8 Great Things to Do in Amelia Island Florida

Some of the best things to do in Amelia Island include finding shark teeth (I will show you where!), eating fresh seafood, and dining at one of Florida’s top rated restaurants (along with plenty of other amazing ones). Experience and explore Old Florida (history and nature) and mingle with some of USA’s most artistic and quirky people.

Eight different nations ruled Amelia Island, the 13 mile long barrier island in northeast Florida. As the only place in the USA claiming this distinction, Amelia Island businesses incorporate the “eight flags” theme whenever possible.

Avast ye, more pirates trolled the shores around Amelia Island than anywhere else in the US. Who can say whether any privateer or buccaneer descendants still abound? Local legend says pirate booty is hidden somewhere on Amelia Island. Shiver me timbers!

McCool Travel tip: while South Florida and Central Florida experience an overwhelming number of visitors between January and April, Amelia Island is relatively quiet but still has great weather.

Thank you to Amelia Island tourism for inviting me to experience cool, happy, and fun things to do in Amelia Island.

8 Great Things to Do in Amelia Island Florida

Where is Amelia Island FL?

1. Beaches on Amelia Island

Amelia Island beaches regularly appear on lists of top beaches so you know they must be gorgeous. They are! Amelia Island beaches are wide, have white quartz sand (feels great on the feet!), and, in certain areas, are firm enough for 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive on (the beach, not your feet). Really, this is one of the best US coastal scenic drives and reason enough to visit Amelia Island.

The City of Fernandina Beach also lends beach wheelchairs to residents and visitors. How cool is that? Keep reading for the McCool Travel inside scoop on where to find shark teeth. Yes, shark teeth!

2. Fernandina Beach

The Amelia Island district historic of Fernandina Beach houses the oldest bar in Florida and the oldest hotel in Florida. In fact, the National Register of Historic Places recognizes and protects 50 blocks and 400 structures in downtown Fernandina Beach.

Allow plenty of time to walk the historic district and shop, eat, drink, and view the architecture. Take an Instaworthy photo of Kate’s Tree, a magnificent canopied oak in the middle of the street, named for the woman (Kate Bailey) who refused to let the town remove it.

Amelia Island Trolleys provides narrated tours of the historic district and Old Town. Coastal Living‘s readers voted Fernandina Beach as the Best Historic Downtown and #4 Happiest Seaside Town. Pelicans in the marina and a Pétanque tournament (with participants from more than 12 countries) entertained me during my latest visit.

3. Places to Eat in Amelia Island

Experience a dizzying range of culinary amazingness on Amelia Island. Salt (one of The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island restaurants) is one of only three AAA 5 diamond restaurants in the entire state of Florida—there are only 51 AAA 5 diamond restaurants in the entire US.

Restaurants in the Amelia Island historic district include Timoti’s which serves only wild caught seafood. For a waterfront Amelia Island restaurant, try Slider’s, a local favorite, with a tiki bar, live music, and a fun playground for the kiddos, or Salt Life Food Shack across the street from Main Beach Park. For vibrant Amelia Island nightlife, try Green Turtle Tavern; the setting, vibe, and local presence reminds me of Key West. Allow time to drink a beer at The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar.

4. Find Shark Teeth and Explore History at Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch State Park occupies the northern end of Amelia Island. Look across the water to see Cumberland Island in Georgia. More than just an historic fort, though, the 1,400 acre state park provides many recreation opportunities. Hike and bike the oak canopied trails, fish or swim in the ocean water, camp in an authentic “Old Florida” setting, and search for shark teeth on the 3 miles of shoreline. I found a shark tooth on the beach in front of the fort!

McCool Travel note: For an even better place to find shark teeth see South Florida hidden gems.

5. Liquid Road Trip: Florida Kayaking

Kayaking in Lofton Creek highlighted my Amelia Island visit. Amelia Island Kayak Excursions provides all the equipment and a passionate, knowledgeable guide who enhances the adventure. My 2 hour tour glided by gorgeous, natural, old Florida—no housing developments, traffic, or commercial enterprises. Tannic acid runoff from decaying vegetation causes the black water of Lofton Creek.

For more kayaking funness, please read >>> Fun Places to Kayak in US.

6. Where to Stay in Amelia Island

After staying at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island properties on this trip, I created the term relaxed luxury. With rooms facing the ocean, massive and pristine beaches, amazing recreational opportunities, and phenomenal cuisine, both resorts epitomize relaxed luxury. Other enticing places to stay in Amelia Island include vacation rental properties, magnificent inns in the Fernandina Beach historic district, and several Amelia Island hotels.

Another Amelia Island lodging option is a vacation rental, including a condo, apartment, or house.

7. Explore Northeast Florida Nature

The largest sand dune in Florida is located on Amelia Island. It is named Nana and protected as part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (a National Park property). Visit Nana in American Beach, just south of The Ritz-Carlton property. A little further south, across the bridge, is Big Talbot Island State Park. Magnificent 100 foot driftwood trees adorn Boneyard Beach.

8. Bicycling Around Amelia Island

In addition to kayaking, boating, and hiking, many visitors love bicycling around Amelia Island. Choose from several miles of bike paths, including many with gorgeous oak tree canopies.

BONUS: Day Trip From Amelia Island

For a great day trip from Fernandina Beach, head south on highway A1A, stopping at the above listed Nana Dune at American Beach, Boneyard Beach and Big Talbot Island State Park, then continue driving south through Little Talbot Island State Park. After the Fort George Inlet bridge, stop at Fort George (on the right) or Huguenot Memorial Park (on the left) if you wish. A fantastic lunch or dinner waterfront Florida restaurant is Sandollar, just before the St Johns River Ferry. Ride the ferry to Mayport and take the obligatory picture of the sign and note that this area was settled 58 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth rock. Wow!

What would you add to this McCool Travel list of things to do in Amelia Island?

See also these Amelia Island articles:

• 8 Best Scenic Drives in Florida For Your Next Sunshine State Vacation
• Hidden Gems of Amelia Island, Florida
• Soak Up Beachfront Charm at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
• Savour the Flavors of Amelia Island Restaurants in Florida
• 5 Reasons to Plan a Family Vacation to Amelia island

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