Amelia Island, Florida

Family Fun

Amelia Island is a special destination for families, and those who visit are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Families can enjoy a variety of activities while visiting Amelia Island. Favorite activities include River Cruises, Nature Programs, fly fishing, kayaking, hiking the trails of Ft. Clinch State park, horseback riding, exploring the wildlife on a Segway Safari, and of course the gorgeous beaches! There is a world of opportunity on Amelia Island that is waiting to be  discovered.

Amelia River Cruises

A visit to Amelia Island is incomplete without a tour of our scenic waterways. Tours from Amelia River Cruises & Charters are fully narrated as you explore the backwaters of Amelia Island, and Cumberland Island, cruise up Egan's Creek to the Amelia Island Lighthouse or spend the day in historic St. Mary's, Georgia. Guests to Cumberland Island can visit the Greyfield Inn which has been operated by

Carnegie descendents since the 1960's. Watch dolphins frolic in the river, wild horses run the beach on Cumberland Island and take in the breathtaking sunsets.

Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Daily tours with period re-enactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the park’s beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six mile trail through the park and view some of the biggest sand dunes in the state of Florida. Self-guided nature trails provide

opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife. A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations.

Paddle for Pleasure

Come face to face with egrets, herons and perhaps a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle with the fine folks at Kayak Amelia. Explore the tranquil salt marsh of the Talbot Islands State Park and Timucuan Preserve. The three-hour trip includes a ½ hour kayak fitting on the beach, basic safety and paddle instruction and balance drill on water. Beginners constitute more than 90 percent of Kayak Amelia's clientele, so children able to swim and stay in a kayak for two hours are welcomed guests of Ray and Jodi Hetchka, owners of Kayak Amelia.

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Saddle Up

Visit the Island’s only working ranch located on a 200+ acre preserve where you can observe dolphins, shorebirds and other wildlife. Kelly Seahorse Ranch is one of only a handful of beach-riding opportunities in the nation and the horses are

gentle and well-trained. Enjoy the scenery of Amelia's fantastic white-sand beaches and the beauty of the ocean by horseback. Whether you just want to unwind from the hassles of everyday life or would like to soak in the beauty of the island, the guides are professionally trained to assist you.

Kids at Heart

Guests of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island can enjoy special programs designed specifically for the youngest members of the family. The Ritz Kids program is an exclusive supervised children's program designed specifically for guests ages 5 through 12. The program allows parents to play while children stay with our trained and certified counselors. Kids can spend the day playing games in Kids Camp Amelia or attend a "Just for Kids" dinner party, that includes hayrides and treasure hunts. Our Space,a new program geared towards teens, offers daily activities

including beach games, water sports, night sports, fitness challenges, video games, beach kayaking, pizza and movie nights as well as surf lessons and clinics. Off-limits to everyone but teens and Our Space counselors, the specially designed Our Space room boasts a cool, modern flair and is equipped with the latest technology and favorite games to keep teens entertained.

Walking Tours of Fernandina Beach

Offered by the Amelia Island Museum of History, walking tours take groups up Historic Centre Street and into the Silk Stocking District and introduce them to the many great historical figures that influenced the architecture and business on the island. These tours can be modified for children. For those who prefer a more supernatural look at history, the museum also offers weekly ghost tours with thrilling tales of Amelia Island's legendary past.

For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.org.

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