May 23, 2025
If you’re dodging a rain shower or have had your share of sun for the day, take a look at these family-friendly treasures to discover indoors and on dry land.
Hear all about Amelia Island’s storied past at one of three museums. The Amelia Island Museum of History, Florida’s first spoken history museum, tells the fascinating history of Amelia Island in a docent-led tour where folks can learn about the 8 flags that have flown over the island, the pirates that roamed our shores, and the gilded-age millionaires that worked and lived here. Visit the A.L. Lewis Museum located on the south end of the island and gain knowledge of historic American Beach and how it was founded in 1935 by Afro-American Life Insurance Company President, A. L. Lewis in defiance of segregation and the prevailing Jim Crow laws of that era. If old school pinball was your game, go vintage at the Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum and play more than 20 classic machines.
Bonus: Stop in the Welcome Center, located in the historic train depot at the foot of Centre Street, where friendly Amelia Island Ambassadors are on hand to help you make the most of your Amelia Island vacation and answer any questions you may have.
Book an afternoon spa visit for relaxing down time. Visit The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Resort where “clean & green” therapies and treatments include massage, peels & wraps, and signature scrubs in a peaceful environment. Escape to the rejuvenating solitude of the newly renovated The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island for a variety of massages, facials, Chakra balancing, reflexology, and meditation along with a healing saltwater pool. London Medical Spa provides anti-aging treatments such as Botox and Juvederm, laser procedures, wrinkle reducers chemical peels, and more while L. Moore Aesthetics offers a variety of facials, brow beautification and professional skin care services. For more information on health and lifestyle transformations, visit our Spa and Wellness travel guide. I’m relaxing just thinking about it.
There’s nothing better on a rainy day than curling up with your favorite book. If you left yours at home or just want a new read, the Fernandina Beach Branch Library located in downtown Fernandina Beach, has a children’s room complete with computers, plush toys, reading nooks, and ongoing story time and other activities. If you are not a resident of the state of Florida, you may obtain a borrowers card for your family by paying a minimal fee. Or, find the perfect book at one of the island’s two independent book shops. Set in a Victorian building in historic downtown, The Book Loft offers two floors of fiction and non-fiction for all ages, including over 1500 rare/signed, large collection of pirate books, and Florida/Georgia historic section. Story & Song Bookstore Bistro has an eclectic variety of books as well as local art, greeting cards & stationery, weekly events and a delicious bistro serving brunch and lunch.
Amelia Island is home to two prominent local theater organizations that host year round shows. Founded in 1981, Amelia Community Theatre provides six productions each season on its main stage, plus other shows and events on their studio stage while Amelia Musical Playhouse stages a variety of musicals, plays and revues throughout the year. Spend your afternoon or evening taking in a show! Or, find your inner artist at Paisley Grace Makery, a DIY art studio with over 750 projects to choose from. Whether it’s epoxy pour, paint pour, free paint, or a charcuterie workshop, Paisley Grace will guide you through the steps of creating an artistic memory. Simalarly, Amelia Makery features walk-in ceramic painting and glass art sessions for individuals and groups to unleash their creativity through classes, special workshops, and engaging events.
You’ve heard of miniature golf but have you ever heard of miniature bowling? Duck Pinz is located downtown and it’s way too much fun. The duck pinz balls are smaller with no holes and the lanes and pins are shorter. There’s also a craft cocktail and bourbon bar upstairs overlooking the alley’s! Grab your gang and plan an indoor adventure at Amelia Island Escape Rooms, where your team has one hour to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape one of five themed rooms. Or, check out the latest island craze, Golf Pub Social. This family-friendly pub offers great food, local brews, and three Trackman-powered indoor golf simulators. Play over 400 courses for all skill levels, and relax on the turfed covered patio with live music, corn hole, ping pong, and other fun games. The menu is crafted by local favorite Chef Jamie Caudill, with plenty of TVs to catch the game.
If none of this strikes your fancy, look over our Activities Calendar to see all the fun things happening during your stay on Amelia Island.
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