BeachesItinerary
Welcome to Amelia Island, Florida's hidden gem where your perfect beach day begins with sunrise over the Atlantic and ends with a golden sunset at the harbor. Whether you're craving surf, sun, seafood, or a little bit of all three, this full-day itinerary has everything you need for an unforgettable day at the beach.
We highly recommend spending at least one night so you can get the most out of your “day at the beach”.
The Seaside Amelia Inn is a charming boutique hotel located right at Main Beach. It’s ideal for sunrise lovers with direct beach access and complimentary breakfast. It’s also just a hop, skip, and a jump from Fort Clinch State Park and historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
There’s nothing like seeing the sun pop over the horizon over the ocean. It’s a peaceful, soul-searching event and something everyone should see at least once. Just get out of bed and do it!
Afterwards, head downtown to Amelia Island Coffee for a real cup of coffee, espresso, or latte (you know the hotel stuff isn’t as good), along with some avocado toast, a homemade pastry, or a breakfast bowl.
This is the way to get your beach day started!
Get active or get comfy – your call.
Learn to ride the waves with friendly, beginner-focused surf lessons from Amelia Surf Co. or Surf Asylum. They’ll have you hanging ten in no time.
Visit The Beach Store & More for everything you need for a day on the sand: umbrellas, chairs, bikes, boogie boards, and beach games. You can also stock up on sunscreen, beachwear, and fun local souvenirs.
Surf’s up!
When the sun’s high and your stomach’s growling, head to one of these island favorites for great food and spectacular views of the ocean.
Located smack on Main Beach with breezy ocean views, classic seafood dishes, burgers, brews, and tropical drinks, Sandbar Amelia Island will satisfy every craving and then some. Plus, you can sit with your toes in the sand.
Salt Life Food Shack is also at Main Beach and offers Island-style fare like poke bowls, fried shrimp, fish tacos, burgers, sushi rolls, and beachy cocktails. Chill vibes included. Sit upstairs on the ocean view deck and soak it all in.
Choose your afternoon vibe.
Take a guided tour on a paddleboard or kayak and cruise the Amelia Island coastline or local salt marshes with one of our top-notch kayak/paddleboard companies.
Visit Fort Clinch State Park for: walks on shaded nature trails, Civil War-era history, or shark tooth hunting and coastal views along the beaches.
Or… just return to your beach chair, book in hand, and listen to the sound of seagulls and the surf. It’s your beach day out, after all.
Before the sun sets, cool off with something sweet and maybe a little shopping downtown.
Fantastic Fudge is a family favorite and is the place to be for hand-paddled fudge and homemade ice cream. Take your cone outside and take in the downtown sights.
Other delicious downtown sweet spots are The Cinnamon Bear, Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop, and Island Time Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt.
Pick up the latest in fashions, gifts, and home goods at Twisted Sisters or one-of-a-kind jewelry at Lindy’s. The shopping downtown is eclectic and fun with everything from breezy beachwear and  books to handmade island gifts and the latest in kids toys.
It’s been a great day. No reason for it to end just yet! Head to the Salty Pelican Bar & Grill for a delicious dinner and sunset for the perfect end to this perfect beach day. Ask for a seat upstairs and and dine on a dozen oysters, crab cakes, burgers, or their famous tuna nachos. Watch boats bob in the harbor as the sky slowly begin to glow amber and pink.
From early-morning surf to evening sips by the docks, Amelia Island delivers your dream beach day from start to finish. Just bring your flip-flops, a beach towel, and your favorite people.
We’ll see you on the sand!
These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your amazing Day on the Beach! If you can’t get away in the summertime, no worries. It just means that you’ll have more of the beach to yourself in the fall and winter. Discover more and plan you perfect trip on WWW.AMELIAISLAND.COM for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play.