20 Incredible Things To Do In Amelia Island, Florida

1. Explore Fernandina Beach Historic District

History and travel buffs have a field day in this historic district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The richness of the island in history is revealed by the Victorian architecture that has been restored to its former beauty.

Stroll down the street to come across antique shops, art galleries, and little cafes for some truly pleasant meandering. The district is also home to historical attractions, including the Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest bar, and the Amelia Island Museum of History, where you can learn more about its rich heritage.

2. Visit Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park offers a glimpse into Civil War-era military duty through guided tours and reenactments that provide living history. Its scenic location, with beaches good for swimming and picnicking, is another plus for the park. 

Hike and bike for miles through salt marshes and maritime forests. The beauty of the park provides ideal conditions for both bird-watching and observing various wildlife. If fishing happens to be a sport of interest, the park contains a pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Discover Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is a great natural open space for the variety of outdoor activities it offers to nature lovers. On the southern end of Amelia Island, this park contains over 200 acres of undeveloped wilderness, including sandy beaches and salt marshes, with maritime forests.

One of the remarkable activities here is that one gets to horseback ride on the beach, with great scenery to view along the coastline. Besides that, the park is a popular place for fishing, especially along the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, where anglers can catch a variety of fish.

4. Explore The Maritime Museum Of Amelia Island

The Maritime Museum of Amelia Island is for anyone interested in the rich nautical history of the Island. Situated in Fernandina Beach. It displays a wide array of maritime artifacts, shipwreck treasures, and exhibits that tell a lot about the island's role in maritime trade and exploration.

This facility combines exhibitions on the history of piracy, sunken ships, and historic navigation devices all under one roof, to give insight into the seafarers of the area. The museum also develops an understanding of the life of sailors and explorers who navigated waters off Amelia Island.

So, if you are wondering what to do on Amelia Island, this place is a good venue for those interested in local history and getting involved in the island's maritime atmosphere.

5. Visit The Amelia Island Museum Of History

The Amelia Island Museum of History is something no one should miss, and it's pretty cool for any person who wants an in-depth look into the island's rich cultural heritage. It is placed right in the center of Fernandina Beach; the museum itself is located within the historic Nassau County Jail, further adding to its already unique charm.

The museum gives a vast overview of everything on Amelia Island, starting with the Native American inhabitants and ranging to Spanish colonization, and its participation in the Civil War.

The museum is one of those places that are easily accessible and worth a visit to go deeper into the fascinating past while being cocooned in modern comforts on the island if you are an Amelia Island Omni guest or in the vicinity.

6. Visit The Amelia Island Lighthouse

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is historic and gives insight into the area's maritime history. It is Florida's oldest lighthouse, guiding sailors in safely since 1838.

Located on the northern end of the island, the Amelia Island Lighthouse provides the visitor with a spectacular view of the surrounding area, including the St. Marys River and the Atlantic Ocean. 

The lighthouse is not available for climbing, but the grounds can be toured by visitors with informational displays about its background. It just so happens to be one of the many must-visit attractions that tourists coming to Amelia Island have to see to explore the island's historical interest and beauty.

7. Discover The Beaches Of Amelia Island

Amelia Island beaches are a real paradise for beach lovers. Every single Amelia Island beach has its charm-from quiet, secluded spots that are just right to relax in, to more active areas, which will make your stay on the island quite appealing whether your family or active vacation.

Main Beach is famous for its picnic spots, children's playgrounds, and volleyball courts. While American Beach offers a more natural experience with dunes and rich history, others have their favorite beaches like Peters Point, boasting wide sandy beaches with easy access.

From swimming to tanning, or just taking in a peaceful walk along the shores, the beaches of Amelia Island make for a perfect getaway.

8. Explore Little Talbot Island State Park

The Little Talbot Island State Park offers visitors a serene retreat into Florida's wilds. It offers hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and lots of other outdoor activities.

The beaches here are ideal for shelling and relaxation along the ocean, while its interior parts house some of the most excellent trails that can give a glimpse of different ecosystems. 

Those who plan on visiting may look at an Amelia Island map to locate Little Talbot Island and then plot out a course to combine it with other area attractions. Little Talbot Island State Park is a place of pristine virgin lands and serene surroundings that will catch the eye of every Amelia Island area wanderer.

9. Visit The Concours d' Elegance

One of the top wheel events in the world, the Concours d'Elegance is held annually on Amelia Island and attracts car enthusiasts from all over the world.

Some of the most beautifully and rarely designed classic cars, along with vintage and luxury automobiles, will be making an appearance for an immaculate display of automotive history and design.

It also hosts Concours d'Elegance, which is far more than the display of cars but one about excellence with restored perfect models, severe judging, and ancillary events such as auctions and test runs.

10. Stay Overnight At Omni Amelia Island Resort

The Omni Amelia Island Resort represents the finest in beachfront destinations, along with unrivaled accommodations and a staffing level that is attentive to most details, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The resort features spacious rooms and suites, many with private balconies overlooking the ocean. Amenities include multiple pools, a championship golf course, tennis courts, and a complete spa. Dining options are plenty, with several on-site restaurants offering everything from casual bites to fine dining with ocean views.

11. Discover The Amelia Island Plantation

Amelia Island Plantation is a picturesque, sprawling resort that blends the right amounts of luxury and nature. Situated on 1,350 acres of lush landscapes, the resort does afford its guests miles of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests.

