This is one of the best beaches for watching sunrises. I have come to this beach twice now, and I'm…read morein awe of the breathtaking views of the sunrise. It is known locally as the shark tooth beach because locals find quite a few here. My family and I found just 1 after a weekend of looking, but got a lot of shells I will be using for art. Memorial benches are set for visitors to sit and watch the sea as well as sunrises.

Beautiful area on Amelia Island. Very old and historic area. Some amazing architecture that has…read morebeen preserved for us to see what that if was like in this area over 100+ years ago. .

5/16/26 Main Beach has a nice size lot besides Salt Life Restaurant (which I'm sure developers…read morewould love) that is used for community events-thank you! Today was Wild Amelia for many educational groups, nonprofits for the environment, parks, native animals in area, local vendors (including kids booths either things they made), food/beer trucks, kids/adult fun booths and live, local music! Great weather to open the beaches too-also an impressive sand sculpture! Fun day!!

We stopped by the main beach to take a walk along the water line, test the water temperature, and…read morelook for shells. The beach was clean, white and wide. It takes a bit to walk from the parking lot to the water so we understood why so many folks had those carts with wheels. There were a few benches at the edge of the parking lot right on the start of the beach. We sat for a bit here, too, enjoying a cool breeze coming off the water. Although there's no shade anywhere except if you've brought your own umbrella, it was still pleasant. We did join the folks looking for sharks teeth. The beach has been replenished with fill so if you dig a bit by the water, you can uncover all sorts of tiny bits. We hadn't come prepared with digging tools as some had so we were not seriously looking. And the folks with their metal detectors were also wending their way up and down. We liked this beach and if we'd been in town longer, we'd have come here again for a bit of r and r. It's great that it is a public beach open to all. There were not many people swimming or even in the water. I'm not sure if it was undertow there or not. There were no lifeguards that we saw.

I find it ridiculous that people can't respect our beaches enough to leave their stupid car on the…read moreroad. I find it repulsive that they drive on a historic beach, right next to the "Nana" dune system (a natural marvel, which had to be fought to be environmentally protected, by the great-granddaughter of American Beach's founder, Florida's first black millionaire, Abrahan Lincoln Lewis). Are y'all so lazy as to not be able to park your car on the street and WALK to the beach, as happens with most any other beaches along the East Coast? This sandy parking lot used to be open to anyone, and they now at least restrict vehicle access to residents with AWD, but still, I find it totally disrespectful to the cultural significance of this beach for people to drive on it, not to mention how it negatively impacts the marine environment. Just a few miles away, there are major beach erosion problems in the Amelia Island State Park--I would think that locals, especially, would be aware and care about what their cars are doing to their own public spaces. And I honestly watched these people whose cars were on the beach, wondering why a car was needed? Are they disabled? Are they catching a shark in the ocean that they need to haul off in their truck? Nope. Just setting up umbrellas and folding chairs. The car is there as a portable stereo! Yes, American Beach Museum photos show people in their 1920s cars on the beach. This is what people did ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, before erosion and pollution impact became HUGE ISSUES. They also had no antibiotics 100 years ago, and used lead paint, and smoked. Oh, and we also used to be segregated, which is the whole point of this beach! The history of American Beach (whose heyday was 1930s-1950s) has been covered by other reviewers, and is a very interesting read on Wikipedia. It makes me so happy to read that Abraham Lincoln Lewis created a safe and joyous place for segregated Americans to enjoy beach life, and some of the most amazing talent of their time. Per Wiki, these famous people visited American Beach: "Zora Neale Hurston, singer Billie Daniels, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Billy Eckstein, Hank Aaron, Joe Louis, actor Ossie Davis, and Sherman Hemsley." There is an American Beach Museum, which I was unable to visit because I had a toddler and dogs with me, but I will make sure to see it in the future. There is free parking in a grassy lot along Gregg Street, about 1/20 mile from the beach access. Parking is right in front of the "Nana" dune system, and Evans' Rendezvos, which both have some didactic panels to read, and which are an integral part of American Beach. Ervin's Rest is another nearby historical spot. American Beach is free to visit, and is a very wide, flat sandy beach. The sand is very fine and soft, and there are a lot of shells (most of which probably get run over). The water is typical of northern FL Atlantic water. Cold, waves, murky, but swimmable and still fun. Port-a-potty available at the entrance. Leashed dogs are allowed, and there are trash cans on and near the beach for pet waste. There is a tollgate booth at the entrance, but that's for cars only. I very much wanted to enjoy this place, but the feel of the beach was unsettling because of the abovementioned vehicles. Not only were they disrespectful and environmentally toxic, but I could not feel comfortable with my child and dogs because I never knew if a truck was going to decide to drive around and get in our space, or if someone leaked oil or windshield fluid in the sand. It took away the peace and relaxation of beachtime for me, and was an eyesore in the middle of nature. The approach to American Beach was also a little unsettling. Driving down A1A on Amelia Island (coming from Fernandina Beach), we passed the Ritz Carlton, and a ton of gated communities in among the heavily wooded groves hiding private and restricted opulence. Everything was very sterile, and "keep out" feeling. Gates, guards, fences, hedges... the only open-feeling areas were the "Employee Parking" ones. The road to American Beach is still in these woods, but as you drive out to the shore, it opens up and becomes beachy. However, I was really surprised to see how built up it was, with multi-million dollar homes crammed everywhere, choking the "Nana" dune system, and creeping right up to the beach. I get it, this is FL, and it's off A1A no less. But I guess I thought this landmark area would be left intact, with a buffer around it. I guess I can be thankful that they preserved and protected what they did, and as soon as I pulled up to the lot beside "Nana" I could see how important was the fight to save that dune. I would love to return to this beach someday and see cars prohibited from it. Maybe when my son is older we can enjoy some time in nature on American Beach, and pay proper respect to its history.

