Two Florida State Parks on Amelia Island

Sometimes in life you miss the boat, for us it was the ferry to Cumberland Island. Although we were disappointed, we discovered two Florida State Parks a short drive away on Amelia Island. We were fortunate enough to have time to explore both of them before heading back to our campsite at Crooked River State Park in Georgia.

Fort Clinch State Park

The first park we visited on Amelia Island was Fort Clinch State Park. The park itself was one we have tried to make camping reservations at before. It is very popular and the campsites are always full when we have tried to make reservations. If you get the chance, grab a campsite. This is such a beautiful park to explore.

It is a pretty drive to Fort Clinch with oak trees draped in Spanish moss lining the road. There are a lot of people on bikes on this road. Watch out for them.

Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch is a massive fort located deep into the state park at the mouth of the St. Mary’s River. It is an impressive and intimidating fort that was so fun to explore.

Construction on the fort began in 1847. It was in operation during the Civil War, Spanish American War and up to the World War II. The fort itself is named after General Duncan Lamont Clinch, an important military leader during the Second Seminole War.

Fort Clinch is full of history and mystique. As you walk behind the walls and start exploring the depths of this fort you are reminded of those soldiers whose footsteps you follow.

Reminders and artifacts of their daily life are on display throughout the fort. Make sure to take a map. It will explain the layout of the fort as well as the history.

As you take a glimpse into the past of life in and around Fort Clinch

be sure to check out the amazing views from the top of the walls.

Then explore the tunnels below.

The architecture of Fort Clinch reminded me a lot of Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Both had these bricked arched ceilings located on all the corners of their forts.

Fort Clinch is a must stop if you are in the area. Just be aware that there is an entrance fee into the state park as well as a fee to explore the fort. It is minimal and well worth it!

Amelia Island State Park

After we finished exploring Fort Clinch we headed to the opposite end of the island to Amelia Island State Park.

There was not an attendant at time and day we went. The honor system of paying your entrance fee was used. Most people we noted, including us, did follow the rules and pay.

What we really loved about this park was the beach. This was the most pristine beach I have ever been on.

I don’t know if it was because it was a bit chilly and rainy that day, but there was hardly anyone else around. We were allowed to park our vehicle right on the beach and let the boys run around.

The chill did not keep them out of the water or playing on the beach!

I would love to spend the day here during the summer and just listen to sound of the waves. Soak up the sun and walk the beach looking for shells. Although we did most of the above in December it would have been nice to have the sun out.

Amelia Island State Park is well worth the visit and a beautiful beach to relax on.

Go Explore

Get out and explore the “real’ Florida by visiting the different Florida State Parks. Check out other parks we have visited like Blue Spring State Park, a fantastic park to view the manatees in the winter, or Hiking Ravine Gardens. Find your new adventure!