Most dads are just big kids at heart so why not give that special man in your life what he wants this Father’s Day? The gift of play. Yep, from a round of golf or tennis to a day of surfing or boating, Amelia Island is always up for a day of fun. So, celebrate your favorite guy and find your Island thing together with these Amelia Island adventures… all jam-packed with good times and memory making. What a day! Let’s Play! 

A DAY ON THE WATER

For the adventure-driven dad who enjoys an adrenaline-pumping good time, head over to Backwater Cat Adventure for the thrill of touring the waterways surrounding Amelia Island on a mini-catamaran. This interactive 2.5 hour adventure will have you weaving through the marshlands, passing by Fort Clinch, and taking in majestic Cumberland Island – all from the water.  

A DAY AT THE BEACH

The beachy dad will hang 5 or 10 when he learns to surf or perfect his surfing skills. Surf Asylum, Amelia Surf Company, and Driftwood Surf Shop are not just great retail shops for all things beach, they also offer individual lessons and instruction for all levels. Why not take a lesson with your dad and learn the proper technique to becoming an independent surfer. He’ll be stoked and you both will be catching waves in no time! If surfing is entirely too much work, you can just jump the waves, Body Surf and play on beach. It’s all good.

A DAY ON THE LINKS

The sporty dad will get into the swing of things on one of our 99 holes of world-class golf ranging from 36 championship holes at Omni Amelia Island Resort (plus a new 10-hole short course) and the tough but stunning holes of the Golf Club Of Amelia Island, to the 27-hole Fernandina Beach Golf Club featuring The Lighthouse driving range powered by Toptracer and the Amelia River Golf Club where ball control and accuracy are key to a great round. A day on the links with dad is a great day indeed.

A DAY IN THE SADDLE

From relaxing beach rides and tree-lined bike trails to challenging off-roading at Fort Clinch State Park and long stretches of cycling along the coast, Amelia Island offers a variety of biking options for every type of rider. If this isn’t the type of saddle you were thinking about, never fear. Take a scenic horseback ride on the beach with Happy Trails Walking Horses or Amelia Island Horseback Riding and see the Florida coastline from a whole new perspective.

A DAY WITH THE FISH

The salty dad, ready for a fishing adventure in the open sea or inland waterways, can charter a boat from one of the island’s many charter boat companies for the opportunity to land red bass, trout, flounder, tarpon, and more. If you’d rather get your own boat for a day of fishing with family and friends, Amelia Boat Club & Rentals will hook you up with anything from a 2-person waverunner up to a 7-person, 24ft Leisure Kraft Tritoon boat. Whichever way you go, we’re pretty sure there will be plenty of fish tales to share.

A DAY ON THE RIVER

The Zen dad will love paddling to a front-row seat of one of nature’s most spectacular sights. Come face to face with egrets, herons and maybe even a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle with the fine folks at Kayak Amelia, Adventures Up The Creek, Amelia Adventures, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions (pictured above), and Paddle Jax Amelia. These vendors allow their guests to tour various parts of Amelia Island’s inland waters, including the tranquil salt marsh of Talbot Island State Parks, Timucuan Preserve and Egan’s Creek. Dad will love it.

A DAY ON THE COURTS

If the special man in your life likes to spend as much time as he can on the tennis courts, take him to Central Park where the City Of Fernandina Beach provides four (4) hard surface lighted tennis courts and play is on a first come, first served basis. But, if you’re staying at Omni Amelia Island Resort, playing the iconic live oak-shaded courts at Racquet Park will be awe-inspiring and the world renowned Cliff Drysdale Tennis program offers the “Ultimate Tennis Experience”. (Agassi, Navratilova, Sharapova, the Williams sisters and many more have all played here).

A DAY BEING COOL

The cool dad will opt for the latest in fun and explore the island in an FUV (Fun Utility Vehicle) from Amelia Island Board Rentals. This powerful and sporty ride is 100% electric with a 102 mile range and can travel at speeds up to 65 MPH! The Arcimoto is perfect for eco-conscious adventurers and those looking for an exhilarating way to navigate the island and look great doing it. A memory to be talked about for years to come.

Find a great place to stay on Amelia Island and make memories with that special guy in your life.