Top Things to Do in Amelia Island

Curious about the top things to do on Amelia Island, Florida?  If you are thinking about visiting Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach along Florida's Atlantic Coast, I'm sharing my favorite things to do in Amelia Island, including the best beaches, tours, and adventures on this charming barrier island along the North Florida coast.

Planning a trip?  Start with my Amelia Island Travel Guide, Downtown Fernandina Beach Guide, and Best Amelia Island Restaurants.

Things to Do on Amelia Island, Florida

There are so many things to do on Amelia Island, Florida.  I've been visiting this charming island for 6 years, and every time I'm charmed by its natural beauty, quirky vibes, high-end resorts, and delicious food.  Over the past few years, the secret has gotten out about this hidden gem, and you might be planning a trip.  As a frequent visitor, I wrote a guide on what to do on Amelia Island so you can plan your trip.  This is our favorite tranquil northeast Florida escape.

Amelia Island is a special place with a captivating blend of natural beauty and high-end amenities.  It's Florida's northernmost Atlantic Ocean barrier Island and part of the famous Sea Islands barrier island chain, which stretches north into Georgia and South Carolina.  It has the perfect combination of a quirky yet quiet beach community AND a historic small town, making it a bit different and unexpected.  The beaches are pristine, and the historic downtown area of Fernandina Beach is ridiculously charming.  Plus, the food is absolutely delicious and memorable, making this a must-visit spot.  The vibe is a delightful blend of Carolina and Florida beach vibes.

Even though it's small, there are still so many things to do in Amelia Island.  Over the years, I've shared many of our trips.  Start with some of my Top 20 Moments from Amelia Island and Top 15 Moments from Amelia Island to get a feel of what your trip will look like.  Plus, don't forget to start with my Amelia Island Travel Guide.

What is Amelia Island Known For?

Amelia Island is known for its beautiful beaches, quirky historic downtown, food, and neighborhoods similar to those on Hilton Head.  The best part is that it's very laid-back, not quite as busy as some other barrier islands, and known for its natural beauty.  You will not find as much development here, and it definitely feels like a bit more of a secret spot.  It's full of southern charm but still has some Florida vibes.

And just look at these beaches!  The twins had the run of them and enjoyed every minute.   While it doesn't have the traditional attractions of many beach towns, it's the perfect location for adults and kids of all ages.  It's one of my favorite spots we've vacationed at over the years.  It's hard to narrow it down because there are SO many lovely things to do in Amelia Island, but here are my favorites.  If you are curious about what to do on Amelia Island, start here.

 

Things to Do in Amelia Island

Enjoy the Beaches

Visiting beaches is one of the top things to do in Amelia Island along Florida's Atlantic coast.  Amelia Island is lined with gorgeous natural beaches.  The beaches are wide with lovely sand dunes.  If you want to know what to do in Amelia Island, the BEACHES are at the top of the list.

They are filled with white and golden sand that is irresistible for both kids and adults.  There are 40+ public beach access points, making it a wonderful day trip, even if you are just passing through.  There are over 13 miles of gorgeous shoreline to explore.

My boys have been visiting the beaches since they were little toddlers, and now they're big kids.

 

Enjoy the Resorts

Amelia Island is home to some lovely high-end resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and the Omni Amelia Island.  Both are full resorts that serve as vacation destinations in their own right, with restaurants, gorgeous oceanfront accommodations, activities, and spas.  If you are looking to relax on Amelia Island, this is where to do it.

Explore Downtown Fernandina - Downtown Historic District

Another top thing to do on Amelia Island is to visit the downtown area of Fernandina Beach, a designated historic district.  Fernandina Beach is the beach community connected to Amelia Island, where the historic downtown district is located, and has many vintage buildings, historic district sites, the courthouse, and the city's harbor.  It's a short 15-minute drive and technically part of Fernandina Beach, but it is well worth the trip.  The 50-block historic downtown is full of walkable blocks with sidewalks, lovely independent dining options, boutique shops, entertainment, Victorian-era architecture, and charming tree-lined streets.  It's really unique to have this in addition to the beach areas.  It's kind of like a much smaller Savannah or Charleston, but without the crowds.

If you are visiting downtown, make sure to check out my Downtown Fernandina Travel Guide. 

The entire downtown historic centre street is on the National Register of Historic Places, including this fun spot, Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest bar, in business since 1903.  There are also fun treasures that pay homage to the town's spirited coastal history and its pirate past.

It's also home to the popular Flags Shrimp Festival.

There are also lots of fabulous dining options and lots of charming southern shops.  We love visiting this area on our trips to the area.

 

Shelling & Sharks Tooth Hunting

Amelia Island's beaches lend themselves perfectly for shelling.  There are lots of shells to find, from scallops, moon snails, or whelks.

One of the coolest things about the area is the abundance of shark teeth along the beach.  You can often find them when the tide is going out, and there are several hands-on classes you can sign up for to help you find them.  Resorts like the Ritz-Carlton have naturalists on staff who can help you find them.

 

Kayaking

Kayaking is a top activity on Amelia Island.  The island is a barrier island, giving it lots of shallow waters, including rivers and salt marshes.  This is a fun way to get on the water and explore.

 

Visit Boneyeard Beach - Big Talbot Island State Park

Another top thing to do on Amelia Island is visit Big Talbot Island State Park, home to Boneyard Beach, a gorgeous driftwood beach filled with trees that have fallen over time.  It's a great way to spend a half-day!

