03/18/2024
26 GREAT THINGS TO DO ON AMELIA -- A to Z
A- Artrageous Artwalk 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.
B- Boneyard Beach 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.
C- Cruisin’ Tikis 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.
D- Duck Pinz 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!
E- España 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.
F- Fort Clinch State Park 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.
G- Golf Amelia Island is a true golfer’s paradise. You can also just enjoy the putt putt courses downtown, Main Beach or on Sadler Road.
H- Horseback Riding on the Beach 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 or Happy Trails Walking Horses.
I- Island Time Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 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.
J- Jam to some Live Music Head out to the Green Turtle, Pajama Dave’s, The Palace Saloon, The Boathouse, Sliders on the Beach and several more watering holes and catch some live local music most days!
K- Kayaking 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. Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
L- Little Talbot Island State Park 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.
M- Museums 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.
N- Nature Center 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.
O- Okefenokee Swamp 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.
P- Picnicking 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!
Q- Quaint and Quirky 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!
R- River Cruises 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.
S- Shark Tooth Hunting 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.
T- T-Ray’s Burger Station 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 (BEST GRITS AROUND!!) and lunch menu is so yummy!
U- The Down Under Restaurant 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 yummy seafood entrees!
V- Visitor’s Center 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!
W- Windward Sailing 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.
X- Xtreme Sports 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.
Y- Yoga 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.
Z- Jacksonville Zoo 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.
