Amelia Island Beaches
Guide to the Beaches of Amelia Island and Public Beach Access Points, Real-Time Tide Charts and Beach Rules & Regulations of Nassau County, Florida.
Thirteen miles of pristine beach await you at Amelia Island. Swimming, surfing, fishing, jogging, kite flying, and beach combing are some of the many things you'll find to do on Amelia's beautiful beaches.
South Fletcher (highway A1A) is the main road which skirts the coast of the island, and along it you will find many public beach access areas (look for the blue and white signs), some with parking and some for walking access to the ocean.
The beach is excellent for sharks teeth and shell collecting. Don't forget to check for new treasures after a period of rough weather.
Dogs are allowed on the beach, but within the Fernandina Beach city limits, all dogs on the beach must be on a leash. Alcohol is not allowed on any City or County beaches of Amelia.
Vehicles are permitted and driving on the beach is allowed with a permit at Burney Beach Park, Scott Road and Peter's Point. Out-of-County residents shall obtain a permit to drive or park on the beach. No permit is required if you are a Nassau County resident.
Click here for locations where permits can be purchased. One-day permits cost $5.00 and an annual permit is $25.00.
View map of Amelia Island Public Beach Access Points »
Fernandina Beach
Location:
Located off Highway A1A (Fletcher Avenue)
Parking:
Main Beach and Peter's Point offers free parking lots. South Fernandina Beach access has limited free street parking.
This well-preserved city at the northern end of Amelia Island, Florida's northern-most barrier island, marks the beginning of Florida's "First Coast." Ferdnandina Beach is actually a city in Nassau County on Amelia Island. It is the northernmost city on Florida's Atlantic coast, and is one of the principal municipalities comprising Greater Jacksonville.
It's storied past is an intact portion of the quickly vanishing "Old Florida," with a 50-square-block area into an ongoing restoration. The section is a designated historic district in the National Register of Historic Places. Walking around historic Fernandina Beach is a must-do for visitors. Many of the village's buildings are on the National Register, which encompasses a 50-block Historic District, and several Victorian-era historic homes now operate as bed and breakfasts. An evening stroll down Centre Street, the epicenter of the village where many restaurants and shops are located, will sweep you away to a different century.
Lifeguards are on duty seven days per week from 9am - 5pm Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Beaches:
The pristine beaches of Fernandina are located a mile from the center of town. Over four miles of beach with more than 20 public access points lie between the northern-most Main Beach south. Main Beach, with its plentiful parking and facilities, grassy playground and lifeguard stands is especially popular with families that have children in tow.
If the Main Beach crowds crowd you out, Peter's Point should be your second choice. It also offers decent facilities.
Location:
State Road A1A North
Jacksonville FL 32226
Located on the southern tip of Amelia Island
Amelia Island State 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 Real Florida. Visitors can stroll along the beach, look for shells and sharks teeth, or watch the wildlife. Amenities include beach access, equestrian trail, parking, and shower station. Fishermen can surf fish along the shoreline or they can wet their lines from the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier spanning Nassau Sound. On the Line Bait and Tackle Shop is now officially open for visitors, offering a great variety of fishing bait and tackle supplies, snacks, and refreshments. They are open Monday through Sunday, 7am - 5pm and are closed on Tuesdays. Visitors can contact them at
904.624.7293.
Amelia Island is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches. Riding the beach at Amelia Island has been a favorite pastime of visitors for years.
Kelly Seahorse Ranch - the visitor service provider - offers all the horseback riding fun that guests could want. For horseback tour reservations, contact Kelly Seahorse Ranch at
904.491.5166. Tours are given four times daily.
American Beach
Location:
Approximately five miles south of Fernandina Beach on Highway A1A. Turn east at the sign for American Beach. Follow signs. Traveling along Florida's East Coast highway - Highway A1A - between Fernandina Beach and Omni Amelia Island Resort, you will spy a very plain road sign that point east toward American Beach. Taking the turn will take you through a hodgepodge town of concrete-block bungalows.
Founded in 1935 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida's first black millionaire & president of Afro-American Insurance Company, American Beach was created as a vacation haven for African-Americans, for whom access to other resorts was denied in the days before desegregation. Currently located between two upscale resorts - the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort.
It is located in a poor area that refuses to sell out to the check-waving developers who are anxious to turn it into yet another gated resort. As one of the most historic black communities in the South, the residents certainly have the right to protect it.
In the past, if you were white, your presence might turn heads and raise eyebrows, but not so much any more. If you are an African-American and curious about this historic seaside area, you may want to visit on weekends when the beach is more likely to be more lively.
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
904.251.2320
With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife for viewing, including river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds.
Surrounding surf and tidal streams present excellent fishing for bluefish, striped bass, redfish, flounder, mullet and sheepshead. Other popular park activities include hiking, kayaking, beachcombing, surfing and picnicking. Beachside picnic pavilions are available for use by park visitors and can be reserved in advance for a fee. A campground is located along the eastern salt marshes of Myrtle Creek.
Summer Beach
Location:
Summer Beach is located at the south end of Fernandina Beach. Access via Amelia Island Parkway (Highway A1A) just south of Fernandina Beach city limits.
Parking:
Beaches are for the use of residents, registered guests, and their visitors only.
Summer Beach is actually an upscale resort development consisting of private homes, condos and the Ritz-Carlton Resort on Amelia Island.
Many of the homes and condos are available for vacation rental and the Ritz-Carlton is a luxurious resort hotel with 445 units and a 5-Star rating.
The Ritz-Carlton has 1.5 miles of pristine beachfront and it is the only mainland Ritz-Carlton that has a champtionship golf course. Other amenities include pools, tennis, croquet, and more.
Mizell Ave
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904.310.3350
Public beach.
