Historic Fort Clinch State Park with Kids
Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life? Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best State Parks in northeast Florida. When pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become one with nature and to take a step back into our state’s rich history.
There is plenty to do at Fort Clinch Park. Not only is the park home to a charming Civil War-era fort, but it is one of the best places in the area to find shark teeth. The park has a handful of excellent hiking/biking trails.
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What is the history behind Fort Clinch?
Construction of the first fortifications on this site began in 1736, however, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the Fort Clinch that we know started to take shape. They should have put a woman in charge, it would have been built in no time (haha). After the War of 1812, a series of forts (including Fort Clinch) were built along the eastern coastline of the United States to defend against foreign invaders.
After that, the construction of modern-day Fort Clinch began in 1847. However, when the Civil War started in 1861, the fort was only about two-thirds completed. For example, the cannons had yet to be mounted to the walls. Due to its location, the fort defaulted to Confederate control. Booooo, right?
Soon the Union swept through the area and started to gain control of southern Georgia. As a result, General Robert E. Lee gave the order to evacuate the fort. The Union troops quickly took over the fort and continued to enhance the fortification. When the fort was abandoned in 1869, it was still under construction.
What are the highlights of Fort Clinch State Park?
- Visiting the fort
- Shark tooth hunting
- Shelling
- Bicycling (there are 3.3 miles of paved road and 6 miles of multi-use trails)
- Fishing
- Hiking
Where is the park located?
The physical address is:
2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Our Thoughts on Fort Clinch State Park
We’ve spent many days wandering around Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a great place to escape the madness of our day-to-day lives. The hiking/biking trails here are fantastic. Our dogs love wandering through the woods and marsh. Be on the lookout for (alli)gators!
Likewise, the fort itself is amazing. The crew that works at the park has done a phenomenal job maintaining the park and helping it come alive. The kids love being able to peer into the windows of the prison, barracks, bakery, storehouses, hospital, kitchens, blacksmith shops, etc. All of the rooms were furnished to help recreate the feeling of living in the fort in 1864.
The kids also like to explore the rampart and gun deck to check out the cannons. This part of the fort offers incredible views of Cumberland Island and Cumberland Sound.
Also, a “soldier” is on duty every day of the year. Be sure to ask them questions and interact with them while you’re there!
Lastly, searching for sharks’ teeth is another one of our favorite things to do at the park. It’s best to hunt for shark teeth during low tide (when there is more beach exposure) or after a storm (when things get washed up onto the beach).
We have visited the park countless times with the kids and they never get bored of it!
Our Park Essentials
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
What is there to do nearby?
- Amelia Island Lighthouse
- The Pippi Longstocking House (212 1/2 Estrada St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034)
- Amelia Island State Park
- Cumberland Island
- Blackrock Beach
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure
Updated: 3/5/2024
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14 Comments
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Krista
It’s always great when you can take the kids somewhere historic and they actually enjoy it!
Elle MacRae
I agree! I love that the kids seem to have fun no matter where we take them 🙂
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