Local Activities

Amelia Island Oceanfront Hotel

Create memories that will last long after the tans have faded…

From kayaking and river cruises to nature walks and fine dining, an array of attractions are only moments from the Amelia Hotel on the Beach. Venture down the Amelia River and watch dolphins, manatees and the wild horses of Cumberland Island. Explore the pristine landscape by renting a bicycle or riding horseback along the beach.

Amelia Island also provides a unique window into the past. Enjoy soldier reenactments & tours at Fort Clinch State Park, ride the Amelia Island Trolley or wander the history-rich streets of downtown Fernandina. With so many activities to choose from, you may want to ask our friendly staff for advice about nearby attractions or to arrange a tour for you and your family. They’re always happy to help.

Local activities and things to do…

Restaurants

With over 60 to choose from there’s cuisine for any palate and prices for every purse. We’re particularly biased toward our sister restaurant, Crab Trap, which is located in Historic Downtown Fernandina. They offer fresh local seafood, steaks, a full bar and a children’s menu. Restaurants fill early so reservations are recommended.

Local Shopping

The more eclectic the stores, the more exciting the chase – and Amelia has some of the best you’ll find. Historic Downtown Fernandina with its classic Victorian architecture makes a stroll through the city a delight. Shops range from classic antique and book stores to designer clothing and beach gear. Centre Street is also home to Florida’s oldest saloon, The Palace.

American Beach

American Beach was established in 1933 as a benefit for employees of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company. Until the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it was one of the few beaches in the Southeast open to African Americans, and it is now recognized as a National Historic Site. See where the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Bassie, Neal Hurston, Billie Daniels, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Billy Eckstein, Hank Aaron, and Joe Louis to name a few came to relax and unwind.

Bicycles and other Beach Rentals

Our guests enjoy a special discount at Beach Rentals and More just across the street. Bikes, scooters, beach chairs, electric cars, Segway tours and more can enhance your trip to the beach or parks. Beach Rentals and more.

Call (904) 310-6124

http://www.beachrentalsandmore.com/

Museum of History

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Amelia Island’s culture and heritage. Museum tours, step on tours, ghost tours or guided walking tours will give you a greater appreciation of our Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Visit Amelia Island Museum of History’s Web site for details.

Horseback Riding

Amelia is one of only 3 destinations in the country that offers horseback riding on the beach. Sunset times are very popular and this is an experience you do not want to miss. For reservations, contact our front desk.

Amelia Island Horseback Riding
(904) 753-1701 https://ameliaislandhorsebackriding.com

Kelly’s Seahorse Ranch
(904) 491-5166 https://www.kellyranchinc.net

River Cruises and Charters

Venture down the Amelia River and look for dolphins, manatees and the wild horses of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Be charmed by the water fowl and hear the history of our coastline. Private cruises or events are especially popular for romantic rendezvous and business outings. You can purchase tickets online at www.ameliarivercruises.com, by phone (904) 261-9972, or at the ticket booth located in downtown historic district at the Fernandina Marina’s North Parking Lot, overlooking the boat dock. It’s a small yellow building to the right of the Front & Centre shop.

Amelia Island River Cruises
(904) 261-9972
www.ameliarivercruises.com

Charter Fishing

Whether you’re out for an afternoon of charter fishing or deep-sea fishing, Amelia Charter Fishing Association can accommodate you. Our professionals have years of experience on our local waters and we can arrange the ideal charter for you and your group.

Ghost Trolley Tour

Fernandina Beach Ghost Trolley 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.

www.ameliamuseum.org

Amelia Island Trolley and Ghost Tours
1 Front Center Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Phone: (904) 753-4486

Parks

One of the only Civil War forts that never fired a bullet. Witness soldier reenactments first-hand and meet craftsman from 1864. Learn first hand what it was like 150 years ago as the north and south fought over the island. Hit up the Fort Clinch State Park Web site for more details. Union Garrison Weekends are also featured. To really experience Amelia, you need to go by foot. Our island abounds with biking, birding and hiking at spots like Egan’s Creek, Fort Clinch and Little Talbot Island. There’s something for every nature enthusiast.

Fort Clinch State Park
(904) 277-7274
https://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch

Big Talbot Island State Park
(904) 251-2320
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-talbot-island-state-park

Little Talbot Island
(904) 251-2320
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-talbot-island-state-park

Cumberland Island, Georgia
(912) 882-4336
https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm

Kayaking

Take a guided or self-directed tour around Amelia Island’s salt marshes or be adventurous and hit the ocean. We recommend Kayak Amelia.

Kayak Amelia
(904) 251-0016
www.kayakamelia.com

Amelia Adventures & Kayak
(904) 251-0016
www.ameliaadventures.com

Carriage Rides

Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride and step back in time. Learn what went on behind closed doors in the eighteen hundreds. Ideal for romantics or a treat for children of all ages.

Amelia Island Carriages
(904) 556-2662
http://www.ameliahorsecarriages.com

Old Towne Carriage
(904) 277-1555
http://www.ameliacarriagetours.com

Golf

Some of the world’s best golf architects have created 117 of the world’s most challenging holes. But don’t be intimidated, Florida’s First Coast of Golf offers lessons to beginners and experts alike.

Amelia River Golf
(904) 491-8500 http://www.golfclubameliariver.com

The Golf Club of Amelia
(904) 277-8015 http://www.golfclubofamelia.com

Fernandina Beach Golf Club
(904) 310-3175 https://www.fernandinabeachgolfclub.com

The Golf Club at North Hampton
(904) 548-0000
http://gcnorthhampton.com

Omni Amelia Island Plantation
(800) 834-4900 www.omniameliaislandplantation.com

Long Point
904-277-5908
www.ameliaislandclub.com

Surfing

Bring your own or rent one right across the street at Pipeline surf shop or Driftwood Surf Shop at Main Beach and get ready for awesome waves. Best of all, the beach is right at our doorstep. Surf lessons are also offered through both places.

RipTide Watersports
(904) 891-5687
www.riptidewatersports.com

Tennis

For tennis buffs, Amelia offers tennis courts and professional lessons.

Amelia National Tennis Club
(904) 310-3934
https://amelianationaltennis.com

Trolley Tours

Hop on our local trolley from Historic Downtown Fernandina and ride while listening to Jimmy Buffet and enjoying our historic sites. The ideal way to see it all. Margaritas not included.

Amelia Island Trolley and Ghost Tours
1 Front Center Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Phone: (904) 753-4486

Water Activities