Amelia Island comes alive during the summer months, jam-packed with activities and entertainment for the whole family! While much of the South suffers with sweltering temperatures, Amelia Island’s cool ocean breezes bring people from all over the world to bask in its beauty and seek respite from the heat. No matter what your interests, you will always find something new and different to occupy your lazy days of summer on Amelia Island, from boating, fishing, surfing, and shelling, to hiking, biking, yoga, and golfing.
ON THE WATER
Amelia Island has a number of great marinas, including the Harbor Marina in downtown Fernandina Beach, Tiger Point Marina in Old Town, and the Amelia Island Marina, just off A1A at the Shave Bridge, where you can rent a boat, book a cruise, or find a fishing charter. Amelia River Cruises (904-261-9972) offers narrated historic sightseeing boat tours 7 days per week from Fernandina Beach to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Enjoy breathtaking views of wildlife and fascinating stories from the captain that will enrich your coastal experience with a sense of wonder, making it a fun and memorable experience for all ages. Book today at ameliarivercruises.com.
Backwater Cat Adventure Amelia Island (904-753-7631) offers one of the most unique boat tours you will ever experience! It’s one of the best ways to explore Amelia and Cumberland Island’s history, wildlife, and sea life. Their guides are well trained and have extensive knowledge of the waters around Amelia, and you’ll get to drive your very own Go-Cat boat, which is very safe and easy to operate! Book at www.backwatercatadventure.com.
Embark on a fun and informative journey as you explore a variety of stunning landscapes with Amelia Island Kayak Excursions! Their multi-award-winning company offers professionally guided kayak tours/rentals, Hobie Mirage® Kayaks, SUP’s, private motorboat tours, hiking/nature walks, and teen/kids camps in Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, and surrounding areas. As a local, family-owned/operated business, the Bullington family provides authentic experiences and have been rated by their guests as the #1 kayaking company in the area for over a decade. As a special touch, you’ll receive a complimentary digital photo album of your adventure. Visit AmeliaIslandKayak.com or call (904) 557-5307.
For a successful day of fishing, visit locally family-owned and operated RennWorks Outdoors (904-310-6794) for a full line of fishing gear, tackle, bait, lures, hand tied flies, reels, and more. RennWorks will give you the best advice on freshwater, backwater, bluewater, and fly fishing. They also carry clothing, hats, and gifts for your favorite fisherperson!
If angling is your passion, join Captain Terry Lacoss at Amelia Angler Outfitters (904-261-2870) for the best in sport fishing, boating, sailing, and sightseeing opportunities, for groups, families, and even hardcore “big game” anglers. Stop by the store for a full line of outdoor wear and fishing gear before your trip on the water!
Driftwood Surf Shop (904-321-2188) is a family-owned shop that has been serving the Fernandina Beach community since 1979. Offering only the best apparel, swimwear, and footwear for the entire family, sunglasses and beach accessories, they have what you need to get you set up in the water, on the beach, and out on the town. Driftwood also provides a full range of surfboards, bodyboards, skim boards and skate equipment, including board rentals and surf lessons for all ages and abilities.
ON THE TRAIL
Here in Northeast Florida, our favorite paths are paved with sand, and our local beach parks provide people of all ages access to a spectacular shoreline and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. But there are lots of other paths you can take throughout the island, too. Egans Creek Greenway, with its grass-covered paths, serve as a network of trails that are suitable for walking and bicycling, its environment exhibiting a variety of natural wildlife and vegetation.
Friends of the Amelia Island Trail have created a bike path between Peters Point County Park to the south end of the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, where it connects to Big Talbot Island. In addition, the Amelia River-to-Sea Trail has been completed along Simmons Road from South Fletcher Avenue westward to the city ball fields off Bailey Road and then onward to Crane Island. For maps, visit ameliaislandtrail.org.
Active outdoor adventure-seekers will want to check out the local maritime forests, state parks, and green spaces located in and around Amelia Island. Fort Clinch State Park, Pumpkin Creek Preserve State Park, Little and Big Talbot Island State Parks, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park, and George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park all provide remarkable wilderness experiences that include hiking, biking, fishing, camping, picnicking, bird watching, and beachcombing for the whole family.
