Additional Information for Anastasia State Park
Plant Life
Sea oats and other plants feed the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse and stabilize the beautiful dunes of Anastasia. Snails make their twice daily pilgrimage up and down Spartina grass in Anastasia's salt marsh as the tide rises and falls in this "nursery of the sea." And salty winds prune live oaks and other hammock plants into sculptural forms that reduce wind speed inland and delight visitors with their ancient beauty.
Please do not remove any plant or animal life from its location in the park.
Wildlife
Anastasia State Park has an abundance of wildlife, birds and plants, with many species of each in the park year round. As you visit, keep your eyes and ears open to the rich variety of wildlife around you, but please remember that all plant and animal life is protected in state parks. Enjoy the wonders of nature around you and help us to protect these treasures for future generations of visitors.
Anastasia State Park has been recognized as a fabulous birding opportunity and, for the first time, is included in the "Great Florida Birding Trail."
For birding enthusiasts, wading birds can be seen in the morning and late afternoon/early evening feeding cycles, especially during low tides. You can expect to see different species of herons including Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron and Green Heron. Snowy and Great Egrets can be spotted, as well as the White Ibis, Wood Stork and Roseate Spoonbill. If you're interested in raptors, our year round residents can be seen best from late in the morning throughout the day. Look for the Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle and Osprey. For evening viewing you can expect the Great Horned Owl and Screech Owl; these birds are especially vocal in the fall when courting.
If you visit Anastasia in the winter, our winter residents include the Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestrel and Peregrine Falcons (fall visitors). The marshes and sea meadows also boast a varied bird population. Further back in the coastal hammock and along the campground road edges you can find many year round residents, as well as seasonal visitors. On the beach, you can find gulls, sandpipers, willets, terns, pelicans and sanderlings. Of course, many other birds use Anastasia as a rest stop during their migrations. The Ranger Station has a listing of the birds that have been identified in the park, and we rely on you to inform us of any unusual or rare sightings.
Area Geography
Even deceptively calm ocean conditions can be hazardous due to rip currents and submerged debris, especially at the far south end of the park's beach. Lifeguards patrol only the designated swimming area from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Please remember that the sun can be very intense here. Sunscreen, hats, t-shirts, and beach umbrellas are available at Island Joe's.
Pets
Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks neither endorses links nor approves of links to external sources. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks takes no responsibility a link's operation or content. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the State.
