Fort Clinch ArialView

Fort Clinch State Park

History, nature and beauty meet in an experience like no other

Hours

8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days per year. Fort is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fees

$6 per vehicle

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Location

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Get directions

Contact Info

904-277-7274

Welcome to Fort Clinch State Park

History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or a bit of both, enjoy exploring the unique natural and historic resources of this pristine park.

A row of cannons staring across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia are silent testimony to the strategic importance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the fort’s many rooms, galleries and grounds and experience unparalleled living history programs as they learn about the life of a Union soldier. Make plans to visit on the first weekend of every month, a soldier garrison fires cannons and demonstrates other battlefield skills.

The historic fort is only one aspect of this diverse 1,400-acre park. Maritime hammocks with massive arching live oaks provide a striking backdrop for hiking and biking on the park’s many trails. The park is known for its gopher tortoises, painting buntings and several other species of wildlife. Camping, fishing, shelling and shark-tooth hunting are also popular activities.

Plan Your Visit

Heath Alboher, Park Manager
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Manager's Message

I truly enjoy the change of weather that Autumn brings. The cooler breeze is perfect for daily walks, with the hardest decision being "where to walk?"
A bridge crosses a small creek, surrounded by saw palmettos and ferns.
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Walk the Willow Pond Nature Trail

All it takes in Fort Clinch State Park is to step onto the path, turn the corner, and suddenly you arrive in the Real Florida. After seeing the historic Fort Clinch and the beautiful sand beaches, make sure you take the time to experience this hidden treasure.
Multiple multicolored shells lay on the sand at fort clinch state park.
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Shark Tooth Hunting

Sharks have been patrolling the waters around Florida since the last Ice Age and they show no signs of slowing down, ensuring an endless supply of shark’s teeth to be found on the beaches of Fort Clinch.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Shelling
Shelling
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Beach
Beach
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Gardens
Gardens
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Museum
Museum
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Playground
Playground
Recycling
Recycling
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Fort Clinch State Park Photo Gallery

Renenactors is Period Dress at Fort Clinch
Girl at Fort Wall
Beach View From Fort
Firing Cannon at Fort Clinch
Blacksmith in Period Clothing
Anglers on the beach fishing
Image of Fort when firing a cannon
Inside image of fort walls
Visitor with child walking down fort path
Deer on the Beach
a fiery orange sun sets behind clouds against a dark shoreline of sea oats.
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Beaches of Fort Clinch

White sand, strong breezes, gently waving sea oats and beautiful shells abound here in a pristine coastal paradise.
a fort with pentagonal brick walls and numerous building and guns against the backdrop of the ocean.
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History of Fort Clinch

One of the most well-preserved 19th century fortifications in the country, Fort Clinch is a powerful reminder of America’s past.

Upcoming Events

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Event

First Weekend Union Garrison

Sat, Apr 6, 2019 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

Travel back in time to 1864 when the Union Army's New York Engineers were in the process of building one of the newest forts in the federal fort system. Reenactors and first-person interpreters bring history alive with stories of growing up in 1860s America.
Fort Clinch

Fernandina Beach, FL

Event

Candle Light Tour

Sat, Apr 6, 2019 8:20 pm - 9:20 pm EDT

Fort Clinch takes on a whole new appearance at night, lit only by candles and lanterns. Join your tour guide as they walk you around the fort without the use of electric lights of any kind, and see what the Soldiers could see from the walls of the fort.
Fort Clinch

Fernandina Beach, FL

Event

Spanish American War

Sat, Apr 13 - 14, 2019 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

Come by the fort and learn what being in the military in the 1890's was like, what kind of weapons were used and why a fort in northern Florida was important to the defense of a nation at war with Spain.
Fort Clinch

Fernandina Beach, FL

People Make the Parks

Andy, dressed as a Civil War soldier, in front of a brick building.

Staff Spotlight

Andy Smith loves bringing Florida's history back to life at Fort Clinch State Park.
Sue taylor smiles in the fort clinch ranger station

Volunteer Spotlight

Every Wednesday afternoon, guests at Fort Clinch State Park are greeted by the same genuine smile of park volunteer Sue Taylor.
Friends of Fort Clinch State Park

Friends of Fort Clinch State Park

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Great Florida Birding Trail
Designated Greenway

Park Map

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