BeachesNature & Outdoors
Amelia Island is renowned for its pristine beaches, charming historic downtown, and world-class golf. But above all, visitors treasure the enchanted atmosphere of natural beauty on Amelia Island. With great year round weather and a unique habitat for observing flora and fauna, it’s no wonder nature lovers make their escape here to get into the wild.
Check in to the Omni Amelia Island Resort, your home away from home for the next three days and a 1,350-acre community that lives in harmony with nature. Looking for something on a smaller scale? Try the Hampton Inn on Sadler. Looking for a quaint Bed & Breakfast? Try a historic Bed & Breakfast located in historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
Marché Burette located at The Shops of Omni Amelia Island Resort is the French-style market and deli of your dreams and the perfect place to kick-off your vacation. This adorable shop not only features a delicious breakfast and lunch menu but offers a wide selection of groceries, one-of-a-kind gifts, craft beers and wines. Sit on their oversized waterfront deck and soak it all in!
The Segway is a unique vehicle for experiencing the maritime forests, ocean views and marsh front waterways of Amelia Island. Amelia’s Wheels is ultra-convenient for Omni Amelia Island Resort guests but also offers up to six guided Segway tours to choose from to any island visitors! After an introductory lesson, you’ll be off and in the midst of all the natural beauty the nature resort has to offer. And you can even request a Florida Naturalist to be your Tour Guide and dive even more into the surrounding wildlife and nature!
INSIDER TIP: Don’t forget your camera or phone … you’re gonna want to share all this beauty. Be sure to tag us using #LoveAmelia
Amelia Island’s live oak trees have lived under many of the 8 flags that have flown over our island over the last 500 years. In fact, a big part of what makes Amelia Island so beautiful – and what literally helps preserve it – are the lush trees that comprise the maritime forest canopy. Amelia Island’s live oaks have inspired artists, lovers and activists for centuries. View some of Amelia Island’s most storied trees and then head out to Amelia Island State Park where beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the Real Florida.
There is something about the sun setting over the marsh that gets into your soul and stays there. The majestic shades of the green and gold marsh views beneath cotton candy skies, the birds settling in for the evening and the night sounds of wildlife that begin to take over. Pair all of that with a fantastic dinner and you’ve got an Amelia memory etched in your mind forever. Depending on the type of food you’re in the mood for, try: Kitchen 251, Cantina Louie, Captain Jacks Smokehouse, Salty Pelican, or Brett’s Waterway Café. All with amazing sunset, marsh views. Photo credit: Kitchen 251
Enjoy a great cup of coffee and southern home-cookin’ at Bantam & Biddy located on the south end of the island. They serve breakfast all day so there’s no rush – but get there early any way, the Fried Chicken and Cheddar Waffle is waiting for you. Add the homemade bourbon-pecan syrup to it. Trust me. Photo credit: Bantam & Biddy
More than 300 species of birds pass through or breed on or around Amelia Island. It’s a birders paradise! Grab your binoculars and set out to Fort Clinch State Park and/or Egans Creek Greenway to get a glimpse of the feathered friends we share the island with. Here are the Top 7 Birding Spots on Amelia Island!
INSIDER TIP: The Nature Center at Omni Amelia Island Resort has a fully stocked retail shop complete with binoculars and field guides to make your exploring easier.
Because hiking and convening with nature can work up an appetite, it’s time to rest and enjoy a bite to eat at Hola Cuban Café located in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach. Owners Chris Garcia and Marisol Triana pay homage to their families with this delicious and authentic Cuban cuisine. Dine outside on the tree-covered patio and make sure to end your meal with a sweet Empanada and a cup of Cuban coffee for energy because next up, you’re going to look for treasure!
Hunting for shark teeth on the shores of Amelia Island is a year-round activity and a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. Finding beach treasure that doubles as a souvenir is a great reminder of the fun you had while on Amelia Island. If you don’t want to go it alone, call in the experts. Amelia Shark Tooth Adventures provide Conservation Eco-tours and Surface Fossil Hunting tours that will teach you all about indigenous species and the art of finding shark teeth. Photo credit: Amelia Island Shark Tooth Adventures
Located just across the street from the beach, The Surf Restaurant & Bar provides ocean breezes, frosty beverages and live music for the perfect beach vibe and end to your day. Start out with their Famous Chicken Wings or Shrimp & Crab Nachos. If you’re still hungry, the Ahi Tuna Taco is a local favorite and an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re looking for light fare or a full course meal, The Surf Restaurant & Bar delivers good food, good times, and good vibes. Photo credit: The Surf Restaurant & Bar
Grab a quick breakfast at Omni’s Sunrise Café and head out the door for a unique view of our beautiful coastline. Amelia Island horseback tours are well-known and are always listed as one of the top things to do while visiting the island. Take an unforgettable ride along the beautiful Atlantic shoreline on a gentle horse that has been personalized to the level of the rider. Call Amelia Island Horseback Riding or Happy Trails Walking Horses and saddle up for a tour of the beach like you’ve only dreamed about. Time to check this one off your bucket list.
It’s time for lunch and even though lobster isn’t what you normally think of on Amelia Island (think shrimp), Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is out to prove you wrong. Brand new to Amelia Island and located in historic downtown, Mason’s pretty much has it all – From classic rolls to innovative creations. Sourced straight from the pristine waters of Maine, their lobsters embody authenticity and freshness with every savory bite.
Step away from the sandy beaches of Amelia and enjoy the island’s liquid assets. Lucky for you, we have a lot of water to choose from. If you’re looking for a fishing adventure in the open sea, charter a boat from one of the island’s many charter boat companies for the opportunity to land red bass, trout, flounder, tarpon, and more. Or stay in-shore and fish the backwaters and creeks while enjoying the sights of Cumberland Island and Fort Clinch. Amelia Boat Rentals can provide a boat perfect for fishing or cruising.
You’ve worked up an appetite on this busy last day of your getaway and likely enjoyed an afternoon of some good catchin’ on the waters that should be rewarded. Bob’s Steak & Chophouse located at the Shops of Omni Amelia Island, specializes in serving big flavorful prime steaks, chops and seafood served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Their award-winning wine selection and signature cocktails promise a generous pour to go along with their Texas-sized portions. It’s time to go big or go home (you actually are going home). This meal will be one for your Amelia memory banks.
INSIDER TIP: If you really want to go big, order the Côte de Boeuf. This 22 oz. mouth-watering, bone-in prime ribeye is legendary—and make sure you get an award-winning sized carrot.
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Nature Getaway. Discover more and plan your perfect trip on www.ameliaisland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play. We can’t wait for you to return!