Things to Do on Amelia Island
25 unforgettable experiences from beaches to historic adventures
I've been exploring Amelia Island for years, and honestly? Most travel sites get it wrong. They'll tell you to "relax on the beach" (groundbreaking advice) or list the same five attractions everyone knows about. But this 13-mile barrier island off Florida's northeast coast has way more going on than the typical tourist checklist suggests.
What makes Amelia Island different from, say, Hilton Head or St. Augustine? It's the weird mix of everything. You've got a Victorian-era downtown that feels like stepping into 1885, some of the best shrimping waters on the East Coast, wild horses on the beach at the state park, and two world-class resorts sitting side by side. All on an island you can drive end-to-end in twenty minutes.
This guide covers the activities locals actually recommend—organized by what kind of experience you're after. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo adventure, you'll find something worth your time.
Beach Activities
Yes, the beaches are beautiful. Thirteen miles of them. But here's what the brochures don't mention: the beaches on the north end near Fort Clinch are completely different from the ones down by the Ritz. North end has packed sand perfect for biking and usually fewer people. South end is softer, more resort-y, better for just parking yourself with a book.
1. Main Beach Park
Free Family-FriendlyThe hub of beach activity on Amelia Island. Lifeguards, restrooms, playground, volleyball courts, and you can walk to several restaurants when you get hungry. Gets crowded on summer weekends, but there's a reason—it's genuinely nice. The splash park keeps little kids entertained for hours, and the "Washed Up" project provides free beach toys to borrow.
2. Peters Point Beachfront Park
Free 🐕 Dog-FriendlyMy personal favorite for a quieter beach day. Less developed than Main Beach, which is exactly the point. The parking lot sits under live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and wild horses occasionally swim over from Cumberland Island. Bring a cooler, bring your dog (leashed), and plant yourself. Parking lot fills up by 11am on nice days, fair warning.
3. Horseback Riding on the Beach
$125-175/person RomanticThis is one of only a handful of beaches in Florida where you can legally ride horses. Kelly Seahorse Ranch runs rides through Amelia Island State Park, and it's legitimately magical—especially the sunset rides. Book at least a week ahead in peak season. They're strict about the weight limit (240 lbs) and no kids under 13 for beach rides.
Historic Attractions
Amelia Island has been under eight different flags—more than any other place in America. Spanish, French, British, Mexican, Confederate... the list goes on. That history is baked into everything here, especially in downtown Fernandina Beach.
4. Fort Clinch State Park
$6/vehicle Historic Family-FriendlyA Civil War-era fort that never actually saw battle (the Union took it without a fight), but that's kind of beside the point. The fort itself is remarkably well-preserved, and on first weekends, reenactors in period uniforms cook, drill, and answer questions like it's 1864. Beyond the fort, there's fantastic fishing from the jetty, miles of trails through maritime forest, and a beach with tide pools worth exploring at low tide.
5. Downtown Fernandina Beach Historic District
Free to explore 🍽️ Great DiningCentre Street is the heart of it—about 15 blocks of Victorian-era buildings packed with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. But don't just stick to the main drag. Wander down 2nd and 3rd Streets for the more interesting antique shops. The Palace Saloon claims to be Florida's oldest bar (1903), and whether that's true or not, it's worth a drink just for the interior.
6. Amelia Island Museum of History
$10 adults HistoricHoused in the old Nassau County jail (fitting for an island with a pirate history), this museum does a surprisingly good job covering those eight flags. The docent-led tours are worth it—you get stories you won't find in the exhibits. The museum also runs ghost tours and pub crawls through downtown, which are genuinely fun even if you're skeptical about the ghost part.
Water Activities
The water around Amelia Island is... complicated. The Atlantic side is typical beach swimming, but the back side of the island has tidal creeks, marshes, and rivers that are way more interesting for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
7. Kayaking the Backwaters
$45-75 AdventureEgans Creek, the Amelia River, Nassau Sound—there's a whole network of paddling routes on the "inside" of the island. Local kayak outfitters run guided tours, or you can rent and go solo if you know what you're doing. The bioluminescent kayaking tours in summer are the marquee experience—paddle through water that glows blue-green when disturbed. Book those well ahead.
8. Inshore Fishing Charters
$400-600 AdventureThe backwaters are absolutely stacked with redfish, especially fall through spring. A good captain will put you on fish even on slow days—the creeks and oyster bars around here hold fish year-round. Browse local fishing charters for offshore kingfish, cobia, and various bottom fish depending on season. Half-day trips are plenty for most people.
9. Jet Ski & Dolphin Tours
$100-150 Family-FriendlyIf kayaking feels too slow, several outfitters run jet ski tours through Cumberland Sound and up the Amelia River. You'll see dolphins—basically guaranteed—and get a different perspective on the island. Not exactly peaceful, but undeniably fun. Dolphin boat tours are a mellower option if you want the wildlife without the adrenaline.
