Fernandina’s Fabulous For Bike Riding

Pedaling at water’s edge right on the beach at low tide is one of the great pleasures of island living.

Bike riding on Amelia Island’s wide, flat beaches when the tide is low has caught on with visitors, too. One need only spend a little time at the beach to notice tourists perched on rental bikes, happily traversing the shoreline — whether solo, couples, or family groups.

If timed right, one can ride for several miles on the sand. However, upon arriving at the beach, ride around in a large circle to test the force of the wind in both directions. You may be surprised that there’s no hint of a breeze in one direction, yet riding in the opposite direction can be “against the wind” and become quite tiring. Note that bike riding on the beach either early in the morning or early evening is preferred time during peak summer season.

CAVEAT — The big beach parks get very crowded in the summer, especially on weekends and holidays. Be aware that peak beach visitation hours are not an ideal time to ride a bike along the shoreline, requiring weaving through people and kids darting around.

Where Else To Ride Bikes On Amelia Island?

Toward the island’s northend, Atlantic Avenue offers sidewalks flanking both sides of the road and particularly wide shoulders. Atlantic Avenue is the east-west corridor connecting the Atlantic Ocean beaches from Main Beach Park to Fernandina’s downtown historic district by the Amelia River and Fernandina Harbor Marina.

For those who are comfortable riding in bike lanes along traffic, miles of South Fletcher Avenue (the road that runs parallel to the beach) has designated bike lanes. (The bike lanes are from Main Beach Park continuing south all the way to First Coast Highway that passes by Amelia Island Plantation to the south end bridge).

Fort Clinch State Park

A great option for bike riding on Amelia Island is within Fort Clinch State Park (with entrance off Atlantic Avenue just a few blocks from Fernandina’s Main Beach Park).

Bike riders have the option to ride along the main park road all the way through to the parking area at the historic fortress itself (a 3-mile route one way), or ride rougher mountain biking trails through the maritime forest. Fort Clinch even offers bicycle rentals. If you drive in, park entry fee is $6 for one vehicle with up to 8 passengers. If you walk or ride a bike into the State Park, the fee at entry ranger station is $2 per person. If you want to actually tour the historic fort there’s an additional $2.50 fee paid at the shop where you enter the fort (where you rent bikes). Call Fort Clinch about fees for bike rentals at 904-277-7274.

There are several local places to rent a bike. For those staying overnight, ask your lodging establishment about the availability of bikes. Note that some of the bed and breakfast inns offer complimentary bikes to guests (and some hotels rent them).

The 6.2 Mile Amelia Island Trail

Read more about the 6.2 mile Amelia Island Trail located on the island’s southend (park & ride from Peters Point beach park). The Amelia Island Bike Trail is located in the resort area near the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton, Summer Beach, Golf Club of Amelia and Omni Amelia Island).

Did you know? Fernandina Beach has been awarded bronze as a “Bike-Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists.