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Amelia Island, Florida: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Amelia Island runs 13 miles of coastline and the rest of the numbers hold up too. Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach holds over 400 historic buildings on its streets. The Florida House Inn has been welcoming guests there since 1857. The Palace Saloon has been serving drinks since 1903 and is the oldest bar in Florida. And that saloon keeps over 100 different kinds of rum from all over the world.

Welcome to Amelia Island, Florida, a quiet and picturesque destination that runs a broad spread of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. A relaxing beach vacation, an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, Amelia Island has a version of each.

One of the biggest draws of Amelia Island is its beaches. With over 13 miles of pristine coastline, you can spend your days sitting in the sun, swimming in the clear waters, or trying your hand at water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing. But there is more to Amelia Island than the beaches. From historical landmarks and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and good cooking, there is plenty to see and do on this quiet island.

Key Takeaways

• Amelia Island offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, including beaches, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights.
• The island is known for its beautiful beaches, which offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Amelia Island has something for everyone.

The Charm of Amelia Island

For a vacation destination that is equal parts quiet and lively, Amelia Island, Florida is the place. With 13 miles of open beach, native wildlife in numbers, and pristine waters, this barrier island has long been a favorite for visitors and residents alike.

But what makes Amelia Island work so well? It is hard to put your finger on any one thing. Maybe it is the way the Spanish moss hangs from the live oak trees, or the sound of the waves against the shore. Or maybe it is that you can go from working through a historic fort to sitting with a cocktail at a beachfront bar in the time it takes to cross the island.

Whatever it is, the pull of Amelia Island is real. Here are a few of the things that make it worth the trip:

Small town feel

Despite its standing as a vacation destination, Amelia Island has held on to a small town feel. You will not find high-rise hotels or chain restaurants here. What you get instead is a small downtown area with locally-owned shops, restaurants and galleries.

Rich history

From the historic district of Fernandina Beach to the 19th-century Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island is deep in history. Take a walking tour or a museum to pick up more of the past of the island.

Outdoor activities

With miles of beaches, nature trails and waterways, Amelia Island suits the outdoor enthusiast. Go kayaking, fishing or horseback riding, or just sit on the beach in the sun.

Luxury accommodations

A small bed and breakfast or a five-star resort, Amelia Island runs both. Take a spa day, sit down to some fine dining, or just take the comfort of your room.

In short, Amelia Island suits anyone who wants Florida without the crowds and chaos of the busier vacation spots in the state. So pack the bags, grab the sunscreen, and get ready to take to the quiet of Amelia Island.

Beach Life

For a quiet and easy time in Amelia Island, the beaches are the answer. With over 13 miles of open coastline, there is a beach here for everyone. Here are the beaches to find:

Main Beach Park

This is the busiest beach on the island, and the reason is clear. The soft, white sand suits sunbathing, building sandcastles, or just a slow walk. And there are plenty of amenities, showers, restrooms and a playground for the kids among them. And if you are feeling bold, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and take to the ocean.

American Beach

This historic beach was once the only beach in Florida where African Americans were allowed to swim during the Jim Crow era. Today it is a quiet spot with calm waters and pristine sand. Take a dip in the ocean, or work through the nearby sand dunes and maritime hammock.

Big Talbot Island

For a rougher and more natural beach, head to Big Talbot Island. The beach is covered in bleached white driftwood, which gives it an unusual and otherworldly feel. The sand is soft and suits walking, and the ocean takes swimming or fishing. And if the day goes your way, you might catch sight of some wildlife, dolphins or sea turtles among it.

Little Talbot Island

For a secluded and quiet beach, Little Talbot Island is the place. The beach is surrounded by dense forests and dunes, which keeps it private and close. Take a slow walk along the shore, or just sit and watch the sunset over the ocean.

Whichever beach you choose, the pristine coastline of Amelia Island will do the work for you. So grab the sunscreen, pack a picnic, and head to the beach for a day in the sun.

Historical Wonders

History people will take to the deep history of Amelia Island. From the Civil War to the Gilded Age, Amelia Island has seen it all. Here are the historical sites you will not want to miss:

Fort Clinch State Park

You cannot talk about the history of Amelia Island without mentioning Fort Clinch State Park. This historic fort was built in the mid-1800s to protect the coast from invaders. Today you can tour the fort, watch reenactments, and work through the trails and beaches of the park. And keep an eye out for ghostly apparitions and spooky sounds, because Fort Clinch is said to be haunted.

