Florida Today, Jacksonville's Top Rated Beach Parks

This beach park is one of a kind. It is beautiful and really big, so you get plenty of your own beach space. It starts with a short walk over these stunning sand dunes. The natural setting of the dunes is one of the key features that sets Amelia Island apart from many of the other top-10 rated Florida beach parks.

Peters Point Beach
1974 South Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach Florida 32034
904-277-7350
Map

This is a kids beach, as the steady stream of waves keeps your engines going. Be sure to bring all of the neat beach toys, skim boards, and swim fins. Noted as the best bicycling beach in Nassau County, the beach sand is packed down firm to form a natural bike path.

One of the best features of Peters Point Beach is the free parking. Odd as it sounds, free parking at nearly every beach in Florida was the norm not that long ago. A generous estimate today might put the free parking percentage at less than 20 percent. The park also has the tradition beach showers, restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas.

After your beach day, do not miss out on seeing the Historic Fernandina Beach Entertainment District. Intermixed is an outpouring of live music bars, trendy shops, and restaurants. Tour neat oddities such as both the oldest school and the oldest saloon in Florida. Take a horse drawn carriage tour around town.

Fernandina Beach is a super Florida Weekend Getaway. I just love the way this area looks and feels. We like to stay right on the island at the oceanfront resort, Amelia Island Plantation. Other hotel accommodation choices include the Summer Beach Resort, Ritz Carlton, Comfort Inn, and the Best Western. Ask about seasonal specials and Florida Resident Hotel Discounts.

For vacationing families with children, you have plenty of playful options to keep all ages happy. The Amelia Island Nature Center is the spot to experience island style nature up close. Island Falls miniature golf course or taking a Lady Bug Tour are both nice afternoon things to do.

Try to explore a few of the other Amelia Island beaches or parks, each is unique. Amelia Island State Park blends the surrounds of Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, offering an excellent panorama of land and water. Choices we like are Central Park (2500 Atlantic Ave.) and Fort Clinch State Park (2061 Atlantic Ave.).

You can rent both hotel rooms or condominium suites by the day or week. Hotel discounts and seasonal specials are just part of the normal sales process. Speak up and you can save some money on room rates, plus get ocean front room views. Florida residents get hotel deals as well.

It is really cool to be able to drive your auto right onto the Amelia Island beach sand. When the waves are up, do bring your surfboard. You will not be alone, as anytime the wind blows up the waves, the surfers will be out attacking the waves.