Best For: The outdoorsy, nature-loving family who prefers creature comforts over sleeping bags.

Stay: Amelia Island Plantation spans the entire south end of the island before merging into a state park. Its stunning 3½-mile stretch of dune-studded beach and hundreds of acres of maritime forest and marshland give the resort an unspoiled, natural feel.

Play: Start the day paddling through the salt marsh on a kayak from Walker’s Landing. At low tide you can walk around on mud flats and see dolphins, manatees and crabs (don’t worry; it’s too salty for alligators!). Next, hop on a bike or a Segway from Amelia’s Wheels to explore the seven miles of tree-canopied trails. Don’t miss the Sunken Forest with wooden overlooks for fabulous views of the Atlantic over the treetops. End the day on the meandering boardwalks at Drummond Point Park, the best place to see herons and egrets as the sun sets over the endless expanse of marshland.

Go Natural: Head to the Nature Center for children’s programs like shark-tooth hunts and crabbing with the center’s “master naturalist” Christina Nelson. Meet Rex, the red-bellied turtle, in the indoor zoo. Rent fishing rods from Amelia Angler to catch redfish and seatrout right offshore, or head to the private Aury Island, where you can go marsh fishing and the little ones can have fun on the play- ground while you wait for a bite.

Eat: Sip sweet tea and nibble on chocolate crunch cake by the lake at Marche Burette Market & Deli. In the evening, try the grouper in sauvignon-blanc sauce at the Verandah restaurant, or for some- thing more casual, go for the “best burger on the island,” served with fried green beans, at the Falcon’s Nest. On Friday nights in summer, locals gather at the Boardwalk Bash, home to $1 beers and live music. For more information, please visit: ameliaisland.com.

<< Back to Main