Florida State Parks 75th Anniversary Logo
Five people enjoy a on horseback ride on the sands of Amelia Island beach. A father and son enjoy fishing in the Atlantic surf. This family of four is having fun building a sandcastle on the beach. The friendly sign on red, wooden walls welcomes guests to the Kelly Seahorse Ranch.
Amelia Island State Park
This aerial view of Amelia Island State Park shows off its white sandy beaches, inviting waters and green expanse of trees.
Five horses look at the camera from their stalls. Horse Stables
Seven riders pass a large piece of driftwood as they ride along the Atlantic beach at Amelia Island in this black and white photo. Riders
This photo shows the green-roofed building of the Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle. Bait and Tackle
A man looks at the winding sea turtle tracks leading to the surf. Turtle Crawl
This little piping plover pauses on the shell-covered beach near the water's edge. Piping Plover

History and Culture

An easy drive from Jacksonville, the park protects more than 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia Island. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida.

Five horses look at the camera from their stalls.

Horse Stables

Horses rest in their stables at the Kelly Seahorse Ranch, waiting for the next set of beach riders. Amelia Island is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches.

Seven riders pass a large piece of driftwood as they ride along the Atlantic beach at Amelia Island in this black and white photo.

Riders

Riding the beach at Amelia Island has been a favorite pastime of visitors for years. Today, Kelly Seahorse Ranch - the visitor service provider - offers all the horseback riding fun that guests could want.

This photo shows the green-roofed building of the Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle.

Bait and Tackle

At the northern end of the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, in Amelia Island State Park, stands the Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle. Visitor Service Providers, such as the Bait and Tackle, help parks offer the best in outdoor recreation to visitors.

A man looks at the winding sea turtle tracks leading to the surf.

Turtle Crawl

Sea turtles are special summer visitors to many of Florida's shores. Female turtles come ashore to nest and return to the water after laying their eggs. The newly-hatched young follow 50-70 days later. Please follow posted rules concerning turtles, and if fortunate enough to see a nesting species, please do not disturb them or their nests.

This little piping plover pauses on the shell-covered beach near the water's edge.

Piping Plover

The piping plover, a threatened species protected by the Endangered Species Act, winters on these beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for these small brown and white shorebirds.