HIKING & WILDLIFE

More than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, maritime hammocks and ancient sand dunes make this a captivating destination for visitors to explore.

hiking

The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The trail is mostly flat but contains uneven terrain and some hills or even stairs. You can also explore up to four miles (one way) of pristine beach.

Visitors can also hike the coquina quarries located at the park entrance. This archaeological site dates from the 1700s, when the Castillo de San Marcos was first built. The quarries were continuously used until the turn of the 20th century. This is a protected historic site and on the National Register of Historic Places.

wildlife

Anastasia State Park includes 1,600 acres of rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The estuarine tidal marsh is teeming with animal life, such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, crabs, and marsh birds. The sand dunes are home to the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, while the beach is home to a variety of shorebirds, crabs, and other marine animals.