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.
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
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?
- Egan’s Creek Greenway
- Fort Clinch State Park
- Boneyard Beach
- Blackrock Beach
- Little Talbot Island
- Big Talbot Island
- Huguenot Memorial Park
- Kingsley Plantation
- Fort George Island
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
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