Amelia Island Activities
ACTIVITIES VISITORS ENJOY ON AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA
- Polly the Trolley, Fernandina Beach Tours
It’s easy to make great memories on Amelia Island, Florida. Take historic tours on foot (also on board a trolley or in a horse and carriage), spend a day at the beach or relax at a spa. Hike or bike ride, take a boat tour or go fishing. Learn about local nature and Amelia Island’s eco-system while you paddle a kayak. Ride horses on the beach (or perhaps you prefer riding in golf cart?) While known for its beautiful beachfront and historic district of Fernandina, Amelia Island is also a haven for golfers with eight area golf courses. With an average annual temperature of around 70 degrees on Amelia Island, golfers can pretty much enjoy local golfing year round on this barrier island in northeast Florida. These are just some things to do on Amelia Island.
Amelia Island’s 13 miles of beachfront attract the most visitors during the peak summer months (June, July, August). However, Amelia’s beautiful beaches are especially nice in autumn and winter for beachcombing to find natural treasures like shark’s teeth, starfish, shells, and sand dollars, or to go bike riding at low tide or jog along the shoreline. If you’d rather not exert energy and just want to relax, escape to the seaside to enjoy Amelia Island’s posh resort spas (at the Ritz-Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation).
SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENTS ON AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA
Amelia Island hosts several festivals each year (SEE FESTIVALS PAGE) including the ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL (MAY), WILD AMELIA FESTIVAL(MAY), AMELIA ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL (MAY-JUNE), AMELIA ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL (FEB), AMELIA ISLAND BOOK FESTIVAL (FEB), and the AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL and AMELIA ISLAND AUTUMN ARTS FESTIVAL (OCT). In March each year, the AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE, one of the world’s top rare classic auto events, is held on Amelia Island.
NATURE’S SPLENDOR ON AMELIA ISLAND
Both eco and heritage tourism have grown in popularity and Amelia Island can satisfy the nature and historic explorer. Many are attracted to the simplicity of being outdoors and appreciating nature and educational travel, as people try to “de-stress” and get back to life’s simple pleasures. One of the least expensive ways to absorb coastal nature here on Amelia Island is to simply visit Amelia’s beautiful beaches. Off-peak season, from late fall through April, is an especially nice time for beachcombing to find natural treasures like shark’s teeth, starfish, shells, and sand dollars that regularly wash up on Amelia’s shoreline. At the other end of the spectrum, some prefer to “de-stress” by visiting a luxury spa (see Amelia Island spas toward end of article). For those who love the water, Fernandina Beach offers nature cruises and a ferry service connecting Fernandina, FL and St. Marys, GA allowing visitors to enjoy boat rides and coastal nature on the water around Amelia Island. (See more further below about visiting the wilderness island, Cumberland Island, GA, a neighbor to Amelia Island, FL.)
AT THE BEACH — AMELIA ISLAND’S LARGEST PUBLIC BEACH PARKS WITH FREE PARKING AND FREE BEACH ACCESS
- Peter's Point Beach Park (looking north), Amelia Island
PETER’S POINT PARK – Peter’s Point, on South Fletcher Avenue, is a public beach park on Amelia Island (Nassau County, Florida) with very large parking area, restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables. Peter’s Point borders the Carlton Dunes (near the Ritz-Carlton) in the Summer Beach Resort area. Peter’s Point still allows limited beach driving. Thus, those with 4-wheel drive vehicles can actually drive onto the beach at Peter’s Point and park. However, all non-Nassau County residents are required to have a beach driving permit. Beach driving permits are available at the historic courthouse in Fernandina Beach located on Centre Street. Those with children (and all the beach gear that goes with kids) will find beach driving particularly convenient — not having to carry the beach chairs, boogie boards, beach toys, picnic lunches, etc. over the wooden dune walk overs. But if you don’t have a vehicle with 4-wheel (or all wheel drive), don’t be tempted to drive on the beach. The likelihood is you’ll get stuck and need a tow (and then your day at the beach will cost you a few hundred dollars). Peter’s Point does have lifeguards during the summer tourism season.
