Fort Clinch State Park Tours

Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo by Rick Tuers
Photo by Waterlogged Travels
Photo by Waterlogged Travels


Picturesque natural features of wetlands, plains, beaches and sand dunes surround this historic fort that dates back to 1847.

Fort Clinch State Park is a region of natural beauty on the northern tip of Amelia Island. The park covers about 1,400 acres (570 hectares). At its center sits the historic Fort Clinch, a brick fortress built in 1847. Visit the site for its sand dunes, plains and wetlands as well as appreciation of the historical significance of the fort itself.

Admire the inspiring natural landscape around you as you drive into the park. Miles of trees line the road. Capture photos of the varied countryside, which includes wetlands and plains. Sunbathe on one of the beaches along the Atlantic Coast and observe fishermen working from a pier.

Watch role-playing volunteers take part in proceedings at the fort in the center of the park on the first Sunday of the month. They dress as soldiers, drummer boys and ladies of the Civil War era and remain in character as you ask them questions.

Learn about the intriguing history behind Fort Clinch through exhibits. It changed hands between Confederate and Union troops without a battle in 1862. Try to conjure up an image of the daily lives of the soldiers who were stationed at this fort.

Hike along one of the nature trails meandering through wild vegetation and flora. Cycle near the beaches for unobstructed views of the ocean. Bring a tent or come in an RV to stay a night at the campground, which is equipped with cooking and restroom facilities. Climb the stairs to the top of the fort to enjoy a panoramic view of the park.

Fort Clinch became a state park in 1935. There is a small admission fee as you enter the park. Pay an additional fee to camp.

Find Fort Clinch State Park on the northeastern tip of Amelia Island. It is a 1-hour drive from Jacksonville past 40 miles (60 kilometers) of wetlands. The surrounding Fernandina Beach area is a quaint port town with a fascinating history dating back to Native American traditions and later, Spanish settlers. Discover many charming cafés and art galleries in the region.

Plan a trip to see Fort Clinch State Park

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Legacy Vacation Resorts Palm Coast
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Fort Clinch State Park

Seaside Amelia Inn

Seaside Amelia Inn

3 out of 5
2900 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
Seaside Amelia Inn
Surf and Sand Fernandina Beach at Amelia Island, Ascend Hotel Collection

Surf and Sand Fernandina Beach at Amelia Island, Ascend Hotel Collection

2.5 out of 5
2801 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL
Surf and Sand Fernandina Beach at Amelia Island, Ascend Hotel Collection
Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

3 out of 5
2700 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL
Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island
Direct Oceanfront | N Fletcher Beach House | All Rooms Oceanfront | Huge Deck | Bell's Retreat

Direct Oceanfront | N Fletcher Beach House | All Rooms Oceanfront | Huge Deck | Bell's Retreat

Fernandina Beach
Direct Oceanfront | N Fletcher Beach House | All Rooms Oceanfront | Huge Deck | Bell's Retreat
Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front

Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front

3.5 out of 5
19 S 2nd St, Fernandina Beach, FL
Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

2.5 out of 5
2700 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island
Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

3 out of 5
2707 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island
Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1997 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach [4-min walk to the Beach]!!

Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach [4-min walk to the Beach]!!

Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach [4-min walk to the Beach]!!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including scenic sunrises and sunsets. Explore the park through guided tours of the historic fort, or embark on hiking adventures along its trails. Birdwatching enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse avian species, while camping aficionados can set up tents in designated areas. Daily tours provide an enriching experience of the park's history and natural beauty.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Fort Clinch State Park, visit Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, located 8 miles away, offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, Pecan Park Flea and Farmers' Market is 17 miles away, while River City Market Place, 19 miles away, features a mix of entertainment and shops.

Recreation

Omni Amelia Island Resort Golf offers a stunning course 10 miles away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Peters Point Beachfront Park, located 7 miles away, where wellness vibes abound. Enjoy family fun at Island Falls Golf, a mini-golf venue just 4 miles from the park.

Adventure

Explore the Egan's Creek Greenway Trail for a scenic hike filled with outdoor adventure vibes, located 3 miles from Fort Clinch State Park. For family fun, visit Summer Waves Water Park, 23 miles away, or Adventure Landing, 28 miles away, both offering thrilling entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Fort Clinch State Park with a visit to the Amelia Community Theatre for captivating performances or enjoy a cozy evening at the Fernandina Little Theatre, both ideal for family and romance. For a cultural experience, head to Players by the Sea, a bit further away.

Find the best attractions near Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park offers a blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly experiences. Explore the historic Fort Clinch, a majestic landmark within the park, and visit the nearby visitor center for insights into the area's history. With its scenic urban parks and various attractions, the park is a perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation in beautiful natural surroundings.

  • Amelia Island Lighthouse: Explore the historic Amelia Island Lighthouse, located 2 miles from Fort Clinch State Park. This charming lighthouse offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the region, with beautiful coastal views and a rich cultural vibe that invites visitors to appreciate its significance.
  • Fernandina Beach: Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Fernandina Beach, situated 5 miles from Fort Clinch. This lively town neighborhood features unique shops, delicious dining options, and a friendly community, making it a great spot to experience local culture and seaside charm.
  • Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park: Just 2 miles from Fort Clinch, this urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy recreational activities, picnic areas, and stunning ocean views, all within a lively city vibe that makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and fun.

Best time to go to Fort Clinch State Park

Visitor numbers around Fort Clinch State Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Fort Clinch State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
November64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fort Clinch State Park

To save money on your trip to Fort Clinch State Park, consider visiting during the off-peak months of October and December to January, as accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to book a stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering for eco-certified hotels and booking packages that combine your stay, flights, and activities. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts. Explore free activities in the park and check for flexible booking options to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fort Clinch State Park are October and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and June to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fort Clinch State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Fort Clinch State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and customize your preferences. You can organize your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the priciest, allowing you to find the best deals right away. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Fort Clinch State Park with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.