Historic Amelia Island has so much more than just great seafood and beautiful beaches. There are countless ways to spend your family vacation here and plenty of activities to fill your schedule with.
If you’re not sure where to begin, consider joining a tour at the Amelia Island Museum of History at 233 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL to learn more about the island’s history and meet some locals who can point you in the direction you want to go.
Ghost Tour
Hear the hushed stories of Amelia Island on the walking Ghost Tour during your vacation on Amelia Island. Prepare to be lead down dark streets and walk in the spirited footsteps left behind by the Victorian era in Florida. Meet at the cemetery behind St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 801 Atlantic Avenue at 6 p.m. on Fridays for a ghastly experience.
Your guide will walk you through the history and haunted past of Amelia Island. You won’t want to miss this hour-long experience. Purchase your ticket in advance at the museum. The student ticket price is $5 and the adult ticket price is $10.
Discover This Tour
Learn about the past, present, and future of Amelia Island from local guru Lauri deGaris on the Discover This walking tour. Guests learn about the significance of local churches, parks, Victorian homes, island characters and more.
The tour departs from the Fernandina Beach Marina, neighboring the Shrimping Museum, and goes for approximately two miles and lasts for one and a half hours. The cost is $18 a person, call (904) 477-8900 to buy tickets.
Pub Tour
Learn about Amelia Island while staying well hydrated on a pub tour. Tour patrons visit three of the island’s most historic, popular or notorious watering holes. For the cost of one $25 ticket, you will receive a free drink at each pub and some tales of the times at each establishment.
The tour departs from the Shrimping Museum and Fernandina Beach Marine Welcome Center at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
Reserve your spot now to learn and have fun while beating the heat; call (904) 261-7378 ext. 105 or email Thea@ameliamuseum.org, and don’t forget your valid I.D.
Kayak Cumberland Island Tour
Learn about the region, kayaking and outdoor ethics with the Amelia Island Kayak & Boat Nature Tours offered through Amelia Adventures. Paddlers of all experience levels will enjoy the trip. Cumberland Island is just a short paddle across the channel from Amelia Island. On the way over, keep your eyes open for turtles and dolphins!
Upon arrival, you may spot a range of wildlife, such as turkeys, shorebirds, wild horses or armadillos. Cost per person on this tour starts at $75 and lasts 2-3 hours. Tour times change seasonally, so visit their online calendar for times, location and book on their website.
Trolley Tour
Sit back on a tour that family members of all abilities can enjoy. The Amelia Island Trolley tour covers the history of the town and region, taking patrons through the silk stocking district, the north end of Fernandina Beach, Old Town and Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach.
The tour departs at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the end of Centre Street at the Marina, and tickets are purchased from the driver with cash or credit card.
The cost is $10 per child ages six to 15, $20 per adult ages 15 and up, and children under the age of five are free. Each tour runs about one hour and 15 minutes. Call (904) 753-4486 for booking information or send an email to aitrolleys@gmail.com.
Cruise the waters of Amelia Island
Amelia River Cruises & Charters offers many popular local tours to choose from, including tours of Cumberland Island, Beach Creek, and a Shrimping Eco Tour.
The Shrimping Tour is seasonal and runs from June 1st through August 31st, offering an interactive journey through Tiger Basin where guests are trained in how to use the Otter Trawl shrimping net which was developed in Fernandina. This 2-hour tour costs $27 for adults and $17 for children.
The Beach Creek tour runs 7 days a week and takes you for a scenic view of salt marshes, the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion, and inside Cumberland Island. It’s a 1.5-hour tour, costing $25 for adults and $19 for children. Book either tour by calling (904)-261-9972.
If you’re interested in learning something extra about the island that isn’t covered in the recommendations above or is interested in lodging information, give us a call at (800) 741-4011 today!