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Amelia Island Itineraries
- Top 10 Things to Do in Amelia Island
When you go to a place with four thousand years of history, you're sure to find plenty to do. That's about 1.5 million days, 35 million hours and one colorful experience for Amelia Island visitors. Originally home to Timucuan Indians, Amelia Island was occupied by the French, Spanish and English, earning its distinction as the only U.S. location to have been ruled under eight flags. Here is a list of the top 10 Ten Things to do in Amelia Island, to ensure that your experience here is as rich as our history.
Amelia River Cruises
A visit to Amelia Island is incomplete without a tour of our scenic waterways. Tours from Amelia River Cruises & Charters are fully narrated as you explore the backwaters of Amelia Island, and Cumberland Island, cruise up Egan's Creek to the Amelia Island Lighthouse or spend the day in historic St. Mary's, Georgia. Guests to Cumberland Island can visit the Greyfield Inn which has been operated by Carnegie descendents since the 1960's. Watch dolphins frolic in the river, wild horses run the beach on Cumberland Island and take in the breathtaking sunsets.
Paddle for Pleasure
Come face to face with egrets, herons and perhaps a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle with the fine folks at Kayak Amelia. Explore the tranquil salt marsh of the Talbot Islands State Park and Timucuan Preserve. The three-hour trip includes a ½ hour kayak fitting on the beach, basic safety and paddle instruction and balance drill on water. Beginners constitute more than 90 percent of Kayak Amelia's clientele, so children able to swim and stay in a kayak for two hours are welcomed guests of Ray and Jodi Hetchka, owners of Kayak Amelia.
At Water's Edge
Travel back to the Amelia Island Marina and view working shrimp boats as you shop the eclectic seaside shops to take home your own piece of Amelia Island's history. Visit one of the world's largest manufacturers of hand-sewn shrimp nets, the Burbank Trawl Makers, or the Net House, as deemed by the Island's locals.
A Horse-Drawn Carriage
For a unique perspective of historic downtown Fernandina, take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Amelia Carriages while you listen to a historical narrative of the historic district. Guests will hear tales of new and old as they learn about the true past of the people and inns that shape Amelia's history. This is a special treat for children and adults alike – there are not many things that can transport you back in time like listening to the clip-clop of hooves while being escorted through downtown Fernandina Beach.
A Glimpse into Amelia's Past
The Isle of Eight Flags comes to life with a visit to Florida's only spoken history museum, the Amelia Island Museum of History, located in what used to be the county jail. Narrated, 90-minute walking tours take visitors through the streets of Fernandina Beach up Historic Centre Street and into the Silk Stocking District introducing them to the many great historical figures who influenced the architecture and business on the island. Guides will describe acts of heroic charity memorialized in the particularly exquisite window creations at St. Peter's Gothic Revival Episcopal Church.
Fort Clinch
From there, the walking tour will thrill you with tales of the Island's supernatural history. Fort Clinch State Park Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Daily tours with period re-enactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier of take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park and view of the biggest sand dunes in the state of Florida. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife. A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations.
Through the eyes of nature
A nature lover's paradise, Amelia Island provides the perfect outdoor playground. The island's locale and geologic composition enable her to play host to a bountiful variety of flora and fauna, making her a generous and enticing host to everyone that visits. Amelia Island Plantation Nature Center Programs for people of all ages and levels of experience are offered daily, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the island. Several island bike shops rent bicycles to guests, and resort properties can arrange bike rental on- or off-site. Fort Clinch offers biking and hiking trails, and guests can also enjoy beach rides or trail rides through the maritime forests. The Amelia Island Plantation has seven miles of trails throughout its property.
Historic Centre Street
Once a vibrant, Victorian seaport village, charming downtown Fernandina Beach escaped the mass commercialization of the 20th century and boasts a beautiful 50-block historic district with many original structures dating back to the late 19th century, including many Victorian-style mansions and Victorian cottages. Take a stroll through the heart of Amelia Island's shopping district, historic Centre Street, and peruse through books from The Sailor's Wife Book Exchange, beautiful jewelry at Jeff Steel Jewelers, and gifts from The Ship's Lantern.
Tee Time
Amelia Island is truly a golfer's paradise. Named "Silver Medal Golf Resort" by Golf Magazine, Amelia Island Plantation boasts 54 championship holes. Amelia Links, designed by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, offers 36 holes on two signature courses, Oak Marsh and Ocean Links. Long Point, home of the Amelia Island Plantation School of Golf, is designed among primal marshlands and the towering sand dunes of the Atlantic. The Golf Club of Amelia Island on Summer Beach features and 18-hole championship course located next to Ocean Place. Designed by Mark McCumber and Gene Littler, the course takes full advantage of the natural terrain offering spectacular views.
Indulge in Luxury
Unwind after a long day at one of Amelia Island luxurious spas designed to relax, rejuvenate and refine. The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation features a full service health and fitness center and spa with services including the relaxing massage, therapeutic massage, aromatherapy massage, beach feet, couples massage, facials and body treatments. The Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, opened in December 2006 and offers massages, body skin treatments and facials. The Island Honey Butter Wrap offers an aromatic scrub with rich emollients. Champagne facials, deluxe massages, and All About Men treatments are also available, as well as group bookings. Other new features include twenty six treatment rooms, couples massage room, deluxe spa suite with private lounges, and cardio/weight room, among others. The Seboni Spa, at the Addison House, features signature treatments including the Full Moon Massage, Celtic Head Massage, Heligan Haze Herbal Massage, Cornish Hot Stones and Seboni's heavenly Five Mineral Wrap. A full line of luxury aromatherapy products derived from a rich blend of natural essential oils are also available.
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