MAIN BEACH PARK – If you’re looking for beach access with a few concessions, (like a game of beach volley ball, putt putt golf, and a drink or bite to eat at the beach), you’ll prefer Main Beach Park on the north end of the island where there is a restaurant (Sandy Bottoms), and the retro putt putt (reminescent of yesteryear Florida) serves milk shakes, ice cream, other beverages and snacks. Main Beach park offers public restrooms and outdoor showers, picnic tables, gazebos, and children’s playground beachfront. You can park your vehicle at Main Beach parking lot enter the beach for free. However, you cannot drive a vehicle onto the beach at Main Beach Park.
SEASIDE PARK – In between Main Beach Park toward the north end of Amelia Island, and Peter’s Point toward the southend of the island, is Seaside Park near Sliders (at the roundabout of South Fletcher Avenue and Sadler Road. There is a smaller public parking lot at Seaside Park with dune walkovers and a couple of picnic tables, but no public restrooms or showers. Beach driving is allowed here, so with a beach-worthy vehicle, it’s possible to drive onto the beach and park. Sliders is an oceanfront restaurant/bar, a local landmark, with outdoor tiki bar and often has live entertainment.
- Fort Clinch in Fernandina Beach, Florida Overlooks Cumberland Sound
If you want to see the one of the most natural areas of Amelia Island, check out Fort Clinch State Park — the park has beautiful beachfront on both the Atlantic and Cumberland Sound. The Atlantic Ocean beachfront at Fort Clinch is accessible by wooden walkways over what is probably the island’s largest remaining area of undisturbed natural dunes. Fort Clinch is a must-see attraction on Amelia Island, with over 1,200 acres, a half-mile long fishing pier, historic fort tours, picnic area with playground equipment, hiking and biking trails. (Tip: bring bug spray if you plan to go to the picnic/playground area near the fort or hike/bike in the wooded areas of the park.) The entry fee for Fort Clinch State Park is $6.00 per vehicle, 2 to 8 passengers. Fort Clinch State Park is open daily from 8 am until sunset. Tour the historic fort itself for an additional $2 per person. Like sleeping under the stars? A camping adventure awaits you at Fort Clinch State Park, with some campsites just steps away from the riverfront and great fishing spots.
The Fort Clinch entrance is located at 2601 Atlantic Avenue, near the Fletcher Avenue intersection, close to Main Beach in Fernandina Beach. Construction of the fort began in 1847, but it was never 100% completed. During the later years of the civil war, the fort was occupied by both Confederate and Union troops. Pedal through the park by bike, a great place to take a bike ride on Amelia Island. It’s a 3-mile biker ride into the park from the entrance at Atlantic Avenue to the fort in the rear of the park, perched above the Cumberland Sound. There are also wooded bike riding trails within the park for mountain bikes. For more information call Fort Clinch State Park at (904)277-7274.
YESTERYEAR…FERNANDINA BEACH’S HISTORIC DISTRICT, NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
- Victorian-era Courthouse, Fernandina Beach, Florida
It’s easy to picture in your mind’s eye images of late nineteenth century days past, when you take a stroll down historic Centre Street, the main corridor of quaint shops, called “downtown” by locals. In this enchanting 50+ block historic district of Amelia Island’s seaport village, one feels somewhat suspended in time — there still remains the aura of simpler days past. Licking ice cream cones, sipping gourmet coffee, nibbling homemade fudge and chocolates, and browsing the quaint shops, visitors seem to enjoy the relaxation and simplicity of Fernandina’s historic downtown district. There are boutiques, art galleries and antique shops to explore.
History buffs will certainly enjoy guided tours of the historic district in Fernandina Beach. Guided tours are available through the Amelia Island Museum, and there are additional private tour vendors. Learn about Amelia Island’s history from well-versed museum docents while you take a walking tour through the historic district (over 450 homes, buildings, structures on the National Register of Historic Places) of Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Island Museum is noted as Florida’s first oral history museum. The Amelia Island Museum of History is located at 233 South 3rd Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida. Call (904)261-7378 for additional information about tour schedule and hours of operation. Polly the Trolley also offers narrated tours of the historic district for those who wish to ride.
