Explore Amelia Island
Amelia island Favorites
Our top recommended activities
Outdoor Fun
Main Beach Park offers picnic areas and playgrounds just steps from the ocean, making it a perfect family-friendly spot to relax, play, and enjoy the beach.
Experience the magic of horseback riding on the beach, where you’ll enjoy ocean views, warm breezes, and the sound of waves beneath you. Perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, it’s a memorable way to experience Amelia Island’s beautiful coastline.
Water Adventures
Amelia Island offers family-friendly kayak excursions, perfect for exploring the beautiful waterways together.
Amelia Island State Park offers dunes, maritime forests, and fishing piers for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing & Nature
Explore the water with local cruises, sailboat rentals, tours and fishing charters
Book a tour to Cumberland Island, a barrier island off Georgia’s southeast coast featuring protected beaches and maritime forest. The Dungeness Ruins are remnants of a mansion built by Thomas Carnegie, brother of steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.
Explore like locals
The Historic Downtown district features charming architecture and unique shops as well as food tours.
Historic downtown fernadina
Downtown Fernandina Beach is a delightful 50-block historic Victorian seaport district nestled on beautiful Amelia Island. This vibrant area features exquisitely preserved 19th-century brick storefronts that echo its rich heritage. Visitors can wander through an array of distinctive local boutiques, each providing unique treasures and gifts. Moreover, the picturesque harbor front enhances the district's charm, offering breathtaking views and an ideal setting for leisurely strolls and enjoyable dining, exceptional shopping, and memorable experiences by the water.
Popular Dining Spots on Amelia Island
Where can I find fresh seafood on Amelia Island?
Local favorites include Timoti's Food Shack, Salt Life, Salty Pelican, and The Boathouse.
Are there international cuisine options available?
Yes, Amelia Island offers diverse flavors including Italian at David’s Restaurant, Espana , Lagniiappe, and Southern-inspired dishes at The Salty Pelican.
Which restaurants are best for a romantic dinner?
For intimate settings, try Espana Tapas y Vino with its cozy ambiance and authentic Spanish tapas or David's Restaurant and Lounge.
Where can families enjoy a meal together?
The Happy Tomato offers a relaxed atmosphere with fresh, locally sourced ingredients perfect for all ages, while Timoti’s Seafood Shak provides a casual menu that kids love.What dining options are available near the beach?
Oceanfront spots like The Surf Restaurant and Sliders Seaside Grill offer casual dining with scenic views and menus featuring fresh seafood and coastal favorites.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants here?
Yes, places like Green Turtle Market and The Happy Tomato provide a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Are there any breweries or wine bars on Amelia Island?
Yes, Mocama Beer Company, First Love Brew and Marlin and Barrel Distillery are great places.
Are reservations recommended for popular restaurants?
Reservations are advised during peak seasons and weekends at restaurants that allow them.
Where can I find casual dining near the rentals?
Casual eateries like The Happy Tomato, Mason's Lobster Rolls and Timoti’s Seafood Shak are conveniently located near many vacation rentals, offering quick and fresh meals.
Are there any dining spots with ocean views?
Yes, restaurants such as Salt at The Ritz-Carlton and The Surf Restaurant provide stunning ocean views alongside their menus.
Amelia Island Events
The Amelia Concours d'Elegance Car Show
The Amelia Concours d’Eleganceis a premier automotive event held each year on Amelia Island, showcasing hundreds of rare, classic, and historically significant vehicles from around the world. Car enthusiasts can admire extraordinary automobiles, meet fellow collectors, and enjoy a spectacular celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and design. The multi-day event typically takes place during the first or second weekend of March.
Fernandina Beach Arts & Farm Market
Enjoy a relaxed Saturday morning exploring the local farmers market and arts market in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, local specialties, and handcrafted art while supporting local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. The farmers market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the arts market typically takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays, with additional dates during the holiday season.
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival brings world-renowned musicians to intimate island venues for exceptional performances featuring classical music, jazz, and other musical styles. Concerts take place throughout the season, offering guests a wonderful opportunity to enjoy outstanding live music in beautiful and unique settings.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
One of Amelia Island’s most beloved annual traditions, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival celebrates the island’s rich shrimping heritage in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Visitors can enjoy fresh local shrimp and seafood, live music, a juried arts and crafts show, a parade, pirate-themed entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Taste of Amelia
Taste of Amelia is a popular culinary event showcasing the diverse flavors of Amelia Island, with local restaurants offering samples of their signature dishes and delicious creations. Guests can sample a variety of local cuisine, enjoy drinks and entertainment, and discover some of the island’s favorite dining spots all in one place. Typically in late February.
Amelia Island Book Festival
The Amelia Island Book Festival celebrates the joy of reading and writing, bringing bestselling authors, aspiring writers, and book lovers together for author presentations, book signings, workshops, and literary events. This popular annual event also supports literacy programs for children and adults throughout Northeast Florida. Late winter.
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival features world-renowned musicians performing classical masterpieces, jazz, bluegrass, and innovative musical collaborations in intimate venues across the island. Concerts run throughout the season, offering visitors a chance to enjoy exceptional live music in a memorable coastal setting.
Artrageous Art Walk
Explore the vibrant local art scene in historic downtown Fernandina Beach as galleries and studios open their doors to showcase works by talented local artists. Visitors can browse paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and other unique creations while meeting artists and enjoying the charming downtown atmosphere. Second Saturday monthly.
Black Friday Pajama Day & Sidewalk Sale
Kick off the holiday season with a festive shopping day in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, where visitors can wear their favorite pajamas while exploring local shops, enjoying special Black Friday discounts, live music, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. The celebration often includes a fun pajama contest, visits with Santa, and opportunities to support local businesses while finding unique holiday gifts.
Dickens on Centre
Step into a Victorian Christmas wonderland as historic downtown Fernandina Beach transforms into a charming English village inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive food, live entertainment, costumed characters, visits with Santa, and family-friendly activities during this beloved annual holiday festival.
Eight Flags Car Show
The annual Eight Flags Car Show brings classic car enthusiasts to historic downtown Fernandina Beach to admire an impressive collection of vehicles, from beautifully restored antiques to modern Corvettes and specialty cars. Visitors can stroll along Centre Street, enjoy the displays, and vote for the People’s Choice Award while supporting local charitable organizations.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
Ring in the new year island-style at this fun, family-friendly celebration in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. The event features the famous illuminated shrimp drop at midnight, along with festive entertainment and a uniquely local twist on the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown.
Northeast Florida Fair
Held annually in nearby Callahan, Florida, just a short drive from Amelia Island, the Northeast Florida Fair is a classic country fair featuring thrilling carnival rides, midway games, fair food, live entertainment, and agricultural exhibits. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, and family-friendly activities celebrating the region’s farming traditions. The fair typically runs for about 10 days in October.
Sounds on Centre
Sounds on Centre is a lively outdoor concert series held on Centre Street in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, featuring live music, local vendors, and a festive community atmosphere. Bring your family and friends, explore downtown shops and restaurants, and enjoy an evening of great music in the heart of Amelia Island.
The Right Whale Festival
The Right Whale Festival celebrates the annual migration of endangered North Atlantic right whales along Florida’s coast, raising awareness about whale conservation and ocean protection. Held in Fernandina Beach, this family-friendly event features educational exhibits, local vendors, live entertainment, and activities highlighting the importance of protecting these magnificent marine animals.
