Anastasia IslandAbout Anastasia Island
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 8° - 19° | 13° | 76 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 9° - 20° | 14° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 12° - 23° | 18° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 15° - 26° | 20° | 60 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 18° - 29° | 24° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 22° - 31° | 26° | 146 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 32° | 27° | 144 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 32° | 27° | 161 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 162 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 18° - 27° | 22° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 14° - 23° | 18° | 60 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 75 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
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.