Anastasia Island, a barrier island just across the Bridge of Lions from downtown St. Augustine, offers visitors a chance to experience a different side of this historic city. Separated from the mainland by the Matanzas River and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern shore, the island provides a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning approximately 15 miles from north to south, Anastasia Island stretches from the St. Augustine Inlet at its northern tip down to Crescent Beach and the Fort Matanzas National Monument. While much of the island is residential and commercial, its northern third is home to some of the most popular destinations in the St. Augustine area. Anastasia State Park is a highlight of the island, occupying a significant portion of its northern section. This park protects a diverse coastal ecosystem, including ancient coquina rock outcroppings, salt marshes, and tidal lagoons. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, from exploring the wide and clean beach to renting kayaks and paddleboards. The park also features hiking and biking trails, a campground, and access to the Salt Run lagoon, offering a peaceful retreat from the more crowded public beach access points to the south. Another iconic landmark on Anastasia Island is the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, situated at the island's northern end. This 165-foot tower, with its distinctive black and white spiral pattern, has been a guiding light for ships since 1874. Today, it stands as one of the city's most visited attractions. Climbing the lighthouse's 219 steps rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and downtown St. Augustine across the water. In the southern section of Anastasia Island lies St. Augustine Beach, the commercial hub of the area. Here, visitors can find a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. The beach itself offers several miles of Atlantic beachfront, complete with vehicle access ramps, lifeguards in season, and public facilities. While pedestrian access to the beach is free year-round, those wishing to drive on the beach will need a beach driving pass from March through September. For those seeking entertainment, the island is also home to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, a 4,200-capacity outdoor concert venue that hosts major acts throughout the year. Its scenic setting adds to the allure of attending a performance here. Anastasia Island embodies the outdoor, beach, and nature aspects of a St. Augustine visit, providing a perfect complement to the historic and architectural attractions of downtown. Most visitors find themselves drawn to both sides of the Bridge of Lions, and those who venture beyond the main beach areas on the island are richly rewarded. For more information or to plan your visit, check out their website at https://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.