Beaches

Amelia Island State Park offers over 200 acres of undeveloped sea island recreational opportunities. This beach is a perfect place to relax and unwind, search for seashells, surf fish, and possibly view some rare wildlife, such as the right whale or the piping plover.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Long Island Outfitters is Amelia Island State Park's canoe and kayak visitor service provider. Located on AIA between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island about 6 miles south of Amelia Island State Park, Kayak Amelia offers everything from basic rentals to special focus guided trips. The facility provides local information including maps, safety information, and recommended routes for the experience you desire. Inside the concession you'll find snacks and drinks, restrooms, and souvenirs. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site or bring your own and utilize their hand launch ramp ($1.00 per person fee).

Kayak Amelia's guided paddles include birding paddles, tai-chi paddles, sunset and full-moon paddles, and special focus paddles. All guided trips include instruction, snack, and interpretation. Long Island Outfitters is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the year, but is closed on Wednesdays December through February. For additional information contact Kayak Amelia at 904-251-0016 or the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park (904-251-2320).

Fishing

Nassau Sound is one of the best fishing areas in northeast Florida and home to the state record flounder. Fishing is popular from the shore of Amelia Island State Park as well as from the adjacent George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park that spans Nassau Sound. The fishing pier is closed to vehicle traffic and offers the bridge angler a mile of pier to wet their line in hopes of catching the next record fish or tonight's dinner. Many different species of fish, such as whiting, redfish, flounder, speckled sea trout, jacks, and tarpon can be caught.

Redfish and speckled sea trout are available throughout the year, but higher numbers are available in the spring and fall. Popular baits, including mullet and shrimp, can be caught along the shoreline using a cast-net. Artificial baits are also very popular. Along the south end of the fishing bridge, several small grass flats hold a wide variety of fish. Tarpon follow the fall mullet run into Nassau Sound and gorge themselves before continuing their migration to more southern waters.
Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle is currently closed. Contact the Ranger Station at 904-251-2320 for more information. NOTE: The restroom facilities are open to the public.

Horse/Equestrian Trail

Kelly Seahorse Ranch  offers guided, beachfront horseback riding along the shore of Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island by saddling up and taking a ride with Kelly's experienced staff, and gentle, well-trained horses. One of the most enjoyable ways to witness many of the island animals in their natural habitat is by horseback. Riders regularly see playful dolphins, soaring Great Blue herons, wood storks, and ospreys. Keep an eye towards the ocean and you might one of our rare visitors, the endangered right whale.

Rides go out at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm daily. For reservations and prices, call (904) 491-5166.  Kelly Seahorse Ranch has a quaint gift shop with T-shirts and sweatshirts, cowboy/cowgirl beach hats, baseball caps, visors, souvenirs, various sundries such as sunscreen and insect repellent and handmade western jewelry. For more information of products offered contact Kelly Seahorse Ranch.

Visitors may also enjoy Amelia Island on their own horse.  Since the park's capacity is 30 equestrians at one time at Amelia Island, groups that include 10 or more riders must contact the Little Talbot Island ranger station at (904) 251-2320 prior to visiting the park.  Equestrian groups with 15 or more riders may require a special use permit.  For more information on obtaining a special use permit, please contact the Park Services Specialist at (904) 251-2811.  Note that Florida law requires proof of current negative COGGINS test for all horses.

We request that equestrian riders practice proper horse riding etiquette while riding in the park.  When passing another group of riders, be sure to allow plenty of space between the groups.  All horses should be kept at a walk when approaching, passing and just after passing other riders. If passing from the rear, you should announce your presence as you near the other group.  Please note that the county rules are enforced beyond the park boundary north of the breakwater on Amelia Island.

Restroom Facilities

Limited restroom facilities are located at the Kelly Seahorse Ranch and at the bait and tackle shop on the George Crady Fishing Pier Bridge (currently closed).

Shelling

Shelling is a favorite pastime of many visitors and the beaches of Ameila Island are a great place to find them.  Collectors can find a multitude of species, including clam, scallop, oyster, and periwinkle.  Plan your shelling around the low phase of the tide, which exposes the most beach area.  Search in the "shell line" where the highest waves stop as they come upon the beach and deposit groups of shells.

Wildlife Viewing

Amelia Island State Park is the perfect place for viewing shore birds. Black Skimmers, piping plovers, terns (including the threatened least tern), brown pelicans, and many other birds can be observed in the park. You may even catch a glimpse of a rare right whale or a Bald Eagle during the winter and early spring. Please obey posted signs that protect critical shore bird nesting areas!!!

Amelia Island State Park is one of the premier sites along the eastern section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. If you would like to know more about Florida's birding opportunities, visit Great Florida Birding Trail.