Father’s Day. A day we celebrate the men that shaped us and made us into who we are today. Why not give them a one day itinerary for a rugged day of fun? Let’s take a jaunt over the bridge for a day off the island, full of all things that revolve around dad. Whether it’s alligators or axes, shots or seafood, it’ll be a day they’ll always remember. Don’t worry, we’ll have you back in paradise just in time for a waterfront sunset with dinner and cocktails.

Breakfast of Champions

Before you head over the bridge and leave the island behind for the day, grab breakfast at one of our favorite island spots, Tortuga Jack’s. This oceanfront restaurant serves up a delicious Baja Mexican breakfast to get your day kickstarted in just the right way. Located on the 2nd Floor of Sliders Seaside Restaurant, Tortuga Jack’s offers up signature Mexican dishes like Huevos Rancheros (black beans and scrambled eggs fiesta topped with pico de gallo) or the Buenos Dios Burrito which is a 12 inch flour tortilla stuffed with eggs, jalapenos, onion, peppers, cheese and your choice of chicken, chorizo or ground beef. What? I’m hungry just thinking about it. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday from 6am – 11am.

Insider Tip: Sit outside on the balcony for the best ocean views around.

Alligator Crossing

Have you ever been curious about what pioneer life was like back when our country first began? Take a tour of the vast wilderness of islands, lakes, jungles, forest and prairies located within the Okenfenokee Swamp and you’ll get an idea. With 2 separate park entrances more than 20 miles apart from one another, it’s safe to say you could spend your entire day here. Maybe just pick one and enjoy it to the fullest! Okefenokee Adventures is located in Folkston, Georgia just about an hour away from Amelia Island and offers guided boat tours, kayak/canoe rentals, and bike rentals to pedal around the Refuge. Travel further inland to Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, Georgia where wilderness boardwalks and walkways, guided boat tours, live wildlife shows, a pioneer island homestead and a railroad tour are all awaiting. Either park will leave you in awe of nature.

Big Shots

Amelia Shotgun Sports is just down the road in Yulee, FL and yet a world away. Located on a working timber farm off Hwy 17, Amelia Shotgun Sports offers Sporting Clays, Skeet, Trap, or 5-Stand. If you’re a beginner, no problem. They have all the proper equipment as well as the best trained instructors teaching the basics and safety of handling a shotgun. If you’re a seasoned or competitive shooter, you’ll have a one-stop-shop for everything needed to perfect your performance with 19 stations, 14 of which have three traps at each station so you can choose your experience. The staff here has thought of everything… even bug spray and sunscreen at each station for your convenience!

Axe to Grind

By far the best stress reliever that I’ve found is throwing an axe at a target. This is some serious fun, not to mention a pretty decent arm workout. Axe throwing is the new rage and I can certainly see why. A1A Axe Throwing, located just over the Shave bridge on SR 200, has 4 targets (2 in your own private lane) and instruction from a trained “thrower”. Once you get the hang of it you Can. Not. Stop. Call ahead to reserve anywhere from 30 minutes up to 3 hours of pure entertainment (904-310-6915). WARNING: The first bullseye is highly addictive.

Cocktails, Seafood, Sunsets and Love

Way back in the early 1980’s, an old fish camp was remodeled into a restaurant down under the Shave bridge. And the rest, as they say, is history. The Down Under has grown into the iconic southern seafood restaurant we know today, with a personality all it’s own. Part quirky fish camp. Part old Florida charm. All delicious. End your special day out with an ice cold beer or cocktail outside on the oversized deck and watch for dolphin, sea turtles, manatee and the sunset. The ambiance is a good as the food, which never disappoints. Try their traditional Oysters Rockefeller followed by Crab Cakes, Spicy Fried Shrimp, Honey Glazed Salmon or their signaure Grouper Monterey. A meal fit for a King (or a dad!)

We hope you will enjoy this special OTB (over the bridge) date with dad. These are merely suggestions of all Amelia Island and the surrounding area has to offer as you plan your Dad’s Day Out. Discover more on www.ameliaisland.com for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play.