Last Updated on November 28, 2023
At the far northeastern corner of Florida lies a beguiling island with gobs of history and generous beaches.
Thirteen miles long, Amelia Island awards visitors an inspirational landscape of unspoiled marshes and sea and the chance to explore intriguing heritage sites.
Named after an English princess, the isle has witnessed eight flags flying over its shores, including French, Spanish, and Mexican.
Today, besides preserving its past, the island works to conserve its maritime forest and sea turtle-hatching sites.
Best Things To Do on Amelia Island in 2024
With so many things to do in Amelia Island, Florida — nature, history, outdoor activities, and shopping — it’s an ideal destination for an authentic getaway.
See Fort Clinch State Park
An oak-lined, canopied drive welcomes visitors to this state park. History buffs will immediately be drawn to the impressive fort at the island’s north end.
With construction starting in 1847, Fort Clinch constituted one of America’s Third System Fortifications.
Its interior rooms are decorated to reflect nineteenth-century daily life in the military, and a costumed interpreter recounts the fortress’s history.
Climb the ramparts for a dramatic ocean view.
The park also offers ample opportunities to explore nature, including several campsites.
Walk the Willow Pond Trail or enjoy the scenic outlook over Egan Creek; on the beaches, swim, picnic, and hunt for shark teeth.
Deer, tortoises, alligators, and wading birds are home on this state property.
Fort Clinch State Park Address: 2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Explore the Marshes
One of the most beautiful aspects of this Florida Sea Island is its salt marshes.
Watery channels snake through the grasses, in a breathtaking landscape that changes hue, depending on the time of day.
Whether at noon or sunset, Amelia Island’s multiple marshes are a “can’t miss,” a serene stretch of nature that renews the spirit.
Fortunately, you can explore this ecological treasure by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Quietly gliding through the marshes, you are more likely to observe the stunning birdlife.
Amelia Adventures arranges tours, as does the company Amelia Island Adventures.
Stroll and Swim American Beach
Located on the island’s southwestern stretch, American Beach offers pristine Atlantic sand and surf, a miles-long ocean view, an uncrowded beach, and a chance to contemplate Florida’s Civil Rights history.
During the days of segregation, the Afro-American Life Insurance Company purchased over 30 acres of ocean-front land here for its employees to use for recreation.
Later, the company increased the size of its property and sold lots for home building.
An independent Black community and vacation mecca arose at a time when “whites only” beaches were off-limits.
Visit the central dune, named Nana, now part of the National Park Service. Much of the property continues to be privately owned.
You can access the beach by turning at Lewis Street at the American Beach sign. A bit further south, you will find the beaches of Amelia Island State Park.
Shop Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
Historic Fernandina Beach is a classic small-town Florida replete with charm.
Antique buildings line Centre Street and adjacent side avenues and house a variety of appealing shops, such as Villa Villekulla Toy Store, Amelia Island Coffee, Amelia Angler Outfitters as well as a shop for fine olive oils, and the Twisted Sisters clothing company.
- Villa Villekulla Toy Store Address: 5 S 2nd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- Amelia Island Coffee Address: 207 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- Amelia Angler Outfitters Address: 111 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- Twisted Sisters Address: 402 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
You can browse for Florida memorabilia, jewelry, lavender, homemade fudge, and even real estate.
Inns, restaurants, and historic landmarks are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
A pit stop at the Amelia Island Visitors Center is something you won’t regret. The staff is a wealth of information. They are happy to recommend and guide you to other hidden Amelia Island treasures.
Amelia Island Visitors Center Address: 102 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Amelia Island is also one of the featured Florida Stories walking tours provided for free by Florida Humanities.
Visit Amelia Island Lighthouse
In the late 1830s, bricks from the nearby Cumberland Island light were used to build the 67-foot-tall Amelia Island Lighthouse.
The oldest light still operational in Florida stands proudly at the highest point on the island.
You can see and even hear its third-order Fresnel lens rotating inside the lantern room at the top of the tower.
Amelia Island Lighthouse Address: 215 O’Hagan Ln., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Access to the lighthouse grounds is only open on Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm, although you can also spot the lighthouse from an outlook point in Fort Clinch State Park.
Round out your historical sightseeing with a trip to the Amelia Island Museum of History, located close by on 3rd Street.
Amelia Island Museum of History Address: 233 S 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Buy a Great Beach Read
Amelia Island is home to not just one but two independent bookstores, a genuine luxury for any devoted reader.
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro offers a well-curated stock of titles, whether you’re searching for the latest best seller or a newly discovered author.
You can pause for a yummy lunch at its on-site restaurant; the owners also schedule a series of interesting events, such as literary luncheons, storytime, and special concerts.
More than just a shop, Story & Song has become a cultural gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro Address: 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
On quaint Centre Street, The Book Loft is another favorite locale.
The store houses a delightful selection that includes thrillers, science fiction, local history volumes, and novels and mysteries.
The Book Loft Address: 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Try Local Eats + Drinks
Amelia Island eateries range from fine dining establishments to casual seafood joints.
In addition, there are multiple Mexican restaurants, the Asian street food spot Wicked Bao, French cuisine at Le Clos, and the highly-rated España Restaurant & Tapas.
- Wicked Bao Address: 232 N 2nd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- Le Clos Address: 20 S 2nd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
- España Restaurant & Tapas Address: 22 S 4th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
For those looking for a night-time libation, the Palace Saloon awaits in Fernandina Beach’s town center.
Established in 1903, this watering hole provides cocktails, a historic atmosphere, and regular live music nights, Monday through Sunday.
Palace Saloon is Florida’s Oldest Bar.
Palace Saloon Address: 117 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
The list of things to do on Amelia Island does not end here: golfers, cyclists, boaters, fishing enthusiasts, and spa seekers will find plentiful options.
Fort George Island
Crossing over the bridge to Amelia Island, speed limits drop; you might even say that life generally proceeds at a calmer pace.
With the slower pace comes the chance to absorb your surroundings, such as centuries-old live oaks and egrets swooping overhead.
Fort George Island Address: 11241 Fort George Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32226
Whether you learn about the island’s heritage and ecology or watch the Atlantic surf roll in, Amelia Island is truly a memorable Florida destination.
BONUS: While on Amelia Island, include A Pitstop at the Pippi Longstocking House in Fernandina Beach.
Laura Albritton is the author of five south Florida history and travel books, including the Historic Lighthouses of the Florida Keys (Arcadia Publishing).
She also wrote and produced the documentary short, Adventures in History with Magic Kumquat Productions.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Amelia Island Beaches, Florida.
Here are a few other Authentic Florida articles written by (or about) Laura Albritton:
- Florida Keys Film Tells Heartwarming Story
- Getaway to Authentic Apalachicola
- Islamorada: Small Town Island Charmer
- Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West
- Experience Miami’s Coral Gables Like a Local
- The Islands of Marathon in the Heart of the Florida Keys
- An Authentic Florida Upper Keys Road Trip (Key Largo)
- A Walking Tour Through Miami’s Authentic South Beach
Can’t wait!Going this comin month!April is beautiful and will be there!We love it!