A carriage ride is a great way to learn more about the history of the island.

A carriage ride is a great way to learn more about the history of the island.

*Spending the day exploring Fort Clinch State Park – This large state park offers a bit of everything: hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, beaches, wildlife viewing opportunities and access to historic Ft. Clinch. Self guided tours of the 19th century fort are available for just a few bucks. Military reenactments take place once per month, so if you are lucky enough to visit at the right time you will have some extra entertainment.

Fort Clinch State Park in Amelia Island, Florida

Fort Clinch State Park in Amelia Island, Florida

Cival reenactments at Ft. Clinch State park in Amelia Island, Florida

Other must-dos while visiting Ft Clinch include biking or driving the gorgeous 3 mile path (lined with pretty Southern moss and oak trees), collecting seashells at the pristine beaches, and hiking the trails (alligators and deer are frequently seen). Admission to the park is just $6 – well worth it for the beautiful beaches, great history lesson, wildlife loaded park trails, and peaceful tree-lined roads.

The beautiful tree lined drive around the park is not to be missed!

The beautiful tree lined drive around the park is not to be missed!

A gorgeous view of the beach from the fort.

A gorgeous view of the beach from the fort.

The flat beaches are perfect for bike riding, walking, or collecting shells.

The flat beaches are perfect for bike riding, walking, or collecting shells.

Alligators frequent the trails.

Alligators frequent the trails.

Day trips from Amelia Island include the short drive over to Jacksonville (45 minutes), St. Augustine (1.5 hours), and St. Mary’s, Georgia (40 min). In Jacksonville, you have lots of parks, beaches, the Jacksonville Zoo, museums, and gardens. St. Augustine, which was established back in 1565, is the oldest city in the country. Here you will find amazing historical Spanish architecture, beaches and state parks, historic shopping and dining areas, and plenty of interesting historical tours to take part in. St. Mary’s, Georgia is known as “The Gateway to Cumberland Island.” Georgia’s largest barrier island is known for it’s pristine beaches and great state parks.