Beyond the popular attractions on Amelia Island lies wild, quiet places that reward those who wander. From fossil-strewn shores to birdwatching sanctuaries, these hidden gems offer personal connections with nature that you won’t find in a brochure. Here’s your guide to Amelia Island’s best-kept natural secrets.

1. Boneyard Beach – Driftwood and Bones

Step into nature’s sculpture gallery where twisted, sun-bleached driftwood trees rise from the sand like – bones. Thus the name, Boneyard Beach. This beautiful shoreline is ideal for photography, quiet walks, proposals, and contemplating life. It’s technically just south of Amelia Island, but close enough to be a must-visit.

2. Drummond Point Park – Maritime Magic

Tucked within the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa is a peaceful marsh-view trail and boardwalk that meanders through a maritime forest and ends with a scenic overlook of the salt marsh. Bring your camera — you might spot herons, fiddler crabs, or even a raccoon fishing in the shallows. A popular spot to commune with nature. NOTE: You must be a guest of Omni.

3. Egans Creek Greenway – Birders’ Paradise

Egans Creek Greenway is a 300-acre preserve of wetlands and grasslands that runs smack through the middle of the island (from Atlantic Blvd. to Sadler Rd., or vice versa). With wide, flat trails and viewing bridges, it feels like a world away from town, and is a favorite spot for birders and wildlife watchers. You may see roseate spoonbills, snakes, gopher tortoises, deer, alligators, and much more. Great for photo ops!

4. Amelia Island State Park – Where the Wild Meets the Water

Often overshadowed by Fort Clinch or Main Beach, Amelia Island State Park, on the south end of the island, is a quiet treasure. Here, the Nassau Sound meets the Atlantic ocean, creating diverse ecosystems ideal for fishing, horseback riding on the beach, and birdwatching. Its undeveloped beauty makes it feel like a step back in time. This is Florida in the wild.

5. Fort Clinch Beach – For the Shell Seekers

Beyond the historic side of Fort Clinch State Park (the fort) lies a quiet beach where treasure hunters roam. Thanks to unique tides and currents, this shoreline is a hotspot for seashells and fossilized shark teeth. Bring a sieve or sharp eyes—you never know what the tide will deliver.

6. NaNa Dune – A Historical Landmark

Rising over 40 feet high, NaNa Dune is the tallest dune in Florida and holds cultural and ecological significance. While access is limited to protect the delicate environment, guided tours from Coast One Tours provide fascinating insights into the dune’s history and the legacy of American Beach.

7. Lofton Creek – Paddle Through a Cypress Wonderland

For a truly immersive experience, glide through the still waters of Lofton Creek, where Spanish moss drapes from the trees and turtles sun themselves on fallen logs. Several local outfitters — Amelia Adventures, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, and Adventures Up The Creek — offer guided tours and rentals. Keep your eyes open for otters and osprey!

Tips for Exploring

• Bring binoculars and a field guide for birding.
• Wear bug spray and sun protection year-round.
• Some areas have “spotty” cell service — download maps ahead of time.
• Practice Leave No Trace to keep these wild spaces pristine.

From salt marshes to mammoth dunes, Amelia Island’s natural side has stories to tell—if you know where to look. So grab your camera, lace up your hiking shoes, and explore the hidden side of paradise.