Nature lovers will want to visit Amelia Island Nature Center (904-321-5082) and join one of their naturalists on a hike, bike, Segway, or kayak tour, discovering birds, plants, and wildlife. Stop by the fully stocked retail shop complete with top-of-the-line binoculars and field guides to fulfill all your exploring needs.
Enjoy the outdoors at Amelia Shotgun Sports (904-548-9818), where staff members will help you figure out what shotgun rentals you need and what kind of shooting you’ll be doing. They’ll put you on a golf cart and have you shooting in no time. They have a variety of shotgun sports available, and they supply free eye and ear protection. Their Skeet and Trap fields are spacious and offer the perfect shooting experience. They also have Men’s, Women’s, and Youth leagues.
IN THE GYM
Summer is a great time to get into shape, and what better way to beat the heat and stay fit than a yoga or exercise class at one of Amelia Island’s fitness studios or gyms. Community Yoga + Wellness (904-613-6345) offers all the essential ingredients for an intelligent and safe Yoga class, offering over 25 classes per week online and in-studio. They offer a variety of classes: beginner, intermediate, advanced, therapeutic, supportive chair classes, and more. Get Well, Find Community, and Be Inspired! www.cyoga-amelia.com.
Ascendance Pilates, Yoga, & Barre (904-844-2449) features professionally trained instructors with over 20 years of combined experience with private and group classes for “every body!” It doesn’t matter if you’re new to this or are just ready to take it to the next level. Visit ascendance-pyb.com for more information.
If you need any gear to walk the trails, run, or hit the gym this summer, locally owned and operated Mythic Running Co. (904) 432-8259 has everything you’ll need, from footwear and apparel to all the accessories. mythicrunning.com
The City of Fernandina Beach operates two recreation centers—Atlantic Recreation Center (904-310-3350) and Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center (904-310-3358) – offering aquatics, fitness, and other family activities. Be sure to stop by Central Park on Atlantic Avenue to check out their tennis, pickleball, and petanque courts for players of all ages and The Peck Center (904-310-3353) has an indoor gym and a fitness room, as well.
And for your four-legged friends, consider a trip to Nassau Humane Society Dog Park (904-491-1511) or Redbones Dog Bakery (904-321-0020) for summer treats and toys. Visit Hot Paws (904-277-3075) for canine socializing, doggie day care, and a cool down at their bathing stations.
IN THE SKY
Are you ready to feel the excitement of skydiving at 120 miles per hour? Skydive Amelia Island (904-718-4648) can provide you with a tandem skydiving experience of a lifetime. During your skydive you will see miles of beach views, along with the splendor of North Florida, and your instructor will even provide you with a video of your jump!
ON THE GREENS
Golf is one of Florida’s favorite pastimes and Amelia Island’s fairways and greens are close to the beach, meandering through unique coastal maritime hammocks. Omni Amelia Island Resort (904-277-5907) provides the golfer with breathtaking views and intriguing play, with three championship courses including the newly redesigned Oak Marsh Golf Course. The Amelia River Golf Club (904-491-8500), known for its smooth TifEagle greens, manicured fairways, and challenging pin positions, is one of the most interesting courses in North Florida.
The Golf Club of North Hampton (904-548-0000) is carved into the natural surroundings and framed by spring-fed lakes, capturing the feel of a Scottish links-style course. Fernandina Beach Golf Club (904-310-3175) is conveniently located, featuring 27 holes, a full-service restaurant, clubhouse, and is one of the most popular municipal golf courses in Florida.
For the young and the young at heart, Island Falls Adventure Golf (904-261-7881) is Amelia Island’s best miniature golf course with 18 (and a half) inventive and beautiful holes, surrounded by waterfalls, bridges and tunnels, with music throughout the course from their outdoor sound system. And bring the whole family to Putt-Putt Main Beach. Continuing the 60-plus year tradition of providing a family-friendly fun place to visit, Putt-Putt of Amelia Island (904-261-4443) is a competition-style 36-hole course just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.
AROUND TOWN
After a day at the beach or a round of golf, treat yourself to Amelia Island’s vast array of art, music, theatre, and dining experiences. Be sure to check out what’s playing at Amelia Community Theatre by visiting ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
Join Anchor Trolley and Transport (904-517-2002) for a Historic Trolley Tour or reserve your own private transportation. They currently offer tours of historic Fernandina Beach, Old Town Fernandina, and other amazing spots along the way! Visit their website for more information at www.anchortrolleys.com.
