Things to do & places to visit in Amelia Island, Florida, United States

Amelia Island is the Florida beach with a Southern accent. A timeless destination known for pristine nature and uncrowded beaches, it offers world-class golf, spas and restaurants, plus a rich history. There's something for everyone—a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a beachside horseback ride or kayak excursion. Events include the Amelia Concours d'Elegance, Pétanque America Open and Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival. It is 30 minutes from JAX International Airport and 90 from St. Augustine.

Amelia Island island in Florida, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 1:35.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Amelia Island Horseback Riding (2.075 reviews)
- A Romantic Unforgettable Experience
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Horseback Riding Tours

Amelia Island Horseback Riding will fulfill your dream of riding wonderful horses on one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida! We cater to children from 6 years old to 96 years old! See more..
5.0 Marlin & Barrel Distillery (325 reviews)
- What a Fun Tasting!
Sunday: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

Established to bring a high standard to crafting spirits, we invite you to get to know us and how our products are made by hand with all local, high quality ingredients. Come by and see how our spirits will make your cocktails the talk of the night. Discover your spirit here! See more..
5.0 Amelia Musical Playhouse (52 reviews)
- The Color Purple was awesome
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Set in the center of a beautiful barrier island, Amelia Musical Playhouse is a performing arts venue in Fernandina Beach featuring dozens of musical theatre performances, plays, concerts, revues and more throughout the year. See more..
5.0 Art on Centre (31 reviews)
- Beautiful art gallery
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

My husband and I visited all the art galleries in the historic district and this was one of our favorites. The artwork here is spectacular. The woman working at the desk was very kind and spent time with us telling us about the artists and their works. Well worth a visit! See more..
5.0 Nana Dune (6 reviews)
- Largest Dune in Florida
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Amelia Island has amazing beaches. so stop and take a look at Nana Dune, at American Beach. the Beach it self is historic. See more..
4.5 Fort Clinch State Park (3.622 reviews)
- Great spot for history and/or nature buffs
Historic Sites • State Parks • Military Bases & Facilities

This state park preserves Florida's history. See more..
4.5 Fernandina Beach (636 reviews)
- Hidden Gem!
Historic Sites

Thirty block historic district. See more..
4.5 Amelia Island Historic District (583 reviews)
- Island Time
Historic Sites

We enjoyed 2 days on Amelia Island celebrating our 19th Wedding Anniversary - highlights were dinner at Ritz-Carlton Coast Restaurant, shopping downtown Centre Street shops, walking the Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach trails, Sunset off the Pier after a lovely dinner at Brett's! Expensive place but great for a special occasion. The 19th century architecture was eye candy and the History Museum was enlightening. Well worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Amelia Island Museum of History (533 reviews)
- Great way to spend rainy afternoon or entertain the kids with interactive exhibits
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM History Museums

This museum showcases the region's rich history under eight national flags. See more..
4.5 Amelia Island Welcome Center (376 reviews)
- Visitors galore
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

During the last year of the 19th century, the train depot at the foot of Centre Street opened to travelers whose paths crossed the Gilded Age glory of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Today, the little brick building provides a unique blend of period detail and modern technology and spotlights the activities and experiences Amelia Island has to offer. History literally surrounds you as you step inside and explore underneath the eight flags that have flown over Amelia Island and when you take a look at the story of David Yulee, whose statue in front of the Welcome Center is fast becoming one of Amelia Island's most popular places for a photo op. Kick off your vacation at the Welcome Center and let the experienced and friendly staff provide you with information on attractions, events, dining, and everything Amelia Island has to offer! See more..
4.5 Main Beach Park (243 reviews)
- Great free stop
Spent More than 3 hours Sports Complexes • Parks • Playgrounds

Amelia Island is very generous with free parking and facilities. It's a fun stop here for skate park viewing, mini golf (for a fee), and bathrooms, park, picnic, beach areas. Salt Life is here too. Great stop. We stayed near so we went a lot. See more..
4.5 Peters Point Beachfront Park (173 reviews)
- Quick visit
Parks

