June 28, 2023
Even though we’re known as The Sunshine State, every sun has to set and Florida’s sunsets are magical. Amelia Island is lucky that we have an amazing sunrise over the Atlantic ocean and an equally amazing sunset over the marshes and rivers to the west. Mother Nature has treated our little speck of the planet well and we want to share it with you. Here are the best places to catch the sunset so you can capture the moment.
The docks at the foot of Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach is the perfect backdrop to catch the sun setting over the Fernandina Harbor. Watching the sky turn firey orange over the water at the end of the day can make anyone a romantic at heart. Grab a glass of wine at Brett’s Waterway Cafe, sit in a rocking chair and soak it all in. Many a proposal has taken place here.
A stunning view of the sunset can be found off Atlantic Avenue at Egans Creek Park. Orange, yellow, purple, red and blue are just a few of the magnificent colors you can see as the sky slowly fades to black. Pair all of that with stunning green marsh and the old lighthouse in the background and well… wow.
Located at the Amelia Island Marina, Kitchen 251 specializes in down home food with a cajun twist and offers up amazing waterfront views of the marina, marsh, and sunset. Dine on local wild caught shrimp, Po’ Boys, or the always delicious Fried Green Tomato BLT on Texas Toast. All in an open-air atmosphere to take in that sea salty breeze.
Watch at photo-worthy sunset over the Fernandina Harbor from the second floor of The Salty Pelican in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. They feature fresh local seafood, buffalo wings, spring rolls, Salty Pelican stuffed burgers, and their signature oysters on the half shell. Live entertainment fills the air on the weekends. Toast the end of a great day with a selection of craft beers and fresh cocktails.
Cruising the back waters and rivers surrounding Amelia Island and Cumberland Island is one of the most popular things for visitors to do and the fine folks at Amelia Adventures and Amelia River Cruises are ready to get you out on the water. Both offer sunset cruises that take you down the Amelia River to Fort Clinch and then skirt past the coast of Cumberland Island for a view wild horses. Expect to see dolphins, manatees, egrets, herons, and amazing sunsets. Loads of nature and fun can be found on either of these cruises.
For a sunset sail on the Amelia River, climb aboard Windward Sailing with a bottle of bubbly and be swept (or sailed) away for a memorable late afternoon/evening. Follow That Dream Sailing will take you on a 3-hour sunset sail on their catamaran where hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie tray, or snacks are provided complimentary.
Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park sits on top of a bluff overlooking the Amelia River in the “Old Town” of Fernandina. It’s a popular spot for viewing the sunset and musicians often come out to “play the sun down here.” The “Pippi Longstocking” House, a private home built in the 1880’s, borders the park and in the 1980’s, it played the role of Villa Villekula in the movie “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking”.
The western side of Fort Clinch State Park offers stunning views of the Amelia River and is the perfect place to watch the sun go down after a day of a biking, hiking, beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. If you’re not camping in one of the two campgrounds at the park, prepare to leave just as the sun sets. The park closes at dusk.
Amelia Island Kayak Excusions will set you up with an unforgettable guided sunset tour. Paddle your way along the Amelia River for a look at wildlife, the Amelia Island coastline, and the sunset like you’ve never seen. Plus, a free photo album comes with it.
Amelia Island offers a wide variety of angling opportunities for everyone from the beginner to the hard-core angler. It’s one of the best places to fish under the warm Florida sun.
Take a look at the top 10 family-friendly things to do while visiting Amelia Island. Kid tested. Parent approved!
Take your very own Amelia Island Charcuterie Tour by visiting these dining establishments for their take on this festive board of meats, cheeses, and condiments.
Between the beach and the ocean, Amelia Island offers a myriad of ways to have fun on and off the water. Check out this Beach Lovers Itinerary and get packing!
With more than 90 distinctive restaurants to choose from, this small island offers a large variety for every palate and mood. Here’s a curated list of “Island things” for the foodie lover in all of us.