Need a lift on or off the island? Mike’s Shuttle Service (904-753-1560) will get you safely to your destination, whether it be dinner in town, a trip to the airport, or beyond. An Amelia Island resident for over 30 years, Mike Hargrove will take you anywhere you want to go! www.mikesshuttles.com.
Located throughout the island you’ll find many beautiful galleries and antique shops. Check out the Amelia Islander Magazine’s Galleries & Antiques page for a list of the area’s finest local paintings, sculpture, jewelry, textile designs, plus antiques, collectibles, and furniture. The Island Art Association (904-261-7020) and the Plantation Artists Guild & Gallery (904-432-1750) offer classes and gallery receptions. And each second Saturday of the month, enjoy a special Artrageous Artwalk from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., taking visitors to many galleries in the downtown area.
Need a little spice in your life? Stop by The Spice and Tea Exchange (904-432-7897) and watch their Spice Masters at work as you sip from a freshly brewed hot or iced tea from the Tea Bar. They offer great recipe ideas for your next summer party, too! Visit their website at spiceandtea.com.
The deep Cumberland Sound has been a home for sharks for millions of years, so beachcombing is big on Amelia Island. With routine dredging in the sound because of the submarines, you’ll find a good supply of shark’s teeth and other fossils, shells, and sea life on Amelia Island’s beaches. Stop by Fernandina Fossils (904-715-0763) to see what’s on display there and to pick up a little local know-how.
Take a break from the beach and visit Story and Song Bookstore Center for Arts & Culture (904-601-2118) for a myriad of summer events and activities. You’ll discover a unique confluence of the arts and enjoy some tasty treats in their Bistro. Visit their art gallery and check out their calendar for summer programs and special events at www.storyandsongarts.org.
Step back in time at the Amelia Island Museum of History (904-261-7278) and discover 4000 years of life on the water’s edge here on Amelia Island. Check out their website for current activities and hours at ameliamuseum.org.
Summer is a great time to boost your creative spirit! Bristly Thistle (904-729-4020) offers a wide selection of hand-painted needlepoint canvases, threads, supplies, accessories, and embellishments. They also host classes taught by talented artists from across the country. Visit their website atbristlythistle.com.
At Amelia Makery (904-310-9520), they believe everyone has the potential to be an artist! In their sunny studio, they provide a fun and inspiring environment where you can tap into your artistic side. Amelia Makery is a vibrant paint-your-own-pottery studio for people of all ages and skill levels, offering painting on ceramics, glass art, and more.
IN THE SHOPS AND IN THE SPAS
And there are plenty of places to shop around the island! If you’re staying at one of the local bed and breakfast inns (www.ameliaislandinns.com), be sure to check out the myriad of specialty items at Fernandina Beach’s downtown shops. Other places to shop include Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, The Shops at the Omni Resort, and the shops on Sadler Road. Be sure to experience Amelia Island’s restaurant scene, too, featuring some of the best food in the South!
L. Moore Aesthetics (904-652-9958) wants you to take good care of your skin, and this summer is the time to do so! Whether a facial is a special occasion or you want to make facials a regular part of your summer skin care routine, L. Moore Aesthetics will tailor your treatment to your exact needs. lmooreaesthetics.com.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort or The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, both resorts offer plenty of amenities and fine concierge services. At The Ritz-Carlton’s Florida Spa Resort (904-277-1087), let cares and distractions melt away as you relax under the therapeutic benefits of zero gravity with a Heaven in a Hammock massage. The Spa at the Omni Resort (877-843-7722) will help you unwind after a long day of summer activities with rejuvenating spa treatments that include couple massages, facials, steam showers, and much more.
After you’ve fallen in love with Amelia Island this summer, you’re sure to want to make plans to come back real soon! Luxury Rentals of Amelia (904-261-9133) offers the perfect vacation properties for those looking to relax, unwind, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the island. Visit their website at luxuryamelia.com.
For more information on Amelia Island summer activities, visit www.ameliaisland.com/events or call the Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center at (904) 261-3248. And be sure to check out Amelia Islander Magazine’s blog, which features updated activities and more summer fun at www.ameliaislander.com.
*Photo credits clockwise from top left: Amelia Shotgun Sports; Fernandina Fossils; Deremer Studios, LLC; Skydive Amelia; Amelia Island Kayak Excursions; Omni Amelia Island Resort