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For a developed resort island, Amelia has a surprising amount of wild space. The state parks protect hundreds of acres, and the marshlands on the west side are practically wilderness.
10. Amelia Island State Park
$6/vehicle 🐎 Horseback RidingThe southern tip of the island. This is where the horseback riding happens. Also solid fishing from the pier, good shelling at low tide, and the only beach on the island where cars are allowed (with permit). Less developed than Fort Clinch, more of a raw beach experience. The George Crady fishing pier stretches 1.5 miles across Nassau Sound.
11. Egans Creek Greenway
Free Family-FriendlyA 300-acre nature preserve cutting through the middle of the island. Paved trails, boardwalks over wetlands, and a good chance of seeing wading birds, turtles, and occasionally dolphins in the creek. Great for morning runs or casual walks. The 2.6-mile main trail connects Atlantic Avenue to the Amelia Island Parkway.
12. Cumberland Island Day Trip
$35-50 ferry AdventureTechnically Georgia, but only a 45-minute ferry from nearby St. Marys. Cumberland Island is wild in a way Amelia used to be—feral horses, crumbling Carnegie mansions, pristine beaches with basically nobody on them. The National Park Service limits daily visitors. Pack lunch and water; there's nothing to buy once you're there. Worth the trek.
Golf
Amelia Island punches above its weight for golf. The Omni and Ritz both have championship courses, plus there are several public golf options that don't require a resort stay or second mortgage.
13. Omni Amelia Island Golf Courses
$150-250/round ⛳ 36 HolesTwo courses—Oak Marsh (Pete Dye design, more target-golf with water everywhere) and Ocean Links (more forgiving, ocean views on back nine). Both are resort quality with prices to match. Stay-and-play packages at the Omni bring the per-round cost down significantly. The Ocean course's par-3 15th with the Atlantic backdrop is Instagram gold.
14. Golf Club of Amelia Island
$80-120/round ⛳ Semi-PrivateThe best public-access course on the island. Gene Littler design, well-maintained, and significantly cheaper than the resort tracks. Locals play here. The course winds through maritime forest with solid variety in hole design. Book tee times online at least a few days ahead for weekends.
15. Fernandina Beach Golf Club
$40-65/round Budget-FriendlyThe budget option. It's a muni, so set expectations accordingly. But for under $50 you can play 27 holes on a course with some nice views. Walking allowed, which is rare on Florida courses. The West course has the best holes. Great for casual golfers who want to play without emptying their wallet.
Food & Dining Experiences
The food scene on Amelia Island has improved dramatically over the past decade. You've still got your tourist-trap seafood shacks, but also some genuinely excellent restaurants doing creative things with local ingredients.
16. Downtown Restaurant Tour
$$ - $$$$ Date NightHit multiple spots: start with oysters at Timoti's Seafood Shak, proper dinner at Wicked Bao or Espana, nightcap at the Palace Saloon. The walk between restaurants is half the experience—Centre Street is gorgeous at dusk. For fine dining, check our restaurant guide for Salt at the Ritz or Pogo's Kitchen.
17. Local Seafood Markets
Free to browse 🦐 Wild-CaughtThe shrimp boats dock at the waterfront—you can buy direct from several vendors. Nets Seafood on the marina is my go-to. Get a pound of fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, take it back to your rental, and that's dinner. The wild-caught Amelia Island shrimp taste completely different from farmed stuff.
Family-Friendly Activities
18. Amelia Island Trolley Tours
$25 adults / $12 kids All AgesOld Town Trolley runs narrated tours through downtown Fernandina and into the historic residential areas. It's cheesy, sure, but kids like the open-air trolley and you actually learn things. The 90-minute tour covers the major historical points without requiring much walking.
19. Dolphin Tours
$40-60/person Family-FriendlySeveral operators run dolphin watching trips from the downtown marina. Will you see dolphins? Almost certainly yes—the waters around here are loaded with them. The better operators also point out ospreys, pelicans, and explain the marsh ecology. Browse dolphin and eco tours for options.
20. Mini Golf & Family Fun
$10-15/person Kids Love ItPutt Putt at the island entrance is exactly what you'd expect—nothing fancy, but decent mini golf and usually not packed. The driving range next door has lights for evening sessions. For rainy days, the bowling alley in Yulee is about 10 minutes off-island.
Romantic Experiences
21. Sunset Sailing
$75-150/person Couples FavoriteSeveral sailboats run sunset cruises from the downtown marina. The Windward is a classic tall ship; smaller boats offer more intimate experiences. Watching the sun drop behind the Fernandina waterfront from the water is pretty hard to beat. BYOB is often allowed—check when booking.