A 30 min drive from where we were staying - what a beautiful beach! There was hardly anyone there…read moreon July 4th weekend. The waves were intense, but much fun. A cool breeze made for a wonderful beach day!

Just as beautiful as the last time I was here. Untouched land and beaches make this place so…read moremagical it's hard to describe. Where horses, turkey, pigs, rattlesnakes and who know what else roam freely. It's not an easy island to get to and once you arrive it's not easy staying here either but I absolutely love coming here. There are no grocery stores, gas stations or any restaurants so you have to bring everything and I mean everything with you. Just getting your vehicle here is a hefty price. It's worth every penny.

Beautiful and unique experience. Where else can you see crumbling ruins from the gilded age, the…read morebeach, and a herd of wild horses? There is something here for everyone and for people of all abilities. Most of the main part of the island is flat, including from the dock and up to the ruins (it's about 0.4 to half a mile from the dock to the ruins--and there are beach wheelchairs). There's also a main road that traverses the island from one end to the other for about 18 miles that can be traveled by bicycle. There's also an inn and multiple historical structures you can visit. You can also visit a beautiful, mostly empty beach! I got off at the first stop, which is the most challenging stop, meaning I had to climb over sand dunes to get to the beach. It was QUITE the workout and exhausting (I felt it for days after). Someone told me that the second ferry stop is a much easier, more direct path to the beach. This was a wonderful, serene location. I saw several groups of horses along my hike. The greenery is beautiful. I wouldn't mind coming back and setting up camp (permit required) so I can travel the whole island on bike and by foot. Spending more time on the tranquil beach. I wouldn't spend time at the end, as it's 900-1000 dollars or more per night with a two night minimum. If you're looking to visit the island during the day, the RiverView Hotel is RIGHT THERE, essentially directly across from the ferry, and costs about 200 a night for great vintage rooms with comfy beds. Please see my reviews of the ferry and Molly's tours to build a whole itinerary. You'll never see anything else like this, anywhere else in the world probably. It's a fairly cost effective trip, with the ferry costing just over 40 bucks round trip, the inn costing about 200 a night, and the island entry fee being just a few bucks.

You are at the beach - of course it's 5 stars White sand,…read moreshells, semi warm water & ocean waves all day! A plus is you can bring your vehicle on the beach and park to sit on the sand Plenty of shells to comb thru walk along the shoreline- what a prefect aite to come & see!

Very relaxing and not overcrowded beach. Lots of space to enjoy the weather and get your vitamin…read moreSea. You are allowed to being your dog (pickup after them) and park on the beach in designated areas. The sand is soft and enjoyable to walk on for long distances. Great place for shell collecting and even looking for shark teeth. Lots of good places nearby. I highly recommend this beach for relaxing and time with family.

Beautiful beach with breathtaking views. The beach is clean and if you are a shark tooth or shell…read morecollector, this definitely the beach for you. Every time I go, I come home with a couple of shark teeth. Although I'm not really a shell collector, I end up taking a few home because you can always find beautiful unbroken shells with so many colors. And the seascape isn't cluttered with high rise hotels. One of my favorite beaches in the Surrounding Jacksonville area

Took a drive to the North End and it's fabulous.. go out and try a new adventure on the quiet side…read moreof the island. Found sharks teeth, great shells, great views of Fort Clinch!! Very tranquil for a leisurely walk!! Gift yourself and go explore!!

I came by here to watch the beach while the sun was setting. It has several gazebo's that can be…read morerented for holiday or birthday gatherings. This really made my night. It's a beautiful beach. Pros: great parking, clean area. Cons:none Recommend? Yes!

I've stopped in a couple times to this beach. A popular spot for equestrians, you can always see…read morehorses on this beach. Pavilions near the parking lot, overlook the Atlantic ocean & a large bath house is clean & has plenty of space to change. This is a great place for a picnic, gathering or just another day at the beach.

I was recommended the trail to the beach by Jacksonville Beach Moms. It is a mile long, with sand,…read moredirt, tree roots, and pine needles. You could pull a wagon over it, but I decided to carry my toddler son instead of using a stroller . It was easy to walk the path from the parking lot. You have to use the QR code on the sign by the entrance to pay for parking, $3. There was parking spots, but it does fill up quickly, even at 11 am on a Wednesday. The beach was open and very few people around. Mostly people walking the beach or fishing, but my son and I had the beach to ourselves for the most part. It was a nice day, and we had fun putting our feet in the water and sitting on the sand. I know the driftwood is popular for family pictures, and there is plenty of it. I highly recommend this beach and the short trail to it.

Words really can't describe how beautiful and peaceful this place was. Wonderful photos to take.read more

Nice beach...off the beaten path and far away from the crowds of Daytona beach, Jacksonville…read morebeaches...has nice facilities, an expansive parking lot, and is handicapped accessible as well. Check it out someday when you get the chance.

When we arrived on a Sunday at 5pm the parking lot was almost empty which was a plus for beach…read moreparking. There are decent bathrooms and 2 outdoor showers to rinse off. Nice and easy access to a wonderful beach. Be aware though the parking lot closes at 7PM which is a bummer in Summertime and my understanding is they lock it up at 7 and tow cars left.