Anastasia Island
Island Barrier island near St. Augustine with beaches
Barrier island off St. Augustine, Florida with beaches, Fort Matanzas National Monument and a state park; visitors come for historic St. Augustine, fishing and surf.
Anastasia Island is a barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida that lies immediately east of the historic city of St. Augustine and separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Matanzas River.
The island includes public beaches, protected coastal habitat and recreational areas such as Anastasia State Park, and is home to popular seaside neighborhoods and visitor facilities including the St. Augustine Beach area and lighthouse complex. Visitors use the island for swimming, beach recreation, birding and trails that cross dunes and maritime forests.
Geologically it is a classic Atlantic barrier island composed of sand dunes and coastal habitats that protect the mainland shoreline.
Anastasia Island is connected to St. Augustine by road bridges and is a short drive from the city centre, making it one of the primary coastal recreation areas serving the St. Augustine region.
- Barrier island role: The island functions as the barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, protecting the historic city of St. Augustine immediately to the west.
What to See #
- Anastasia State Park: Anastasia State Park, a protected barrier-island park with dunes, maritime hammock, tidal marsh and beachfront that provides trails, camping and beach access.
- St. Augustine Beach & Lighthouse: St. Augustine Beach and the St. Augustine Lighthouse area on the island's northern end, offering public beach access and a historic lighthouse and museum nearby.
How to Get to Anastasia Island #
Anastasia Island is reached from downtown St. Augustine via the Bridge of Lions (i-95 exit 314 leads to A1A/King Street downtown). Driving: follow A1A (Avenue A/ Anastasia Boulevard) south along the island. Parking for beach access is available at multiple public lots (St. Augustine Beach Park, Anastasia State Park). The island is also walkable from historic downtown across the Bridge of Lions (about 10-20 minutes on foot to the northern island areas).
Tips for Visiting Anastasia Island #
- Cross the Bridge of Lions on foot from downtown St. Augustine to arrive at the historic quarter of the island and avoid beach traffic.
- Visit early morning for sunrises and far fewer people on the sand; late afternoon brings the intriguing scent of sea oats and barbecues.
- Combine a walk along St. Augustine Beach with a detour to the Colonial Quarter and the lighthouse on the island's north end for local history.
Best Time to Visit Anastasia Island #
Best visited spring through fall when beaches are warm and services are running; winter is mild but quieter.
Weather & Climate near Anastasia Island #
Anastasia Island's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1249 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
