Fort Clinch State Park
Step back in time at a Civil War fort, wander through moss-draped oaks, and hunt for treasures on a serene beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Fort Clinch State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at a Civil War fort, wander through moss-draped oaks, and hunt for treasures on a serene beach.
"A hidden treasure in Fernandina Beach, cooler than St. Augustine's fort!"
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the fort's grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
The park entrance fee is low, and exploring the fort offers great value for history buffs. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Fort
Fort Clinch
Step back in time at this well-preserved Civil War-era fort with knowledgeable reenactors bringing history to life.
Spanish Moss-Draped Avenue
Park Entrance Road
Drive or bike through a magical, tree-lined tunnel of live oaks draped in Spanish moss – a photographer's dream.
Shark Tooth Beach
Atlantic Ocean Beach
Hunt for shark teeth and shells on this less crowded beach, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to find treasures.
Scenic Biking and Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore miles of shaded trails, from paved roads to wooded paths, perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Fort Clinch
Park Entry and Fort Admission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the fort's grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
The park entrance fee is low, and exploring the fort offers great value for history buffs. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Mossy Tunnel
Don't miss the iconic tree-lined pathway – it's a must-photograph spot! :camera:
🦈 Shark Tooth Hunting
The beaches here are known for shark teeth, especially during lower tides. :shark:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the fort's grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
The park entrance fee is low, and exploring the fort offers great value for history buffs. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Mossy Tunnel
Don't miss the iconic tree-lined pathway – it's a must-photograph spot! :camera:
🦈 Shark Tooth Hunting
The beaches here are known for shark teeth, especially during lower tides. :shark:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, bring plenty of water as it can get very hot inside the fort. :droplet:
🚲 Explore by Bike
Rent a bike or bring your own to easily cover the park's trails and roads. :bicycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Fort Clinch State Park for its well-preserved history, beautiful natural scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. The interactive fort experience with knowledgeable reenactors is a major highlight, as are the scenic trails and shark tooth-rich beaches. Some find the fort can be very hot in summer, and a lack of detailed information plaques was noted by one visitor.
"Beautiful fort, I’ve been coming here for years. Great scenery, right by the water. They have a gift shop and visitor’s center as well. It’s $6 per car to get in and an additional $2.50 per person to see the fort. Plenty of parking, but the road from the entry point to the actual parking lot is pretty far with a low speed limit. Overall, it’s worth visiting!"
Wade
"It holds the history of the island. For $6 entrance fees we were able to tour the park. The salt marsh is a great first stop. The light house can be seen from here. The history of the light house is on a plaque at this stop.
Walking on dunes is prohibited.
A paved road takes you through the park with pullouts along the way. The vegetation is thick on both sides of the road.
A camp ground is available too for those interested in camping.
The fort itself is something to see. Interesting that there was never an engagement there."
Africancrab
"Very cool and unexpected find on Amelia Island during our vacation. The fort was built before the war of 1812 and most recently still under military control during WWII. It was near exploring all the nooks, kitchens and barracks and offices quarters. You can walk on top of the tour for a view of the river and see Georgia. There is a soldier dressed is union uniform that will answer any questions you have as well as a museum full of all the history. Only $2.50 pp."
Charmdlyph
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Clinch State Park is located at 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors recommend using a bike or an electric vehicle like an Arcimoto to explore the park once you're there.
Yes, Fort Clinch State Park is noted as being accessible. While the fort itself has historical limitations, the park grounds and some areas are navigable.
From Fernandina Beach, head north on 8th Street, which becomes Amelia Island Parkway. Turn right onto Atlantic Avenue, and the park entrance will be on your left.
Yes, you can use the address 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 in your GPS device or mapping app.
Yes, there is parking available within the park, especially near the fort and beach access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Fort Clinch State Park is $6 per vehicle for 2-8 passengers. +1
Admission to the fort is an additional $2.50 per person. Children under 6 are free.
Children under 6 are free for fort admission. The park is also noted as a budget-friendly option for activities.
Fort Clinch State Park generally operates from 8 AM to sunset. The fort itself has specific hours, often closing earlier than the park. It's best to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current hours.
Tickets are typically purchased at the park entrance upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic fort, walk or bike scenic trails, hunt for shark teeth on the beach, enjoy camping, and observe wildlife.
Yes, the fort offers guided tours and has character actors who provide historical insights.
A self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Many visitors find the historical reenactments and character actors enhance the experience.
Absolutely! Families enjoy the historical exploration, beach activities, and nature trails.
Visitors have spotted sharks near the shore and the park is a great place for birdwatching and observing other coastal wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The tree-lined avenue with Spanish moss is a highly photographed area.
Yes, drone footage can capture the expansive beauty of the fort and its coastal surroundings.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer, more dramatic lighting for photography.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the fort, but be respectful of any ongoing demonstrations or tours.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid intrusive photography, especially during reenactments or when interacting with staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park offers bike trails suitable for various ages and skill levels, and the beach is perfect for building sandcastles and hunting for shark teeth and shells. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
The historic fort itself offers dramatic architectural shots, and the coastal views from its ramparts are breathtaking. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Fort
These volunteers are knowledgeable and can answer questions, making the experience highly educational and engaging. Key Takeaway: Don't miss the chance to interact with the historical interpreters; their insights are invaluable.
Navigating the Fort
While some areas of the fort are accessible through windows, many rooms and ramparts are open for exploration.
Nature and Recreation at Fort Clinch
You can choose between paved roads or more natural, shared trails through the woods, offering varied experiences. The park's beaches are a significant draw, not just for relaxation but also for shark tooth hunting and shelling.
Unlike more crowded beaches, Fort Clinch offers a more serene experience, with plenty of shells and the occasional exciting find of a shark tooth. Camping and Beach Access
Fort Clinch offers camping options, including sites near the beach and a river loop.
+1 The beach campground sites are steps away from the ocean, though they may lack shade. For tent camping, the Amelia River Campground is recommended. 
Social
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