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Things to Do in Amelia Island, Florida
It’s no surprise that Amelia Island, Florida was voted one of the top island destinations in North America. With centuries of history, outdoor recreation, incredible scenery, and family friendly attractions, finding fun things to do in Amelia Island is never a question.Residence Inn Amelia Island hotel is located minutes from such local attractions and activities as the Amelia Island Museum of History, the historic district of Fernandina Beach, The Kelly Seahorse Ranch, boating, and golf.
Fernandina Beach Historic Downtown District.
Fernandina Beach’s historic roots as a Victorian seaport village are best experienced in the town’s Historic District. Spanning 50 blocks, the Fernandina Beach Historic District features distinctive 19th century Victorian homes and cottages, brick-façade building, shopping, art galleries, and dozens of restaurants. Fernandina Beach’s historic corridor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit http://www.ameliaislandliving.com/newtourist/touristguide/historicdowntown.htm.The Kelly Seahorse Ranch.
Experience the thrill of horseback riding on the beaches of Amelia Island. The Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers guided horseback tours for those ages 13 or older. Tours are offered Tuesday - Sunday, including major holidays. No horseback riding experience is necessary. Tours are approximately one hour. Visit www.kellyranchinc.com. [Top]
Amelia Island Boating.
From sailing to kayaking, the waters surrounding Amelia Island offer myriad opportunities for boating. Outfitters such as Kayak Amelia and Up the Creek Xpeditions offer a variety of guided, open-water and river kayak tours around Amelia Island. Windward Sailing offers sailing charters and tours out of Fernandina Beach Marina. Visit www.ameliaisland.com.Golf on Amelia Island.
In true Florida fashion, golf reigns supreme on Amelia Island. Designed by the industry’s top golf course architects, Amelia Island golf courses offer exceptional play that honors the island’s diverse landscape of oceanfront dunes, oak forests and marshlands. Fernandina Beach Golf Club, North Hampton, Manicipal Golf Course, and The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach also beckon golfers. Visit www.ameliaisland.com/outdoor_activities. [Top]
Amelia Island Tennis.
Perfect your tennis game or watch world-class tennis tournaments at the renowned Amelia Island Plantation. Home to the Gunterman Tennis School, tennis aficionados of every skill level will find a tennis program to fit their needs. Amelia Island Plantation offers 23 clay courts, including three tennis courts that are available for evening play. Tennis greats such as Martina Navratilova, Venus and Serena Williams, and Andre Agassi have played at Amelia Island Plantation. Visit http://www.aipfl.com/Tennis/tennis.htm.Amelia Island Cruises.
Take in the sights of Amelia Island from the deck of a river cruise boat. A variety of narrated cruises are offered at Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina that include adventures up the Amelia River and St. Mary’s River passing such attractions as Kings Bay Submarine Base, Fort Clinch State Park, and Fort San Carlos. Visit www.ameliarivercruises.com. [Top]
Amelia Island Carriages.
Tour the historic district of Fernandina Beach, Florida from the seat of an elegant horse-drawn carriage. Amelia Island Carriages offers a variety of fun tours through town that include narrated tales of local history and points of interest. Private tours are also available. Visiting Amelia Island for a special occasion? Horse-drawn carriage rides add a memorable touch to weddings, anniversaries, birthday celebrations and more. Visit www.ameliahorsecarriages.com.Amelia Island Museum of History.
Learn why Amelia Island has captivated its settlers for thousands of years. The Amelia Island Museum of History takes visitors on a fascinating trip through time that explores everything from the island’s first inhabitants, the Timucuan Indians, to modern-day preservation programs in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County. Permanent exhibits relating to Amelia Island and the Civil War, Spanish Missions, and Florida Railroad are also on display. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org. [Top]Fernandina Beach, Centre Street Walking Tour.
Sponsored by the Amelia Island Museum of History, the Centre Street Walking Tour offers the complete story of Fernandina Beach’s main artery. You’ll hear stories of the people, landmarks, and events that shaped Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. Centre Street Walking Tours are the perfect way to start your Fernandina Beach, Florida vacation. Tours are offered on Fridays at 3:30pm and depart from the historic Fernandina Beach railroad depot. Contact the museum for prices or private tours. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org.Fernandina Beach Ghost Walking Tour.
The ghostly stories of Amelia Island come to life between dusk and dark with Fernandina Beach Ghost Walking Tours. Follow the footsteps of Amelia Island’s most famous residents who long ago bid farewell to this Victorian-era seaport village. Tours are guided and narrated by local historians with a penchant for the paranormal. Fernandina Beach Ghost Walking Tours meet at the St. Peters Episcopal Church cemetery at 6pm on Fridays. Contact the Amelia Island Museum of History for tickets. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org. [Top]
