You can drive onto the sand at Scott Road, but only if you live in Nassau County or own property here. The county lists it as the Scott Road Beach Access-Drive On, at 4902 Amelia Island Parkway south of Peters Point, and its beach ordinance names the Scott Road intersection as one of the designated driving areas on the unincorporated beach. The county's facility listing shows no showers or picnic tables here, so expect a parking lot, the beach and little else.
At the kiosk you show a driver's license, a state ID or a Nassau County Property ID card. If your license carries an out-of-county address, you'll need the Property ID card, which the Tax Collector's Office issues by appointment only, along with the county's affidavit form. Active-duty military with a valid ID and drivers with a disability placard or plate also qualify. Anyone else can still park in the lot and walk on.
The driving rules:
- Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or a beach buggy only. No ATVs, motorcycles, scooters or dirt bikes.
- The speed limit is 10 mph.
- From May 1 through October 31, sea turtle nesting season, no vehicles on the beach from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The rest of the year the cutoff runs 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
There's one lifeguard stand, staffed in the summer season, and a lightning warning system. Horse trailers can't park at Scott Road, so riders use Peters Point. For restrooms and showers, Burney Park is farther south at American Beach.
If you own a second home on this end of the island and your license is from another state, book the Tax Collector appointment for a trip when you'll have time for it. Between visits, home watch keeps regular eyes on the house.