LEISURELY HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
For a unique perspective of historic downtown Fernandina, take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Old Towne Carriage (904-277-1555), while you listen to an oral history tour of the historic district. This is a special treat for children and adults alike — there are not many things that can transport you back in time, like listening to the clip-clop of hooves while riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Fernandina Beach. (If you’re staying at a bed & breakfast inn downtown, you can even arrange to be picked up at your inn by carriage — sound romantic? Treat your significant other to a bed and breakfast getaway in Fernandina Beach.)
AMELIA ISLAND’S GOLF COURSES
Some people play golf to enjoy the outdoors — the scenic, lush greens and fairways — as well as for the challenge of the sport. Golfers are in for a real treat here on Amelia Island, where they can choose from several wonderful golf courses. With an average annual temperature of around 70 degrees on Amelia Island, golfers can enjoy local golfing pretty much year round on this barrier island in northeast Florida (with the exception of occasional inclement weather when it’s rainy or unusually cold).
Amelia Island Plantation offers resort guests the choice of four golf courses, including oceanfront greens as well as playing by the Amelia River. Summer Beach Resort and guests of the Ritz-Carlton can play the Golf Club of Amelia. Staying at another local hotel or just visiting Amelia for the day? Other choices of Amelia Island area golf courses for the general public are the Fernandina Beach city public course located on the island, and nearby on the mainland is the semi-private Golf Club at North Hampton.
AMELIA ISLAND’S LUXURY RESORT SPAS
- Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton, Golf Club of Amelia Fairway (Summer Beach)
Do you prefer the indoors and seek some relaxation and pampering at Amelia Island’s luxury resort spas? The Ritz’s spa facility is a state-of-the-art sanctuary. Reportedly costing over $16 million to be built (a new addition a few years ago), the Ritz SPA is housed in a new wing featuring 27,500 square feet of indoor space and 5,000 square feet outdoors. The facility has 26 treatment rooms and offers two couples massage rooms (one of which is a wet room); two spa suites – the Ocean Suite and Seaside Suite – with a private lounge and four treatment rooms each, for parties who wish to experience treatments simultaneously; a fitness studio, and movement studio for supervised classes and personal training. The spa’s unique features include hammocks, which are used during treatments, signature spa treatments, customized treatment, and spa butlers. The Ritz-Carlton also has a private spa swimming pool for spa guests only. Inquire about spa services by contacting the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton at 904-277-1100 (non-hotel guests are welcomed for day spa treatments).
“Miles from stress — footsteps from the sea,” The Spa, at Amelia Island Plantation, a 25-treatment-room facility, offers facial treatments, body treatments, massage, reflexology, and wet spa services such as Watsu massage and aromatherapy wrap, hydrotherapy, and Vichy showers. Not just for resort guests, the public is welcomed to enjoy spa treatments. Call Amelia Island Plantation’s “The Spa” for reservations, toll free at 877-843-7722.
EXPLORING AMELIA ISLAND NATURE BY WATER
Another splendid way to explore the magnificence of island nature is to do it by water. Amelia Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, has tidal creeks, marshes, and the Amelia River/intracoastal waterway, all which contain a wide array of wildlife. Birdwatchers will especially take glee in the lively bird life within the marshes. Frequently spotted are dolphins (sometimes Manatees), and even an occasional sighting of an alligator sunning itself along the marshland banks.
Highly recommended is taking a boat ride around Cumberland Island, GA (located just across from Amelia Island). Cumberland is known for its wild horses, which you will often see grazing along the shoreline when touring the area by boat. Amelia River Cruises (904)261-9972 offers nature tour cruises (and operates the ferry service). See salt marshes, riverbanks, the wilderness beachfront of Cumberland Island, Georgia, and get the chance to glimpse dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, shore birds and the wild horses of Cumberland that often graze along its shoreline. They also have a one hour “Sunset Cruise.”
The Cumberland Sound ferry departs Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Marys, Georgia. Ferry rides are $20 round trip and tickets for the ferry and other tour cruise tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth at the Fernandina Beach harbor front (near Brett’s restaurant). Note that you cannot take this ferry directly to Cumberland Island — it’s a connection between Fernandina and St. Marys. Also, arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure. Ferry schedule is seasonal trips are subject to change due to weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm operating schedule and make a reservation (904)261-9972.
