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.
"Ft Clinch is a beautiful park located on Amelia Island offering bike trails, camping, beach access and interactive history lessons. The state has left much of the native trees and plants intact in this park and it holds the old Florida feel if oaks, palms and Spanish moss that I love. If you want to get away from the crowd and experience real nature this is a great place to spend time.
The fort and museum at Ft Clinch was well restored and maintained. There were character actors present who not only knew their roles but history as well.
You have 2 options for biking in the patk. There are shared trails in the woods that offer easy to intermediate biking or you can stick to the paved roads. There is a lot of shade and the breeze made everything better.
The beaches were full of shells not tourists which was amazing considering it was midsummer. We had no trouble relaxing and watching the waves. There were several people fishing and we hope to camp here in the future and catch some fish too.
We rode past the campsites and it looks like 2 are available. If you want private (campers only) beaches and to be in walking distance of fishing then camping here is a great option. For tent camping I would stick to the Amelia River Campground."
Misty Daniels
"Great historical place to visit. They told us the 1st weekend of each month they have some reenactment going on. The museum is $2.50. It is well worth the visit but very hot in the summer time. Dress cool."
Donna Daugherty
"We accessed the park on a rented “ arcimoto” electric 3 wheel vehicle . I highly recommend seeing the park this way or on a bike to get immersed.
Facts about the park can be found on the website. I want to add some directions to navigating the park instead.
There are basically two places to see if visiting for an hour or two.
The fort and the beach.
See the photos to orient.
First sign you come to is clearly marked beach to the right - you could spend an hour or a day there!
Straight ahead is the fort. We did take at least an hour to tour. The video and small museum are informative. The fort property is interesting and well staged.
Just to see the tree canopy and Spanish moss was interesting.
Side turn offs are separate camping areas etc.
Check out the park map!"
Linda P
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
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit