A little rain doesn’t have to put a damper on your family getaway. In fact, it’s a great excuse to explore something new, discover creative spaces, and experience indoor adventures that are just as memorable as a sunny beach day.

Here are steps to ensure your rainy day turns into a family vacation highlight.

Step 1: Start with a Cozy Breakfast

Rainy mornings call for something warm and comforting. Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast where everyone can linger a little longer than usual. Think fluffy pancakes, fresh coffee, a side of bacon, and a window seat where you can watch the rain fall. It’s the kind of slow start that makes vacation feel like … vacation.

Suggestions:

• Garden Street Bistro – Cute as the dickens. Serves breakfast all day. Dine inside or outside under a covered patio (if it’s not raining too hard). Location: Downtown
• Magnolia’s Cafe – Comfort food with southern roots. Make it a fried chicken and waffle morning. Location: Central Island
• Marché Burette – A tasty restaurant and southern gourmet market. Enjoy your breakfast on the oversized covered deck. Location: South Island at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island

Step 2: Dive Into Island History

When the weather keeps you indoors, it’s the perfect time to explore Amelia Island’s storied past. And boy, do we have an interesting past. Everything from native Americans, pirates, bootleggers, and brave settlers will all come to life at our museums and Welcome Center. Amelia Island has seen it all.

Suggestions:

• Amelia Island Museum of History – There’s a “Discovery Ship” area for children to explore life as a pirate, a choice of docent or self-guided tours, and exhibits featuring treasures from Amelia Island’s last 4000 years. Location: Downtown
• A.L. Lewis Museum – Discover the unique story of Florida’s historic African-American beach (American Beach), founded during the Jim Crow era. Location: South Island, American Beach
• Amelia Island Welcome Center – Check out all eight flags that have flown over the island and learn the story of David Yulee, whose statue is in front.  Location: Downtown

Step 3: Get Creative Together

A rainy day is the ideal time to tap into your family’s creative side. Wander through local art galleries or pop into a studio where kids (and grown-ups) can create their very own Amelia Island souvenir.

Suggestions:

• Paisley Grace Makery – Get in touch with your inner artist with over 300 projects to choose from. Great fun for all ages! Location: Central Island
• Amelia Makery – A fun spot for ceramic, wood board, and canvas painting. Sign up for a workshop, or come in anytime for open painting. Location: Central Island
• Inkwell Art Bar – If your kids are over 21, Inkwell Art Bar features paint nights, live music, craft beer, wines, and a relaxed space to create and connect. Location: Central Island

Step 4: Sweeten the Day

Rain or not, no day is complete without a little treat. If you’re having a mid-afternoon craving for fudge, ice cream, candy, or freshly-baked goodies, turn it into a family mini “sweet crawl” and let each family member choose a favorite stop.

Suggestions:

• Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge – Watch fudge being made the old-fashioned way – using a copper kettle, and marble slab tables. Take some home with you! Location: Downtown
• DeNucci’s – Satisfy that sweet tooth with your choice of soft serve or hand-dipped ice cream, malts, floats, shakes, sundaes, and more. Location: Central Island
• Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop – Specializing in made-from-scratch cupcakes, cookies, pastries, pies, and macarons. Location: Downtown

Step 5: Indoor Sports

Keep the energy going with indoor activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

Suggestions:

• Duck Pinz – You’ve heard of miniature golf? This is miniature bowling and it’s way too much fun! Location: Downtown
• Golf Pub Social – A family-friendly pub with indoor golf simulators, corn hole, ping pong, live music, and other fun stuff. Location: Central Island

Step 6: Embrace the Outdoors… Anyway

If the rain is light, don’t be afraid to step outside for a damp kind of adventure. You’re not going to melt, and besides, a misty walk can feel kind of magical in the rain. Rain boots optional.

Suggestions:

• Fort Clinch State Park – A well-preserved Civil War era fort and beautiful natural surroundings, with daily tours, hiking, and beachcombing. Location: North Island
• Egans Creek Greenway – 300 acres of unspoiled nature offering a network of trails suitable for walking and bicycling. Location: Central Island
• Beaches – Don’t let a light rain keep you from the beach (as long as there is no lightening!). It’s when you can find the best shells!

Step 7: End with a Family Dinner

Wrap up your rainy day with a relaxed, family dinner. After a day of exploring, creating, and maybe getting a little wet, there’s nothing better than sitting down together to share a meal and recap the day’s events. You might just find that this rainy day was everyone’s favorite day!

Suggestions:

• Arte Pizza – Delicious Italian cuisine the whole family will love. Wood-fired pizzas, calzones, spaghetti, ravioli … you get the picture. Location: Downtown
• Salt Life Food Shack – Enjoy seafood, tacos, poke bowls, salads. They have a little bit of everything, all overlooking the ocean. Location: Main Beach
• Tasty’s – Looking for a good burger joint? This is it. Dine on chef-inspired burgers, hand-cut fries, and handspun milkshakes. Location: Downtown

Final suggestion: Look over our Activities Calendar to see all the fun things happening during your stay on Amelia Island.