The South End state park beach
Two hundred undeveloped acres at the island's southern tip on Nassau Sound: beach, dune, marsh and maritime forest, with no buildings and no lifeguards. The only Florida state park offering guided horseback riding on the beach.
At the bottom of the island, past the last resort entrance, the development simply stops. Amelia Island State Park occupies the southern tip where the Atlantic meets Nassau Sound, and it is the least built-on beach on Amelia Island by a wide margin.
There are no concession stands, no boardwalks with showers, and no lifeguards. What there is: beach, dune, salt marsh, coastal hammock, and the old George Crady Bridge — the decommissioned span across Nassau Sound, now a fishing pier that runs most of a mile out over the water.
This is the park's headline: it is the only unit in the Florida state park system where you can ride a horse on the beach. Rides are run by a private concessionaire, by reservation, in guided groups — you do not bring your own horse and you do not gallop. Book well ahead in spring and autumn; it sells out.
Because the operator, pricing and schedule are the concessionaire's and change, we do not publish rates here. Check the park's own page before you plan a day around it.
The George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park is one of the better shore-fishing spots in northeast Florida — the sound funnels bait and the pier gets you over moving water. A Florida saltwater fishing licence is required for most anglers; pier rules and any access fee are posted at the entrance.
Narrow at high tide, broad and shell-strewn at low. This is a good shelling beach and a good birding one, with the sound flats attracting waders and skimmers. It is also exposed — no shade at all, and the currents where the sound meets the ocean are genuinely strong. Swim conservatively, and not at the inlet.
The park is on A1A at the southern end of the island, immediately before the Nassau Sound bridge. Florida state parks charge an entry fee that varies by unit and vehicle; this one has historically been low or honour-system at the beach parking, but treat that as unconfirmed and bring cash. Hours are typically 8am to sundown, year-round.
Off this map Big Talbot Island
Parking: Limited
Amelia Island State Park at the island's southern tip is the only unit in the Florida state park system that offers horseback riding on the beach. Rides are run by a private concessionaire, guided, by reservation, and they sell out in spring and autumn.
Details unconfirmed
A Florida state park south of Amelia Island across Nassau Sound, best known for Boneyard Beach — a shoreline strewn with the bleached, salt-killed skeletons of fallen live oaks, one of the most photographed coastal landscapes in the state.
Details unconfirmed
A Nassau County beach park at American Beach on the island's south end, with a free lot, restrooms, picnic pavilions and a dune walkover. The practical parking and facilities for anyone visiting American Beach and the NaNa dune.
Part of Amelia Island beaches — our full guide to the complete amelia island, florida visitor guide.