Things to Do in Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island Things to Do

Amelia Island is part of the barrier islands located off of the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. It is very well known as a golfer’s paradise and home to numerous and beautiful beaches.

Fort Clinch State Park Fishing Pier

Fort Clinch State Park is one of Florida’s lesser-known gems. It includes a large, well preserved Civil War-era fort surrounded by a 3-mile strand of protected beaches and 1,400 acres of woods with plenty of hiking and biking trails. Even if you choose to stay in the car, driving through the park can be quite scenic.

The fort, originally built as a defense against attacks from seafaring intruders, was briefly occupied by the Confederacy, who abandoned the site shortly before it was seized by the Union. Later, Fort Clinch was utilized during the the Spanish-American War and served as a base for monitoring the coastal waters during World War II. The fort is at the northern tip of Amelia Island, looking across the wide mouth of the St. Marys River, which marks the state line

Located inside the bounds of the Fort Clinch State Park, is a half-mile long fishing pier that parallels jetties. These structures distinguish the Atlantic Ocean from the mouth of the St. Marys River. From the pier, one can see the natural landscape of the state park, the houses of Main Beach, and a few of the distant luxury condominiums that line the southern half of the island. Cumberland Island is also visible, though from a much more distant vantage point than from the fort itself. Camping facilities are also available at a few locations within the park.

Big Talbot Island State Park

Arguably one of the most unusual and breathtaking beaches in all of Florida, Big Talbot Island’s untamed “Boneyard Beach” features a backdrop of cliffs, also known as bluffs. At the front of the cliffs is a forest of driftwoods, bleached white oak trees with root systems still intact. The island also has a small stretch of secluded sandy beach that gives way to reddish-brown rocks and outcroppings.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Amelia Island, Florida.