The Best Things to See and Do on Amelia Island at Fernandina Beach

I have family that live OTI, and I brought a few friends down for a girls' weekend in Summer 2019.

Entertainment

Amelia Island Escape Room

This was my first time doing an escape room. We chose a scary room, and the staff was amazing throughout it all; they even joined in on the fun!

My group was a little . . . special . . . when we were trying to figure out the clues. We were absolutely stumped and getting so frustrated. The staff watching through the cameras was the highlight and comedy of the evening. They left silly comments on the television screen to not only help us, but to make us laugh as well.

Island Falls Adventure Golf:

There are a bundle of mini-golf places to choose from OTI. You really can't go wrong with wherever you go. Island Falls is my favorite though. Yes, it is old, but there's just something about it that makes it special.

WANT to Drink and Golf? Check out Gregor MacGregor's Mini Links and Drinks. It's the newest mini-golf course in town, and it already looks like it's a huge hit!

Amelia Island BYOB Twilight Boat Cruise

Everyone must experience this. Each time I go on this cruise it is a new experience, and the live music is the best! The highlight of this experience was seeing the dolphins, the wild horses, and even a manatee! Keep in mind though, the appearance of wildlife is never guaranteed on this cruise.

BYOB means Bring Your Own Beverage. So bring your drinks, food, friends, and make a night out it!

Note: Get in line early because you want the best seats. If possible, aim for sitting at the bow of the boat. If there are no more seats available at the bow, sit on the right side when you walk on the boat. You will be able to see the sunset the entire time as your captain brings you back to the dock.

Outdoor Activities

Egan's Creek Greenway

Dress in comfortable clothes and aim to go early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months. If you wait to go until mid-afternoon, the heat can be unbearable.

You can even see wildlife like herons, turtles, snakes, and alligators. With that being said, always be on alert when you're walking. Stay on the middle of the paths, and be cautious if you choose to go near the creek.

Note: You will need bug spray during those muggy, hot days. Be prepared to be attacked by bugs if you choose not to use bug spray.

Star Gazing on the Beach

Grab a blanket and gaze at the incredible wonders of our universe while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing.

Note: You can't use a regular flashlight because that could disturb the hatching of the baby sea turtles. You must use a special red setting on a flashlight in order to not disturb the wildlife.

Fort Clinch State Park

You will need a park pass in order to enter. You can walk, run, ride your bike, or drive your car through this state park. I usually take a car and drive around to all of the different spots to sight-see at.

If you visit, don't miss seeing the marsh, lighthouse, beaches, and the famous Fort Clinch!

Restaurants

Arte Pizza

Great options, great food, great price, and excellent service. Wood-fired pizza is the best!

Pozzi Bistro

Although I have never personally dined here, it is a hit amongst the locals. I will say though, I was disappointed by the famous Prosecco Popsicle. It was just a glass of regular Prosecco with a Popsicle of my choice sitting in the glass.

Sliders

There are different sections of this building with different menus. Sliders is the outdoor portion. It was very relaxing, and they even have swings at the bar!

Bars

The Decantery

Spend a classy night out at this wine and cocktail bar. They always have slices of cake ready for customers to buy and enjoy with their drink.

Their wine selection is unique. The bartender will give you a card, and you can serve yourself through their wine dispensing machine.

The Green Turtle

Hang out with the local famous Pajama Dave and Party Marty here if you're lucky enough. There is live music and standard drinks here. The locals always have a good time at this bar.

Personally, it felt too overcrowded for me. I imagine though, when you know everyone OTI, it could be a party there. The downside is that an overcrowded place a lot of times means a dirty bathroom, which is exactly what I encountered there.

Locals Cocktail Lounge & Sadler Ranch

This place is a blast! Saturdays are going to be the most popular nights for a young adult crowd. The bartenders and bouncers at Locals all have hilarious personalities. I was personally encouraged by their staff to hop on their famous rooster for a picture, as well as others. It is quite the attraction!

What makes this place such a fun night out is the fact that Locals and Sadler connect through a wide hallway. Locals is where you go crazy and dance to popular pop songs; Sadler is where you go to listen to country music and do some line dancing.

The Possibilities Are Endless

The locals are very friendly here, so don't be afraid to ask for their input on what to do OTI. From the beaches to the outdoor activities and nature, Fernandina Beach is starting to become Amelia Island's worst-kept secret.

© 2020 Jackie Zelko