Our fun-filled day on Amelia Island was packed with activities to enjoy outside in the Florida sun. Our first stop was learning rules to Amelia Island’s most popular game, Pétanque. Part horseshow, part bocce, this game can be played one-on-one or in teams. After throwing a small wooden ball into the center of the terrain, where the game is played. Then players take turns tossing or rolling hollow metal balls as close as they can to the smaller wooden one. This challenging, but relaxing game makes is perfect to play on a warm summer day.
Photo Credit: Hang Glide Now
After keeping low to the ground for your game of Pétanque, the perfect change of pace is to soar through the sky with Air Amelia Trike Flying. This exhilarating experience provides a bird’s eye view of the island, with beautiful scenery as far as the eye can see. The flights depart from Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport with pilots who have years of experience and a spotless safety record. A high-flying adventure like this is something you and your family won’t soon forget.
Photo Credit: Kelly Seahorse Ranch
Once we were back on solid ground, we headed to the beach, but not for a regular day of playing in the waves and sunning on a blanket. With Kelly Seahorse Ranch, adults and children ages 13 and older can ride along the beach on horseback. Though this is aimed towards amateur horseback riders, some experience is expected as you’ll need to mount and dismount without assistance, and be able to ride a full five miles. With this in mind, book a tour with Kelly Seahorse Ranch if you’re looking for a different – and exciting! – day at the beach.
Photo Credit: Amelia Island eMagazine
If you’re looking for a place to have a more typical beach day, Main Beach is definitely the place to go. This beautiful beach has just about everything you could ask for, from sand volleyball courts, a playground, and a skate park to outdoor showers, restroom facilities, and even picnic tables sheltered from the hot sun. Apart from this, Main Beach also has a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, so the only thing you have to worry about is getting a sunburn. Open 24 hours, you can get there early, or stay there late – you can fit this into any vacation schedule.
Photo Credit: Timoti’s Seafood Shak
If you’re looking for a delicious meal after a long day in the sun, Timoti’s Seafood Shak offers some seriously tasty locally-caught seafood. Baskets of fried fish, tacos, salads, and rice bowls are all up for grabs, and makes ordering your meal a difficult decision. And though most go for the fresh seafood, Timoti’s also offers chicken (for those who don’t eat fish) or tofu (for those who don’t eat meat) dishes so there’s always something for everyone. Timoti’s Fernandina location even has a pirate playground for the kids to play in while you wait for your food.
Timoti’s isn’t the only place with a pirate playground, though The Pirate Playground by 8 Flags Playscapes has a unique vision, and a pledge to make their playgrounds accessible to all children. With wheelchair accessible swings and a ramp “rollercoaster”, children with disabilities will never be left out here. They even have a musical area, which is therapeutic for children with autism. The playground has become a favorite of local families, and we can see why.
Helpful Tips and Facts:
– Though games like Pétanque have been played for centuries, this particular game was created in the early 1900s in the Provence region of France.
– Be sure to arrive at the airport 15-30 minutes before your scheduled trike flight, as that’s when you’ll receive your flight suit and helmet.
