favorite parks. Do some birdwatching here, as this state park is located on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, where you can see around 200 species. Anastasia State Park is also great for biking, swimming, fishing, and surfing. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head for adventure.
- A memorable thing to do while visiting Anastasia Island is to check out the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. This is one of the oldest attractions in the area, opening in 1893. It is the only place in the world where you can see every living species of alligator, crocodile, caiman, and gharial.
- Check out St. Augustine Beach on Anastasia Island. You’ll find seaside restaurants, shops, and St. John’s County Ocean Pier Park here. Head to the beach for some relaxation. You can walk along the shore or enjoy the view as you sit in your beach chair. The hard-packed sand makes a great space for some bike riding.
The Best St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast- Style Lodging
Let our charming St. Augustine bed and breakfast be the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of the day after exploring the Nation’s Oldest City and Anastasia Island. Our cozy inn is designed for couples and solo travelers, so you’re guaranteed a great night’s sleep in our beautifully appointed guest rooms. Each room is unique in decor and size, so choose the accommodations that will best suit your needs for the perfect vacation. Some of the rooms have two-person jetted tubs and private balconies.
One of the most noted reasons we have return guests is the list of amenities we offer for free to all guests! There’s no nickel-and-diming here—your stay includes plush robes, decanters of cream sherry in your room, fresh flowers, and wine glasses, to name a few. You’ll also be treated to one of the most delicious breakfasts each morning of your stay with local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Then, in the afternoons, join us for a social hour for drinks and snacks—the best stop after a long day outdoors and before dinner in St. Augustine.
Another element that sets our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast apart from other lodging options is our unparalleled level of hospitality and care. Our Innkeepers are experts in their field, and you’ll feel welcomed and pampered during your stay. For those traveling with kids or groups, you’ll want to check out the options at our sister property, St. Francis Inn. If you are looking for the best St. Augustine lodging for a perfect escape this season, book your stay with us today!
