Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Amelia Island, Florida
Sometimes a statement of the obvious is called for, and in this case Main Beach really is Amelia Island State Recreation Area Beach's main beach scene. Located along the northeast Florida Panhandle, Amelia Island is known to be an upscale vacation resort. And with nearly 200 acres of undeveloped sea island rich with wildlife and natural beauty, and with 13 miles of bright sparkling sands, Amelia Island State Recreation Area Beach is also one of Florida's most popular eco-hangouts. Loggerhead turtles, dolphins, manatee, crabs, starfish, eagles and owls are all Amelia Island regulars, but Main Beach, in the town of Fernandina Beach, is the hub of the (human) beach activity on Amelia Island. Fernandina Beach's largest and most popular public beach, Main Beach, boasts oceanfront restaurants and bars, great swimming, surfing, and shelling, and just about everything a bustling beach should offer. Just a stone's throw away from the Main Beach sands, Fort Clinch State Park also offers 1,200 acres of wide open shores, trails for hiking, history tours, and a pier to sink some bait in. Different from the other private, restricted Amelia Island resort beaches, Main Beach is a come one, come all, family-friendly beachfront where simple summer fun is the main attraction.
Known for being a down-to-earth beach, Main Beach is located at the end of Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach, north of the ritzy luxury resorts and private beach area. An eclectic collection of Bed and Breakfasts, mom and pop-style motels, and vacation rentals, and the free beach access at Main Beach attracts Amelia Island travelers looking for beachfront lodging that won't break the bank. Families heading to Amelia Island always make a pit stop on Main Beach to let the kids blow off a little beach steam (lifeguards keep watch during summer months). And when the young folk have exhausted the sun-sand-swim-surf options, Main Beach also offers a playground, putt-putt golfing, a skate park, and volleyball and basketball courts. But the list of amenities at Main Beach keeps the adult tourists just as happy, with oceanfront gazebos, picnic shelters, a food concession, and best of all, loads of free parking. You will need your car on Amelia Island (there is no public transportation) but horse-drawn carriage tours will give your car its much-deserved vacation break. For Amelia Island vacationing that is both in town and on the sea, Main Beach is an itinerary must that the whole family will thank you for!