Check Out The Best Amelia Island Attractions On Your Next Visit

Amelia Island, located on Florida’s northeastern coast, offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant activities that cater to all travelers. Whether you’re seeking a calm retreat or adventurous fun, this island has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top Amelia Island attractions, from historic sites and lush parks to fun markets and serene beachfront. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll also find information on various Amelia Island vacation rentals to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Fort Clinch State Park

A row of cannons pointing across the St. Marys River into Georgia are silent testimony to the historical significance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the fort’s many rooms, galleries, and grounds and learn about the life of a Union soldier through remarkable living history programs. Make plans to visit on the first weekend of every month when a soldier garrison fires cannons and demonstrates other battlefield skills. The historic fort is only one aspect of this diverse 1,400-acre park. Maritime hammocks with massive arching live oaks provide a striking backdrop for hiking and biking on the park’s many trails. The park is known for its gopher tortoises, painted buntings, and other species of wildlife. Camping, fishing, shelling, and shark-tooth hunting are popular activities. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or just enjoy a scenic drive, Fort Clinch’s varied habitats are a sanctuary for both. The park offers 69 campsites in two distinct campgrounds, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a night in nature. 

Fernandina Beach Historic District

As you walk through the streets of historic downtown Fernandina Beach, you are transported to a world where time stands still. Shopkeepers greet you with unique treasures and welcoming smiles. The rich aroma of freshly made fudge carries on a gentle breeze. Your gaze is drawn to the Victorian-era architecture that holds captivating secrets of a storied past.

If you love everything old and vintage, downtown Fernandina Beach is home to several antique stores where treasure hunting is a real thing. Every Saturday, a local farmers market and arts market takes place on South 7th Street. The Fernandina Beach Market Place is pet-friendly, and features live music, handmade art, fresh local fruits & veggies, and some of the most delicious treats to be had on Amelia Island. The historic district is one of the best things to do in Amelia Island.

Peter’s Point Beachfront Park

Peters Point Beachfront Park is centrally located on Amelia Island and is easily accessible with plenty of parking. Bathrooms are available with indoor and outdoor showers as well as picnic tables for dining. A great place for families to enjoy the wide beach for playing, strolling, sunbathing, surf fishing, or ocean swimming. Kicked back and convenient, beautiful Peters Point is popular but not over-crowded. You’re likely to see surf fishermen, groups of horseback riders along the shoreline, and folks walking their dogs by the water. The latte-hued sand is the consistency of sugar crystals and is hard-packed near the water, making it ideal for a morning run or leisurely afternoon stroll. The north side of the park is bordered by a residential area, and the south side by condos, making it a perfect spot to consider for Amelia Island condo rentals.

Amelia Island Museum of History

Step back in time and discover 4000 years of life on the water’s edge here on Amelia Island. From the Timucua Native American tribe to Spanish and French explorers, from the lawless spirit of pirates to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, Amelia Island has been home to diverse cultures that have left an exciting heritage. Check out their exhibits like The Waters Edge, First People, Arrival of Europeans, The Civil War, Maritime Way of Life and many more! This museum offers a comprehensive and engaging way to understand the history and culture of Amelia Island, making it one of the top Amelia Island attractions.

Amelia Island State Park

Beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests provide visitors with a glimpse of the real Florida. Visitors can stroll along the beach, look for shells and shark teeth, or watch the wildlife. Anglers can surf fish along the shoreline or wet their lines from the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier spanning Nassau Sound. The paved Timucuan Trail bike path at the park connects the northern six-mile segment to Peters Point Park on Amelia Island with the A1A driving bridge that crosses the Nassau Sound to Big Talbot Island and an additional four miles of off-road trail. Amelia Island State Park is one of the premier sites along the eastern section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Shorebirds such as least terns, piping plovers, Wilson’s plovers, willets, and black skimmers feed and rest along the shoreline. With so many activities to offer, Amelia Island State Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit on the island.

Egan’s Creek Greenway

A protected area of over 300 acres that runs north to south along Ron Sapp Egans Creek, the Greenway was opened for public use in the summer of 2000 as an undeveloped park for passive recreational use. Its grass-covered roads serve as a network of trails that are suitable for walking and bicycling, and its environment exhibits a variety of natural wildlife and vegetation. Local wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, marsh rabbits, and many birds, may be enjoyed from a distance. Benches and interpretive displays are located throughout the Greenway, and restrooms are available at the Nature Pavilion, located at the Greenway entrance behind the Atlantic Recreation Center on Atlantic Avenue. If you’re exploring Amelia Island things to do that involve more serene and nature-filled experiences, Egan’s Creek Greenway is a must-visit.

Fernandina Beach Farmers Market

Join your family and friends at this weekly event where farmers, growers, and entrepreneurial individuals sell locally grown and produced goods to those living in and visiting our friendly, little community. The farmers’ market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., year-round, rain or shine. Look for live music, featured businesses, a Booth With a Cause, and the friendliest folks in Florida! You will also find seasonal produce, freshly baked bread, pastries, plants, flowers, beef, chicken, pork, eggs, snacks, jellies, jams, pickles, salmon, jerky, hot sauce, guacamole, dips, salsas, candles, soaps and body products, flavored salts, pecans, honey, wild-caught shrimp, specialty food items, and these are just the weekly vendors. The Fernandina Beach Farmers Market is more than just a market; it’s a vibrant community gathering, making it one of the most enjoyable things to do in Amelia Island.

Explore Our Amelia Island Rentals

Here at Amelia Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options that cater to various needs and preferences. From quaint condos to luxurious homes, the island has numerous accommodations to choose from. Our Amelia Island rentals provide the perfect base for exploring all the attractions and activities on offer. Our Amelia Island vacation rentals provide modern amenities like fully equipped kitchens and living spaces, and some even come with private pools. For those who prefer beachfront living, our Amelia Island beachfront condo rentals offer scenic views and easy access to the beach, giving you the ultimate island experience. So, as you plan your trip, make sure you choose a rental that perfectly matches your vacation style and needs. Book your stay with Amelia Vacations today and be on your way to the getaway of a lifetime!