Amelia Island Museum of History

For the whole story of Amelia Island, head to the Amelia Island Museum of History. The museum sits in the old Nassau County jailhouse and runs exhibits on everything from the Native American roots of the island to its part in the Civil War. And do not miss the interactive children’s area, because the little ones will take to learning about history through play.

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach

Take a walk through Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach and you will feel like you have stepped back in time. The district holds over 400 historic buildings, the Florida House Inn among them, which has been welcoming guests since 1857. Browse the shops, grab a bite to eat, and take the character of this historic area.

History buff or just after something new, the historical sites of Amelia Island hold up. From Fort Clinch to the Amelia Island Museum of History to Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, there is a version of each. So grab the walking shoes and your sense of adventure, because you never know what you will turn up in the historic district of Amelia Island.

Outdoor Adventures

Ready to take the outdoors of Amelia Island? Strap on the hiking boots, pack a picnic lunch, and get ready for a day in the sun. Here are three outdoor options you will not want to miss.

Amelia Island State Park

What is better than a day at the beach? A day at the beach with wild horses. Amelia Island State Park is home to a herd of wild horses that roam free on the beach. You can also hike one of the many trails in the park, or paddle down the Amelia River in a kayak or canoe. And if you are feeling bold, you can camp overnight at one of the campsites in the park.

Cumberland Island

After a genuinely wild day? Head over to Cumberland Island, a short ferry ride from Amelia Island. This uninhabited island holds some of the finer unspoiled beaches in the country, alongside a spread of native wildlife, wild horses, armadillos and alligators among them. You can hike through the thick forests of the island, work through the ruins of old mansions, or just sit on the beach in the sun.

Boneyard Beach

For a genuinely unusual outdoor day, head over to Boneyard Beach. This beach is named for the eerie, otherworldly driftwood skeletons that sit along its shores. The driftwood is the result of years of erosion and saltwater exposure, and the effect is both quiet and haunting. You can hike along the beach and take the driftwood sculptures in, or just sit and watch the waves against the shore.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and take the outdoors of Amelia Island.

The history here sits in plain sight rather than behind museum glass. Fort Clinch was built in the mid-1800s to protect this coast from invaders. American Beach was once the only beach in Florida where African Americans could swim. That was during the Jim Crow era, and the sand is still there today. And the Amelia Island Museum of History sits in the old Nassau County jailhouse.

Water Activities

In Amelia Island you are never far from the water. Cruise down the river, kayak through the salt marshes, or watch dolphins play in the Atlantic Ocean. There is always something to do on the water here.

River Cruise

To sit back and let someone else do the driving, a river cruise is the way to go. Hop aboard one of the many river cruises running on Amelia Island and take the sights and sounds of the Amelia River. You might even spot a manatee or two.

Kayaking

If you are feeling a bit bolder, grab a kayak and take to the salt marshes. Paddle through the winding waterways and take the natural country of the area. Keep an eye out for ginormous saltwater crocs, though. Just kidding, there are not any. Or are there?

Dolphin Watching

One of the busier water activities on Amelia Island is dolphin watching. Hop aboard a boat and head out into the Atlantic Ocean to watch these playful creatures jump and play in the waves. It works for the whole family and you come away having learned something.

A river cruise, the salt marshes by kayak, or dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Island has you covered. Just do not forget the sunscreen and your sense of adventure.

Culinary Delights

When it comes to food, Amelia Island holds up. Seafood, coffee or a proper breakfast spot, you will not go away disappointed. Here are the places to eat on the island.

Salty Pelican

For a laid-back room and strong seafood, Salty Pelican is the answer. This restaurant sits right on the water, so you can eat while taking the views. The menu runs a spread of seafood dishes, alongside burgers, salads and more. And do not forget to try their well-known fish tacos.

Amelia Island Coffee

Need a caffeine fix? Head over to Amelia Island Coffee. This small coffee shop suits sitting down with a cup of coffee and a pastry. They also run breakfast sandwiches and bagels, so you can start the day properly.

Seafood Spots

Amelia Island is known for its seafood, and there are plenty of strong spots to choose from. For a dressier dinner, take Salt. This restaurant runs a spread of seafood dishes, alongside steak and other options. For something more casual, try Timoti’s Seafood Shak. This spot serves fresh seafood in a laid-back room.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Amelia Island will turn up something that lands. So go ahead and order the second course, because you are on vacation after all.