22. Spa Day at the Resorts
$200-400 RelaxationBoth the Omni and Ritz-Carlton have full-service spas open to non-guests (with advance booking). The Ritz spa is slightly more upscale; the Omni's is larger and easier to get into. Either includes pool access, which makes it easy to turn a massage into an afternoon of relaxation.
Rainy Day Activities
It rains on Amelia Island. Summer afternoons almost always see thunderstorms roll through. Here's what to do when the beach isn't an option.
23. Wine Tasting & Craft Beverages
$15-30 tastings 🍷 AdultsMarlin & Barrel does craft cocktails in a speakeasy vibe downtown. Amelia Island Brewing has a taproom with rotating local beers—the brewery is the better bet for actual good drinks. For wine, several downtown shops do tastings. The Surf Restaurant has an excellent wine list if you want to pair drinks with a meal.
24. Shopping Centre Street
Free to browse 🛍️ BoutiquesCentre Street has enough shops to kill an afternoon. Books Plus is an actual good bookstore (rare these days). Celtic Charm has gifts that aren't all tourist junk. The antique shops on 2nd Street are hit or miss but occasionally have genuine finds. Gallery C is worth a look for local art.
25. Cooking Classes & Food Tours
$75-125/person InteractiveSeveral local chefs offer cooking classes featuring local seafood—shrimp, of course, but also seasonal catches. Food tours through downtown hit multiple restaurants with tastings and history. Good for foodies who want more than just eating at restaurants.
Seasonal Recommendations
Spring (Mar-May)
- Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
- Horseback riding (best weather)
- Kayaking season starts
- Prime golf conditions
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- Bioluminescent kayaking
- Beach days (morning best)
- Dolphin tours peak
- Afternoon storms—plan inside backup
Fall (Sep-Nov)
- Concours d'Elegance (Oct)
- Best fishing season
- Perfect beach weather
- Lower crowds, lower prices
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- Dickens on Centre (Dec)
- Birding season peaks
- Uncrowded golf
- Mild temps (60s-70s)
Budget vs. Splurge
Best Free & Cheap Activities
Beach days (free except parking) • Egans Creek Greenway trails (free) • Downtown window shopping (free) • Fort Clinch State Park ($6 per car) • Fernandina Beach Golf Club ($40-65) • Dolphin watching from jetty at Fort Clinch (free) • American Beach historic walk (free) • Watching the shrimp boats return at sunset (free)
Worth the Splurge
Sunset horseback riding on the beach ($175) • Bioluminescent kayak tour ($60) • Spa day at the Ritz ($300+) • Dinner at Salt or Pogo's Kitchen ($$$$) • Private sailing charter at sunset ($400+) • Omni golf stay-and-play package • Cumberland Island ferry + exploration ($50+)
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What is Amelia Island best known for?
Amelia Island is famous for its 13 miles of pristine beaches, Victorian-era downtown Fernandina Beach, world-class resorts (Omni and Ritz-Carlton), horseback riding on the beach, and its unique history of being under eight different flags. The annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and Concours d'Elegance also draw major crowds.
How many days do you need on Amelia Island?
Three to four days is ideal for most visitors. That gives you time for beach days, exploring downtown Fernandina Beach, visiting Fort Clinch, and doing one or two activities like kayaking or a fishing charter. A full week allows for a more relaxed pace and day trips to Cumberland Island or St. Augustine.
Is Amelia Island good for families?
Yes, absolutely. Main Beach has lifeguards, a playground, and a splash park. Fort Clinch captivates kids with its Civil War history and tide pools. Both resorts have excellent kids' programs and pools. The island is compact and safe, with plenty of family-friendly restaurants and activities for all ages.
What is the best time to visit Amelia Island?
March through May offers the best combination of weather, events (including the Shrimp Festival), and manageable crowds. Fall (September-November) is also excellent with fewer crowds, lower prices, and great fishing. Summer is peak season but very hot and humid with afternoon storms; winter is quiet with mild temps in the 60s-70s.
Are there free things to do on Amelia Island?
Plenty. Beach access is free at most public access points (some have paid parking). The Egans Creek Greenway trails are completely free. Strolling downtown Fernandina costs nothing. Fort Clinch is only $6 per vehicle. The Thursday evening farmers market is free to attend, as is walking the historic American Beach neighborhood.
Can you ride horses on Amelia Island beach?
Yes, but only at Amelia Island State Park at the southern tip of the island. Kelly Seahorse Ranch operates the only permitted horseback rides on the beach. Rides cost $125-175 per person and must be booked in advance, especially for sunset rides. There's a 240-pound weight limit and a minimum age of 13 for beach rides.
What's the difference between Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach?
Fernandina Beach is the main city located on Amelia Island. When people say "Amelia Island," they usually mean the whole island, while "Fernandina Beach" refers specifically to the historic downtown area and its surrounding neighborhoods. The Victorian downtown, Centre Street restaurants, and marina are all in Fernandina Beach proper.