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Amelia Island Itinerary: Planning the Perfect 3-Day Weekend

ByMorgan Middleton

If you’re planning a weekend trip to Amelia Island and want a blend of relaxation, outdoor fun, and good local food, this itinerary is for you. We’ve visited Amelia Island more times than we can count. We even got married here, and it remains one of our favorite places in Florida.

We created this 3-day Amelia Island itinerary to help couples and families make the most of a short getaway. It’s not packed hour by hour. Instead, it’s built around easy mornings, memorable moments, and flexible ideas you can swap in based on your mood.

Some travelers start the day with a jog or a fishing trip. Others prefer a slow stroll and a mimosa. This itinerary gives you space to do either… or both!

Day 1: Arrive and Unwind by the Water

Whether you’re driving in early Friday or arriving later in the afternoon, your first day on Amelia Island should be about settling in and soaking up the atmosphere.

Lunch (if you arrive midday)

If you get in before check-in, head to Down Under Restaurant for a casual waterfront meal. It’s tucked along the Intracoastal and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s often a wait, but that’s part of the charm. Grab a cocktail from the bar and enjoy the view while you wait for your table.

Beach Time

Once you’ve checked into your accommodations, throw on your sandals and head to the beach. A few hours with your toes in the sand is the perfect way to shift into vacation mode.

If you’re staying somewhere with direct beach access, you’re in luck. But even if you’re driving, spots like Main Beach Park offer public parking, restrooms, and easy access to the shore. Just keep in mind that parking can fill up quickly in peak season.

Blue and red sign for Main Beach in the City of Fernandina Beach, placed near palm trees, a grassy park, and a beachside parking lot under a clear blue sky. A popular public beach on Amelia Island managed by the Parks & Recreation Department.

Dinner

For a relaxed first night, we recommend:

  • Sliders Seaside Grill – Great for families or groups, with live music and a laid-back vibe
  • The Salty Pelican – A local favorite with a solid menu and partial water views if you’re seated upstairs
  • The Surf – Casual and close to several rentals, though parking is limited

Optional: Ease into the Evening

After dinner, take a walk along the beach and catch the sunset. It’s a simple way to slow down and enjoy where you are.

If you’re up for a bit more energy, you could head downtown for a drink or stop by Hammerhead Beach Bar on South Fletcher. It’s a no-frills dive bar (seriously though…), but its fun in the right company.

Day 2: Beach, Downtown, and Choose-Your-Adventure Activities

This is your full day to explore Amelia Island at your own pace. You can keep things simple with a beach day and a downtown stroll, or add in a few more activities depending on your energy.

Morning

Start your day with a walk or jog on Egan’s Creek Greenway. This shaded trail winds through marshland and offers peaceful views of local wildlife. It’s a great way to wake up and stretch your legs before hitting the beach.

Entrance to Egan's Creek Greenway on Amelia Island, with a dirt trail leading into dense trees draped in Spanish moss. Informational signs and a large trail map are posted near the shaded path under a clear blue sky.
One of the entrances to Egan’s Creek Greenway

Don’t want to exercise? Consider a relaxing massage or a local yoga class to ease into the day. Both are easy to find in downtown Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach.

Grab breakfast at Tortuga Jacks (above Sliders). The upstairs seating offers a good breeze and view… plus they serve a solid breakfast menu. Morgan enjoyed a mimosa here the day after our wedding, and it’s been a favorite ever since.

Hearty breakfast plate from Tortuga Jack’s in Amelia Island featuring crispy bacon, creamy sausage gravy over biscuits, and a side of golden brown home fries. Garnished with chopped herbs and a slice of tomato and green pepper for color.
Breakfast menu from Tortuga Jack’s in Amelia Island featuring categories like Omelettville, Traditional Favorites, Sweet Treats, Signature Items, and Eggstravaganza. Dishes include shrimp and grits, huevos rancheros, crab Florentine, sweet cream pancakes, and a variety of omelets, with pricing and sides listed.
Breakfast plate from Tortuga Jack’s in Amelia Island featuring two golden pancakes topped with crispy bacon strips, served with a side of savory sausage links. The meal is presented on a white square plate with a soft, warm lighting ambiance.

Midday

Make it a true beach day. Whether you’re building sandcastles, catching waves, or just relaxing under an umbrella, the beach is the heart of an Amelia Island weekend.

Take breaks to cool off in the pool if your rental has one, reapply sunscreen, or grab a light lunch. Sandwiches back at the house or a picnic-style meal work perfectly here.

Want to swap beach time for something different? Consider:

  • Horseback riding on the beach (book in advance)
  • A round of golf or putt putt
  • Renting bikes to explore more of the island
Four horseback riders silhouetted against a pastel sunrise on a quiet beach, with gentle waves and smooth sand in the foreground. This peaceful coastal scene captures the natural beauty of Amelia Island.

Afternoon

Spend the late afternoon wandering through downtown Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach. This charming area is full of local shops, art galleries, and snack spots. We love grabbing fudge or ice cream as a treat.

