You can do all of this from one storefront at the Sadler Road roundabout, and the car can stay parked at the hotel. Here's a day we'd plan for a friend.
7:00 AM. Sunrise on the beach
Cross Fletcher, take the Seaside Park walkover, and walk north on the hard sand. The sun comes straight up out of the Atlantic here. Bring a coffee from the store if we're open, or just bring yourself.
8:30 AM. Cruise downtown for breakfast
Grab a beach cruiser. It's about three flat miles up Fletcher and Atlantic to Centre Street, where the breakfast spots are; The Patio on 5th is a good one. Lock the bike (lock included) and walk the brick blocks to the marina. If you're staying a few days and want a bike waiting at the rental, we deliver for the same price.
10:30 AM. Fort Clinch
From downtown it's a short ride to the Fort Clinch State Park gate on Atlantic, then three miles of canopy road to the fort. If you're doing this leg, consider an e-bike for the day instead of a cruiser: the ride is flat but long, and the way back is into the breeze.
1:00 PM. Lunch and the sand
Roll back to the store, trade the bike for the beach. If you booked a set-up, your chairs and umbrella are already out there. If not, our chairs and a Solbello shade are a two-minute carry. Sandwiches, cold drinks and sunscreen are at the counter.
3:30 PM. Water time
A body board for the kids, a surfboard if there's swell, or a paddle board for a calm afternoon. Everything comes with the leash or paddle and safety gear.
6:00 PM. Bonfire on the sand
November through April, book the 6 PM bonfire slot. We set the fire pit, chairs, torches and s'mores up on a stretch of beach where fires are allowed, light it, and clean it all up after. You sit down as the sky goes orange.
Or, dinner downtown
On a night without a bonfire, ride back downtown with lights on. Mezcal for tacos, the Salty Pelican on the river for sunset, or Townies Pizza for an easy family dinner, then a slow cruise home along Fletcher. Nobody looks for parking.
What it costs
A cruiser for the day is $25, an e-bike $75, two chairs and an umbrella $35 picked up or $50 a day set up on the beach, a body board $20, and the bonfire $275 for up to six. Walk in for the bikes and boards; reserve the set-up and the bonfire a day or two ahead so we can plan the drive.
Quick answers
Can you get around Amelia Island without a car?
Yes, especially on the beach side. From the Sadler Road area, downtown is a three-mile bike ride, the beach is across the street, and Fort Clinch and the state park are both reachable by bike. An e-bike turns the whole island into one trip.
Where can I bike to for dinner?
Centre Street downtown has the most choices, about three miles north. There are also spots along Sadler Road and South Fletcher within a mile of the store.
Is there a bike lane on Fletcher Avenue?
Much of South Fletcher has a bike lane or a wide, flat shoulder, and traffic is slow. Ride with the flow of traffic, use lights after dark, and wear the helmet.
How far ahead should I book the bonfire and the beach set-up?
A day or two is usually enough off-season. In spring break weeks and holidays, book as soon as you know your dates.
