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For most boaters, boating is a family activity. From 8 to 88, those who were lucky enough to grow up around boats know that it’s more than just recreation, it’s a cherished tradition. But how do you find fun and entertaining things to do once you’ve tied up at Fernandina Harbor Marina on beautiful Amelia Island in Florida? Well, that’s easy!
When you’re ready to trade in your boat shoes for flip flops, and explore, a short walk brings you to everything that Amelia Island is famous for. Long stretches of pristine beaches invite you to lounge with your toes in the sand, build sand castles, ride the waves, or take long strolls at the water’s edge. And when you’re ready, you can head into the town of Fernandina Beach for delectable eats and loads of entertainment for young and old. Visitors are always delighted as they are greeted with a wide variety of eateries, attractions, unique shops, ice cream parlors and more.
Activities for a day at Fernandina Harbor Marina with kids
There is so much to do at Fernandina Beach, we hardly know where to begin. So, we’ve chosen a few of our favorite activities and attractions. Whether it’s just you and your favorite pint-sized crew member, or the whole crew, pick any of these destinations and you’re guaranteed smooth sailing:
Fort Clinch State Park located on a peninsula near the northernmost point of Amelia Island, is where history meets Florida’s natural beauty at its best. It’s 1,400 acres like you’ve never seen before. The park’s crowning glory is the 19th-century Fort Clinch - perfect for exploring and bringing you back in time to the days of the Civil War. The walls of the masonry fort were incomplete and not yet ready for battle when the Civil War came to Florida’s Amelia Island in 1861. Built to defend the harbor at the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Clinch has a rocky and colorful past. You will also enjoy hiking and biking on the park’s many groomed and well-marked trails. And if nature is what you’re looking for, you can enjoy camping, fishing, shelling and even shark-tooth hunting.
Amelia Island Welcome Center is the place to stop if you’re on a hunt for something specific. The always-friendly faces will help you find the locations and activities that you will enjoy most. From music festivals and craft fairs, to golf courses and the theatre; they know what’s happening, where and when. Don’t wait for a rainy day to get over to the Amelia Island Museum of History. It calls to history buffs and mariners alike. Its fascinating artifacts tell the tale of over 4,000 years of life on the water’s edge on Amelia Island. From the Timuca Native American tribe to the Spanish and French explorers, and even pirates and Victorian-era residents, you will be educated and surprised at every turn. The museum also offers regular scheduled walking tours like the popular Ghost Tour, and Pub Crawl for the over-21 crowd.
The Maritime Museum of Amelia Island will put a smile on the faces of anyone intrigued by maritime history, shipwrecks, pirates or French and Spanish treasure fleets. While you’re there, you may even hear a tall sea tale from actual divers and treasure hunters who have brought up gold and silver from the bottom of the sea.
For your younger crew who love to imagine that they are swashbuckling pirates, the Pirate Playground is a must stop. This unique playground is set in a breezy, shaded area so parents can relax on nearby benches, with restrooms close by. There are also picnic tables for a tasty lunch alfresco. A community-accessible playground, it’s the perfect spot for children of all physical and mental abilities.
For some enjoyable and friendly competition, visit Island Falls Adventure Golf . It’s 18-and-a-half inventive and delightful holes surrounded by waterfalls, bridges and tunnels. There’s something to see everywhere you look. And to add a soundtrack to your good time, there’s an outdoor sound system that sends high-quality tunes through the course. And, when you’ve worked up an appetite, the loser traditionally buys the winner a soft drink, slushie, candy, ice cream or any of their other light snacks. Yum!
Whether you’re looking for fun, adventure or to just relax, you can find what you need at The Beach Store & More . This jam-packed store has a little of everything! You can rent a surf board and take on the waves. Or you can rent a bike and really see Fernandina Beach up close. And if there is something you’ve forgotten to pack, you can find everything from bathing suits to buckets and pails. It’s always an enjoyable stop for the whole crew.
It doesn’t matter if your stay is one overnight, or two fabulous weeks, Fernandina Harbor Marina has what it takes to make every member of your crew happy. There’s never been a better time to plan your visit. Book your slip-on Snag-A-Slip today!
Written by: Jo Montgomery