Anastasia State Park Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to St. Augustine's natural beach paradise
About Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park is what most people picture when they imagine a perfect Florida beach—miles of pristine sand, natural dunes covered in sea oats, and water so clear you can see your toes. Unlike the more developed beaches in the area, Anastasia feels wild and unspoiled.
The park offers something that's increasingly rare: an unobstructed horizon. No condos, no hotels, no buildings of any kind in the background. Just sand, sea, and sky. For photography, this means clean compositions and that timeless beach feel that never goes out of style.
Beyond the beach, the park has tidal lagoons, maritime forests, and marsh habitats that provide variety if you want to mix up your locations within a single session. It's only about 10 minutes from downtown St. Augustine, making it incredibly convenient.
Best Photo Spots
The Dune Crossovers
The wooden boardwalks leading over the dunes create natural leading lines and frames, and the sea oats and dune grasses add texture and that quintessential coastal feel. Stay on the crossovers—entering the sand dunes is prohibited, since they're protected habitat for nesting wildlife.
The Main Beach
Over 4 miles of pristine, uncrowded beach. The sand here stays relatively firm, and the lack of buildings on the horizon gives you clean, uncluttered backgrounds.
Salt Run Lagoon
The tidal lagoon on the western side of the park offers calm water, marsh grasses, and beautiful sunset views. Great for a different kind of waterfront session.
Maritime Hammock Trail
The shaded trails through the maritime forest provide shelter on hot days and offer dappled light filtering through palmettos and oaks.
Best Times to Photograph
Sunrise Sessions
The beach faces east with nothing but ocean to the horizon, so sunrise here is spectacular. One catch: the gate doesn't open until 8 AM, so a true sunrise-on-the-sand session only works in the fall and winter months, when sunrise falls after 8. In summer the sun is already well up by opening—plan for early-morning light instead.
Golden Hour
Late afternoon sessions work beautifully along Salt Run, where the sunset light reflects off the calm lagoon waters.
Fall Through Spring
The cooler months mean fewer crowds and more comfortable conditions. Winter light is especially soft and flattering.
Weekday Mornings
Even in summer, weekday mornings are quiet. You'll have space to work without dodging other beachgoers.
Photographer Tips
Hours & Entry Fee
The park is open 8 AM to sundown, 365 days a year, and the entry fee is $8 per vehicle (up to eight people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, or $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. The gate doesn't open before 8 AM for the public, so plan around that for early sessions.
Beach Access Points
Multiple boardwalk access points spread along the beach. Scout beforehand to find your favorite spot and the shortest walk from parking.
Wind & Weather
The beach is more exposed than some spots in town. Check wind forecasts—a stiff breeze can make hair management challenging.
Bring Bug Spray
If you're venturing into the hammock trails or near the lagoon at dawn/dusk, mosquitoes can be present. The beach itself is usually fine.
Photography Permits
Florida State Parks allow photography without a fee for ordinary portrait and engagement sessions. A special-use photography permit (and a $10 application fee) is only required when a session would disrupt normal park operations or affect park resources—think large setups or crews. For a standard couple or family session you just pay the regular entry fee. If in doubt, contact the park ahead of time.
Beach Rules
Unlike the county beaches nearby, Anastasia does not allow driving on the beach—it's pedestrian and bike access only. Pets are not allowed on the beach, and staying off the dunes is required by park rule.
Getting Married or Eloping at Anastasia State Park
Anastasia is one of the prettiest spots near St. Augustine for an intimate beach ceremony or elopement. The unobstructed, building-free horizon that makes it so good for portraits is just as lovely behind a couple saying their vows, and with four miles of quiet beach you can usually find a private stretch of sand.
If you'd like to hold a ceremony here, plan to arrange a Special Use permit with the park ahead of time—Florida State Parks require one for weddings and organized events. The permit fee, booking window, and which areas of the park you can use aren't published online and vary by season, so call the park's special-events line at (904) 461-2002 well in advance to confirm the details and reserve your date. The general park office is (904) 461-2033.
A few park rules to plan around: no balloons, confetti, rice, or flower, bird, or butterfly releases; alcohol isn't allowed outside reserved pavilion areas; and drones, fireworks, and open flames are prohibited. You're responsible for setup and cleanup, so keep arches and seating simple—and always off the protected dunes.
For the photography itself, a standard couple's or elopement session just needs the regular park entry fee. A separate special-use photography permit (a $10 application fee, plus park operating fees) only comes into play for larger productions that affect other visitors or park operations—see the permit note above.
Photos from Anastasia State Park
Sessions at Anastasia State Park
Browse sessions we've photographed at this beautiful location
Want Photos at Anastasia State Park?
We love photographing at this location and know all the best spots. Let's plan your session.
Get in Touch