Free Things to Do on Amelia Island

Located just off the coast of Florida (extremely north part of eastern coast almost to Georgia), Amelia Island is easy to reach (yes, you can drive there), but hard to forget.  With 13-miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this barrier island has long been a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike. Amelia was voted #4 among Top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards, making it the highest ranked island destination in Florida for three years in a row. Here are some free things to do on Amelia Island.

Fly a Kite at Peter’s Point
Peter’s Point is a large public beach on Amelia Island, which offers plenty of parking, picnic tables and restrooms. It’s a great place to fly a kite, surf, or simply play in the waves.

Sunset at Fernandina Beach Marina
Fernandina Harbor Marina is a self-sustaining business of the Marina Department for the City of Fernandina Beach. The Marina is located at the end of Centre Street and offers a great view of the sunset. 1 Front Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Nature walk at Egan’s Creek
Over 300 acres that run north to south along 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 are suitable for walking and bicycling and its environment exhibits a variety of natural wildlife and vegetation. Contact: Parks and Recreation, 2500 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, Ph: (904) 277-7350
Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday

Shrimp Festival
Held in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, the Annual Isle of Eight
Flags Shrimp Festival will feature an array of activities for adults
and children. The Shrimp Festival will dish out boatloads of fresh
seafood and shrimp dishes, as local volunteer organizations prepare
and serve an astounding assortment of menu items, including shrimp
pie, shrimp twisters, crawfish, and shrimp ice cream. The Fine Arts
and Crafts show will feature works from more than 300 award-winning
artists and craftspeople. Families will enjoy the “Little Pirate”
costume contest, pre-festival Pirate Parade, and the Family Fun Zone.
For additional information or a schedule of events, call 866-4AMELIA,
904-261-3248, or visit www.shrimpfestival.com.

ArtRageous Artwalks
Every second Saturday, Amelia Island holds an exciting Artrageous
Artwalk. With 13 galleries participating, the Artwalk opens the doors
of some of the Island’s incredible galleries, featuring photography,
pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more.

Visitors can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina
Beach and at the Plantation Artists’ Guild and Gallery located at
Amelia Island Plantation. Artrageous Artwalk takes place from 5:30pm
to 8:30pm the second Saturday of each month. For further information,
call 800-226-3542 or visit www.ameliaisland.com/art

Sounds on Centre
The Historic Fernandina Business Association is proud to present
SOUNDS ON CENTRE. This free community concert is held the First
Friday of each month from March through October in the historic
downtown on Centre Street between 2nd & Front from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
With a free concert (band TBA), make sure to bring a chair, your
dancing shoes and a smile and song in your heart. For additional
information, visit www.downtownfernandina.com

Searching for Sharks Teeth/shells along shoreline
A favorite island pastime for visitors and locals alike is to canvas
Amelia’s sandy shores and surf line in search of seashells. Winds and
waves reveal a marvelous variety of shells along the island’s pristine
shoreline, many unbroken and unworn. Easy to collect and identify,
most shells can be found along the high-tide line. Along her 13-miles
of shoreline, Amelia Island has a variety of public beaches and parks.
Main Beach, the largest public beach park on the island, is great for
beachcombing or swimming, and offers free parking, restrooms, picnic
tables and more. Seaside Park is another great option, and includes a
parking lot, boardwalk and gazebos.

For more information or to plan your visit, check out Amelia Island’s Official Website.