Amelia Island State Park

12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Phone: 904-251-2320

Explore Amelia Island State Park

An easy drive from Jacksonville, the park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia Island. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida. 

Amelia Island State Park is the only state park in Florida to offer horseback riding on the beach; a 45-minute riding tour through the forest and along the Atlantic Coast beach. Although the view from the park is breath-taking in itself, most of our visitors come for the fantastic fishing opportunities. 

Fishermen can surf fish along the shoreline or they can wet their line from the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier which spans Nassau Sound. Visitors can also stroll along the beach looking for seashells or relax and watch the numerous bird species that feed in the area. 

For horseback tour reservations, contact Kelly Seahorse Ranch at (904) 491-5166. Tours are given four times daily. Amelia Island State Park is located seven miles north of Little Talbot Island State Park on State Road A1A, or eight miles south of Fernandina Beach.

Activities

Beaches
Amelia Island State Park offers over 200 acres of undeveloped sea island recreational opportunities. This beach is a perfect place to relax and unwind, search for seashells, surf fish, and possibly view some rare wildlife such as the right whale or piping plover.

Canoeing/Kayaking
Long Island Outfitters is Amelia Island State Park's canoe and kayak visitor service provider. Located on AIA between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island about 6 miles south of Amelia Island State Park, Kayak Amelia offers everything from basic rentals to special focus guided trips. 

The facility provides local information including maps, safety information, and recommended routes for the experience you desire. Inside the concession you'll find snacks and drinks, restrooms, and souvenirs. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site or bring your own and utilize their hand launch ramp ($1.00 per person fee).

Kayak Amelia's guided paddles include birding paddles, tai-chi paddles, sunset and full-moon paddles, and special focus paddles. All guided trips include instruction, snack, and interpretation. 

Long Island Outfitters is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the year, but is closed on Wednesdays December through February. For additional information contact Kayak Amelia at 904-251-0016 or the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park (904-251-2320).

Fishing
Nassau Sound is one of the best fishing areas in northeast Florida and home to the state record flounder. Fishing is popular from the shore of Amelia Island State Park as well as from the adjacent George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park that spans Nassau Sound. 

The fishing pier is closed to vehicle traffic and offers the bridge angler a mile of pier to wet their line in hopes of catching the next record fish or tonight's dinner. Many different species of fish, such as whiting, redfish, flounder, speckled sea trout, jacks, and tarpon can be caught.

Redfish and speckled sea trout are available throughout the year, but higher numbers are available in the spring and fall. Popular baits, including mullet and shrimp, and can be caught along the shoreline using a cast-net. Artificial baits are also very popular. Along the south end of the fishing bridge, several small grass flats hold a wide variety of fish. 

Tarpon follow the fall mullet run into Nassau Sound and gorge themselves before continuing their migration to more southern waters. A park service provider, Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle, is located at the beginning of the fishing pier at the southern tip of Amelia Island. 

The bait shop offers snacks, fishing supplies, and various baits along with rod and reel rentals. Get an up to the minute fishing report by calling the bait shop at (904) 277-9772.

Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle has 1 handicap toilet and sink in each of Men's and Women's restrooms.

Horse Rentals
Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers guided, beachfront horseback riding along the shore of Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island by saddling up and taking a ride with Kelly's experienced staff, and gentle, well-trained horses. One of the most enjoyable ways to witness many of the island animals in their natural habitat is by horseback. 

Riders regularly see playful dolphins, soaring Great Blue herons, wood storks, and ospreys. Keep an eye towards the ocean and you might one of our rare visitors, the endangered Right Whale.

Rides go out at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm daily. For reservations and prices, call (904) 491-5166.

Kelly Seahorse Ranch has 1 Men's and 1 Women's handicap restroom with toilet and sink.

Wildlife Viewing
Amelia Island State Park is the perfect place for viewing shore birds. Black Skimmers, piping plovers, terns (including the threatened least tern), brown pelicans, and many other birds can be observed in the park. 

You may even catch a glimpse of a rare Right Whale or a Bald Eagle during the winter and early spring. Please obey posted signs that protect critical shore bird nesting areas!!!

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