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A1A Ocean Islands Trail

Byway Length: 39.7 Miles

Designated: July 26, 2016

FDOT District: 2

Overview

Ocean Islands Trail is often referred to as “Florida’s First Coast.” This 40 mile stretch of beaches and barrier islands on Florida’s Atlantic coast are connected by the iconic Highway A1A. The route traverses Duval and Nassau Counties and 4 small cities, but is part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area. The byway region offers a combination of ecological diversity, colorful history and recreational opportunities galore.

The northern gateway to this byway starts in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island just south of the Georgia-Florida state line. Fernandina Beach has the distinction of being the only city in the U.S. to have flown eight different national flags (French, Spanish, English, Patriot, Confederate and a few others) and contains over 400 historic places. Ocean Islands Trail is uniquely Floridian in the way it edges along the coast and sandy dunes hugging close to the Atlantic Ocean along the way. The byway also includes the Mayport Ferry, which crosses the St. Johns River into the historic commercial fishing village of Mayport on the south shore. Be sure to stop and eat some locally caught fresh shrimp while visiting here! From there the byway meanders eastward until turning south to pass through the iconic towns of Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches to end at the southern gateway near J. Turner Butler Boulevard. These towns provide public access to beautiful beaches at many places along the byway.

Native Americans were active in this area centuries ago. Stop by the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to learn more about native history. The French Huguenots came here in 1562, and some of that story is told in local museums. Take in the beaches, history, local seafood, shopping, upscale resorts, or join in the many recreational opportunities available along this unique byway.

Byway Map: Downloadable PDF Map

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A1A Ocean Islands Trail: Preserving History Map

Byway Resources

General Directions

From the North:
Located in the northeast corner of Florida, from the north, access the byway from Interstate 95 (north of Jacksonville) via SR 200 which will take you to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. From there follow A1A south along the coast, crossing the Nassau River into Duval County. Continue south to the Mayport Ferry which takes you across the St. Johns River. Continue along A1A through the towns of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach to the byway terminus at SR 202 at the Duval/St. Johns County line.

From the South:
Access the byway from the south via Interstate 295 south-east of Jacksonville and take SR 202 east to A1A in Atlantic Beach. Follow A1A north through Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach to Mayport and the Mayport Ferry. Take the Ferry across the St. Johns River and continue north on A1A to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach.

Associated Resources

These are specific resources for this byway. See Associated Florida Resources for connections to organizations affecting all byways in Florida.

Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce (Duval County)
jacksonvilleareachamber.org

Nassau County:
nassaucountyfl.com

Visit Florida:
visitflorida.com/en-us/travel-ideas/scenic-a1a-ocean-islands…

Jacksonville Beach: Visit Jacksonville: Official Travel Website for Jacksonville Florida

Things to Do:

Fernandina Beach
fbfl.us
tripadvisor.com/Attractions-…

Amelia Island
ameliaisland.com
ameliaisland.com/tour-amelia-island
villasofameliaisland.com/stay-here…

Mayport Ferry/St. Johns River Ferry
stjohnsriverferry.com

Jacksonville Beach
jacksonvillebeach.com

Byway Downloads