Looking for an affordable place to spend the day in St. Augustine? You don’t need to drop a lot by visiting any of the top St. Augustine parks. We compiled a quick list of the finest parks for your whole family, accessible with a small entry fee and filled with possible fun under the Florida sun.
Anastasia State Park
Ask anyone about the best local parks, and you are almost certain to hear Anastasia State Park first and foremost. It’s epically large and spans a wide breadth of land between the Salt Run River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also one of the most family-friendly activities in St. Augustine!
The entrance to Anastasia State Park is right before the St. Augustine Lighthouse as you head along A1A from our Saint Augustine vacation rentals. It is located at 300 Anastasia Park Rd.
Guests will pay $8 per vehicle. This provides you access to every part of the park. Bring along kayaks and boogie boards to enjoy the calm waters of the river. Biking and walking paths wind through about 1,600 acres of dense marshland.
The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail is the most popular trail way in the park.
Especially enthusiastic visitors can even camp out overnight at any of the 139 dedicated campsites.
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Fort Mose is free to the public. Venture into this sensational historic St Augustine site at 15 Fort Mose Trail.
Inside you’ll find 40 acres of maritime marshlands up against the water. The state park is home to a sole main birding boardwalk as well as a specific kayak launching point and a small beach.
What Fort Mose lacks in size it makes up for in history. The area features a visitor’s center and historical museum, providing you a comprehensive look into the settlement history of Fort Mose. It was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement- even beating the founding of the United States!
Notably, Fort Mose is a top pick for wildlife lovers and anyone wanting an accessible few hours in a comparatively smaller park.
Faver-Dykes State Park
You can find Faver-Dykes State Park off the beaten road, at 1000 Faver-Dykes Road.
Dubbed “the Real Florida,” this hidden nook of a park encapsulates what Florida was like hundreds of years ago. Visitors can quietly relax under the hammocks admiring the bird species- 100 of which have been noted in the park. This includes wood-warblers, egrets, eagles, falcons, and the famous songbirds of Florida, among many others. Also keep an eye out for owls, turkeys, bobcats, and the rare river otter.
Faver-Dykes is a delight for wildlife enthusiasts and visitors will find a boat ramp for smaller boats, kayaks, and canoes, gaining entry to the quiet Pellicer Creek. Kayak rentals are available on-site.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
This recreation area is located south of St. Augustine in the classic coastal city of Flagler Beach. With 145 acres of dense maritime forests and that golden-brown glow of the sands, you can find a lot to love. Fishing is popular here. Flounder, trout, and whiting are some of the most popular catches.
Visitors can shell on the open beaches, take a bicycle trip, or hit the water via the canoe and kayak launch point. Restrooms and shower rooms are available on-site. The Gamble Rogers Memorial Park is also well-known for its healthy mating sea turtle population. Be very respectful and cautious of sea turtle sign postage and presence.
Plan Your Visit
Utilize your favorite St. Augustine beach rental as you travel to all of these beloved St. Augustine parks. We know you will fall in love with the nature of the ancient city.
Washington Oaks State Park
We adore Washington Oaks. Dazzling Spanish Moss’ epically coat and shade the park. Explore the lovely butterfly garden or head to the end of the park and relax on the beach. The park is most well-known for its winding walking path, which is highly landscaped and peppered with rare and gorgeous plant life.