If you want to visit, read my guide to Big Talbot Island State Park, which includes my tips and suggestions on how to get to Boneyard Beach.

 

Visit Fort Clinch State Park

Another top thing to do in Amelia Island is to visit Fort Clinch State Park. Fort Clinch is the island's largest state park, with beach access, a fishing pier, and the Civil War-era fortress.  It's a total GEM for both history and nature lovers, and one of the coolest historic forts I've seen.

The fort itself has a fascinating history and gorgeous water vistas, making it a great place to stop and learn a few things. They have re-enactors sharing history and doing tours.

We still really enjoyed walking around and sharing a bit of the history we knew with the boys.  And if history isn't your thing, the park is home to gorgeous outdoor vistas along the marsh and beaches.  Isn't this one stunning?

Amelia Island Lighthouse

Visiting the Amelia Island Lighthouse is another fun activity.  The Amelia Island Lighthouse, the Peck Center, and the Oxley-Heard Funeral Home are National Historic Sites

 

Amelia Island Horseback Riding

If horseback riding on the beach is on your bucket list, this is the place to do it.  Amelia Island State Park offers rides, and many other companies offer guided tours and horse rides.  Here are a few of them:

• Amelia Island Horseback Riding
• Happy Trails Walking Horses
• Kelly Seahorse Ranch

 

Shop at The Shops at Amelia Island Plantation

Another top thing to do in Amelia Island is to explore the Amelia Island Plantation, which is part of the Omni.  The neighborhood offers a nature center, bike rentals, and an adorable shopping area.

The area is very walkable with a fountain, palm trees, and lots of cute places to sit.  The individual boutiques are all in cute little cottage-style buildings.

 

Walking & Biking Island Trails

One of the best things to do on Amelia Island is to take the shaded nature trails, which are perfect for walking and biking.  It makes the area really walker-friendly and fun to get around.  The paths reminded me of those on the other Sea Islands, Hilton Head and Kiawah.

 

 

Hit the Pools

Amelia Island is full of pools, which is a great way to beat the heat and another top thing to do.  It can get quite hot in the summer, so this is a nice break from the heat.

The Ritz-Carlton has a lovely heated pool with a kids' play area.

 

 

Spot Wildlife

Amelia Island isn't as developed as many beach communities, so there's plenty of wildlife to spot.  You can see all sorts of sea life, deer, and even turtles!  We spotted these in the dunes each day, and the boys had to stop and say HI! from a safe distance each time we walked by.

 

 

Watch the Sunrise

Is there anything better than watching the sunrise at the beach?  Not much in my opinion.

The sunrise over the water is gorgeous and the perfect reason to visit this Atlantic coast beach.

 

Eat at Amelia Island Restaurants

We REALLY enjoyed the food on our trip, and Amelia Island has something for every palate.  We had loads of fresh seafood, all so good.  One of my favorites was Timoti's Seafood Shack.  We got this irresistible Lobster Roll among some other seafood goodies.  This spot is perfect for beach and food lovers.

If you are planning a trip, make sure to check out my Amelia Island Restaurant Guide, which has been updated with all of our favorite spots to eat over the years.

 

Other Things to Do on Amelia Island

• Amelia Island State Park - In addition to Fort Clinch, there are also several other well-loved state parks to explore.
• Fernandina Beach Market Place - The area's weekly farmers' market in the historic district has vendors selling food and crafts.  It's held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.
• Boating & Fishing - The ocean and intercoastal waterways make boating and fishing a perfect pastime on Amelia Island.  There are so many outdoor adventures for visitors and residents.
• Golf: Amelia Island is home to several golf courses, and is a favorite local pastime.

 

More About Amelia Island, FL FAQs

Where is Amelia Island?

Amelia Island is in northern Florida on the East Coast, right at the Georgia border.  It's the northernmost barrier island, very close to Georgia on Florida's Atlantic coast. It's in Nassau County,  just 45 minutes northeast of Jacksonville.  There are two bridges connecting the island to the mainland, making it easy to reach. Charter aircraft can fly into the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, which is what we do when we visit.  You can also fly into Jacksonville International Airport.

 

Is Amelia Island Worth Visiting?

YES! Amelia Island is a charming place and is absolutely worth the visit.  I love going to Hilton Head, but this was a lovely change of pace and has a slightly different feel.  The beaches aren't as crowded, and the food is also really good, making Amelia Island a location we plan to visit again.  The best times to visit are during the shoulder season, such as early fall and late spring, for the best weather and fewer crowds.

 

Things to Do in Amelia Island with Kids?

Amelia Island is VERY toddler-friendly, and we did all these activities with the twins!  It doesn't have much of the typical beachside development teenagers might crave, but it's the perfect destination for younger kids and adults.  I've visited the island with my kids for over 6 years.  Here's my guide to Amelia Island with Kids.

 

More Amelia Island Resources:

• Amelia Island Travel Guide
• Best Amelia Island Restaurants
• Downtown Fernandina Beach Travel Guide
• Amelia Island with Kids
• Boneyard Beach, Florida - Big Talbot Island State Park
• Top 12 Favorite Moments from Amelia Island 2021
• Top 15 Favorite Moments from Amelia Island 2020

 

We loved our trip to Amelia Island. I hope you enjoyed me sharing with you what to do on Amelia Island!  I hope you get to plan your own trip sometime soon.

 

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