May 31, 2023
Pictured above: Sunrise over American Beach
From boutique shops and eclectic dining to outdoor fun and spa services, take a look at what all the southern end of Amelia Island has to offer and then plan your day out. It’s as easy as ABC!
Sometimes life is all about being slow and methodical on top of a Stand Up Paddleboard and taking the world in via water. Paddling the creeks, rivers, and ocean surrounding Amelia Island is time in nature well spent. Let Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company hook you up and give you memories to last a lifetime.
Photo Credit: Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company
Bob’s Steak & Chop House is serving up prime steaks, big portions and stiff drinks! Located at the Shops of Omni Amelia Island, Bob’s is recognized as one of the country’s top steakhouses known for their house-made pickles, top quality beef and their signature glazed carrot. Don’t miss the chance to dine under the canopy of live oaks on the back patio.
If you’re looking for gorgeous one-of-a-kind home décor, don’t miss Cape House located in the Shops at Amelia Market. This lovely boutique empowers you to create inspiring experiences in your own home so your space is uniquely you. It doesn’t hurt that their staff is friendly and helpful. Start shopping for items to make your home a show place!
Photo credit: Cape House
Discover the beauty of Boneyard Beach just south of Amelia on Big Talbot Island and named for all of the whitewashed and bleached live oak “skeletons” scattered all along the beach. Athough the name sounds menacing, it’s a great place for walking, biking, proposals, family portraits and just plain sitting and taking it all in. We consider it one of north Florida’s best kept secrets — that is, until now.
Evelyne Talman is your one stop shop for ladies’ fashions and accessories featuring Mother-of-the-Bride, Mother-of-the-Groom, and all other social and special occasion couture. In addition, they also feature a unique collection of jewelry, handbags, and evening bags as well as a wonderful selection of sportswear and evening separates. Located in the Shops at Amelia Market.
Photo credit: Evelyne Talman Amelia Island
With 7,000 square feet of fascinating aviation memorabilia, HDTV’s, NFL Sunday Ticket, dining and lounge seating, Falcon’s Nest is the best place to “fly in” and watch your favorite team play while dining on the “best burger in town”. Start out with a Basket-O-Brussels or Spitfire Smoked Wings and sip on a frosty cold beverage. Life is good at The Falcon’s Nest! Located at Omni Amelia Island Resort.
Located just past Amelia Island State Park, this one-mile long pedestrian-only bridge spans the Nassau Sound and connects Nassau County to Duval County. Named for a local Florida state representative and supporter of the Florida State Park system, George Crady Fishing Pier State Park is a favorite fishing spot bringing in a variety of fish including whiting, jack, drum and tarpon.
Get ready to check an item off your bucket list. Amelia Island horseback tours are well-known and always listed as one of the top things to do while visiting Amelia Island. Take an unforgettable ride along the beautiful Atlantic shoreline on a horse that has been personalized to your level. Call Happy Trails Walking Horses and saddle up for a tour of the beach like you’ve only dreamed about.
Photo credit: Happy Trails Walking Horses
Bring the outside in with beautiful cut flowers from Island Flower & Garden. Adding a professional and personal touch to all their gorgeous floral creations, Island Flower & Garden never disappoints with amazing service and uniquely stunning arrangements. This family-owned business ensures that everything from the flowers to the delivery is done with love.
J McLaughlin is a high end clothing store located in the Shops at Amelia Market. They stock classic fashions for men and women, plus accessories such as belts and bags. With exemplary customer service skills, the staff of this beautiful store have a definite knack for creating the most fashionable ensembles. Check them out and start dressing as snappy as you feel.
Kayak Amelia has been offering eco-tours and rentals in northeast Florida for over 25 years. Their tours give kayakers the chance to come face to face with many species of the animal kingdom including pelicans, egrets, herons, and other migrating birds as well as dolphins, manatees, otters, rays, and more sea life. All tours start with a short paddle instruction on land and then off you go!
Photo credit: Kayak Amelia
Channel your inner Creole at Lagniappe where the traditions of the French Creole are combined with Southern culinary staples for a truly unique and delicious dining experience. Should you wish to elevate your experience by imbibing on one of the many cocktails on the menu, you’ll choose from a range of both classic and new wave cocktails inspired by the eclectic spirit of the South.
If it’s kids apparel you’re looking for, head into The Monkey Barrelwhere you can find clothing, accessories, gifts and toys rarely found anywhere else. With brands that include Feltman Brothers, Bailey Boys, Kissy Kissy, Johnny-O, Melissa & Doug and much more, The Monkey Barrel will have your kids looking just right for the beach, playground, church, wedding or any occasion!
