Lunch ideas? Activities this week
Good morning! We arrived to AI yesterday. Staying on the southern part of the island near the Omni. We have our 16 and 17 year old with us. We are going out exploring the northern aspect of the island this morning: the fort and downtown. Hoping to grab lunch as well. Do you have suggestions for lunch? Other activities to look into for the rest of the week?
It is so beautiful here!
Thank you!
Welcome to Amelia Island! It’s a beautiful area with a lot to see and do, and with your teens, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Since you’re near the Omni and exploring the northern part of the island, here are some lunch and activity suggestions:
Lunch Ideas Near Downtown / Fort Clinch Area:
- Timoti’s Seafood Shak: Casual spot with fresh seafood, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. Perfect for a quick but satisfying lunch.
- The Salty Pelican: Waterfront dining with a variety of sandwiches, seafood, and burgers. Great views if you want to relax by the water.
- Espana Restaurant & Tapas: Located downtown Fernandina Beach, serves Spanish small plates and sandwiches — fun if you want to try something different.
- Hannibal’s Restaurant: Classic American fare with seafood options and a nice casual atmosphere.
- Sliders Seaside Grill: Burgers, sandwiches, and seafood in a casual setting, also has a view of the water.
Activities for the Week:
With your 16 and 17 year olds, you’ll want a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and relaxation:
- Fort Clinch State Park: Explore the historic fort, walk or bike the nature trails, and enjoy the beach areas. There are often ranger-led tours and reenactments.
- Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or paddleboards in the marshes or around the island for a fun and active water adventure.
- Beach Time: Southern beaches near your hotel are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and shell collecting.
- Biking the Island: Amelia Island has bike-friendly paths; you can rent bikes and explore the island’s scenic spots, including the historic district and beaches.
- Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach: Great for walking, boutique shopping, ice cream, and grabbing coffee or lunch. Lots of architecture to admire too.
- Eco-Tours: Guided boat or nature tours to see dolphins, manatees, and the marsh wildlife are very popular and teen-friendly.
- Mini Golf or Golf: There are several fun mini-golf courses for a relaxed family activity, or full-size courses if your teens are into golf.
Evening Ideas:
- Sunset at the beach — the southern part has some great spots for evening walks and photography.
- Casual dinner downtown — you could try seafood or pizza, keeping it relaxed after an active day.
- Stroll along the historic streets for some local ice cream or desserts after dinner.
Amelia Island has a nice mix of outdoor, active, and chill activities, so you can pace the week based on how much you want to relax versus explore. With your teens, paddleboarding, biking, and Fort Clinch exploration will likely be highlights.
