A sweep of Atlantic Coast beach awaits along the southern tip of Amelia Island, where the sand glistens and the surf is frequently up. Amelia Island State Park protects 200 acres along the island’s shore.
Looking across the inlet to Big Talbot IslandResources
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Overview
Location: Amelia Island
Trailhead: 30.523138,-81.443006
Address: SR A1A North, Jacksonville
Fees: $2 per person
Restroom: near the parking area
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 904-251-2320
Open 8 AM until sunset daily.
For horseback tours, reserve with Kelly Seahorse Ranch at 904-491-5166. They generally lead tours four times a day.
Directions
From Fernandina Beach, follow A1A south. The park is on the left immediately before the bridge to Big Talbot Island, at the very southern tip of Amelia Island.
About the Park
The park is mainly known for its beaches, especially along the pass with Big Talbot Island, where visitors gather to fish and break out their coolers on the beach.
But it’s the soft thud of hooves on sand that intrigues the most, as this park offers a rare find: a place to canter along the surf.
If you’ve dreamed of riding a white horse down a wild shore, here’s your chance! Trail rides must be reserved in advance with Kelly Seahorse Ranch.
Dunes along the island’s edgeBiking
The East Coast Greenway passes right through Amelia Island State Park, connecting north through Amelia Island to Peters Point Park and south into the Talbot Islands.
Through this stretch, it is known as the Timucuan Trail and extends six miles north and another four miles south. Park here to follow it across the A1A bridge or to head northbound through Amelia Island.
Look for East Coast Greenway signs for access points near the pier and the parking lot entrance.
Watch for the East Coast Greenway symbolFishing
Anglers flock here for the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, where the state record flounder was caught. Folks also surf fish along the inlet.
You can walk directly to the pier from the main parking lot here. A bait shop provides bait and tackle.
Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
See a video of horseback riding the beach at Amelia Island
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Once a piece of A1A from Amelia Island to Big Talbot Island, the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is one of several former highway segments now under the care of Florida State Parks. Open 24 hours, it’s popular for sport fishing as well as bringing home a catch for dinner.
American Beach
Home to the largest dune system on the Atlantic Coast in Florida, American Beach has a rich history as a vacation destination that served the African-American community during the days of segregation in the South.
Big Talbot Island State Park
For a taste of tidal pools and black rock beaches in Florida, get out of your car and walk down to the unique shoreline of Big Talbot Island State Park.
Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park offers camping by the sea, and extensive bike trails along a slender peninsula. But the main reason to visit is its namesake. Fort Clinch is one of the largest brick structures in Florida, and a must-see for architecture buffs.
I hope to visit soon. One of the few state parks this Florida guy hasn’t visited yet…see you soon!
Enjoy! The horseback ride and beach walk are the big things there along with fishing.
What is the longest horseback riding tour is there a campsite close by as well and a walking hiking trail too.
Nearest camping is at Little Talbot Island to the south. There is no hiking trail at this park but you can walk the beach. The Talbot Islands have hiking trails. Best to call Kelly Seahorse Ranch regards the length of their tours.