Fodor's Expert Review Anastasia State Park Beach

If you don't mind paying a modest entrance fee for beach access, this park offers some outstanding choices. At one end of the beach, there's a playground and snack bar, where you can order sandwiches and cold drinks or rent a beach chair, umbrella, surfboard, or other beach paraphernalia. If you walk north along the beach, however, all traces of civilization seem to vanish. An offshore break makes the park a good surfing spot, there's a boat launch, and canoes and kayaks can be rented. The campgrounds are very popular, too. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (seasonal); parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: solitude; surfing; swimming; walking.