KAYAKING AROUND THE AMELIA ISLAND AREA
Another water adventure available to explore local nature, is to take a kayak trip with Kayak Amelia. Learn about our island and eco-system while you paddle through local marshes and creeks. Kayak Amelia provides equipment, instruction, and no prior kayaking experience is required.
According to Kayak Amelia’s web site, trips are chosen based on the tide and current that day. Examples of half day trips include a “Marsh Paddle” and “Bar Hopping” (great for birding — paddle out to a sand bar for break time and watch the egrets, herons, osprey and others critters along the way). For further information, visit their web site at www.kayakamelia.com.
HORSEBACK RIDING ON AMELIA ISLAND BEACHES
Have you always wanted to ride horses on the beach, but never did? Amelia Island is one of the few places in Florida where you can ride horses on the beach on the southend of the island. (Actually, it’s reportedly one of the few places on the entire east coast that offers beachfront horseback riding!) If you’re interested in getting in the saddle, call Kelly Seahorse Ranch at (904)491-5166 for a reservation. The horse ranch operates out of Amelia Island State Park on the southern tip of Amelia Island.
VISIT NEARBY CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA
You may like to see horses in the wild, grazing on a largely uninhabited island. About a 30-minute drive from Fernandina Beach heading north is St. Marys, Georgia where a ferry departs to Cumberland Island. The “Cumberland Queen” provides the only public round trip ferry service to Cumberland Island, with departures from St. Marys, Georgia (get further Cumberland Island ferry info by calling 912-882-4335). According to the National Parks Service, Cumberland Island, GA (located just across the Cumberland Sound from Amelia Island, Florida) is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the world. Cumberland Island has one of the largest maritime forests remaining in the United States and one of the largest wilderness areas in a National Seashore on the east coast. Daily visitors are limited to 300 per day (this is a 17.5 mile long island — it’s bigger than Amelia Island). For further perspective, picture Manhattan island of New York with only 300 people (Manhattan is smaller in size than Cumberland Island.)
You really have to see Cumberland in person to fully comprehend this island’s beauty and serenity. If you have the time, spending a full day on Cumberland Island is one of the best experiences available to those visiting the Amelia Island area (weather permitting), but most suitable for those physically fit who can easily walk around to explore (or able to ride a bicycle). When you arrive via the Cumberland Queen Ferry, you will be walking around the island. Be sure to pack your own food and drinks, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent (no public vehicles, no stores, no restaurants on Cumberland Island).
Prefer to explore Cumberland by jeep, rather than walk? It’s possible, if you stay at the luxury inn on the island. There is one public lodging establishment on Cumberland Island, the Greyfield Inn, for those desiring a two-day stay with gourmet dining, guided natural history tours via jeep, and relaxing seclusion beyond your imagination. (For those who may not know, Cumberland Island is the Georgia barrier isle where the late John F. Kennedy Jr., seeking ultimate privacy, held his wedding to the late Carolyn Bessette back in 1996.)
This 1900-era mansion, the Greyfield Inn has been rated in the “top 10 Romantic Island Retreats” by Coastal Living magazine, and also included in National Geographic Traveler’s “stay list.” This historic home (turned inn in 1962) was initially built for Margaret Ricketson, the daughter of Thomas and Lucy Carnegie.
A two-night minimum stay is required, and all-inclusive packages that include 3 meals and activities start around $400 per night (but most room packages are higher). The inn sends their private ferry, the “Lucy R. Ferguson,” to pick up guests in Fernandina and bring them over to Cumberland Island. Call the Greyfield Inn at 904-261-6408 for further information.
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For additional ideas about things to do on Amelia Island including the top annual tourist events (Amelia Island hosts several festivals each year — the SHRIMP FESTIVAL, WILD AMELIA FESTIVAL, FILM FESTIVAL, BOOK FESTIVAL, JAZZ FESTIVAL – see other pages in Amelia Island Living’s TRAVEL GUIDE section, and read the latest TOURISM ARTICLES, the latest news about tourist events and things to do in eMAGAZINE articles.
