About Where We Live

Menendez Park and San Jose Forest

Menendez Park and San Jose Forest are two of the earliest residential neighborhoods on Anastasia Island. The area of Menendez Park is of historic value to our city and county. Two rare Spanish colonial remains are located here.

The neighborhood is bordered on the west by Florida A1A and on the east by Anastasia State Park and the Atlantic Ocean. Comprised of approximately 250 households, both are peaceful, residential neighborhoods in a maritime hardwood hammock. It’s just a short walk or bicycle ride to the beach with access through Anastasia State Park with a paid State Park Pass, and a short drive into town or to shopping.

The Menendez Park subdivision was laid out in 1924, well before the Bridge of Lions was constructed. San Jose Forest was platted in the 1980s. We can trace the history of the area to the 17th century. Spanish settlers quarried coquina, a shellstone rock used in building many of St. Augustine’s structures, notably Castillo San Marcos which protected the fledgling city from its enemies, and the Cathedral of St. Augustine.

The old Spanish chimney, part of the quarry foreman’s house and old well on Old Beach Road are tangible links to these neighborhoods’ historical past.