Amelia Island Beaches
13 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches - find your perfect spot
🎥 Live beach cam proudly sponsored by Sliders Seaside Grill — Amelia Island's favorite beachfront restaurant since 1998. Visit SlidersSeaside.com →
What Makes Amelia Island Beaches Special
Unlike many Florida beach towns where you're packed shoulder-to-shoulder, Amelia Island's 13 miles of beach mean you can almost always find space. Wide, gently sloping sands, relatively calm waves, and a lack of high-rise development create a more natural, relaxed beach experience.
The beaches here face east, so you'll catch spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic. The sand is fine and tan (not the powdery white of Gulf beaches, but comfortable underfoot), and the water is warm enough for swimming from May through October.
Quick Beach Facts
Best Beach For...
Surfing
Near the jetties at Fort Clinch or South end
Sunrise
Any east-facing beach - they all have great views
Main Beach Park
📍 North end of Fletcher AvenueThe island's most developed beach access and the best choice for first-time visitors and families. You'll find everything you need here—restrooms, showers, food, parking, and even a playground.
Facilities
- ✓ Large free parking lot
- ✓ Restrooms and outdoor showers
- ✓ Playground and splash pad
- ✓ Snack bar (seasonal)
- ✓ Mini-golf nearby
- ✓ Beach boardwalk
- ✓ Lifeguards (summer weekends)
- ✓ Beach wheelchair available
What to Expect
- Crowds: Busiest on the island (but still uncrowded by FL standards)
- Beach: Wide with gradual entry, great for kids
- Parking: Free but fills quickly in peak season
- Nearby: Restaurants and shops within walking distance
- Best For: Families, first-time visitors
💡 Parking Tip
Main Beach lot fills by 10am on summer weekends. Arrive early or try Seaside Park or Peters Point for easier parking.
Fort Clinch State Park Beach
📍 2601 Atlantic Avenue (State Park entrance)The most unique beach on the island. Fort Clinch's beach sits at the northern tip where the Amelia River meets the Atlantic, creating interesting currents that wash up shark teeth, shells, and fossils.
Why Visit
- Shark Tooth Hunting: Famous for prehistoric shark teeth
- Less Crowded: $6 entry fee keeps casual visitors away
- Nature Setting: Surrounded by maritime forest and dunes
- The Fort: Combine beach time with fort exploration
- Fishing Pier: No license required (included in entry)
- Wildlife: Great for bird watching
Beach Info
- Entry Fee: $6/vehicle (up to 8 passengers)
- Fort Entry: Additional $2/person
- Hours: 8am-Sunset daily
- Restrooms: Yes (at beach and fort)
- Lifeguards: No
- Food: Bring your own
🦈 Shark Tooth Tip
Look in the shell line at low tide, especially after storms. Shark teeth are shiny black (fossilized). Bring a mesh bag or strainer to sift through shells.
All Beach Access Points
From north to south, here's every public beach access on Amelia Island.
Fort Clinch State Park
North EndState park beach with shark tooth hunting, fishing pier, and nature trails. $6/vehicle entry fee.
Main Beach Park
Most PopularIsland's main public beach with full facilities, playground, and boardwalk. Most family-friendly option.
Seaside Park
Alternative to MainJust south of Main Beach with similar sand and water, but typically less crowded parking.
Peters Point Beachfront Park
QuieterMid-island access point with natural dune setting. Near horseback riding operations.
American Beach
HistoricHistoric African-American beach community. Quieter, more natural setting with interesting history.
Burney Park
South EndSouthern access near Amelia Island Plantation. Good parking, natural setting, great for long walks.
Beach Activities
More than just sunbathing—here's what you can do on Amelia Island's beaches.
Horseback Riding
One of the few Florida beaches allowing horses. Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers guided rides along the shore.
Shark Tooth Hunting
Fort Clinch beach is famous for prehistoric shark teeth. Best at low tide after storms.
Surfing
Waves are typically small but rideable. Best near the jetties. Lessons available for beginners.
Swimming
Calm waters and gradual entry make swimming easy. Water warm enough May-October.
Shelling
Find sand dollars, whelks, and conchs. Best at low tide on northern beaches.
Surf Fishing
Catch whiting, drum, and flounder from the beach. License required from local bait shops.
Sea Turtle Watching
May-August nesting season. Guided night walks available to see mothers nesting.
Beach Biking
Hard-packed sand allows biking at low tide. Fat tire bikes work best.
Sunrise/Sunset
East-facing beaches mean spectacular sunrises. Evenings offer beautiful golden hour light.
Beach Rules & Tips
Know before you go—important rules and helpful advice for your beach day.
🐕 Dogs on the Beach
- Dogs allowed but must be leashed
- Before 9am and after 5pm: dogs welcome
- 9am-5pm: technically prohibited (loosely enforced off-season)
- Always clean up after your pet
- Fort Clinch: dogs allowed on leash throughout
🚗 Beach Driving
- Vehicles NOT allowed on Amelia Island beaches
- Exception: Service vehicles, horseback operators
- Nearest drive-on beach: Huguenot Park (Jacksonville)
🍺 Alcohol
- No glass containers on any beach
- Alcohol in plastic/cans is generally tolerated
- No kegs or party setups
- Be discreet and clean up
🏕️ Tents & Umbrellas
- Small beach tents/umbrellas allowed
- Must be removed at night (turtle season)
- Don't block pathways or crowd others
- Leave no trace when you leave
🔥 Fires
- Beach fires generally NOT allowed
- Small contained grills may be used
- Always check current regulations
- Never leave fires unattended
🐢 Sea Turtle Season (May-Oct)
- Fill in holes before leaving (turtles get trapped)
- Remove all chairs, tents, umbrellas at night
- Use turtle-safe lighting if beachfront
- Don't disturb nests (marked with stakes)
🏖️ Beach Day Packing List
- ✓ Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- ✓ Beach towels
- ✓ Umbrella or tent
- ✓ Cooler with drinks
- ✓ Beach chairs
- ✓ Snacks
- ✓ Hat and sunglasses
- ✓ Water shoes (for rocks)
- ✓ Cash for parking meters
- ✓ Phone charger
- ✓ Book or music
- ✓ Beach toys (for kids)
- ✓ First aid basics
- ✓ Bug spray
- ✓ Mesh bag (for shelling)
- ✓ Camera
Water Temperature by Month
Plan your swimming and water activities around these typical ocean temperatures.
| Month | Water Temp | Swimming? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | ❄️ Cold | Wetsuit needed for water activities |
| February | 60°F | ❄️ Cold | Brave souls only |
| March | 64°F | 🌊 Cool | Quick dips possible |
| April | 70°F | 🌊 Nice | Comfortable for most |
| May | 76°F | ☀️ Warm | Great swimming begins |
| June | 80°F | ☀️ Warm | Perfect swimming |
| July | 83°F | 🔥 Hot | Peak warmth |
| August | 84°F | 🔥 Hot | Warmest month |
| September | 82°F | ☀️ Warm | Still excellent |
| October | 76°F | ☀️ Warm | Last great swimming month |
| November | 68°F | 🌊 Cool | Refreshing but manageable |
| December | 62°F | ❄️ Cold | Beach walking season |
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