Beach Essentials
Discover fun in the sun, surf and sand
Beach Access
Fletcher Avenue (Florida A1A) is the main beach road,
running parallel to the ocean for most of Amelia Island’s
length. Fernandina Beach has 40 beach access points along
North and South Fletcher Avenue; about half have parking.
Look for the blue access point signs. The beach also may be
reached at Fort Clinch and Amelia Island state parks and at
five Nassau County access points, three with parking.
Beach Driving
Vehicles may access the beach at Amelia Island State,
Burney Road, Peters Point and Seaside parks. Permits
are required for out-of-county residents to drive on the
beach. Daily and annual passes are available.
Beach driving permits are available
in Fernandina Beach at:
• A1A Express Discount
3331 S. Fletcher Ave. • (904) 310-6163.
• Flash Foods
5518 S. Fletcher Ave. • (904) 261-3113
• Nassau County Historic Courthouse
416 Centre St. • (904) 491-6430
• Robert M. Foster Justice Center
76347 Veterans Way, (904) 548-4500.
Dunes
Amelia Island’s beaches are framed by environmentally
sensitive dunes. Do not pick the sea oats or walk in the
dunes – this is Florida state law. No vehicles or horses are
allowed on dunes or vegetation. The 60-foot high, 8.5
acre NaNa dune system at American Beach is protected
by the National Park Service as part of the Timucan
Ecological & Historical Preserve.
Handicap Access
Handicap accessible beach accesses are located at
Burney, Main Beach, North Beach, Peters Point and
Seaside parks and the Mantanza beach access. A beach
accessible wheelchair is available from the Fernandina
Beach Parks and Recreation Department by calling
(904) 310-3350.
Horses
Horses are permitted only on county beaches and must
be under the control of a rider at all times. Horses are not
allowed on dunes or vegetation.
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Parking for horse trailers is at Peters Point Park. Trailer
permits are required and are available from Nassau County
Animal Control, 86078 License Road, Yulee, (904) 491-7440.
Trailer permits are free for county residents; there is a charge
for commercial and non-resident trailers.
Lifeguards
Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue patrols all of Amelia
Island. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from
Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in May.
Lifeguard towers are located at Burney, Main Beach,
North End, Peters Point and Seaside parks and the
Scott Road Beach Access. Call (904) 277-7331 for more
information.
Lightning
Lightning is a hazard that should be viewed seriously.
Immediately seek shelter any time you believe lightning
threatens. Integrated Lightning Prediction and Warning
Systems are installed at American Beach Historic, Burney,
Main Beach and Peters Point parks and the Scott Road
Beach Access.
Parking
Parking at public beach accesses is free of charge.
Pets
Pets are permitted but must be on a leash. Pet owners
are responsible for immediate clean-up.
Prohibited
Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, littering and
overnight camping within Fernandina Beach city limits
are all prohibited.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are located at Burney, Main Beach,
Peters Point and Seaside parks.
Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water
flowing away from shore. If you are caught in a rip
current stay calm and don’t fight the current. Swim
parallel to the shoreline. Float or tread water if you’re
unable to escape by swimming. When the current
weakens, swim at an angle (away from the current)
toward shore. If you cannot reach shore, draw attention
to yourself. Face the shore, call or wave for help and an
Ocean Rescue guard will respond.
Things to Do