Amelia Island
Natural bliss
Pristine beaches
With unobstructed sea views, broad, uncrowded stretches of sand and the gentle slopes of seagrass-covered dunes, Amelia Island’s 13 miles of beaches are the answer to any serenity seeker’s dream.
There are more than 40 entry points to Amelia Island's shores, so you can easily take your pick of quiet spots. Try North Beach Park on the island’s north end, whose picnic tables, pavilions, parking and boardwalk make a beach day a breeze; or Peters Point Beachfront Park at the center of the island, a favorite for anglers. Main Beach is the most popular hangout, thanks to its location near downtown Fernandina Beach and amenities like volleyball courts, a playground, restrooms and picnic shelters. Try a beachside horseback ride at sunrise for an exceptionally memorable way to take in the sun, surf and vividly pigmented skies.
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A charming Florida escape
Flanked by pristine beaches on the east side and picturesque marshes on the west, Amelia Island is special simply by virtue of its earthly composition. And the space between is filled with loveliness as well — with the Southern hospitality of a closeknit community, inviting homegrown flavors, one-of-a-kind, strollable shops and engaging gatherings that draw people from all over to this barrier island off Florida's northeast coast.
And getting to the shell-strewn white sands, verdant trails, coastal maritime hammocks and cobblestone streets of Amelia Island is easy. The drive is under six hours from Charlotte, Atlanta and Miami via I-95, and Jacksonville International Airport, with direct flight service from 35 U.S. gateways, is a mere 30 minutes away. Here's a look at what you'll see, taste and do once you coast into town.
Island adventures
With all that inviting beachfront, it can be tempting to plunk down in a hammock and take one long exhale for the entirety of your trip. But once you grasp the variety of immersive outdoor experiences that are at your fingertips here, your get-up-and-go will propel you into eco-explorations across unique terrain and waterways.
Hike amid the towering live oaks, lumbering gopher tortoises and historic structures at 1,400-acre Fort Clinch State Park. Bike past maritime forest, sparkling coastline and across wooden boardwalks on the 6-mile Amelia Island Trail, running from Peters Point Beach Park south to Big Talbot Island State Park. Or paddle through Egans Creek, a brackish estuary offering views of abundant wildlife, marsh grasslands and even the historic Amelia Island Lighthouse.
Breezy relaxation
With Amelia Island’s propensity for idyllic weather, time in the outdoors need not end post-hike or kayak. You can soak up every sunny minute with relaxing boat rides (charters and sunset cruises are abundantly available from local marinas), or by reserving a tee time at one of five golf courses on the island. The area is a haven for golfers of all skill levels, with options ranging from the 18-hole championship course at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, named by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top five golf resorts in Florida; to the novel 10-hole "Little Sandy" short course, debuted in 2022 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort.
There's an open-air farmers market every Saturday in downtown Fernandina Beach, where you can browse the delicious wares of local makers to the tune of live music. Outdoor festivals happen throughout the year, too, and cater to interests ranging from classic cars, to blues music, to fresh-caught seafood.
Whether shopping is the primary purpose of your getaway or a more casual affair, you'll find plenty of eye candy amid the beachy boutiques in downtown Fernandina Beach. Everything from curated resort wear collections, to hand-crafted home decor, to nature-derived local treasures (shells and sharks' teeth, for example) are available to commemorate your island escape.
You can also browse unique artisanal finds without missing a single ray of sunshine, thanks to the twice-monthly, open-air Fernandina Beach Arts Market (2nd and 4th Saturdays), which features handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind sculptures, hand-cafted wood furniture and more. And the singular shopping opps continue at Island Art Association, a cooperative gallery of local artists located on the island's west side; and Trailer Park Collectibles, whose inventory (ranging from yard art to rare antiques) is as novel as its name.
Restaurants to write home about
Thankfully, Amelia Island is brimming with eateries that go beyond helping you to fuel up for your next stint on the beach or at the shops. There are hearty delis with all the makings of the easiest picnic ever; cantinas, cucinas, bistros and sushi spots serving up flavorful international fare; comfort food joints with menus befitting the island's metaphorical Southern accent (think chicken and waffles; shrimp and grits; buttermilk biscuits); and outdoor dining options where the water views are as delicious as the main course.
If those salty sea views are a must on your vacation wishlist, head to local favorite Wicked Bao just north of Centre Street, whose intriguing Asian-fusion menu items include the buttermilk fried chicken bao and the Adobo pulled pork bao. Located inside The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Salt is a go-to choice for seasonal fine dining fare as photogenic as it is delicious — and the ocean views only add to the appeal.