Nightlife and Entertainment

When the sun sets on Amelia Island, the day does not end. A laid-back night out or a loud one, there is a version of each. Here are a few places you will not want to miss:

Palace Saloon

You cannot talk about nightlife on Amelia Island without mentioning the Palace Saloon. This historic bar has been serving drinks since 1903, which makes it the oldest bar in Florida. Step inside and you will feel like you have been carried back in time. The Palace Saloon runs a strong selection of beer, wine and cocktails, but the rum is the real reason to go. They keep over 100 different kinds of rum from all over the world, so something here will land.

Live Music Venues

Music people are in luck here. Amelia Island runs several strong venues for live music. Take The Green Turtle for some local talent or head to The Patio Place for a smaller room. And for something a little more upscale, Salt at the Ritz-Carlton runs live music on the weekends.

Book Loft

After something a little more low-key? Take Book Loft, a small bookstore that hosts events like trivia nights and book clubs. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a quiet evening.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Amelia Island has a version of it. So grab your friends and get ready for a night that stays with you.

Where to Stay

When it comes to somewhere to stay in Amelia Island, you have plenty of options to choose from. A luxury resort, a beachfront hotel or a small boutique hotel, there is a version of each. Here are the places to stay in Amelia Island:

For the top end of luxury, you cannot go wrong with one of the many luxury resorts in Amelia Island. These resorts run everything from top-notch amenities to wide ocean views. Some of the stronger luxury resorts in Amelia Island include:

Resort Name	Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton	Private beach, spa, golf course, multiple restaurants
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort	Multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, spa, golf course
The Villas of Amelia Island	Private beach, multiple swimming pools, spa, fitness center

Beachfront Hotels

To be as close to the beach as possible, a beachfront hotel is the way to go. These hotels give you easy access to the sand and surf, alongside wide ocean views. Some of the stronger beachfront hotels in Amelia Island include:

Hotel Name	Amenities
Seaside Amelia Inn	Rooftop sundeck, outdoor pool, free hot breakfast
Amelia Hotel at the Beach	Private beach access, outdoor pool, complimentary beach chairs and towels
Hampton Inn Amelia Island	Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center

Boutique Hotels

For a smaller and quieter stay, take one of the boutique hotels on Amelia Island. These hotels run unusual and personalized touches, alongside a warm and welcoming room. Some of the stronger boutique hotels in Amelia Island include:

Hotel Name	Amenities
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge	Oceanfront location, daily breakfast, afternoon social hour
Addison on Amelia	Complimentary bicycles, daily breakfast, evening social hour
Hoyt House Inn	Gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, outdoor pool

Wherever you choose to stay in Amelia Island, the trip will stay with you. So pack the bags, book the room, and get ready for a vacation you will remember.

Shopping Extravaganza

For a serious afternoon of shopping, Amelia Island has you covered. From downtown Fernandina Beach to the small boutiques, there is a version of each.

Downtown Fernandina Beach

Downtown Fernandina Beach suits shoppers. With its historic buildings and cobblestone streets, it is the place to spend an afternoon working through the unusual shops and boutiques.

One of the places to find is the Amelia Island Market Place. It is a one-stop-shop for everything, antiques through to jewelry and everything in between. You will find over 40 vendors selling their wares, so something here will catch your eye.

Another strong spot is the Fernandina Beach Arts Market. It is a weekly market that runs every Saturday, and it suits finding handmade gifts and souvenirs. You will find everything from pottery to paintings, and you might even meet the artists themselves.

Boutiques

For something a little more upscale, Amelia Island runs plenty of boutiques to choose from. The boutiques on the Island give you an unusual shopping experience, with personalized service and high-end products.

One of the busier boutiques is The Plantation Shop. It is a family-owned business that has been running for over 40 years, and it is known for its home decor and gifts. You will find everything from candles to furniture, and the staff will help you find the right item.

Another strong boutique is The Green Turtle. It is a women’s clothing store that runs a mix of classic and current styles. You will find everything from dresses to accessories, and the prices are reasonable.

Whatever you are looking for, Amelia Island has a version of it. So grab your wallet and get ready to shop ’til you drop.

Special Events

Amelia Island runs something on the calendar whatever time of year you visit. From music festivals to food fairs, there is always an event on that adds to the trip.