We were visiting the area and came out in between thunderstorms. There’s plenty of parking and a nice restroom. The beach itself is big and wide, very beautiful. I wished that we had been able to come out and swim, but the weather wasn’t cooperating during our trip. I would love to come back one day just to go to this beach. See more..
4.5 Egan's Creek Greenway (152 reviews)
- Greenway to Fort Clinch and Back!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Took the greenway on bikes from Sadler Rd up to Atlantic Ave/A1A, then on to the Fort Clinch Road all the way to fort. Go early in AM or in afternoon because the majority of the trail between Sadler and Atlantic is not under tree cover, but the whole road within Ft Clinch SP is a canopy of oaks - beautiful. Either way, tons of wildlife along the way. Total time each way = 45 minutes (at easy pace - I am no cyclist!), but that's if you don't stop to photograph turtles, alligators, birds, etc. Plan for a bottle of water each way! You can refill at the fort. Cyclists pay $2 each to enter SP. See more..
4.5 Amelia Island State Park (107 reviews)
- Really like this place.
State Parks • Beaches

Read reviews about this place and how people are complaining that you can't walk too well on it because of all the driving, but I believe that's the purpose of this park. You pay a small fee to either walk on the beach or you can just drive with your 4x4 vehicle and just hang out. When my brother and I went there is only probably seven vehicles on the beach and all of them were fishing. Everybody was respectful and quiet. Usually when you see people drive on the beach they are loud, music blaring, and drinking. But this was a complete opposite people were just chilling. I really like this stop and hopefully it stays like this. See more..
4.5 Pirate Playground (92 reviews)
- Pirate Playground - best playground in Fernandina Beach
Playgrounds

In May 2014, Pirate Playground opened. Pirate Playground is the area's only universally accessible playground. The playground incorporates the areas history, nature, and culture to create a one of a kind play experience, that is accessible to all persons of all abilities. The playground also incorporates several musical elements. See more..
4.5 Bosque Bello Cemetery (91 reviews)
- Stroll through History
Spent 1-2 hours Cemeteries

When visiting Amelia Island, we always visit Bosque Bello. Walking through the headstones, reading the names/ dates/ history of those buried there provide a look back into history. All of the areas are interesting- the old part and the new. Make sure to stroll the hallowed grounds and step back in time! Make sure to take bug spray in humid months. See more..
4.5 Island Art Association (74 reviews)
- Great addition to a wonderful week on Amelia Island...
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

I am always interested at looking at local artists. There is always so much talent and creativity. I bought myself a piece of Ana Diaz art work, a Resin "High tide". Love it. See more..
4.5 Amelia Community Theatre (69 reviews)
- Great show!
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

My husband and I attended The Explorer's Club on opening night. Not only was the theater beautiful, the play itself was well directed and received heartily by the audience. Go if you have the chance, you won't be disappointed! See more..
4.5 Main Beach (61 reviews)
- Easy access with great amenities
Beaches

We thoroughly enjoyed this beach. Shelling is the best I’ve seen of any beach. It is close proximity to a park and parking. As well as the Salt Life bar, which is a great place to eat to take in the views. See more..
4.5 Nassau Humane Society Dog Park (50 reviews)
- All dog parks should be this great
Parks

Wonderful place for dogs and owners alike. The dogs are all regulars and get along well. The park is kept clean by staff and dog owners alike, and everyone is really friendly. The dogs' swimming pool is beautiful! See more..
4.5 Blue Door Artists (49 reviews)
- Great Gallery for Local Art
Sunday: Art Galleries

A collective of contemporary art studios. See artists while they work. See more..
4.5 Egan's Creek Park (47 reviews)
- Great place to hike
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Parks

