12 Things to Do in Amelia Island, Florida

The Sunshine State has 663 miles of beautiful beaches, and Amelia Island has 13 miles of beaches that are among the most peaceful and uncrowded in Florida.

I’ve lived in Florida all of my life, and I’ve visited plenty of beaches in all of those years (I won’t say how many years!). There are not too many beaches in Florida that are not spectacular, but Amelia Island’s beaches are tranquil and some of the prettiest in the state.

Of course, there’s more to Amelia Island than its soft sand beaches… there’s historic sites, great festivals, challenging golf courses, nature, and world class spas.

Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island is a barrier island on Florida’s east coast, 40 minutes north of Jacksonville. It was named for Princess Amelia, who was the daughter of George II of Great Britain. The island changed hands of power several times over the years. In fact, 8 flags have flown over this island, including French, Spanish, British, US, Mexican, Confederate, Patriot, and Green Cross.

What’s the Difference Between Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach?

The names Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach are used pretty interchangeably in Florida. Let me clear up some confusion… Amelia Island is the name of the entire island, while Fernandina Beach is the name of the historic downtown district on the island.

Things to See and Do

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

See the Fernandina historic district on a 30 minute ride with Old Town Carriage Company. You can find the carriages lined up along the waterfront. The ride costs around $15 per adult and $7 for kids. If you’re planning on visiting from November through April, the horses will be resting and no rides will be available.

Find Tranquility on a Beach

There are over 40 access points to the beaches of Amelia Island, so no matter where you’re staying you’ll be able to get to the beach. These beaches are quiet and uncrowded, and the water temperature is pretty near perfect all the time.

Many of the beaches here are dog friendly, but that doesn’t mean your dog can run wild. Keep them on a leash and clean up after them… there’s nothing worse than dog poop squishing between your toes on the beach!

You’re also welcome to bring along a cooler of food and your favorite beverage, as long as that beverage is not alcohol and not in a glass bottle.

If you head to Main Beach, you won’t have to bring anything but your sunscreen and towels. Main Beach has restrooms, showers, a playground, BBQ facilities, mini golf, a skate park, and a couple of restaurants!

Turtle Nesting Season

In the summer, be aware of the turtle nests on the beach. These will be roped off so you can’t step on them, but please watch where you walk. If you’d like to observe them nesting or hatching, check with the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch volunteers.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

A few years ago, we went to the Outer Banks just so we could see all of the horses running wild on the beach. Since then I’ve wanted to saddle up and ride a horse on the beach. Well, we did! But, we went all the way to Jamaica for this! There’s no need to go that far! You can ride horses on the beaches right here in Amelia Island. Book your ride here with Amelia Island Horseback Riding.

Kayak or Stand-Up Paddle

Take a guided barrier island tour on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board, or just rent your choice of water vehicle and journey out on your own. The tides vary quite a bit on this island, so make sure to check the schedule of tides for Amelia Island here before heading out.

Biking

There are lots of biking trails on the island with gorgeous views and plenty of wildlife to photograph. You’ll probably see your fill of alligators, cranes and lizards, and you may even catch a glimpse of a deer or dolphin. Download a map of biking trails here.

Play Golf

Golfers have lots of choices when it comes to golf courses on Amelia Island. As you probably know, Michael loves to play golf in pretty much every city we visit, and I love to ride along for the scenery. The courses in Amelia Island are stunning! See all of the courses in the area here .

Mini Golf

Not into playing 3 hours of golf? Well, there’s something you’ll see quite a few of on Amelia Island… mini golf courses, complete with waterfalls, bridges and tunnels. Some of them are challenging, and some very easy… but they’re all a great deal of fun.

The Spa at The Omni

Ladies, while your man is playing golf, go get yourself a facial or massage at The Spa at the Omni Amelia Island Resort.

State Parks

Amelia Island has several incredible State Parks full of natural beauty, wildlife, and plenty of activities. One of our favorites for a hike or bike is Fort Clinch State Park.

Fort Clinch State Park

As soon as you begin your drive into the Fort Clinch State Park, you’ll immediately be happy you came. The 3 miles of road into the park, with canopies of Spanish moss filled live oak trees and marshy viewpoints along the way is a beautiful drive. And then you arrive at the unexpected… an actual 19th century fort sitting on a beautiful white sand beach!

The Fort

Whether you love historical sites or your love of nature brings you here, you’re going to love Fort Clinch.

