Amelia Island State Park
Amelia Island State Park
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Amelia Island State Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
9 within 3 miles
Attractions
17 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
109 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
27
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
2
StephNOwen
Sarasota, FL200 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
This is not our kind of beach, this is a car/truck beach, not a stroll along the surf and hold hands beach. If you are so urban that you need a car lumbering on the beach, this is the place for you. Very challenging to walk amidst the sandy tire ruts and tracks. If you want a pleasant, strolling beach go north to Fort Clinch or south to Little Talbot.
No apparent respect for dune wildlife here despite the many signs. This is a local fisherman, 4-wheeling, black oil-spotted beach at the delta of the Nassau/St Johns River and Marsh areas. No speed limit on this beach, so beware. There's also a horseback riding ranch nearby so look out for poop apples (although horseback on the beach can be very romantic). We also watched a horse defecating in the water.
We did not stay long here and would not come back. Instead went south to Little Talbot Park and beach. Cleaner and has nice State-run restrooms, water rinse off, and picnic area.
No apparent respect for dune wildlife here despite the many signs. This is a local fisherman, 4-wheeling, black oil-spotted beach at the delta of the Nassau/St Johns River and Marsh areas. No speed limit on this beach, so beware. There's also a horseback riding ranch nearby so look out for poop apples (although horseback on the beach can be very romantic). We also watched a horse defecating in the water.
We did not stay long here and would not come back. Instead went south to Little Talbot Park and beach. Cleaner and has nice State-run restrooms, water rinse off, and picnic area.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbbob84
Staten Island, NY1,715 contributions
Mar 2022
This is not the beach for you if you want to go sunbathing. The locals come here to fish and they all seem to be having a good time. Beautiful views of the river from the beach and the fishing pier. Ample parking available. You can drive in the beach if you have a 4x4. We took our pictures, enjoyed the moment and moved on.
Written March 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank Williams
New York City, NY149 contributions
Dec 2022
We live on Amelia Island - Yet, Amelia Island State park is so beautiful, we visit it every few days. You will NOT see another place like this in Florida. The view from the Southern tip of Amelia, across the Amelia River, into the Ocean will be in your thoughts forever. The most beautiful Road in Florida is Hechscher drive, from Jacksonville to Amelia Island - 16 miles of ocean views that are truly spectacular.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovetotravelusa
Chicago, IL761 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Neat place to go drive out on beach in a truck. It was mostly people fishing. Fun to just walk around and see what they are catching. We did see someone reel in a shark even. A nice and relaxing time away from the crowds.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill34950
Vero Beach, FL275 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We went there on our way home and ended up going 4 wheeling on the beach. It was great fun. We ended up spending a couple of hours just crushing around the beach. There are so many different areas we could fish just had to get there.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChristineLR
Greater Palm Springs, CA165 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
Here is the secret.. Amelia Island State Park is OK. You can ride on the beach BUT you need a 4 wheel drive. BUT right across the bridge is Talbot Island. WOW !!! This is a maritime forest that is slowly plunging into the ocean and since the trees are cedar they "petrify" on the beach leaving a fantastic place for pictures and chilling out. WARNING: there is a path to get down to the beach from the parking lot but it is difficult to get back up once you are down if you are not nimble. So walk north (it is about 1/2 a mile) you can also park on the other side of the bridge and walk south. On the south end of the beach is ""tar like" caves. This is a nature product of the trees and not pollution. It is neat to walk on but VERY VERY slippery. Finally at low tide there is a disappearing island that boats park on and enjoy. This area is TOTALLY for kids. Mine love it.
Written August 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnnyTN
Nolensville33 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
This area was a real find and we came home with a treasure trove of shells and pictures. The mix of current with the inlet and the ocean doesn’t disappoint. DO NOT TRY TO SWIM. We hit the beach as low tide was coming and the beach was stunning. Watch out for the occasional driver on the beach and give the fishermen/women space. It was clean and the mix of different sand textures, colors, etc were great. Don’t park in the first lot unless you want a longer hike. Continue forward and you will be able to park very close to the beach area.
Written March 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SSdeckhand1
Panama City Beach, FL88 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
A long 3 mile drive into the campground. Plentiful wildlife. Beautiful sunset view. Armadillo everywhere. Great for riding bicycles. I noticed a mountain biking trail which looks awesome.
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MorrowDad
Atlanta, GA200 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
We were camping at the north side of Amelia Island and decided to drive to the state park. The entrance fee was $2 per person. There is a parking lot where you can walk from to get to the beach. If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you may choose to drive on the beach and around the park. We took our Jeep out on the sand and had a fun time. Do not even think about trying this without good tires and a 4X4 vehicle. There were also folks riding horses around the park. Outside the state park, you must have a county beach driving permit ($5 per day) and only drive where vehicle beach driving is permitted. The courthouse also gave us a map of the beach driving areas around the island. No beach driving is permitted around Ft Clinch.
Written November 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timmy M
White Plains, Georgia8 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
The state park is a bare bones park with one portable potty for restrooms and nothing else. The park is better suited for people wanting to fish or kayak. The beach was not a good beach to walk on.
Written May 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah H
Shelbyville, IN41 contributions
Could my husband and I camp in a tent here for 5-6 days ? Also, if so, do the campsites for tents have electric and or water ? Thanks ! We will be flying in from Indiana and will have a rental jeep to get around in. Planning to come in March ! Any advice is also appreciated.
mountain22
Mount Dora, FL751 contributions
I don’t know if you can bring your own tent; however you may call 1-800-326-3521 or go online to reserve America.
You can also call 904-251-2320. I hope this helps
Can you primitive camp on or near the beach in the state park? Ie, drive your 4x4 down a ways and set up a tent?
travelin2go78
Braselton, GA
Is horseback riding allowed on the beach at Amelia Island State Park?
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingAmelia Island State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Amelia Island State Park
- Hotels near Amelia Island State Park:
- (2.80 mi) Omni Amelia Island Resort
- (7.36 mi) Beachside Motel
- (5.42 mi) The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
- (2.79 mi) The Villas of Amelia Island
- (1.04 mi) Susie's Seaside Sanctuary is a perfect getaway for the nature lover.
- Restaurants near Amelia Island State Park:
- (5.39 mi) Salt
- (2.82 mi) Marché Burette
- (4.97 mi) BarZin Bistro & Wine Bar
- (3.23 mi) Verandah
- (5.06 mi) Cucina South Italian Bistro