Located just a short drive away from Jacksonville, Amelia Island State Park encompasses over 200 acres of untouched wilderness at the southern edge of Amelia Island. Its stunning beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests offer a glimpse into the original beauty of Florida.

The Timucuan people, the island’s original inhabitants, thrived off the abundance of the salt marsh. Later on, European settlers established lucrative plantations in the area, cultivating sea island cotton, sugarcane, citrus fruits, and indigo. Today, modern-day visitors flock to the park for activities such as fishing, shelling, and observing the diverse wildlife.

Turtle Crawl

Summers bring a special guest to Florida’s shores in the form of sea turtles. These gentle creatures come ashore to lay their eggs before making their way back to the ocean. The hatchlings emerge around 50-70 days later, embarking on their journey under the moonlit sky.

Remember to adhere to the designated rules regarding turtles, and if you’re fortunate enough to witness a nesting turtle, please respect their space and refrain from disrupting them or their nests.

Piping Plover

The piping plover, a threatened species safeguarded by the Endangered Species Act, seeks refuge on these very beaches during the winter months. Keep a sharp lookout for these small, brown and white shorebirds, as they spend their days along the shoreline, adding to the park’s natural charm.