Fort Clinch was first fortified by the Spanish in 1736, but it was not named Fort Clinch until 1847, after the end of the Second Seminole War. In 1935, the State bought 256 acres, including the then-abandoned fort. The Park opened in 1938, and the Fort is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the Fort you can get a glimpse of how the living and sleeping quarters were set up in the old days, and rangers hold reenactments of military life from 8am until sundown each day of the year. But, the best part of this fort is not what’s inside… it’s what is surrounding it! All along the waterfront are cannons lined up, and the views from this area are phenomenal! You can see all the way across the River and into Georgia from the Fort.

The fort is open from 8am until 5pm every day of the year. Entrance fees are $6 per vehicle, and you can pay online . Guided tours, although currently unavailable due to Covid, are given by park rangers and can be arranged on their website .

Stroll Through Fernandina Beach Historic District

Don’t miss a stroll through or guided walking tour of the quaint Fernandina Beach’s historic district. If you love architecture, you’ll love this district! The historic Victorian style homes in this area have so much charm that you’ll truly feel as if you’ve gone back in time.

Pop into the Amelia Island Museum, which used to be the jail. You’ll get a look at the lives of Native Americans, pirates and the Spaniards who once lived on the island. Or visit the Fernandina Beach Shrimping Museum and Welcome Center to learn about the island’s maritime history.

After your walk through town, you’ll want to have a cold drink. Stop in at The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar! It was built as a haberdashery in 1878, but it was bought in 1903 and turned into a bar. Find out more about the Saloon’s interesting history here .

Have Fresh Fish at The Salty Pelican

Delicious high-quality food, including the freshest of fish, can be enjoyed with harbor views and perfect sunsets at The Salty Pelican. Try the Shrimp Po’Boy… pure scrumptiousness! They have a fantastic Sunday Brunch with bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary specials.

Marlin & Barrel Distillery

Spend an hour at the end of your day tasting some locally produced spirits at Marlin & Barrel Distillery at 232 S 8th St in Fernandina Beach. Take a quick tour and get free tastings of vodka, rum, whiskey and expertly crafted cocktails. Ask for Noel for an entertaining afternoon, and definitely try the espresso rum and the blueberry vodka… yum! Open every day, but Tuesday, until 4pm, and till 5:30 on Friday and Saturday.

Top Tours for Amelia Island

See all Viator tours for Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach, including the Jacksonville area.

Annual Festivals and Events

Plan a trip around one of Amelia Island’s annual festivals and events. There’s one in May you just may not want to miss. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is their biggest event of the year.

Where to Stay

Hoyt Bed & Breakfast

The Hoyt Bed & Breakfast is smack dab in the center of the historic district. It’s an adults only Inn with gourmet breakfasts, a pool and hot tub. Each reservation comes with bikes for your use, off street parking and a complimentary cocktail hour.

Residence Inn Amelia Island

For something a little less expensive and closer to the beaches, the Residence Inn Amelia Island is a great option. The rooms are large studios, one bedroom and two bedroom suites with free wifi and full kitchens. This hotel also has a free shuttle that will take you anywhere you need to go, or pick you up from wherever you are. Full breakfasts are included, and we love hanging out by the fire pit on the cool fall evenings, and it’s just a couple of blocks from the beach!

Other Accommodations

For all other lodging in Amelia Island, including hotels, B&B’s and rental properties, go to Booking.com.

Best Time to Visit

I will always tell you not to come to Florida in the Summer… it’s just too damned hot! Plus, you have to worry about hurricanes interrupting your vacation from June through November! The best time to visit Amelia Island for nice temperatures is in the spring or fall. Just make sure you check the hurricane alerts prior to arriving. The winter is nice, but it does get crowded with “snowbirds”.

How to Get Here

The closest international airport to Amelia Island is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is about a 30-40 minute drive. Flights into Jacksonville tend to be inexpensive compared with other cities throughout Florida. See how to get the best deals on flights.

You will need to rent a car to get you to Amelia Island. See my tips and tricks for renting a car.

Alternatively, since you will not need a car in Amelia Island, you can take an Uber or the EZ Airport Shuttle . EZ is a pre-arranged shuttle service from the airport.

Getting Around

There is no public transportation on the island, so you’ll either need that car you rented, or you can hoof it. Download a map of the island here.

However, there are other fun ways to get around the island. Bicycles and 4-6 person golf carts are available for rent at Amelia’s Wheels.

Watch This

The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking was filmed in Amelia Island.

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