Explore These Incredible State Parks Near St. Augustine FL

St. Augustine is a treasure. And with the number of top-quality condo rentals in St. Augustine, FL, available, you’ll find plenty of spots to the lounge for a weekend, a week, or longer. We cover our favorite St. Augustine state parks for your must-see nature bucket list.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is also home to some fantastic hiking. Hiking in St. Augustine is usually flat but often accented with fantastic beach views and wildlife sightings. Here you’ll discover incredible and varied ecosystems, from the beach-lining wetlands to the denser hammocks. 

It’s all a part of the coquina history. Dating back over 300 years ago, the land was used to supply the city with valuable coquina-dense rock consisting of ground shells and invertebrates, like mollusks. Coquina is a major architectural touchstone of St. Augustine. 

It is $8 per vehicle for the day. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and beach lounging in its 1,600 acres. 

st augustine path
Photo from Shutterstock

Washington Oaks State Park

 While we don’t like to take sides, it is hard to argue that Washington Oaks isn’t one of the most beautiful state parks in St. Augustine, FL. 

The land where the park sits today was bought in 1936 by Mr. Owen D. Young and given to Louise Powis Clark. While he was an influential New York attorney and 1929’s Time Magazine “Man of the Year, she was a famed designer in her own right. She donated the property to the state in 1964. 

Known for its gorgeous Spanish moss, these over 100-year-old giants pour through the sky and coat the gardens, courtyards, and walking trails. Elegant and beautiful, moss hangs delicately from trees 25 feet high. 

Washington Oaks is a relatively small but dense park, with a courtyard pavilion by the entrance, multiple ponds with seating, and a beach area towards the back. You get to the beach via the rose garden, often frequented by local butterflies. 

Admission is only $5 per vehicle. It is $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

Fort Mose Historic State Park

Fort Mose Historic State Park is well-known for its rich history in the area. The park was officially sanctioned on October 12th, 1994, but its history extends far (far!) beyond that. Fort Mose is perhaps most famous as the first legally authorized free African settlement. This occurred in 1738,m notably about 50 years before the establishment of the United States constitution. 

Now, the park is absent its numerous building settlements. Yet it stands as a pristine area for birdwatching, where dense marshes and expansive Spanish Moss coat the trails and wetlands. Visitors can see the on-site museum capturing a few pieces of Fort Moses’ history. There is also a floating boardwalk next to the museum where visitors launch canoes and kayaks. Tours are available during specific hours, though we recommend calling ahead to confirm your placement. 

Visiting the park is free, though donations are recommended. It is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is free parking by the boardwalk. Pets are welcomed in most areas of the park, though a leash is required. 

Plan Your Next Stay

Visit our list of available St. Augustine vacation rentals and choose the one that fits your particular needs. We can’t wait for you to stay with us!

Faver-Dykes State Park

Faver-Dykes’ ambient beauty and minimal amenities make it an ideal place to visit for those seeking some quiet respite surrounded by nature. 

Fishing is prevalent at the park, particularly at the dock overhanging part of Pellicer Creek. The fishing license requirement varies based on the location and type of fishing. We also recommend being safe and ordering an online fishing license. It only takes a few minutes and is about $18, though it may vary if you plan to keep catches or you expect to fish from a boat.

Many visitors like to walk the nearby trails or even stay in an on-site lodge within the campground. Paddlers can be found daily in Pellicer Creek. The creek is home to several rare predatory birds, like eagles and falcons, alongside the elegant and rare wood warblers. It’s also possible to see river otters, deer, and turkey. The area is brimming with compelling St. Augustine wildlife.

Faver-Dykes State Park is located at 1000 Faver Dykes Rd. Entrance is $5 per vehicle for the whole day, open sunrise to sundown.