Anastasia State Park

"Fun with the Family"

At the historic district, Route A1A crosses the Bridge of Lions to the home of the beautiful hard-packed beaches that gave birth to the sport of beach paddle tennis. The best access is at the state recreation area, which encompasses 4 miles of sandy beach, offering volleyball, ocean swimming, surfing, sailboarding, fishing, and coastal camping. Go for a sunset drive on the beach, when you’ll find it at its emptiest and loveliest—bathed in twilight, edged in dunes, and distanced from city life. During the day you can rent sailboards and take lessons from Anastasia Water sports (904-460-9111) or rent surf and boogie boards from Surf Station (904-471-WIND), or kick back and watch the shorebirds. There are oak-shaded picnic facilities near the beach.