Experiences
The paved Timucuan Trail bike path at the park connects the northern six-mile segment to Peters Point Park on Amelia Island with the A1A driving bridge that crosses the Nassau Sound to Big Talbot Island and an additional four miles of off-road trail.
Bicyclists can park at Amelia Island to ride either south or north along the trail.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Amelia Island State Park is one of the premier sites along the eastern section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Shorebirds such as least terns, piping plovers, Wilson’s plovers, willets and black skimmers feed and rest along the shoreline. Overhead, osprey, pelicans and royal terns grace the skies.
During winter and early spring, bald eagles can be seen fishing these waters.
During the spring and summer, shorebirds such as the least tern and Wilson's plover nest on the sandy beaches.
Seasonal beach closures, especially at the southern point, are in effect during the months of March through September to safeguard the nesting parents and their vulnerable chicks. Bring your binoculars and your bird check list on your visit.
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 including 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.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Horseback riding on the beach sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? After all, what better way is there to experience the tranquility and beauty of the ocean than by gliding along the shoreline atop a magnificent animal? Amelia Island State Park is one of the few beaches in Florida where you can bring your own horse to the beach. The upper parking lot has ample space for equestrian trailers to load and unload your horses.
- Visitors who would like to ride the shoreline with their own horses need to contact the ranger station at 904-251-2320. Daily capacity limits may apply. Per Nassau County ordinance 23 1/2 - 21, horses must be equipped with a manure catch bag. Manure cannot be discarded into the ocean or onto the beach.
- Equestrians are required, upon request, to provide proof of negative Coggins test (EIA test) for each horse in the park.
PADL is Amelia Island State Park's canoe and kayak visitor service provider. Located on AIA between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island about six miles south of Amelia Island State Park, PADL 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 per person fee).
PADL’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 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the year, but is closed on Wednesdays, December through February.
- For additional information contact the ranger station at Little Talbot Island State Park by calling 904-251-2320.
Shelling is a favorite pastime of many visitors and the beaches of Ameila Island are a great place to find shells. 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.
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 and Wildlife Trail.
Amenities
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 rare wildlife such as the right whale or the piping plover.
- Please use caution! Lifeguards are not provided.
Visitors who would like to ride the shoreline with their own horses need to contact the ranger station at 904-251-2320. Daily capacity limits may apply. Per Nassau County ordinance 23 1/2 - 21, horses must be equipped with a manure catch bag. Manure cannot be discarded into the ocean or onto the beach.
