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.

Explore a Museum

Hear all about Amelia Island’s storied past at one of three museums. The Amelia Island Museum of History (pictured above), 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.

Visit a Spa

Book an afternoon spa visit for relaxing down time. Visit The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Resort (pictured above) where “clean & green” therapies and treatments include massage, peels & wraps, and signature scrubs in a peaceful environment. Escape to the rejuvenating solitude of 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.

Crack a Book Open

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 (pictured above) has an eclectic variety of books as well as local art, greeting cards & stationery, weekly events and a delicious bistro serving brunch and lunch.

Get Artsy

Amelia Island is home to two prominent local theater organizations that host year round shows. Founded in 1981, Amelia Community Theatre (pictured above) 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. Julie Delfs Gallery offers Epoxy-Resin class where various paints are mixed into glass-like resin-epoxy and then swirled onto a 12″ x 12″ wooden board that you can take home after 24 hours of drying time. 

Make an Escape

Plan your indoor escape at Amelia Island Escape Rooms where you and your group will assemble in a themed room and have one hour to complete your mission and “escape” the room. With 5 rooms to choose from, a successful escape requires your team to find hidden clues and solve challenging puzzles throughout the room. Communication is a must! Try to complete the task within the set time frame or ask for some clues to help you along. This is great option to keep your older teenagers entertained. They will love it!

If none of this strikes your fancy, look over our Calendar of Events to see all the fun things happening during your stay on Amelia Island.