Amelia Island State Park- A Bucket List Beach

Amelia Island State Park is a quick and easy drive from Jacksonville, Florida. The park protects more than 200 acres of stunning wilderness located on the southern tip of Amelia Island. The state park is made up of white sand beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests. This is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches-making it a popular destination for bucket listers. It is also an excellent location for a paddling tour.

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Amelia Island State Park Experieneces

Bicycling
Fishing
Paddling
Beach
Swimming
Shelling
Horseback Riding (see below)

Paddling is one of the most popular activities at Amelia Island State Park. Kayak Amelia is the state park’s canoe and kayak outfitter. It is located on A1A between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island, about 6 miles away from Amelia Island.

They offer rentals or guided paddling tour. Booking one of these tours, or going out on your own, is an excellent way to spend time at Amelia Island State Park. Paddling is one of our absolute favorite family-friendly experiences!

Sea Turtles

Each summer, sea turtles grace Florida beaches to nest. Female sea turtles create their nests, lay their eggs, and return to the water leaving the eggs unprotected. Rangers do everything they can to keep these nests safe until the eggs hatch 50 to 70 days later. Please follow posted signs regarding sea turtles.

Horseback Riding at Amelia Island State Park

Is horseback riding on the beach on your bucket list? Well, you’re in luck! Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida State park that offers horseback riding on the beach. Tours can be arranged through Kelly Seahorse Ranch. You’ll enjoy a gorgeous trail ride from the ranch to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Kelly Seahorse Ranch is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily (except for on Mondays)- including Christmas and New Years Day. A one-hour guided beach ride costs $125 per person.

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail and extends 6 miles north and 4 miles south. This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway. The Greenway cuts through Amelia Island State Park. The greenway connects the park to Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.

Our Amelia Island State Park Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Inflatable Paddleboard
Electric Air Pump with 12V adaptor
Boogie Boards

Visiting Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.

The entrance fee is $2 per person. The park uses an honor box system to collect fees, so correct change is required.

The park is located at

State Road A1A North
Jacksonville, FL
32226

What is there to do Nearby?

Amelia Island State Park is located on Amelia Island an area well-known for their upscale shopping and dining. We also love spending time in the nearby historic downtown Fernandina. Fernandina also has great shops, a quaint welcoming vibe, and delicious eateries.

If you need lodging in the area, we love the Omni Amelia Island Resort. They have a great beachside pool area and their bars whip up some bangin’ beverages. The resort also has a top-notch spa.

You’ll also find a Ritz Carlton on the island that has been rated one of the top hotels in Florida and the top hotel in Jacksonville!