About the Neighborhood

Anastasia Island vacation rentals put you on the beach side of St. Augustine, with easy access to the Atlantic shoreline, Anastasia State Park, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and several distinct coastal communities. For many visitors, this is the part of St. Augustine they picture when they think about beach condos, sand roads, A1A, ocean breezes, and quick drives back into the Historic District.

First Choice Florida manages vacation rentals across multiple communities on Anastasia Island, giving guests a range of options depending on the kind of trip they want. Some travelers want to be close to the pier and beach restaurants. Others prefer a quieter stretch of sand farther south. Some want to stay near Anastasia State Park, Salt Run, and the Lighthouse area, where the island feels close to downtown but still connected to the water.

This page gives you the broad overview. For more detailed local guidance, visit the specific neighborhood pages linked below.

The barrier island that contains St. Augustine’s beaches

Anastasia Island is the main beach-side barrier island for St. Augustine. It runs roughly 14 miles from the St. Augustine Inlet at the north end down toward Matanzas Inlet at the south end, with A1A serving as the main north-south road through the island.

The island includes several different beach areas, each with its own rhythm. St. Augustine Beach is the more central, active beach community. Butler Beach sits farther south with a more residential feel. Crescent Beach stretches toward the quieter southern end of the island. The northern section includes the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Salt Run, Conch Island, and Anastasia State Park, with the Bridge of Lions connecting the island back to downtown St. Augustine.

That variety is what makes Anastasia Island useful for vacation planning. You can stay on the same barrier island and still choose between busier beach access, quieter residential areas, state park nature, lighthouse history, or an easier downtown connection. Browse our Anastasia Island FL rentals to find the part of the island that fits your trip.

Anastasia Island sub-areas

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine Beach is the central beach community on Anastasia Island. This is the area many visitors mean when they say they want to stay “at the beach” in St. Augustine. It has public beach access, the pier area, nearby dining, and a convenient location along A1A. For guests who want a beach stay with restaurants, casual activity, and a straightforward drive to downtown, St. Augustine Beach is often a practical starting point.

This area works well for families, couples, and repeat guests who want to be close to the sand without feeling removed from the rest of St. Augustine.

Butler Beach

Butler Beach sits south of St. Augustine Beach and north of Crescent Beach. It has a more residential middle-island feel, with less of the central beach commercial activity and a quieter pace than the pier area.

For travelers comparing Anastasia Island vacation rentals, Butler Beach can be a good fit when you want the beach close by but do not necessarily need to stay in the most active part of the island. It keeps you on A1A, within reach of both St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach, while still offering a more tucked-in feel.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is the quieter southern stretch of Anastasia Island, closer to Matanzas Inlet. It has a more relaxed feel, wider open stretches in places, and a little more distance from the central St. Augustine Beach activity.

Guests often look at Crescent Beach when they want a calmer beach stay, especially for longer trips or return visits. It is still part of the Anastasia Island experience, but the pace is different from the central beach area. If your vacation is more about beach walks, quiet mornings, and a less busy island setting, Crescent Beach is worth comparing.

Lighthouse Area

The Lighthouse area is on the northern part of Anastasia Island, near the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Salt Run, Anastasia State Park, and the Bridge of Lions route into downtown. This area feels different from the beach communities farther south because it is closer to the inlet, the state park, and the historic side of St. Augustine.

For some guests, the appeal is being near the Lighthouse and Salt Run while still staying on the island. Depending on the exact rental location, downtown may be a short drive over the Bridge of Lions, while the beach and park areas remain nearby.

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park is one of the defining landmarks on the island. The park covers roughly 1,600 acres and includes about 4 miles of beach, tidal marsh, nature areas, campground space, and access to a less developed stretch of shoreline. There is an entry fee, so guests should check current park information before visiting.

For travelers searching for vacation rentals near Anastasia State Park, the appeal is simple: the park gives Anastasia Island a natural side that feels different from the more developed beach communities along A1A. It is a good option for beach walks, birding, paddling nearby, and spending time on a shoreline that feels more open and less built up.

If state park access is a major part of your trip, look closely at rentals in the northern and central parts of the island.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum sits on the northern part of Anastasia Island and is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. The lighthouse is climbable, with 219 steps to the top, and the museum adds maritime history, exhibits, and local context to the visit.

For guests looking at lighthouse area rentals in St. Augustine, this part of the island can be especially appealing. Depending on the exact property, the Lighthouse may be within walking distance or a short drive. The area also keeps you near Salt Run, Anastasia State Park, and the Bridge of Lions route into downtown St. Augustine.

It is a useful area to consider if you want island atmosphere without staying as far south as Crescent Beach.

Why choose Anastasia Island vs. Vilano

Anastasia Island and Vilano Beach are both good options, but they offer different trade-offs. Anastasia Island is the main beach side of St. Augustine, with St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, Crescent Beach, Anastasia State Park, and the Lighthouse area all on the same barrier island. It is often the better starting point for travelers who want the classic St. Augustine beach-side experience, with access to A1A, the pier-area side of beach dining, and multiple beach communities.

Vilano Beach is a quieter alternative on a separate island north of the inlet. It can be especially convenient for downtown access by way of the Vilano Bridge, while still giving visitors a coastal setting.

Neither choice is automatically better. Anastasia Island gives you more of the main beach corridor. Vilano gives you a quieter north-side feel. The right fit depends on how you plan to spend your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Anastasia Island and St. Augustine Beach?

Anastasia Island is the larger barrier island. St. Augustine Beach is one specific community on Anastasia Island. When guests search for Anastasia Island vacation rentals, they may be looking at St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, Crescent Beach, the Lighthouse area, or another part of the island.

Is the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island?

Yes. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum is on the northern part of Anastasia Island, near Salt Run and Anastasia State Park.

What does Anastasia State Park offer?

Anastasia State Park offers beach access, tidal marsh, nature areas, campground space, and a less developed stretch of shoreline. It is a good place to experience the natural side of the island, especially if you want something quieter than the more active beach access points.

Where on Anastasia Island should I stay?

Choose St. Augustine Beach if you want central beach activity and pier-area convenience. Choose Butler Beach if you want a more residential middle-island feel. Choose Crescent Beach if you prefer a quieter southern stay. Choose the Lighthouse area if you want proximity to the Lighthouse, Salt Run, Anastasia State Park, and downtown access by way of the Bridge of Lions.

How long is Anastasia Island?

Anastasia Island runs roughly 14 miles from the St. Augustine Inlet area south toward Matanzas Inlet.

Is there beach driving on Anastasia Island?

Beach driving rules can vary by location, season, tides, beach conditions, and county rules. It is daytime only where allowed, and the beach is closed to vehicles at night. If beach driving is important to your trip, check current St. Johns County beach driving information before planning your beach days around it.