Great place to hike with abundant wildlife! My husband and I parked at the Atlantic Recreation Center and hiked the northern part of the park in the morning, had lunch at Salt Life, then parked in the Residence Inn parking lot on Sadler Road and hiked the southern part of the park in the afternoon. We saw alligators, anhingas, egrets, herons, and many other beautiful birds, but not too many people. This is an amazing place to spend the day outdoors. See more..
4.5 Fernandina Farmer's Market (45 reviews)
- Great Market but BEWARE Where You Park!
Flea & Street Markets

This is our second visit to the downtown market. On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays there is also a craft market. Great produce, goodies to snack on, shrimp, bread, etc. We parked on Alachua St. along with many other cars. All received $25 tickets. The street signage is posted back off the street, facing towards the street...only at the corners...needless to say this is very deceptive. The city of Fernandino Beach made a very good profit today and has quite a few disgruntled visitors to this lovely island. See more..
4.5 Amelia SanJon Gallery (27 reviews)
- Art in a wide variety of media
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

A working studio in a unique place, and is not a New York Gallery. Sandra Baker-Hinton, Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society and a 15 year veteran as Volunteer with Sea Turtle Patrol in the local State Park combines her love of art and nature to create all sorts of related art work. You can watch her work on paintings and learn about the different techniques she uses, working in watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting as well as photography, fused glass and making jewelry . The studio becomes a learning and information center as to where you need to go to get the best photo shots, food, where to see Sea Turtles, Alligators, and Birds, what fossils are and where to find them. If you come in wanting to learn about art and nature you are in the right place. Located in a really wonderful art center, Fern and Dina's Gallery and gifts is also a place where you find Sandra and her other artist friends actively involved in teaching all sorts of classes. Check the class schedule. See more..
4.5 George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park (25 reviews)
- Great sunset photo option
Piers & Boardwalks • Bridges

We did the beach sunset pictures but were looking for something a little bit more unique and found it at the fishing pier. We took our shots on the adjacent bridge which had a protected walkway in addition to being a traffic bridge (see middle picture). There is a path from one bridge to the next so you can easily change locations within a minute. If you prefer people photography starting in the early morning the pier is filled with people fishing,Colorful chairs and umbrellas. See more..
4.5 Central Park (20 reviews)
- Pippi Longstocking home is there
Spent < 1 hour Parks • Playgrounds

Private residence. Can see an idea of what it looks like inside Online. Filmed The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking using that home. See more..
4.5 Seaside Park (15 reviews)
- Excellent beach access
Spent < 1 hour Beaches • Parks

Parking is limited - must come early however these spots roll continuously during the day. 50 steps to the beach. Nice covered area to shower off the sand. Next to sliders. Across the street is chair and tent rental. Modest fee for whole day - very much worth it !! They will set up and take down. Do not drive 2WD on the beach ... not because they will ticket you but because you will get stuck in the sand for sure. Good way to ruin a beach day. See more..
4.5 Trailer Park Collectibles (8 reviews)
- Great Antique/Consignment Shop With a Helpful Staff
Antique Shops

We enjoyed our time perusing the goods at this shop. The name made me laugh and is why we went in to look. We did make a few purchases so well worth our time. The staff were friendly and personable. They had a basket of scrabble tiles and we were trying to spell our children names, but couldn't find any Ms. When we mentioned it at checkout the staff member took out a whole other bag of tiles and we were able to find some Ms. That is customer service. Well worth your visit to see history, collectibles and other peoples stuff. See more..
4.0 American Beach (88 reviews)
- Some Changes at American Beach.
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

One of nine sites along the African-American Heritage Trail, this area founded in 1935 was Florida's first African-American beach. See more..
4.0 Shrimping Museum (49 reviews)
- Good Place to start
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

We are located on beautiful Amelia Island in the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida, known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry Here you can learn about net making, ship building, and so much more! Learn about the families that brought modern shrimping to Florida and their descendants who keep alive the traditions. See more..