Photo credit: The Monkey Barrel
The tallest dune in Florida can be found at American Beach and was dubbed “NaNa” by MaVynne Betsch, better known as “The Beach Lady”. Betsch spent much of her adult life educating the public on the environmental importance of American Beach and her conservation efforts to protect NaNa resulted in acquiring nearly ten acres as a national park now located in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Visit the A. L. Lewis Museum to learn more about American Beach.
Oak Marsh golf course at Omni Amelia Island Resort is always included in Golf Digest’s prestigious list of the “Top 75 Resort Courses in the U.S”. It’s a classic Pete Dye course with tight fairways, bulkheaded, and seemingly tiny greens following serpentine salt marsh creeks and under moss-laden live oak trees. It certainly lives up to its name with stunning beauty all around. If golf is your game, you’re going to want to play Oak Marsh.
The Plantation Shop at Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, has been decorating homes for over 40 years with unique collections of English and French antiques, new furniture, home accessories, and gifts. Even with ever-changing inventory, The Plantation Shop’s merchandise remains elegantly casual, well crafted and full of charm. Please check out all of the shops and restaurants in this lovely shopping village.
Photo credit: The Plantation Shop
The Queen Bee is a cute little boutique located in the even cuter Shops of Omni Amelia Island Resort. Set in a quaint pedestrian and pet-friendly shopping village, The Queen Bee offers ladies’ apparel, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and hand bags — for all ages! Shop some and then grab a bite to eat at Marche Burette. A win win!
Amelia River Golf Club, designed by Tom Jackson, is renowned as one of the best conditioned courses in the area. Smooth TifEagle greens, sculpted around a forest of majestic live oaks, sabal palms, southern pines and wax myrtles make it as beautiful to play as it is challenging. End your round with a stunning view of the Amelia River on the 18th and then head into the clubhouse for a round of drinks to talk about it all!
For a culinary experience like no other, make plans to attend the Salt Chef Theatre. Held in the gorgeous Salt dining room, the Chefs at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island are presenting monthly cooking demonstrations preparing and cooking a variety of cuisines. After each demonstration, students will dine with a matched wine and then return to the set for the next dish. The final demonstration is by the pastry chefs.
Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Tidewater Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, offers a relaxed atmosphere with nautical decor and is exactly what you’re looking for at the beach. Try their signature Low Country Shrimp Boil served with a half-pound of Mayport shrimp, potatoes, andouille sausage and corn. You won’t leave hungry! Serving dinner nightly and lunch on Saturdays only.
Set on the southernmost tip of Amelia Island, the views from Amelia Island State Park are nothing short of spectacular. This park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness with beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests. It’s one of the few locations on the east coast that offers horseback riding on the beach and riding tours along the shoreline (see Happy Trails Walking Horses).
The Verandah, located at Omni Amelia Island Resort, serves up house made pasta and seafood with a coastal Mediterranean influence delivering the flavors of the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring farmers directly to your plate. In addition to delicious fare, they also offer an extensive wine list and yummy drink concoctions. Diners get all of this in a relaxing setting overlooking the gorgeous live oaks of Racquet Park.
Waterwheel Cigaris not only a place to purchase the highest quality cigars, but also a place to relax and unwind with good friends, friendly staff, and top shelf beverages. With over 1,500 square feet and over 500 facings of cigars, Waterwheel Cigar offers comfortable seating on leather sofas and large flat panel TV’s to kick back and soak it all in.
Photo credit: Waterwheel Cigar
Both The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (pictured above) and the Omni Amelia Island Resort are award-winning resorts that have been providing island guests with the highest level of customer service for years. Both know the meaning of excellence and strive to make every guest feel special. Whether it’s a wedding, conference, vacation, or family reunion, a stay at either of these resorts will result in beloved Amelia Island memories to last a lifetime.
The south end of Amelia Island has a myriad of delicious dining options that will make your mouth water. For a breakfast that’s hard to beat, try Bantam & Biddy where breakfast is served all day every day. Think Chicken & Waffles. Lunch at KP’s Restaurant is always good with a diverse menu of unique entrees. Think Swahili Wings. Dinner at Bar Zin is a fun, relaxed, upbeat indoor/outdoor atmosphere with creative, fresh, American bistro cuisine. Think Braised Short Rib. So many choices. So little time.
Photo credit: Bar Zin
Get into a zen-like state when you indulge in one of two world-class resort spas. A day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island will have you feeling beautiful and relaxed after an Age-defying Facial followed by the signature Heaven in a Hammock massage, while The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Resort (pictured above) takes bliss to a whole new level with an Aromatherapy Massage and Custom Cleansing Facial. Maybe visit them both!
And there you have it. The A, B, C’s of the south end of Ameila Island! Book your stay with us soon.
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