9 Best Things to Do in Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach is a bustling city with beaches, shops, and an iconic shrimp festival held every year that brings in visitors from all over. The city centre area of this city is packed full of boutiques offering high-end and affordable clothes alike, and you'll also find numerous delicious restaurants with a focus on seafood and American fare. If you're more interested in visiting the beach, you'll find 13 miles of it in town to explore. Don't forget to visit during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival if you can to enjoy all the shrimp you could ever want, plus a parade, arts and crafts shows, and an antiques show.

Fort Clinch State Park contains a well-preserved Civil War fort along with natural offerings like beaches, trails, and a tidal marsh. The fort is a popular destination that offers an example of living history, as park staff often reenact what military life was like there in the 19th century. In the state park, you can hike along the beach or go for a swim in the water. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, too, as you might spot white-tailed deer, dolphins, and even the rare purple sandpiper.

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions will take you through a wide variety of environments, including the Okefenokee Swamp, St. Marys River, Amelia River, and more. The Amelia River is especially appealing to take on near the end of the day when the sun is setting, causing orange and red colours to wash over the area and create a picturesque and alluring gleam in the water. You'll find tours and kayaks suitable for the whole family, and the guides offer valuable information about the area as well.

Island Falls Adventure Golf offers 18 creative holes, plus an extra half, that are set up around scenic waterfalls, tunnels, and bridges. You'll hear music playing throughout your game here, adding to the adventurous atmosphere of the course. Amongst the holes, you'll find twists and turns and several obstacles that will make each hole challenging yet possible, only reinforcing that feeling of victory when you make that putt. Plus, you can enjoy drinks and slushies along with ice cream and sweets offered on-site.

Amelia Island State Recreation Area offers more than 200 acres of remarkably well-preserved space that you're free to explore, including beaches and inland trails. The beach is especially appealing, whether you're looking to venture into the water or simply stroll along the shore. One of the most popular pastimes here is scouring the sands for shells and sharks' teeth. You can always head to the pier to cast out if you're more interested in fishing. Unlike other state parks in Florida, this one is open for horseback riding on the beach, so don't hesitate to try out this unique experience.

The Amelia Island Museum of History features artefacts from the various people who laid claim to Amelia Island, including the 8 cultures and groups that the flags of Fernandina Beach represent. These artefacts, which are hundreds of years old, offer valuable insight into the history of the local area, as do the numerous exhibits you can explore. Within the museum, you'll find specialised children's tours designed to cater to young minds. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can opt for ghost tours instead.

The Pinball Museum is home to pinball machines dating from the 1950s through the present day, and you can enjoy them all. This museum showcases just how the famous game of pinball has changed, with a wide variety of machines available. They're not just for show, either, as you can interact with and play every last one, from those dating back decades to the latest designs. The museum contains more than 20 machines in total, so you can enjoy plenty of variety.

The Maritime Museum of Amelia Island offers insight into the experiences of pirates and sailors and highlights other stories of the sea that you can hear and explore through artefacts. Fernandina Beach has a rich maritime history, and all of that is showcased here with actual Navy memorabilia and even a KGB diving suit. You'll also find divers and treasure hunters here at times who will tell stories about diving for lost Spanish and French gold and other treasures.

Amelia Community Theatre is an iconic island theatre that produces everything from classics to original productions on its 2 stages. From evocative dramas to side-splitting comedies to dark and mysterious productions, Amelia Community Theatre offers a variety of stage shows to suit every taste and interest. The Main Stage is where you'll find popular performances with plenty of space, while Studio 209 is designed for a more intimate experience with just 80 seats. After the show, venture into town for fine dining and lively bars on Cedar and South 3rd streets in city centre Fernandina Beach.