Beachgoing on Amelia Island

Along the coast of Amelia Island, you can find some truly spectacular beaches for days upon days of fun on a family vacation or an unforgettable romantic getaway.

From the popular northern public beach accesses to the pristine protected beaches at Amelia Island State Park on the south end, the island has every beach experience you could want.

Below are three Amelia Island beaches with distinctive traits and features worth exploring for your next family vacation.

woman on beach amelia island

Seaside Park

Location: 2002 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Seaside Park lacks the glitz and glamour of some of the larger beach parks on Amelia Island, but it is the perfect quiet family getaway.

The park includes three large pavilions, numerous picnic tables, and a clean entrance to and from the beach. The outdoor restrooms are well-maintained, and parking is directly around the pavilion for added safety. The beach here is relatively quiet.

It is located across the street from the Hampton Inn, right in the middle portion of the island. Contact the park’s representatives at (904) 310-3350.

Fort Clinch State Park and Beach

Location: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Fort Clinch encompasses a large portion of northern Amelia Island. This beachside park is filled with beachgoing activities and historic attractions. The signature attraction here is Fort Clinch, a major battleground point during the Civil War. Come and see the reenactment and take a guided tour through the galleries and grounds of the historic area.

Other visitors prefer a self-guided adventure through Fort Clinch State Park. A popular activity is to rent a bike and journey up through the mangroves and Spanish moss to one of the major beach entry points.

Beachgoing activities at the park include wildlife viewing, shark tooth hunting, and fishing. Some common fish, seasonal and not, include redfish, spotted trout, and flounder. Swimming is restricted in a few areas due to strong currents and riptides. The beaches of Fort Clinch State Park are restricted to motor vehicles, but are accessible by bike and foot.

The park serves as a fantastic opportunity to see the wildlife, visit the nature trails through the deep marshlands, or just find a cozy picnic spot on a quiet and subdued northern Amelia Island beach.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown while Fort Clinch is only open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and cyclists.

sunset over amelia island beach

Main Beach Park

Location: 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Main Beach Park is a nice complement to Fort Clinch. It is located within walking distance of Fort Clinch’s entrance.

The beach area is free though, and it includes an assortment of picnic tables, a volleyball court, and a fantastic playground for the kids. It’s one of the biggest and most direct beach access points on Amelia Island. A large parking area is available, as well as showers and restrooms. The park is open 24 hours a day.

More Beach Access Points

In total there are 40 designated beach access points throughout the island. You can get more information, as several of them offer parking but other facilities will vary.

Some visitors head north and some head south to the extreme points of Amelia Island. Yet all along the island, you can find beach access points, so you’ll never be too far from the sand. Come to Florida’s very top corner and explore the beachgoing fun in this outlying island.

Contact Fernandina Beach Realty at (800) 741-4011 to unlock the key to your next family vacation. Ask about our available Amelia Island vacation rentals, giving you close access to any of the above parks. Stay here for a week or more and potentially find a new home here on Amelia Island. We offer a variety of selections, with substantial deals and discounts on top oceanfront properties.