Looking to get outside for some much-needed fresh air, vitamin D and elbow room? Who isn’t? Amelia Island has welcomed generations of outdoor adventurers and sunseekers to enjoy three of Florida’s renowned state parks, with beautiful sandy shores and trails perfect for walking, biking and even boating. Here are 8 great ways you can get outside on Amelia Island and create some distance – from reality!
Take a stand. You can paddle your way around the island’s scenic waterways courtesy of the highly-rated kayaking and stand-up paddleboard outfitters of Amelia Island. Expert tour guides can help navigate through Amelia’s unique ecosystem and colorful history. Local favorites include the salty marsh of Walker’s Creek, Timucuan Preserve or Egan’s Creek. - Make some waves. If you prefer a little more wind in your hair, take the wheel of a speedy, two-seat, powered, mini catamaran boat at Backwater Cat Adventure or Riptide Watersports for a fun guided tour of the island’s backwaters and marshlands, at speeds up to 25 mph. Or for a fun and safe family adventure, plus a little exercise, Amelia River Cycle has Hydro Bikes that give a real biking experience on the water with the freedom to explore the river’s scenic, natural ecosystem and native marine life at your own pace.
- Go cruising. Hop aboard Amelia River Cruises and Charters for a variety of uniquely narrated, guided tours across the salt marshes, historic banks, and scenic Florida wilderness. See the wild horses of Cumberland Island, learn about the unique water ecosystem, or experience a stunning Amelia Island sunset on the water with a live band. BYOB!
Drop a line. Anglers of every skill level have tons of options to get hooked on Amelia Island fishing. Want to try surf fishing? Go to Fort Clinch State Park, where your best bet for bait is shrimp, mud minnows, squid, finger mullet, or lures. At the George Crady Fishing Pier State Park, you can fish Nassau Sound from the mile-long pedestrian-only bridge. Amelia Island has plenty of bait and tackle shops to cover all your fishing needs. And if you’ve ever wanted to try deep-sea fishing, offshore charters with professional guides are a popular local option. - Let the good times roll. Take an EcoTours pedal-assist, electric bicycle to cover any terrain, including the beach, with a built-in GPS tour map highlighting places to stop, tour and eat along the way. Or rent a Segway at Amelia’s Wheels at the Omni Amelia Island Resort to explore the marshes, creek, maritime forests, and the beach. Rollin’ Phat Scooters is a new rental company offering a fleet of powerful, easy-to-ride electric scooters that let riders plug in their phones, fire up their nav systems and cruise the island listening to their favorite tunes.
- Make history. History buffs can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride through the island’s historic district, courtesy of the Amelia Island Museum of History. The first spoken history museum in Florida, the museum continues its story-telling tradition with a variety of tours catering to different interests, such as the classic Centre Street Tour or the riveting Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Tour.
- Prepare for takeoff. From paragliding tours with Florida Adventure Sports, to “trike” flying with Hang Glide USA or even tandem skydiving with Skydive Amelia Island, there are plenty of exciting ways to take your adventure to new heights on Amelia. All properly certified and experienced, the operators offer a view of Amelia Island unlike any other, high above the island’s unique landscape and surrounding waters.
- Stay grounded. Many high-flying experiences are located at or near the island’s award-winning Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. Redesigned and opened in 2018, the airport’s main terminal resembles an oversized F4U Corsair aircraft, which flew from the airfield during WWII. With its nose section, skylight cockpit and tail, and massive inverted gull wings, the iconic airport is worth a visit, even if you never leave the ground.
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