One of the busier events on Amelia Island is the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, which runs every March. This event suits car people, with over 300 classic cars on display to work through. But it is not only about looking at the cars. There are also auctions, seminars, and a road tour you can join.

Anyone who eats well should not miss the Amelia Island Restaurant Week, which runs every January. During that week you can sample the stronger cooking on Amelia Island at a discounted price. It is a good way to try new restaurants and turn up new flavors.

Music people should take the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival. This festival runs every May and features musicians of the first rank playing in small venues throughout the island. It is a good way to take classical music in an unusual and close setting.

For something a little more offbeat, take the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, which runs every May. This event celebrates the shrimping industry of the island with a parade, live music, and plenty of shrimp dishes to sample.

Whatever your interests, there is always something on at Amelia Island. So pack the bags and come on down and take it for yourself.

Conclusion

Well, well, well, you made it to the end. You are probably feeling pretty good about yourself right now, and you should. You have just worked through the things to do in Amelia Island, Florida. From a walk through historic downtown Fernandina Beach to a slow day on the open beaches, this island covers a lot of ground.

But there is more. Do not forget the seafood, the luxurious resorts and the water sports. And let us not forget the 19th century fort at Fort Clinch State Park. You cannot leave Amelia Island without seeing that.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Amelia Island, Florida now and take everything this island runs. And when you get back, do not forget to tell all of your friends about the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems on Amelia Island that tourists often miss?

Well, we locals like to keep our secrets, but since you asked nicely, we will let you in on a few. First, take the Amelia Island Museum of History. It is a good way to pick up the past of the island and get a sense of its character. Another quiet find is the Fort Clinch State Park. You can work through the fort, hike the trails, and go fishing. And last but not least, take a walk down Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach. You will find plenty of small shops, restaurants and galleries.

Can you recommend any unique day trips from Amelia Island?

Sure thing. One of our favorites is a trip to Cumberland Island, a short ferry ride away. It is an unspoiled island with wild horses and plenty of history. Another strong day trip is to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. You can work through the historic district, take the Castillo de San Marcos, and even take a ghost tour.

What are the best family-friendly activities on Amelia Island?

There are plenty of strong options for families on Amelia Island. For starters, you can hit the beach and build sandcastles or go for a swim. Another option is a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Fernandina Beach. And if your kids are animal lovers, they will take to the Amelia Island Nature Center. You can see all kinds of local wildlife and even feed some of the animals.

Where can I find the most picturesque beaches on Amelia Island?

Well, we are a bit biased, but we think all of our beaches are picturesque. For something out of the ordinary, take the beaches at Fort Clinch State Park. They are more secluded and open out further. Another strong option is the beach at Amelia Island State Park. It gets busier, but it holds up.

What are the top-rated restaurants on Amelia Island?

We have so many strong restaurants on the island that it is hard to pick a few. But for top-rated options, try 29 South, Burlingame, or David’s Restaurant and Lounge. And for seafood, you cannot go wrong with Timoti’s Seafood Shak or the Crab Trap.

When is the worst time to visit Amelia Island (so I know when NOT to go)?

Well, we do not really have a “worst” time to visit, but to avoid the crowds you might want to steer clear during peak tourist season (June-August). The weather can also turn unpredictable during hurricane season (June-November), so keep that in mind as well. But honestly, any time of year works for a trip to Amelia Island.

Frequently asked questions about Amelia Island, Florida

Which Amelia Island beach suits a day with small children?

Main Beach Park, comfortably. The sand is soft enough for sandcastles and the amenities are all there, showers, restrooms and a playground for the kids when the water gets old. Little Talbot Island is the quiet and secluded option on the other end instead. That one has dense forests and dunes but no facilities to speak of. Take the main beach in the morning and save the quiet one for later.

Which Amelia Island park is worth the drive with kids?

Amelia Island State Park, easily. A herd of wild horses roams free on the beach there, which holds the attention of a child far longer than any playground will. Cumberland Island is the wilder version a short ferry ride away instead. That one adds armadillos and alligators to the wild horses already there. Weigh the ferry crossing against the ages of everyone in your group.

Which Amelia Island museum will hold a child’s attention?

The Amelia Island Museum of History. It sits in the old Nassau County jailhouse and runs exhibits covering everything from the Native American roots of the island through to its part in the Civil War. There is an interactive children’s area in there as well, which does the heavy lifting. Fort Clinch State Park gives you the outdoor version of the same history instead. Do the museum when it rains and the fort when it does not.

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