Beyond the charming downtown, pristine beaches, and well-worn island paths lies a quieter version of paradise. If you’re craving those moments that feel like you’ve stumbled onto something just yours, this list is for you.

Here are ten lesser-known places to visit on Amelia Island that locals love and visitors often miss.

1. Old Town River Views

Tucked in the heart of Old Town Fernandina, this unassuming wooden bench sits quietly facing west overlooking the Amelia River. Come here at golden hour with a coffee, book, or just your thoughts, and you’ll catch a sunset that rivals any Instagram hotspot – minus the crowd.

2. Beach at Amelia Island State Park

If you’re looking for that perfect stretch of beach that feels like it was made just for you – with rolling dunes, wide-open sand, and often only the sound of the waves and shorebirds. Welcome to Amelia Island State Park, where you can go for a peaceful stroll or quiet meditation with nature. Bring a chair and stay a while.

3. La Sureña Mexican Restaurant & Grocery Store

This no-frills, family-owned spot is half small grocery store, half hidden culinary treasure. Nestled along 8th Street, La Sureña serves up authentic Mexican fare with real flavor – street tacos, tamales, and daily specials locals swear by. Bonus: Grab a Jarritos or pan dulce on your way out.

4. George Crady Fishing Pier

This mile-long fishing bridge stretching over the Nassau Sound like a boardwalk to nowhere is the perfect place to cast a line for whiting, sea trout, flounder, redfish and more. Early mornings here are golden, with seabirds soaring and the water still as glass. Even if you’re not an angler, the tranquility is worth the visit.

5. Antiques and More Treasures

With a “homey” atmosphere and variety of vendors, Antiques and More Treasures is a popular shopping stop along 8th Street. In addition to antiques you can also find clothing, homemade jewelry, and handmade soaps. Whatever it is you’re looking for, the real charm is in the hunt. If you love sifting for stories, give yourself time to linger here.

6. Dee Dee Bartels Boat Ramp

Yes, it’s a boat launch – but Dee Dee Bartels Boat Ramp is also a serene picnic spot few non-boaters know about. With a covered gazebo, awesome breezes, picnic tables, and sweeping views of the Amelia River, it’s ideal for a quiet lunch or to watch boats launch or pass by. Walk the boardwalk out over the river and if you’re lucky, you may spot a manatee!

7. Bosque Bello Cemetery

More than just a cemetery, Bosque Bello is a historical treasure spanning 29 acres of “Beautiful Woods”. Spanish moss hangs from ancient oaks over gravestones dating back to the late 1700s. Peaceful, reflective, and deeply moving, this is where history and nature meet in silence. I’m not sure I would go at dusk though (kinda creepy).

8. Waterwheel Cigar

Waterwheel Cigar is a cozy cigar shop and lounge that feels like a secret clubhouse. Tucked away on the south end of the island, it’s a haven for cigar aficionados and anyone looking to unwind with a good conversation and a smooth draw. It’s welcoming, low-key, and refreshingly off the radar even though it’s on a main thoroughfare.

9. A.L. Lewis Museum

Named after Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida’s first Black millionaire, this museum tells the little-known story of American Beach, a historic African American vacation community on the south end of Amelia Island. Small but powerful, it’s an important stop that honors legacy, resilience, and the island’s layered past. After your museum visit, take a Coast One Tour and visit some of the places you learned about.

10. Sunset at Kitchen 251

This hidden gem of a restaurant located on the island near the bridge, serves up more than just solid Southern eats. Dining inside is just fine, but the outside deck overlooking the marina/intracoastal waterway is where the magic happens and come sunset, it turns into a front-row seat to nature’s light show. Order a basket of wild-caught shrimp, sit back, and just be.

Want to See the Real Amelia? Look Closer.

It’s easy to fall in love with Amelia Island, but the real Amelia isn’t always in the brochures. It’s on the quiet boardwalk, the faded sign on an old building, and on a quiet stretch of sand. Slow down and veer just a little off course. That’s when she really gets into your soul.

#LoveAmelia
Have your own favorite under-the-radar spot? Share it with us – unless, of course, you want to keep it your secret.