The Olympic Games in Tokyo are in full swing, and we’re getting inspired. From riding a bike or surfing the waves, to hitting the links or volleyball courts, you can always go for the gold on beautiful Amelia Island (a decorated champion in her own right.) Let the games begin with these ten Olympic ideas for your next visit.

GOLF

This Olympic sport is enthusiastically practiced every day on Amelia Island, where 99 holes beckon golfers of all abilities. LINKS Magazine dubbed Amelia one of the Top 25 Golf Islands in the World, find out where you can start having a gold-medal worthy round here.

TENNIS

Olympians have played the iconic live oak-shaded courts at the Omni Amelia Island Resort (Agassi, Navratilova, Sharapova, and the Williams sisters are among them.) Their tennis program, operated by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, has been recognized as one of the finest in the world, named the “No. 2 Tennis Resort on Florida’s East Coast”. The four clay courts of The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island use state-of-the-art Hydro-cool technology and the resort offers daily drill clinics and personal instruction from skilled pros.

TABLE TENNIS 

The unofficial epicenter of this increasingly popular pastime is the Green Turtle Tavern, with colorfully decorated outdoor tables that draw crowds and are often accompanied by the sounds of live music played on the porch.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL 

You’ll find two sand volleyball courts at the popular Main Beach Park, along with a playground, picnic shelters, outdoor showers, a skate park, and a Mobi-Mat that makes the beach more easily accessible.

SWIMMING

There is no shortage of swimming opportunities on this barrier island. Over 25 Amelia Island accommodations have pools (take a look here) and the Atlantic Ocean always stands at the ready with 13 miles of easily accessible beaches. The Atlantic Recreation Center also offers day passes to its pool.

CYCLING

Did you know that Amelia Island is considered one of Florida’s best places to bike? From family-friendly beach rides to challenging off-road trails, Amelia Island offers a variety of biking options for every type of rider. Choose from either the Amelia Island Trail or the River to Sea Trail for 10 miles of gorgeous biking scenery. If mountain biking is more your speed, head to Fort Clinch State Park to try out the six-mile off-road multi-use trail that is located adjacent to the park drive. It’s an adventurous ride through the maritime forest as dune elevation changes provide rolling hills and turns. Why not get a group together and start training for September’s Endless Summer Watermelon Ride?

TRACK AND FIELD

With flat terrain, open spans of beach, and shaded pathways, there are an infinite number of great running routes. Races from fun runs to triathalons are a regular occurence on this fitness-loving island, the friendly Amelia Island Runners Club provides information on the latest events as well as weekly group runs that are open to the public.

EQUESTRIAN

There are few more beautiful backdrops to ride a horse than the beaches of Amelia Island, especially at sunrise and sunset. Bucket lists are constantly being checked off while gold rings are regularly being awarded during the ever-popular horseback beach proposal. Take a look at the options for setting up your next time in the saddle here.

SURFING 

New to the Olympics and near and dear to our beach lovin’ hearts is the surfing competition. Lucky for you we have the best place to learn and some great instructors ready to teach you. Grab your board and hit the waves or sign up for a lesson/camp with Surf Asylum or Amelia Surf Company. We’ll have you hangin’ ten in no time!

SAILING 

Award-winning Windward Sailing takes to the water all year long, offering lessons and charters. Captain Tony provides expert advice and a practiced eye for spotting wildlife.

Are YOU ready to go for the gold?

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