Escape On An Amelia Island Weekend Getaway
Take a step back in time to a place with history, beauty, and amazing food. Did you know that Amelia Island is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry? Thanks to the ingenuity of local fishermen, net makers, and boat builders, you will get the freshest seafood during your Amelia Island weekend getaway.
Beautiful Beaches To Explore on Your Amelia Island Weekend Getaway
Amelia Island is located off the northeastern tip of Florida and is the southernmost of the Sea Islands. The sandy beaches stretch from South Carolina to Florida. Captivating generations of travelers with natural beauty, history, and amazing outdoor adventure. From things to do and places to eat, you will want more than just a weekend getaway to Amelia Island Florida.
Things To do
Explore Amelia Island State Park
Rolling dunes, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests frame the park’s natural Appalachian quartz beaches. You will see a glimpse of the real Florida. As you stroll along the beach and look for shells and shark teeth, you will see wildlife like pelicans and seagulls. If you are lucky, you may even see a right whale right off the beach. You can also fish off the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier which spas the Nassau Sound. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/amelia-island.
State Road A1A North, Jacksonville FL 32226
Try Your Hand At Duck Pinz Bowling
Duck Pinz bowling is like skeet ball mixed with bowling. The ball is smaller and the pins are shorter and tied to a string which makes them lighter than in traditional bowling. They say the smaller ball size makes getting a strike harder. We had a great time at Duck Pinz because this type of bowling makes it easier to knock down these tied-up pins. After all, you are given 3 tries each turn. The rules are similar to regular bowling because each game has 10 frames. The founders of Duckpin, Uncle W. Robinson and JJ McGraw, who were duck hunters, remarked how the pins looked like a flying flock of ducks when they scattered! For more information and to make a reservation, visit duckpinzfernandina.com.
27 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Explore the Historic Downtown
Head downtown and explore the historic buildings, restaurants, and the oldest bar in Florida. The Palace Saloon was established in 1903 and is the oldest bar in Florida, it’s known as the “Shipcaptain’s Bar”. It is located in a historic building, the Prescott building, which was built in 1878, and in 1903 Louis G. Hirth bought it and turned it into a Saloon with the help of his friend, Adolphus Bush, founder of Anheuser-Busch. A fun fact is that the Palace continued to stay open during prohibition by selling gasoline, nearby beer, and ice cream. The saloon still has famous fixtures, designs, and legends as long as the bar, and it is a must-visit when you explore this historic town.
Sail Away with Follow That Dream Sailing
Have you ever wanted to experience a relaxing and visually stimulating place all at the same time? Sail away for a day of adventure with Follow That Dream Sailing. Meet Captain Bud and Co-Captain MIr on their 41-foot-long sailing catamaran, Follow That Dream.
Relax And Enjoy The Sights
Start your day off early to catch the high tide out, and return when the sun sets to catch the high tide back into the pier. The cruise takes you around Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, and Cumberland Island.
View The Wild Horses On Cumberland Island
This is a perfect way to see the wild horses grazing on the beach of Cumberland Island, you will also see Fort Clinch. Get your camera ready as you pass by the church where JFK Jr. was married to the love of his life. You will also get a glimpse of the Pippy Longstocking house through the trees. Watch for dolphins and pelicans as they swim and fly alongside the sailboat.
They Treat You Like Royalty
There are two restrooms (heads) on board the boat, and a guest room on each side, but it’s a good idea to go before boarding the boat. Enjoy snacks, drinks, bottled water, a glass of wine, and charcuterie as you glide on the water or sit on the netting and enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife. They offer day trips, and overnight trips, which are perfect for a romantic getaway.
What To Bring
They suggest you bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and possibly a jacket, depending on the time of year. Please no high heels or hard-soled shoes. We suggest wearing light/white color soled shoes not to mark up the deck of the boat. For more information, visit followthatdreamsailing.com.
251 Creekside Drive – Dock B Fernandina, FL 32034
Located on the island side of the bridge at the end of the “B” dock.Right behind the Kitchen 251 restaurant. There is plenty of free parking.
Enjoy Seaside Park
Both Seaside Park and Main Beach Park offer excellent public beaches and access points. You can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean which is edged with natural Appalachian quartz beaches and sand dunes as high as 40 feet. It’s a beautiful way to explore the day and catch some rays, be sure to bring your sunscreen and a great hat.
2002 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Visit Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch is located on the St. Mary’s River and is a testimony to the strategic importance it had during the Civil War. You can explore the many rooms at the fort and learn about the life of a Union soldier. Exploring the grounds is a great way to see the many cannons in this 1,400-acre park. There are live oak trees and many trails for hiking and biking. The park is known for the gopher tortoises and other species of wildlife, you can also fish, camp, and hunt for shark teeth.
2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Catch a Sunrise or Sunset
Find the perfect spot to catch the sunrise on the beach or the sunset along the harbor.
3 S Front Street, Fernandina Beach FL, 32034
Where To Stay
Residence Inn Amelia Island
The Residence Inn hotel is a great choice for a place to stay. It is within walking distance of the miles of pristine beaches or you can be there in a quick one minute drive. Native wildlife and Amelia Island trail are located right behind the hotel, so grab your walking shoes and explore. The hotel also offers a grab-and-go breakfast so you can head out early to explore the historic district of Fernandina Beach or what the locals call old Florida because of all the history on this beautiful island. When you arrive back at your hotel, you will enjoy the spacious studio suite, 24-hour fitness center, and happy hours during the week. For more information, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/jaxar-residence-inn-amelia-island.
2301 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Where To Eat
Dinner at Salt Life Food Shack
Salt Life Food Shack offers a large menu that caters to all tastes and personalities. It is the perfect place to get an ocean view while grabbing a yummy bite for dinner. Enjoy amazing dishes like their crab cakes or fish tacos. They have a great cocktail menu and live music most nights. We even caught a birthday celebration and got to sing Happy Birthday with the whole restaurant, it’s just that kind of place. Try out the island life and pull up a stool. Eat. Drink. And Be Salty is what they say. For more information, and to make a reservation, visit saltlifefoodshack.com/fernandina-beach.
39 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Dinner at Timoti’s Seafood Shak
This is a great place for amazing food and laid laid-back atmosphere. You order inside and enjoy your food outside on the picnic tables. Their Clam chowder is absolutely amazing and paired perfectly with my Poke bowl. Timoti’s Seafood Shak is dedicated to serving fresh local and wild-caught seafood on Amelia Island. Timoti’s is passionate about serving the freshest locally procured ingredients available while supporting the local fishermen, farmers, and brewers. Some other favorites include shrimp, oysters, fish, clams, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. For more information, visit timotis.com.
21 N 3rd St,Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Downtown Fernandina Beach
Pop into one of the many shops and restaurants that line the streets of downtown Fernandina Beach. You will find everything from unique treasures to high-end clothing. I had one of the best donuts I have ever had at Vintage Donuts, they make it right in front of you.
Amelia Island Coffee
Grab a cup of coffee at a local favorite, Amelia Island Coffee is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and a beignet from France.
