Anastasia Island Attractions, Part 1

Anastasia Island Attractions

The downtown historic district can get pretty crowded, Take the opportunity to visit some Anastasia Island attractions.

Sure, there’s that long stretch of sand and water on our east side. And if you’re in one of our island rentals, it’s just a few yards away. Anastasia Island has miles of white sugar sand beaches and all natural dunes. These are the finest beaches the north Florida area has to offer.

South Anastasia

The south end of the island is known as Summer Haven, or Matanzas. There’s some great food out this way at Matanzas Innlet Restaurant. Throw in your line with some fishing off the bridge. Take in the nature trails at northeast waterway park.

The primary attractions at this end of the island though is Fort Matanzas. Similar to the Castillo de San Marcos in the historic district, Fort Matanzas was integral in protecting St. Augustine in our early years. You get to the fort on a free boat ride via the National Park Service. Fort Matanzas is rather small, and your entire tour will be less than an hour, including boat ride. There’s also a movie about the fort inside the gift shop.

Central Anastasia

Stop in Crescent Beach for an incredible lunch from either Tonys Pizza, or South Beach Grill. Visit the Surf Station II to get some gear, then hit the waves in this gorgeous stretch of sugar sand beach. There are plenty more fishing opportunities near here. Head under the SR 206 Bridge, or over to Frank Butler Park West.

The Butler Beach area is rapidly expanding, now with shopping plazas and restaurants. Dollar General has you covered with light groceries, and you can grab a delicious lunch at Redfrog and McToads.

North Anastasia

Continuing north we begin coming into the St. Augustine Beach area. Do not miss dinner at Salt Water Cowboys. Grab your swimming gear at Alvins Island, or Nautilus At the Beach. Groceries and other supplies set us at the midway of the island. Winn Dixie has a grocery and a liquor store on the west side of A1A, right at Beach Blvd. There’s also a Publix grocery and Dollar Tree sitting in the other larger plaza across the street. You’ll find ice cream, Starbucks, Subway, and many more stores to make your vacation a success.