Rte. A1A - Amelia Island to St. Augustine

Question

Hi! We are planning on driving to St. Augustine from Amelia Island and I would like to take A1A for a more scenic drive. It looks like we need to take a ferry at one point - is this a fairly easy process? We will be driving on a Saturday. I would also consider bypassing the ferry, but I can't quite figure out the route if we do not take the ferry. I'm just trying to avoid 95 and don't mind if the drive is longer. Thank you for your help.

Answer

Driving from Amelia Island to St. Augustine along A1A is a lovely scenic option, as it hugs the coast and takes you past marshes, beaches, and small coastal towns. You are correct that at one point, to stay strictly on A1A, you encounter the St. Johns River at Mayport, which requires a ferry if you wish to continue directly on the coastal route.

The ferry process is fairly straightforward and typically easy to use, especially on a Saturday, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

The Mayport Ferry runs frequently, usually every 15–30 minutes during the day. Check the current schedule before you go, as it may change seasonally.
Fares are modest and paid per vehicle; you can usually pay by cash or card.
The ferry ride is short, around 10–15 minutes, and provides a pleasant break with scenic views of the river and surrounding wetlands.
It can get busier on weekends or holidays, so arriving a little early can help avoid waiting for multiple ferry cycles.

If you prefer to bypass the ferry, you can remain on paved roads by using the following alternative route:

From Amelia Island, head south on A1A until you reach the bridge connecting to Jacksonville (via A1A or US-17). You’ll cross the Intracoastal Waterway using standard bridges instead of the ferry.
Continue south through Jacksonville along coastal or near-coastal roads such as Mayport Rd and Atlantic Blvd to reconnect with A1A near Ponte Vedra Beach or along the main highways that parallel A1A.
This route avoids the ferry entirely, though it may involve a bit more urban driving through Jacksonville and could take slightly longer depending on traffic.

Additional tips for a scenic and relaxed drive:

Leave early in the morning to enjoy less traffic and cooler temperatures.
Allow extra time for stops along the way at beaches, parks, or historic sites in Fernandina Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Vilano Beach.
Keep an eye on local traffic apps for construction or detours along A1A, as some areas are narrow and may have work zones.

Overall, taking A1A with the ferry is easy and adds charm to your drive, but if you prefer to avoid the ferry, there is a feasible land route that still keeps you relatively close to the coast while avoiding I-95.

Rte. A1A - Amelia Island to St. Augustine

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