August 19, 2022
The beauty of an Amelia Island vacation is you can easily do as much or as little as you want. Relax with a book on the beach all day or sightsee til your heart’s content. Whichever way you go, we’ve taken the stress out of the decision making for you by alphabetically listing 26 things to see and do on and around Amelia Island. Just go down the list and get busy … or not.
This island is loaded with great artists and an artsy atmosphere so a great way to soak it all in is during the monthly Artrageous Artwalk, held downtown on the second Saturday of each month from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Visit participating galleries and peruse the various types of art, enjoy refreshments, and meet the artists.
Boneyard Beach is just over the south end bridge on Big Talbot Island and appropriately gets it’s name from all of the whitewashed and bleached live oak “skeletons” scattered all along the beach. Athough the name sounds menacing, it’s one of the most visited and photographed areas around Amelia Island.
Step onto the coolest floating tiki bar you’ve ever seen complete with your own licensed captain, ice filled cooler, fresh water sink and a jammin Bluetooth sound system. Crusin Tikis mission statement is “We build boats that put smiles on people’s faces… one cruise at a time!” We couldn’t agree more.
Visit the latest craze in downtown Fernandina Beach. ​Duck Pinz is like bowling but miniature. In addition to bowling, there’s a craft cocktail and bourbon bar upstairs. Folks are loving this fun new addition to the downtown scene!
Specializing in traditional flavors from Spain and Portugal, España features just-caught local seafood, an array of hot and cold tapas and their traditional paella, which is to die for. Dine inside in the cozy main dining room or outside on the enclosed patio overlooking the garden.
A trip to Amelia Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Fort Clinch State Park. Set on 1,400 acres, this park is home to historic Fort Clinch, one of the most perfectly preserved Civil War forts in the United States. In addition to the fort’s daily tours, folks can also enjoy biking and hiking trails, beachcombing, birding, swimming, surf fishing, and two campgrounds.
With 99 challenging golf holes, Amelia Island is a true golfer’s paradise. Choose from golf packages with accommodations ranging from quiet B&B’s to luxury resorts to oceanfront hotels. If it’s perfecting your game you want (don’t we all), take an individual or group lesson with one of the pros.
Amelia Island horseback tours are always listed as one of the top things to do while visiting Amelia island. Take an unforgettable ride along the beach on a horse that has been personalized to the level of the rider. Go ahead and check that one off your bucket list! Amelia Island Horseback Riding, Kelly Seahorse Ranch, or Happy Trails Walking Horses.
Island Time Froyo offers everything to make a guest feel happy. It’s hard to have a bad day when there’s ice cream, homemade doughnuts, cookies and freshly baked bread involved. Get them to go or take a load off and hang out on their back patio with a refreshing beer. Yep, they have that, too.
Located in a restored 1900’s home, Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro has been serving up delicious local seafood and beef since 1998. If seafood and steaks aren’t your thing, they also have Joe’s specialty gumbo, a variety of salads, and yummy pasta dishes. Dine al fresco in the courtyard or in the main dining room.
There’s nothing better than a day, or twilight, paddle on the water to explore the back waters, rivers and creeks surrounding Amelia Island. Lucky for you, we have many kayak excursions to choose from so pick one and get out in nature to witness marine life, wild life, flora and fauna like you’ve never seen it before. Photo Credit: Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
With more than five miles of pristine beach, Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes, undisturbed salt marshes, and a variety of wildlife allow for hours of nature study and relaxation.​ This an outdoor lover’s dream! Located just off the south end of Amelia Island.
The Amelia Island Museum Of History shows and tells the fascinating history of Amelia Island in docent-led tours, while the A.L. Lewis Museum gives a glimpse of the lives of African Americans who lived and played at American Beach during the Jim Crow era. Other island museums feature everything from pinball to shrimp. Check out all of our unique museums.
Your one stop shop for all things nature. Sign up for a nature tour, rent a fishing pole, purchase some binoculars, or visit with their local rescued critters. Whatever it is, the Nature Center at Omni Amelia Island Resort has you covered for a day in the wild.
Have you ever been curious about what pioneer life was like back when our country first began? Take a tour of the vast wilderness of islands, lakes, jungles, forest and prairies located within the Okenfenokee Swamp and you’ll get an idea. Spend a day at Okefenokee Adventures in Folkston, Georgia (about an hour away) or Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, Georgia (about 1 1/2 hours away) where getting back to nature is an understatement. Photo Credit: Okefenokee Swamp
On sunny Florida days (especially in the spring) there’s nothing better than a good picnic. A little bit of wine or champagne, some cheese & crackers, maybe a sandwich or charcuterie, all with your special someone. Sounds like a lovely day to me and Luxe Picnics by Les or Eleve Events are ready to handle everything for you and take care of cleanup, too!
Two words that are often used to describe Amelia Island and downtown Fernandina Beach. Quaint – like our laid back southern ways and preserved historic architecture of days gone by. Quirky – like the way we celebrate shrimp and pirates on an annual basis. Arrrgh!
Amelia River Cruises is highly recommended with a storytelling captain that provides narrated, historic and wildlife sightseeing tours with views of dolphins, manatees, sea otters, alligators, and the wild horses of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Later in the afternoon, pick up your favorite beverage for an adult BYOB sunset river cruise with live local musicians on board.
The hunt for shark teeth on the shores of Amelia Island is a fun year-round beach activity and you can either go it alone or let Amelia Island Shark Tooth Adventures guide you. You may find the teeth of a Great White, Hammerhead, Tiger (shark), and other species. Search along the high- or low-tide line for the best results.
A local favorite located in a former gas station, T-Ray’s Burger Station was named one of USA Today’s 51 Best Burger Joints in the US. The breakfast and lunch menu is simplistic, eclectic and oh so good with everything from a kitchen sink omelette to a fried bologna sandwich to the burgers that folks can’t get enough of. Yummm.
Way back in the early 80’s, an old fish camp was remodeled into a restaurant down under the Shave bridge. The Down Under is an iconic southern seafood restaurant with entrees like oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes, spicy fried local shrimp, honey glazed salmon or their signaure grouper monterey. Are you hungry yet?
Located in the old train depot at the foot of Centre Street, the Amelia Island Visitor’s Center is where your family vacation begins and where you can see and learn about all eight flags that Amelia Island has flown under since 1562! Speak to the helpful staff, grab some free brochures and a Visitor Guide and off you go!
A carefree sail where the wind gently propels you through the water is relaxation at a whole new level. Windward Sailing takes you on a completely customized excursion – and, since their seasoned Captains are also sailing educators who teach certification courses, they will also let you try your hand at the wheel if you feel so inspired.
I know it seems like we’re all about getting relaxed and back to nature here but don’t be fooled. We also have a wild side. From skydiving and surfing to Segways and Slingshots, take a look at some of the more extreme ways to feel the wind in your hair.
Nourish your spiritual soul and bring harmony between mind and body in one of the many yoga classes on Amelia Island. Whether it’s gentle flow, yoga nidra, ashtanga, restorative, or vinyasa, try a class at a yoga studio or maybe some more unexpected places. Ohhhm. Photo Credit: Amelia Island Williams House
For a family adventure like no other, escape to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens where you can interact with people, wildlife and the environment all in one fell swoop. This multiple award-winning zoo has the only walking safari in northeast Florida and is constantly adding new exhibits and educational experiences for young and old to enjoy.
And there you have it. The A, B, C’s of Amelia Island. Book your stay with us soon.
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