Amelia Island is loaded with enough adventures to constantly occupy your time. But, why not extend your stay and enjoy a few side trips that are but a mere hop, skip and a jump away? You’ll still be back in time for that amazing sunset walk on the beach. Here are 13 off-island experiences ranging in everything from exhilarating sporting events and animals in the wild to Jacksonville’s most visited museum and a brewery experience. We’ve got it all going on in northeast Florida.

GET INTO THE WILD 

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
With more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals, 1,000 plant species and many special attractions, there’s always something new to see and do at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The family-favorite Halloween Spooktacular is back in October with haunts around every corner. Get your tickets now!

Okefenokee Swamp Park and Adventures
Have you ever been curious about what pioneer life was like back when our country first began? Take a tour of the nearly half a million acres of vast wilderness of islands, lakes, jungles, forest and prairies located within the Okenfenokee Swamp and you’ll get an idea. Book your adventure and see wildlife up close and personal in their own habitat, along with the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Jacksonville Jaguars football team is often referred to as “The Big Cats”. However, Catty Shack Ranch is truly where the big cats live. Take a walk on the wild side at the #1 attraction in Jacksonville, according to TripAdvisor, where current residents include tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynx, foxes, and more.

Conner’s A-maize-ing Acres
Load up the family and head out to the country for a fun-filled day on the farm. Visit with the barnyard animals, take a wagon ride, play on the playground, tour the pumpkin patch, and get lost in the 8 1/2 acre corn field maze. It’s a day of good old-fashioned family fun.

SCREAM FOR YOUR TEAM

Jacksonville Jaguars
Duuuuuval! Based at TIAA Bank Field, the Jacksonville Jaguars are an AFC team in the National Football League that have been around since 1993. The excitement of watching an NFL game in person is second to none and is a great day out for everyone. Get on your teal, black and gold gear, grab some pom poms and help us cheer on our Jaguars! If for no other reason than we really could use all the help we can get.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
“Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd”. Who doesn’t like baseball? It’s as American as hot dogs and apple pie. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are a minor league baseball team that play out of Financial Ballpark. For a fun and affordable family night out, there’s nothing better than eating peanuts (and crackerjacks), hearing the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd. Let’s play ball!

Jacksonville Icemen
Another affordable and exciting family night out is at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena when the Jacksonville Icemen take to the ice. Now in their 4th year in Jacksonville, this minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL plays to many a sold out crowd. Encouraging fan participation, the team’s mascot, Fang, will entertain the crowds with tee shirts, prizes and photo ops.

Georgia Vs. Florida Football Game
It’s almost time for one of Amelia Island’s most fun-filled weekends, the annual Georgia/Florida football weekend where Gator chomps and Bulldog woofs are commonly seen and heard. The big game is held at TIAA Bank Field in October, just 30 miles from Amelia Island and folks get there at sun-up to start the festivities. Not only is it one of the SEC’s most legendary match up’s, but it’s also called the “World’s Largest Cocktail Party”. It’s a good time.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Ring in the New Year while enjoying championship level football at TIAA Bank Field. Each year the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl brings two of the best teams in college football for an epic match-up in the Sunshine State. It’s an opportunity to pair up game day excitement with great north Florida weather.

CELEBRATE ARTS & CULTURE 

Museum of Science & History
The Museum of Science & History, or MOSH, is the most visited museum in Jacksonville. Located on the Southbank Riverwalk, MOSH specializes in interactive science and local history exhibits for all ages. Indulge your imagination with a live animal show, or explore distant galaxies in one of their planetarium programs. There’s always something to peak your interest on one of the three levels of exhibits.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida. The Cummer was established in 1958, when art collector, garden enthusiast, and civic leader Ninah M.H. Cummer bequeathed her art collection and riverfront home to create a museum.

Jacksonville Ale Trail
Jacksonville is an up-and-coming craft beer town, so jump on the Jax Ale Trail and get a taste of the awesome craft breweries along the way. Grab an Ale Trail passport at the first brewery you visit which serves as your trail guide for the rest. Have a drink at each brewery, get your passport stamped, and receive cool gear after so many breweries are visited.

Stay here. Play there.