If you have access to a boat, this is a great time to plan a trip across the water to Cumberland Island or down to Mayport for fresh-caught shrimp.

Cumberland Island is a protected barrier island that is only accessible by boat and feels like stepping into another world. Think wild horses, no cars, and castle ruins hidden beneath moss-draped trees. It’s a true escape and well worth exploring if you have the chance.

Three wild horses graze on a grassy lawn in front of the Dungeness Ruins, a weathered stone structure framed by palm trees and dense forest. This iconic view captures the untamed beauty of Cumberland Island.

We’ve written a full guide on how to make a day trip to Cumberland Island happen, including what to pack, how to get there, and why it’s one of our favorite off-the-grid adventures.

Dinner

After a full day, you may want to keep dinner easy. Consider heading back to:

  • The Salty Pelican – Still one of our go-to spots
  • The Surf – Especially convenient if you’re nearby
  • Grilling out or having a low-key night with your group

On major holidays, keep an eye out for fireworks displays. The Ritz-Carlton often hosts a big show, and you can catch a good view from many nearby public areas without needing to go into the resort itself.

Day 3: A Slow Morning and Send-Off

Your last day on Amelia Island doesn’t have to be rushed. This itinerary keeps your morning light, flexible, and memorable.

Breakfast

Start the day with a laid-back breakfast. If you didn’t make it to Tortuga Jacks on Day 2, now’s a great time to go. It’s casual, walkable from many rentals, and has a solid breakfast menu to fuel your travel day.

Prefer something even quicker? Pick up pastries and head to the beach for a morning picnic with a view.

A Final Walk on the Beach

Take one more stroll down the shoreline. Alan loves a good sunrise walk, while Morgan prefers evening strolls once the stars come out. But no matter the time of day, there’s something peaceful about saying goodbye to the island with your feet in the sand.

Optional: Fort Clinch State Park

If you have a little extra time before hitting the road, consider a stop at Fort Clinch State Park. It’s one of the most popular state parks in the area, and for good reason. Whether you’re into history, nature trails, or just want a scenic spot to stretch your legs, this is a great final stop.

View of Fort Clinch on Amelia Island featuring historic brick fortifications, grassy embankments, and black cannons facing the shoreline. The scene extends to a sandy beach with scattered beachgoers and umbrellas under a cloudy sky.

We’ve created a full post with everything you need to know before you go. You can check out the Fort Clinch guide here.

Must-Do Highlights (If You’re Short on Time)

Only have a day or two? These are the top experiences we recommend prioritizing to get the best feel for Amelia Island.

  • Eat at the Salty Pelican: A local favorite that checks all the boxes — casual atmosphere, good food, and partial water views from the upstairs patio.
  • Walk the Historic Downtown: Browse local shops, pick up a souvenir, and grab a sweet treat like fudge or ice cream while you stroll the charming streets.
  • Spend Time on the Beach: Whether you’re into sunrise walks, swimming, or just lounging with a book, the beach is the heart of any trip here.
  • Visit Fort Clinch State Park: If you can carve out a few hours, this state park offers scenic nature trails and a well-preserved Civil War fort that’s fun to explore.
  • Take in a Sunset (or Sunrise): End your day with a relaxed walk on the beach or grab a drink and enjoy the view from a casual spot like Sliders.
Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean on Amelia Island with golden and orange hues reflecting off the wet sand and calm waves. A few birds are flying across the sky, adding to the peaceful, early morning beach scene.

Hot Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

Before you pack your bags, here are a few quick tips that can make your Amelia Island itinerary even smoother.

Parking Can Be Tight

Beach and downtown parking lots fill up quickly, especially in the summer. Arrive early or consider walking or biking if your rental is nearby.

Book Early (Especially for Holidays)

Popular rentals, restaurants, and even Fort Clinch State Park sites can book up far in advance. If you’re planning around a holiday or peak season, make reservations as early as you can.

Rent Beach Gear If You Don’t Want to Pack It

If your accommodations don’t include chairs, umbrellas, or other beach supplies, you can rent them from local services like Riptide Watersports, SunSetters Beach Service, or The Beach Store and More. Many even offer delivery and setup!

Plan Ahead for Turtle Hatchings

If you’re visiting during sea turtle nesting season, check with local conservation groups to see if any hatchings are expected. Volunteers rope off areas where nests are located and often provide updates so you can witness one of nature’s coolest experiences… without interfering.

Ready to Plan Your Weekend in Amelia Island?

Whether you’re heading out for a romantic escape, a family getaway, or just craving beach time, this itinerary gives you a solid start. But it’s only the beginning.

To dive even deeper into the best local spots from nature trails to hidden gems, head over to our Things to Do in Amelia Island Guide. It’s packed with hands-on tips and personal favorites to help you make the most of your trip.

Morgan is the author behind Middletons on the Move, where she shares practical RV travel tips, campground reviews, and real-world advice for life on the road. She and her husband travel full-time in a 44' fifth wheel with their dog, Coco, and have camped in everything from pop-up to a 31' Class C. With a planner’s mindset and a love for exploring, Morgan helps fellow RVers hit the road with confidence and curiosity.