Who wouldn’t #loveamelia in the fall? It’s a celebration of cooler temps, football games, oyster roasts, bonfires, and pumpkin spice everything. And, even though summer has sadly come to an end, many of our favorite summer activities are just as fun in the fall, and even boast less crowds and wait times than in the hotter months. 
With a long stretch of Atlantic coast beach pretty much all to yourself and less humidity for outdoor play, Amelia Island is the perfect fall escape for adventure seekers or those that just want to relax outside with good book. Check out our favorites fall activities below.1. 

1. EXPLORE THE GREENWAY.

Egan’s Creek Greenway consists of more than 300 acres of protected, sensitive lands between Atlantic Avenue and Sadler Road, near the center of the island. Enjoy birdwatching, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and more along two trails within the Greenway. Don’t forget your camera, and, if you’re traveling with younger explorers, don’t miss the Pirate Playground at the entrance off Atlantic Avenue near the Atlantic Rec Center. The Greenway is beautiful in the fall.

2. PICNICKING.

Who doesn’t love a picnic. Grab a picnic blanket, a delicious “to go” lunch and page-turning book from Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, then head off to Main Beach park for the ultimate seaside picnic on a lovely fall day. Or, take your picnic on the water with a two-person private sailing excursion with Windward Sailing. Pick the time and bring along your favorite wine and appetizers to enjoy a romantic sunset. For a special occasion picnic, Luxe Picnics By Les has you covered with lavishly decorated, yet relaxed Bohemian picnics for small intimate gatherings of up to 8 guests, while Eleve Events offers a variety of picnics for every budget and aesthetic. You just show up and enjoy. Now, that’s what I call a great picnic!

3. PEDAL AROUND.

There’s something about biking in milder weather under a tree-lined canopy that brings out the kid in everyone. Check into Fort Clinch State Park where bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. These nature trails not only allow you to pedal through civil war history but also observe native plants and wildlife. Or, jump on the Amelia Island Trails that run from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park or the newest Amelia River to Sea Trail that runs from Crane Island to the beach. Pedal power is the way to get around.

4. HORSEBACK RIDE ON THE BEACH.

Many a bucket list item is to ride a horse on the beach. This fall, you can check that one off your list. Amelia Island horseback tours are well-known and are always listed as one of the top things to do while visiting the island. Take an unforgettable ride along the beautiful Atlantic shoreline on a horse that has been personalized to the level of the rider. Call Amelia Island Horseback Riding, Kelly Seahorse Ranch, or Happy Trails Walking Horses and saddle up for a tour of the beach like you’ve only dreamed about.

5. SHARK TOOTH HUNTING ON THE BEACH.

Find treasure during your visit that doubles as a souvenir. The hunt for shark teeth on the shores of Amelia Island is a fun year round beach activity and you can either try it on your own or take a tour with Amelia Shark Tooth Adventures. You may find the teeth of a Great White Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Lemon Shark, and other species. Search along the high- or low-tide line for the best selection but word has it that the beach surrounding Fort Clinch is the best place to find them! Should you come away with empty pockets, visit the Ship’s Lantern in downtown Fernandina Beach for a store bought one.

6. TAKE A GHOST TOUR.

With hundreds of years of history encompassing colorful characters including conquistadors, pirates, bootleggers, Victorian millionaires, and more, Amelia Island is full of discoveries, many best made on foot while exploring the 50-block National Historic District. One way to give your exploration a special, supernatural spin, is to book one of the island’s popular ghost tours (available all year long but especially perfect for fall and for Halloween.) According to tour guide Diane Blanton of Amelia Island Ghost Tours, “cooler weather seems to stir the spirits up.” Whether or not you believe in haunted houses or ghosts, this family-friendly event is bound to get you into the spooky spirit of the season.

7. WET A LINE.

With air and water temperatures cooling down, redfish, sea trout, flounder, bluefish, and a variety of shallow-water shark are fattening up for the winter. Head to GEORGE CRADY STATE PARK on the south end of the island and cast a line from the top of the bridge. Or, rent a boat and fish the backwaters and Intracoastal Waterway around Amelia Island. It’s a peaceful activity that offers a totally different perspective of the island. For best results, take a fishing charter with one of Amelia Island’s captains.

There’s never a bad time to visit Amelia Island, but I think autumn is my favorite time of all. Book your stay and start your fall adventure today!