The accommodations vary from elegant hotel rooms to spacious villas, perfect for couples and families. Plantation amenities include championship golf, tennis, an indulgent spa, and several dining options.

Complementing these on-site resort activities are on-site kayaking, biking, and nature walks.

12. Explore The Amelia River Cruises

Amelia River Cruises offers the best means to explore the waterways around Amelia Island, giving an insight into its natural beauty and wildlife. Some cruises will take you along the scenic Amelia River, where one can enjoy the sights of dolphins, manatees, and even some kinds of birds.

Knowledgeable guides will keep you fascinated with the island's history of pirates, Civil War forts, and even local legends. 

It would be wise to check the Amelia Island weather before heading on any cruise trip, since the weather may influence visibility and overall enjoyment on your cruise. With beautiful views and enchanting narratives, Amelia River Cruises is something every visitor to the island should do.

13. Explore The Island On Segway Tour

A guided Segway tour through Amelia Island is an exciting, fun manner of taking in the island's gorgeous landscapes and historic sites. They are guided tours where you easily glide over beaches, nature trails, or historic districts and learn about the rich history of the island and its natural environment.

Segway tours apply to both beginners and seasoned riders, with a small training session given before the beginning of the tour. Unique in their interactive nature, the ways of viewing more of Amelia Island-from coastal beauty to quaint towns-offer nature, history, or simply the ride on a Segway tour and add a memorable experience to a visit.

14. Discover The Local Wildlife On A Kayak Tour

A kayak tour along Amelia Island is very worth taking because one gets a glimpse of the natural habitat of the local wildlife.

While navigating with the kayak through the island's estuaries, salt marshes, and waterways, you have ample opportunities to notice an abundance of species, from playful dolphins and gentle manatees to some birds like herons and egrets.

These shallow, calm waters are ideal for observing these animals up close, not to mention appreciating the unique coastal ecosystems in general. Kayak tours often come with guides who not only know where to find certain creatures but can also explain a little bit about some of their behaviors and natural habitats to you.

15. Explore The American Beach

American Beach is a quaint beach that features scenic beauty combined with depth in cultural history. Founded in the 1930s to provide a place where African Americans could go on vacation during the days of segregation, it is very historical and recognized based on its contribution to the history of the island.

This beach is excellent for relaxation, picnics, and ocean views, featuring wide swaths of sandy shoreline. It is less crowded compared to other beaches in Amelia Island; that is what makes it an ideal place for a quiet day at the ocean.

American Beach offers historical interest with natural beauty, providing a decidedly quiet alternative to explore the diverse aspects of Amelia Island's coastal charm.

16. Visit The Bosque Bello Cemetery

Bosque Bello is a historic cemetery that lies in the heart of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island. Among the oldest in the region, graves dating back to the early 1820s and the beautiful and serene environment carries easily the stately trees, historic monuments, and well-preserved grave markers which are an excellent reflection of the island's history.

It is the last resting place for many of the early pioneers, prominent residents, and distinguished personalities of the island. Visiting the Bosque Bello Cemetery will allow you a glimpse into the past and several bits of information related to the lives of those who led to the shaping of Amelia Island and its progress in history.

17. Discover The Island's Culinary Scene

Amelia Island boasts an ever-changing foodscape to suit every taste and preference. Upscale fresh seafood establishments, quaint bistros, and charming cafes Amelia Island restaurants proudly serve up fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.

From the gourmet meal with ocean views at Salt at The Ritz-Carlton to sampling Southern comfort food in a local favorite like The Crab Trap, there is an option for virtually every culinary taste.

Taste international flavors in one of the island's eclectic eateries, from Italian to Mexican everything. And of course, sweet brunch spots and dessert cafes round out the afternoon delight. From gourmet restaurant cuisine to casual dining eateries, Amelia Island's restaurants have it all.

18. Explore The Island's Biking Trails

Amelia Island has a range of biking trails for casual riders and the more extreme cyclists. The biking trails around the island are well-kept and drive through various landscapes: coastal, wood, and marshy sceneries.

The popular ones are Amelia Island Trail, beautiful and connecting parts of the island; and Timucuan Trail, lined with lush surroundings. A map of Amelia Island will make it so much easier to navigate these trails while you devise a way to find new ones.

Casual, laid-back rides down to more challenging routes through the natural beauty of Amelia Island are all part of biking as one of the many enjoyable ways to see Amelia Island and enjoy the outdoors.

19. Visit The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is an annual event celebrating classical music featuring world-renowned and various artists.

Situated on Amelia Island, the festival offers an unparalleled chamber music concert series, including multiple ensembles and solo performances. Usually, the Festival lasts for weeks with the performance of the works of the great masters and contemporary compositions.

It attracts music lovers and cultural enthusiasts who come to enjoy high-quality performances in intimate and picturesque settings. With artistic excellence featuring engaging programming, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival is a cultural highlight for visitors and residents alike and reinforces this island as a thriving arts community.

20. Dine At Cafe Karibo

Cafe Karibo is any Amelia Island restaurant's favorite treasure and offers a laid-back atmosphere and focus on fresh, flavorful food.

This cozy cafe has been termed to have a very inviting outdoor patio, if one desires to sit and enjoy his or her meal in a relaxed, garden-type atmosphere. It has everything from sandwiches and salads to seafood dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients from local suppliers. 

Their must-haves include their full-on crab cakes the fish tacos that are so flavorful, and of course, the sinful Key Lime pie. The cafe also serves a selection of craft beers to go along with your meal and unique cocktails.