If you’ve been to Amelia Island before, you know we have wide open beaches, an historic downtown worth exploring and restaurants galore. But did you know we also have fantastic bike paths, lots of maritime forest hiking and tons of kayaking in our pristine estuaries? You can rent bikes directly from us and bike all the way down to the Talbot Islands on paved trails. Or, rent kayaks from a myriad of places here on and off the island. Want to kayak Egan’s Creek or Lofton Creek? Easy. How about the marshes down by the ocean? Piece of cake. We have two State Parks on the island and one is just a short mile and a half away. There are lots of walking trails there as well as a paved road which winds gorgeously under the sprawling live oak canopy. The Park has mountain bikes for rent as well if you want to try your hand at off-street biking.
An Oasis for Biking, Hiking and Kayaking
September 20th, 2020 by David Jones
We are Open!
September 20th, 2020 by David Jones
It is a new age for travel everywhere. We, here, at the Blue Heron Inn are taking serious steps to ensure your utmost safety and well-being while staying with us. We are following the guidance of local health officials, the State of Florida and the CDC. These measures include: wearing face masks when social distancing is not an option; supplying hand sanitizers in all common areas and guest rooms; wearing of masks by all staff while interacting with guests; implementing special cleaning protocols for guest rooms and public spaces with particular attention to high touch areas. Our small size also allows us to minimize the risk of exposure: there are no crowds here! So come, relax, and enjoy all that the Blue Heron Inn and Amelia Island have to offer.
Did You Know?
July 27th, 2017 by David Jones
Our beautiful little barrier island in northern Florida offers up plenty of pristine beaches, quaint walkable downtown, top-notch restaurants, fantastic water activities and plenty of history. But did you know Amelia Island has 13 MILES of unspoiled beaches, most with free public access? Or that we have 42 MILES of scenic biking and hiking trails? What about that it was named for a princess and was a home to wayward pirates? How about that it has 117 holes of golf with 7 holes on the Atlantic Ocean? And that it has a 50 BLOCK National Historic District with 100-plus restaurants (more than 30 within walking distance from our inn)! Did you know that 8 FLAGS have flown over the island since 1564? Learn even more when you come to stay awhile! See you soon on the island.
Car Show Revs Up on the Island
September 13th, 2016 by David Jones
Rev’ up your engines! The 22nd Annual Cruiser Car Show is back! Check out the varied vintage and collectibles cars this October 19th as downtown Fernandina Beach’s Centre Street is transformed into a car enthusiasts dream world! Stroll along the street admiring all the beautiful and distinctive cars and trucks and speak with their owners about their dream cars. Plan a weekend around the show by staying at the Blue Heron Inn. The inn is just steps away from downtown Centre Street. For more information on the show, please visit: ameliacruizers.org
Cool Thrills!
June 16th, 2016 by David Jones
Plan to get soaked! This two-person catamaran boat ride called Backwater Adventures is good clean fun! We took our teenager out the other day and joined Matt, our guide and a few other couples. You navigate your own boat but stay in a group with three to six other boats while the guide boat takes you through the estuaries. The boat skims along the surface at about 30 miles per hour (or as slow as you want to go)! Matt took us to cool spots I’ve never seen before here on the island. We went to about 3-4 different areas were dolphins were gathering, we saw the Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland Island from the water (beautiful), lots of water birds (even a Great Blue Heron) and stopped on Cumberland to walk around a bit. The ride is exciting and relaxing at the same time and the scenery is spectacular! Best of all you catch the ride down at the Marina, just seven blocks from the Blue Heron Inn!
Fun Day on the Ferry
June 16th, 2016 by David Jones
If you haven’t ever taken the Mayport Ferry, also known as the Saint Johns River Ferry, across the St. John’s river from Fort George Island to Mayport — do it — you’re in for a trip! David and I had a couple hours to kill (and we didn’t want to work) so we drove about 30 minutes south from the Blue Heron Inn down A1A to catch this car/passenger ferry. It leaves about every 30 minutes so we didn’t have long to wait once we arrived. I’ll have to admit it was cool watching all the cars and motorcycles loading up for the ten minute ride across the river. Once we got across we hopped into Singleton’s Seafood Shak for a shrimp burger and delicious fried onion rings and conch fritters. We sat outside on their docks and watched the pelicans do their thing. There is also another cute seafood restaurant before you board the ferry called the Sand Dollar. That’s for next time!
Wedding Garden No Secret
February 28th, 2016 by David Jones
Let us help you plan you intimate, small, romantic wedding… at the Blue Heron Inn. The idea of a “Secret Garden” wedding area here at the Blue Heron all began with an idea from my incredibly smart husband, David. (Of course I had some good input, too!) First, we moved the fence back to enlarge the area right behind the pool. Next, we cleared out small brush to create cool pathways. Then we added intimate lanterns, lighting and an iron arbor, found at a local antique store. Last but not least – a fountain for the relaxing sound of flowing water. We can’t wait for you to see the final rendition…beautiful for small weddings, receptions, or just a “romantic get-a-away!”
Romance the Weekend Away!
February 1st, 2016 by David Jones
The Blue Heron Inn on Amelia Island is offering five different Romance Packages for an unforgettable Valentine’s Weekend. It’s not too late to reserve your time at the Blue Heron Inn, a historic bed and breakfast inn located just one block off Centre Street. More than 30 cafes and restaurants are within easy walking distance from the Inn, not to mention countless boutiques, galleries and bars. The Blue Heron Inn offers all guests a gourmet four-course breakfast, an afternoon “Adult Time Out” happy hour and various other upscale amenities such as luxurious bathrobes, bicycles, beach chairs and more. Visit the Blue Heron website at AmeliaIslandBlueHeronInn.com or call 904.445.9034 to book your special stay.
Slightly Coastal Blog features Blue Heron Inn
June 7th, 2015 by David Jones
Try Powered Hang Gliding!
April 6th, 2015 by David Jones
Gene took us out last weekend for some “unmatched” excitement and fun… and something we had never experienced before here on Amelia Island! It’s called “powered hang gliding” and you fly in a super-cool flying machine called a “trike.” After gearing up in a flying suit comparable to NASA-certified gear, we received a safety lesson from our FAA licensed pilot, Gene. Gene was friendly, experienced and informative. But most of all – he was in control; something I want at 1,ooo+ feet! After donning our two-way communication headgear and helmets, we were strapped in and ready to go. The flying excursions are designed for two people so you ride behind the pilot in the “trike.” That enables you to relax, enjoy the sites all the while feeling completely at ease. Gene navigated the way as I asked questions and he made sure I was doing well. The conversation was enough to be informative but did not prevent me from taking in the beauty and splendor of the specatucular views we experienced of Amelia Island. We could even make out the Blue Heron Inn! If you come with more people than yourself (which we did) do not fear! They have comfortable chairs, bottled water and a safe place to take pictures while you wait on your friends or family. Most flights last between 30-45 minutes and take off by the Amelia Island Airport. They will also video tape your flight if you want. Five stars! For more information visit www.airamelia.com.