1556 Gregg Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Public beachfront park with beach access, fishing allowed, indoor and outdoor showers, tables and picnic area.
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904.277.7274
Park and historic site, with beach access, campground and amenities on-site. Park admission gets you access to the beach and surrounding waters. Overlooking the inlet is nearby Cumberland Island that is a popular destination for kayakers and Explorers. Submarines are common and pass through regularly on their way to port. Marine life is abundant here and sharks' teeth can be found along the beach.
32 N Fletcher Ave
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904.310.3350
Beachfront park featuring picnic shelters, play structures, sand volleyball courts & restrooms.
4600 Peters Point Rd
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904.530.6120
Public beach and park. This scenic sandy beach allows fishing and vehicles with permits. Amenities include indoor and outdoor shower facilities, tables and picnic area. Vehicle access to the beach is available here. No permit is required for Nassau county residents, however permits are required for everyone else. Read our
beach rules and regulations for more info.
Located mid-island off the Amelia Island Parkway.
Located just south of Peter's Point, with paved parking available, however there are no beach amenities.
2002 S Fletcher Ave
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904.310.3350
Waterside park offering picnic tables & pavilions, plus a boardwalk, beach access & showers.
Amelia Island is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches. Riding the beach at Amelia Island has been a favorite pastime of visitors for years.
Kelly Seahorse Ranch - the visitor service provider - offers all the horseback riding fun that guests could want. For horseback tour reservations, contact Kelly Seahorse Ranch at
904.491.5166. Tours are given four times daily.
The
Kelly Seahorse Ranch is the premier beach horseback riding outfit for Amelia Island and greater Jacksonville. Exclusively endorsed by the the Florida Park Service and nestled within the maritime forest of the Amelia Island State Park (A1A) at the southernmost end of the island. A short trail ride from the ranch takes you directly out to ride miles of beach along the park's pristine Atlantic shore. This is considered to be a "bucket list" item for many and is listed as one of the top things to do on the island.
Open from 8am to 5pm daily (except Mondays) throughout the year and on many holidays including Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
There are to be no glass containers on County beaches.
Littering is prohibited.
No Open Fires from May 1st to October 31st, due to Marine Turtle Nesting Season.
Concession license shall be required for the sale or rental of any merchandise, services or goods on the Atlantic Beach area or County -owned or controlled off-beach area.
Personal Items Left Unattended Will be Removed and Destroyed. Any items left unattended on the beach between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. will be declared a public nuisance and will be removed and destroyed. This includes but is not limited to: tents (including tent frames), cabanas, umbrellas, and other shading devices, beach chairs and other furniture, picnic tables, tiki huts, volleyball nets, hammocks, floats, sailboards, surfboards, kites, jet skis, sailboats, water cycles and other watercraft, beach toys, grills, nets, coolers, canoes, kayaks, and general items for beach recreation.
Permits for persons will disabilities may be issued by the County Manager. Applicant must have proof of disability. Find more information on permits for persons will disabilities.
Alcoholic Beverages:
- Unlawful for any person to consume or drink beer, wine or alcoholic beverage at any County-owned or controlled recreation area.
- Possession of any open container containing an alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
- Violations are punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 and/or ten days incarceration.
Camping on the Beach:
- Camping is allowed on beaches within the unincorporated areas of Nassau County.
- A permit is NOT required to camp on the beach.
- Vehicles are not allowed to remain in County-owned Beach Front Parks between 8 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- Vehicles may be parked directly on the beach in designated beach driving areas (NOTE: out of County tags must purchase a beach driving permit.)
- No vehicles or horses are allowed on the dunes or within designated swimming areas.
- Vehicular speed must not exceed 10mph and must not be operated in a reckless manner.
- Dogs must be under leash at all times.
Weddings on the Beach:
Weddings are allowed on the beach, they must follow all ordinance and resolutions.
Dogs:
Dogs must be under a leash at all times. Littering is prohibited.
Driving on the Beach:
View the map of prohibited beach driving areas.
Horses on the Beach:
- Horses shall be under the control of the rider at all times.
- Horses shall be governed under the established traffic and littering laws.
- Horses shall not be allowed in public shower or cabana areas.
- Absolutely No vehicles or horses allowed on the dunes or vegetation.
- Absolutely No vehicles or horses allowed within the designated swimming or sunbathing areas.
- Parking for horse trailers shall be within the designated area at Peter's Point Park.
- Trailers or other conveyance that carry horses shall have a decal attached to the trailer.
Horse Permit/Decals can be obtained by contacting Nassau County Animal Control at 904.530-6150.
Recreational Vehicles, Four Wheelers, and ATVs:
- Four wheelers and all terrain vehicles prohibited except for official use.
- Recreation type vehicles shall park in designated areas.
- Recreation type vehicle with tags not issued in Nassau County shall not remain in the park between sundown or sunup.
Swimming and Water Craft:
- No swimming beyond 300 feet perpendicular to water's edge.
- No swimming in area designated for personal water craft.
- No person shall utilize any raft, float, "boogie-board", belly board or other flotation device of any description, except for a boat, surfboard, wind surfboard, sail boat or jet ski, more than 300 feet from the water's edge. Surfboards and/or boogie boards shall at all times while in the ocean be attached to the user by surf leash.
- Surfboards and/or boogie boards shall at all times while in the ocean be attached to the user by a surf leash.
- No person shall operate a sail boat, windsurf boards or sailboards closer than 600 feet from the water's edge.
- Jet skies or motorized boats shall remain at idle speed until they are at least 500 feet in a straight line from the shore area.
- Personal water craft and boats shall be operated or launched no closer than 1,500 feet in either direction of the lifeguard tower.
For the latest and most comprehensive beach ordinances and regulations, please visit the
Nassau County website.
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