By Mike Miller October 3, 2025
Amelia Island State Park covers 200 acres at the southern tip of Amelia Island south of Fernandina Beach in Nassau County, Florida.
It protects beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. Visitors hike trails, fish, shell, or bike.
The park connects to the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier. Wildlife includes shorebirds and sea turtles. It's a quiet spot for coastal recreation.
Amelia Island has a diverse past. Timucua and Guale Native Americans lived here before Europeans arrived.
Spanish explorers claimed it in 1513. The island changed hands five times: Spain, England, Spain, the Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, and the U.S. in 1821.
Pirates like Luis Aury used it as a base in 1817. During the Civil War, Fort Clinch nearby guarded the area.
The state acquired the park land in 1969. It opened in 1979 to preserve the unspoiled coastline.
Amelia Island State Park is at 1884 State Road A1A South, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
It sits nine miles north of Jacksonville and two miles south of Fernandina Beach. From I-95, take Exit 373, go east on FL-202, then north on A1A.
The park opens daily at 8 AM and closes at sundown. Capacity limits parking to 300 people at a time and 600 per day.
It closes to new visitors when full and reopens after 150 leave. No after-hours access.
Beach driving for 4x4 vehicles follows the same hours. Trails include the 1.2-mile Amelia Island Trail for biking.
Visit the Park's website for updates. Arrive early for parking.
Horses are allowed on the beach; contact rangers for rules.
Florida is the fastest-growing state in the United States and also the fastest-changing. If you see anything in this article that has changed or is in error, please let me know.
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