City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island is separated from the mainland by the twists and turns of the Amelia River just northeast of Jacksonville and south of the Georgia border (along Florida’s ICW). Whether you’re hanging out at a private boat dock rental on the river, fishing for big game fish, taking a sightseeing cruise or letting the kids run off some energy along the sandy shores of Fernandina Beach, the location makes a unique destination for water-loving visitors and Great Loop travelers.
With its multicultural heritage, pirate past and stunning natural scenery, Amelia Island offers the small-town ambiance of historic sites, delicious seafood and coastal charm. It’s also the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry (and we’re all thankful for that!).
Let’s check out some fun things to do in Amelia Island!
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Photo: Wikimedia
Built in 1838, Amelia Island Lighthouse is one of the oldest in Florida. It’s located on Egans Creek and guides ships into Fernandina Harbor. The 67-foot-tall lighthouse is a conical white structure with a black cupola. If you’re looking for something to do from a private boat lift for rent, book a tour to check out the inside of the lighthouse. The tour doesn’t include climbing, but it offers the chance to learn a little history and get some great photos.
Fort Clinch State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Enjoy history and outdoor recreation at Fort Clinch State Park. Located at the north end of Amelia Island, visitors can explore the rooms and grounds of the fort, or go swimming, picnicking, kayaking, fishing, camping or shark tooth hunting. The 1,400-acre park features a maritime forest with live oaks and hiking/bicycling trails. The Willow Pond Nature Trail is a terrific way to check out native Florida plants and wildlife, such as magnolias, Spanish moss, orchids, alligators, raccoons and armadillos. Birdwatchers will be happy to check out the array of birds found in the park, including bald eagles, osprey, pelicans and Cooper’s hawks.
Amelia Island Museum of History
Photo: Wikimedia
Discover a boatload of local history at the Amelia Island Museum of History. Located in the former Nassau County Jail, exhibits range from the Timucua Native American tribe, Spanish and French explorers and the Civil War to pirates, Victorian-era residents and present-day life on Amelia Island. You can visit a recreated jail cell and step aboard the Margery, an interactive pirate ship. There’s also a history garden with native plants where you can learn how plants were used for medicine and as insect repellent.
Amelia Island State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Amelia Island State Park, located at the south end of Amelia Island, is a terrific spot to visit from a private boat slip for rent. The park offers more than 200 acres of salt marshes, maritime forests and long stretches of sandy beach for recreation and wildlife viewing. Spend the day fishing, swimming, birdwatching and nature viewing or go horseback riding with Kelly Seahorse Ranch. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so you may see willets, royal terns, piping plovers and osprey. There’s a fishing pier, a tackle shop, a paved bicycling path and an outdoor shower.
Hopefully, you’ve found a few new things to do the next time you’re visiting Amelia Island from a boat dock for rent. Let us know if we missed anything!
