History

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.

The original inhabitants of the island, the Timucuan, enjoyed the bounty of the salt marsh. Later, European settlers established profitable plantations in the area growing sea island cotton, sugarcane, citrus and indigo. Modern vacationers have since enjoyed the park for its fishing, shelling and wildlife viewing.

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.

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.