Little pairs better with a day on the water than a frosty glass full of your favorite libation. Except for maybe a glass full of your new favorite libation. Amelia Island is a good place to discover such a drink. There are more than a handful of local, creative and overall excellent breweries on and around the island, and beer aficionados will want to tour them all. Amelia Island Brewing Company in downtown Fernandina Beach serves up a rotating menu of homebrewed beers on tap, including fruit-infused pale ales and high-octane (we're talking up to 9% ABV) IPAs with hints of citrus. Their tavern includes a robust food menu too, including mahi tacos, shrimp chowder and Bavarian-style pretzels. Centrally located Mocama Beer Company is another local fave. Their flagship Cosmico beer combines toasty malt with tropical fruit flavors — in other words, it's a one-of-a-kind mashup, not unlike its island home.
Hotels, inns & more
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is the clear choice for those seeking a truly pampering, 5-star Florida getaway. The rooms, service and dining are consistently lauded by guests here. And the 27,500-square-foot spa offers ocean-inspired treatments like the "Heaven in a Hammock" massage, with simulated zero gravity and gentle rocking to mimic the tides; alongside the circulation-stimulating Ocean Healing Bath treatment.
Or try the top-rated Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, which boasts elegant oceanfront rooms and the option to add on a romance package with rose petal turndown service, chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne and more thoughtful flame-fanning touches.
Luxury accommodations
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island
With its breezy island ambiance and obvious natural beauty, Amelia Island might seem an aspirational vacation destination for those not in the know. But amazingly, there are a number of hotels here that offer a winning combination of great locations, plentiful amenities and easy affordability.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island is a prime example, set just a few minutes' walk from the beach, and offering guests a tantalizing hot breakfast buffet each morning while keeping rates low. Seaside Amelia Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front are among the other solid hotel choices with prices that won't break the budget.
Budget-friendly hotels
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Counting 2- and 3-bedroom villas among its myriad accommodations options, the oceanfront Omni Amelia Island Resort in Fernandina Beach is exceptionally family-friendly. The hotel also offers its own calendar of events the whole family will love, from pickleball lessons to live music to Segway tours. There's even a splash pad for little ones, alongside two sprawling heated pools.
For a stay with an exceptionally homey feel, choose a bed & breakfast within walking distance of the historic village. Or for even more history, book a room in the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, which served as the island's first schoolhouse before being converted into a charming 17-room boutique hotel.
Stays for every traveler
On the beach or in town; 5-star luxury or budget-friendly; household name hotel or cozy bed & breakfast ... deciding where to hang your wide-brimmed sun hat might be the only difficult thing about Amelia Island. Indeed, there are dozens of options, and every choice seems a good one.
Scroll through to explore which accommodations will make the best home base for your adventure — and remember, like so many repeat visitors, you can always come back to experience a whole new side of this singular island on your next trip.
Spoiled for choice
New ways to stay
When it's time for a family reunion, an extended vacation or simply to take advantage of your freedom to "work from anywhere," Amelia Island's numerous vacation rental options are a fabulous way to make it happen.
You can find entire beach homes that accommodate your whole group; oceanview apartments where you can enjoy home-cooked meals on breezy balconies; and roomy condos that come with access to community pools and other amenities. There's scarcely a better way to truly immerse yourself in island life, and the only danger is that you may not want to leave.
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Mixology more your scene? The Salty Pelican, set on the waterfront, has a nice craft cocktail menu, including blueberry mint mules made with ginger beer and fresh mint leaves, and spiked lemonades involving vodka and chilled cucumbers. They go down all the easier Thursdays through Sundays, when the venue hosts live local bands.
Start planning your Amelia Island getaway.
Counting 2- and 3-bedroom villas among its myriad accommodations options, the oceanfront Omni Amelia Island Resort in Fernandina Beach is exceptionally family-friendly. The hotel also offers its own calendar of events the whole family will love, from pickleball lessons to live music to Segway tours. There's even a splash pad for little ones, alongside two sprawling heated pools.
For a stay with an exceptionally homey feel, choose a bed & breakfast within walking distance of the historic village. Or for even more history, book a room in the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, which served as the island's first schoolhouse before being converted into a charming 17-room boutique hotel.
With its breezy island ambiance and obvious natural beauty, Amelia Island might seem an aspirational vacation destination for those not in the know. But amazingly, there are a number of hotels here that offer a winning combination of great locations, plentiful amenities and easy affordability.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island is a prime example, set just a few minutes' walk from the beach, and offering guests a tantalizing hot breakfast buffet each morning while keeping rates low. Seaside Amelia Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front are among the other solid hotel choices with prices that won't break the budget.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is the clear choice for those seeking a truly pampering, 5-star Florida getaway. The rooms, service and dining are consistently lauded by guests here. And the 27,500-square-foot spa offers ocean-inspired treatments like the "Heaven in a Hammock" massage, with simulated zero gravity and gentle rocking to mimic the tides; alongside the circulation-stimulating Ocean Healing Bath treatment.
Or try the top-rated Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, which boasts elegant oceanfront rooms and the option to add on a romance package with rose petal turndown service, chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne and more thoughtful flame-fanning touches.
natural bliss | Shopping & dining | hotels, Inns & more
natural bliss | Shopping & dining |
