Vacation Attractions
Amelia Island Activities
Pictured: Windward Sailing
Unforgettable Adventures & Relaxation
Best Things to Do on Your Amelia Island Vacation
Amelia Island is a haven for adventure and relaxation. Explore pristine beaches, take a scenic boat tour, or paddle through peaceful waterways. History buffs can stroll downtown Fernandina Beach, visit historic forts, or join a guided tour. For thrills, try paramotoring, horseback riding on the beach, or deep-sea fishing. Prefer to unwind? Enjoy oceanfront yoga, a spa day, or boutique shopping. Whether seeking excitement or serenity, Amelia Island offers the perfect coastal escape.
Boating
Amelia River Cruises
Large boat tour company specializing in scheduled trips around Cumberland Island, sunset trips, and more. One of the most economical ways to get on the water.
Amelia Island Boat Club
Boat and wave runner rentals with optional captain service.
Windward Sailing
Private sailboat charters and rentals.
Follow That Dream Sailing
Private catamaran charters.
Riptide Watersports
Boat charters, guided “CraigCat” tours, and beach gear rentals.
Fishing
Amelia Island Sportfishing
Fishing charters with Captain Billy Mcfadden.
Amelia Sea Dolphin Charters
Fishing charters with Captain Gerald Wilder.
AC Charters
Fishing charters with Captain Alan Mills.
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier
Repurposed bridge at the south end of the island, now a fishing pier.
The Beach
Popular for shore fishing in quieter sections.
Mini Golf & Bowling
Island Falls Adventure Golf
Most elaborate putt-putt course on the island.
Gregor MacGregor’s Mini-Links and Drinks
Putt-putt course with a bar, located on the edge of downtown.
Putt Putt Amelia Island
Simple but fun oceanfront putt-putt course at Main Beach.
Duck Pinz
Duck pin bowling and cocktail bar downtown.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Surfing
Amelia Island Kayak Excursions
Guided kayak tours of Cumberland Island, Egan’s Creek, Amelia River, and Fort Clinch.
Amelia Adventures
Kayaking and paddleboarding (SUP) tours around the island.
PADL
Paddleboard rentals in Talbot Islands State Parks.
Amelia Island Surf Co.
Surfboard and SUP rentals and lessons.
Driftwood Surf Shop
Surfboard and SUP rentals and lessons.
Beach Horseback Riding
Amelia Island Horseback Riding
Rides departing from Peter’s Point, about halfway down the island.
Paramotor (Motorized Paragliding)
Barefoot Flyers PPG
Tandem paramotor trips along the beach, departing from Fernandina Airport.
Wellness & Yoga
FB Skin & Wellness
Facials and esthetic treatments in a charming downtown studio.
Deb Cunningham Yoga
Beach yoga classes and in-home sessions.
Centred on Yoga
Yoga studio in historic downtown Fernandina.
State & National Parks
Fort Clinch State Park
1,100-acre park along the Amelia River, home to a 19th-century fort.
Amelia Island State Park
200-acre state park with oceanfront access.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Untouched wilderness and historic Carnegie mansions.
Talbot Islands State Parks
Includes Big Talbot and Little Talbot, with highlights like Boneyard Beach.
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Old bridge-turned-fishing pier at the south end of the island.
Burney Park
Beachfront park in American Beach.
Peter’s Point Park
Beachfront park located midway on the island.
Main Beach Park
Oceanfront park with playgrounds, basketball courts, a skate park, and volleyball courts.
Central Park
A downtown-adjacent park with a playground, tennis courts, and pickleball courts.
History & Landmarks
Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
50-block historic district with Victorian-era architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Fort Clinch State Park
19th-century fort and museum.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Historic Carnegie mansions like Dungeness and Plum Orchard.
American Beach
Historic African-American beach community with landmarks like the NaNa Dune.
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Florida’s oldest lighthouse (limited hours – check the website).
The Palace Saloon
Florida’s oldest bar, founded in 1903.
Museums
Includes the Amelia Island Museum of History and the A.L. Lewis Museum at American Beach.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Located one barrier island north of Amelia Island, Cumberland Island features 9,800 acres of untouched wilderness. Once entirely owned by the Carnegie family, it is home to historic mansions like the Dungeness Mansion Ruins and Plum Orchard. Visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, history tours, and wildlife spotting. Plan to spend most of the day exploring.
There are no bridges to Cumberland Island, so access is only by boat. Options include:
- Ferry – Departs from St. Mary’s, GA (about 45 minutes from Amelia Island).
- Private Charter – Custom boat trips available.
- Amelia River Cruises – Departs from downtown Amelia Island. (Note: This cruise does not stop on Cumberland Island but provides a scenic tour deep into its waterways, typically passing by the Dungeness Mansion ruins.)
Guided Tours
Coast One Tours
Black history tours, including American Beach and the Peck Center.
Amelia Island Footprints
Historic tours focused on the local shrimping industry.
Amelia Island Historic Tours
Includes historic sites, homes, and holiday lights tours.
Rainy Day Activities
Museums
Includes the Amelia Island Museum of History and the A.L. Lewis Museum at American Beach.
Amelia Makery
Craft studio near downtown offering hands-on DIY projects.
Pinball Museum
Features 20+ pinball machines, some over 50 years old.
Historic Downtown Shopping
Plenty of boutique shops and restaurants in a charming historic setting.
Kids Can Be Kids
Indoor play place for kids up to age 7.