The beaches may be what brings visitors to this area, but just beyond Amelia Island lies another side of Nassau County — farmland, forests, wildlife encounters, hometown restaurants, and hidden gems just waiting to be explored.

These easy day trips let you experience the countryside without venturing far from the coast.

Yulee

Nature, Wildlife & Local Flavor

Things to Do

• White Oak Conservation
  One of North America’s leading wildlife conservation centers, offering unforgettable behind-the-scenes tours where guests can see giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, okapi, and other rare species.
• Amelia Shotgun Sports
  Try your hand at sporting clays on a beautifully designed course surrounded by North Florida’s natural landscape.
• The Blueberry Ranch
  Pick your own blueberries during the spring harvest and enjoy a classic Florida farm experience.

Where to Eat

• Bohemian Bull – burgers, craft beer and a lively patio
• Olive Cove Italian Kitchen – homemade Italian favorites
• Don Patron Grill & Cantina – Mexican specialties and margaritas

Callahan

Vineyards, Fairs & Southern Comfort

Things to Do

• The Winery at Tuscan Rose Vineyards
  Sip estate-grown muscadine wines, stroll through the vineyard, enjoy live music, or attend one of the winery’s seasonal events. 
• Four Creeks State Forest
  Explore miles of hiking, horseback riding, birding, paddling, and wildlife viewing in one of Northeast Florida’s most scenic natural areas.
• Northeast Florida Fair
  Experience a family-friendly fair, held every year in October, featuring thrill rides, farm animals, games, funnel cakes, candied apples, and all the things that a fair should be.

Where to Eat

• Callahan Barbecue – fried chicken, barbecue, banana pudding, and Southern favorites
• Junior’s Seafood – locally loved seafood, fried shrimp, and fish
• Gracie’s Kountry Kitchen – meatloaf, fried fish, and hearty Southern comfort food

Hilliard

Family Fun & Small-Town Charm

Things to Do

• Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres Farm
  Spend a day on the farm! A favorite spring (sunflowers) and fall (pumpkins) destination featuring corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, farm animals, halloween spooktacular, and family activities.

Where to Eat

• R & R Cafe – wings, seafood, and casual favorites
• Steamboat Lilly’s – classic country breakfasts and homestyle lunches
• Five.5 Grille – burgers, sandwiches, ice cream, and American comfort food