Amelia Island [refresh Oct 2025]

13 miles of beaches | outdoor adventures | downtown charm | family time

Amelia Island

I t's easier than you might imagine to reach the warmth, charm and natural beauty of nostalgic Florida. Set just 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Amelia Island has all the makings of just such a timeless beach retreat. Take a breezy road trip or flight to reach the picturesque barrier island, then cross over the rolling sand dunes to claim a spot on the pristine and uncrowded beaches. Stroll the cobblestone streets of charming downtown Fernandina Beach, catching smiles and nods from friendly locals along the way. Explore the island’s 18 square miles at a pace to match the easygoing vibe that's palpable from the marshes to the shops on Centre Street. As you do, you'll discover the layered history of a place known as the "Isle of 8 Flags”—plus honey-sweet Southern hospitality that keeps families coming back generation after generation. Read on for a preview.

Unwind on uncrowded shores You're never far from the beach on Amelia Island; sandy shoreline stretches from the northeast to the southeast coast of the long, lean isle. There are more than 40 public beach access points, and a stretch of sand for beachgoers of all kinds. Main Beach Park toward the north side of the island is a hub of activity, offering convenient amenities (restrooms, outdoor showers and picnic tables) plus a skate park, two sand volleyball courts, mini golf and a playground. Lifeguards watch over the typically calm, cerulean-blue waters from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. That's true at Seaside Park at the center of the island as well, a locale that exudes quintessential beach town vibes. Ice cream shops, seafood restaurants and a movie theater beckon from just the other side of the dunes. The park frequently hosts festive events, too.

where Florida beaches meet Southern charm

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Amelia Island Trail

13 miles of beaches

Outdoor adventures

Downtown charm

Family time

Kayaking on Amelia Island

Horseback riding on Amelia Island

Plan your trip

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Amelia Island State Park

Egans Creek Greenway

The Oak Marsh Golf Course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Downtown

Amelia Island Nature Center

Dickens on Centre Holiday Festival

Reffen Street Food Market Photo credits: Lukas Bukoven (left); Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food (right)

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Downtown clocktower

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Historic sands & beach stays American Beach in the center of the island is as historically significant as it is picturesque. Its rolling dunes are reported to be the tallest in Florida, and the sands on the other side were a haven for Black families who were barred from accessing other beaches and recreational areas during segregation and the Jim Crow era. Don't miss a visit to the nearby A.L. Lewis Museum for more on the beach community's rich history. If you can't get enough of Amelia Island's beaches (and who could blame you), you can soak them up 24/7 with a stay in one of the island's coastal resorts. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island boasts a recently renovated spa and wellness center, plus updated guest rooms. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa features a multilevel pool deck, spa, 10 food outlets, 36 holes of golf plus family programming to keep the whole gang engaged.

Island escapades Amelia Island's welcoming weather and pastoral beauty give visitors every reason to get—and stay—outside. Walk or bike the paved Amelia Island Trail, running nearly the full length of the land, with access to parks, beaches and restaurants along the way. Book a kayak tour down the Amelia River and explore verdant salt marsh, keeping your eyes out for dolphins, manatees, wading birds and even eagles, depending on the season. Or up your chances of wildlife sightings by joining a cruise aimed at spotting marine life. Anglers can charter a private vessel, join a group excursion—or simply cast a line from a pier or the surf. Amelia Island State Park, encompassing 200 acres of protected coastal maritime forest, beach and marsh, has a pier that's a favorite fishing spot among locals and visitors alike. To compound the naturally romantic beach views on offer all along Amelia Island's coast, try viewing them while perched on the back of a gentle steed. Horseback riding tours are a beautiful way to take in sunrise views and usher in another relaxing day on island time.

Unwinding in the great outdoors Pay a visit to Fort Clinch State Park, which crowns the north end of the island, for the chance to combine a host of enjoyable activities—from beach-going to hiking to history chasing. The fort was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars and is full of winding staircases, imposing brick halls and cavernous tunnels to explore. You'll also find cannons, furnished period rooms and other vestiges of the fort's centuries-old past. Egans Creek Greenway is another natural area worthy of a leisurely visit. Bring a picnic lunch and a pair of binoculars along as you explore the reserve's walking and cycling trails. Birders may spy Greater Yellowlegs, sleek and regal Anhinga, Roseate Spoonbill (if they're very lucky) and once-endangered Wood Stork along the trails. Alligator, snakes and marsh rabbits are among the other creatures that call the park home.

Tee time Not to be overlooked is Amelia Island's status as a golfer's dream destination. Despite its modest size, the island boasts 99 holes of championship golf across five courses, plus a picturesque 10-hole short course. The Amelia River Club's 18 holes wind past serene waterfront and lush native trees. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa's Little Sandy short course moves golfers around a scenic lake and offers fun play for all abilities. The Oak Marsh Golf Course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa recently reopened after a $7.4-million renovation. The Pete Dye-designed layout is just 6,500 yards, but tight fairways and small greens make it a great test of shotmaking and a regular on best-of lists. In addition to these greens, there are four mini golf spots on the island, too.

Leafy streets & red-brick shops For all its windswept nature, Amelia Island also has an adorable downtown where all the creature comforts one might crave are readily available. Fernandina Beach boasts no fewer than 50 blocks teeming with independent shops, restaurants, micro-breweries and striking Victorian architecture. Centre Street is, as the name implies, at the heart of the action, with postcard-perfect Fernandina Harbor Marina on its west end. Small businesses here include Fernandina Fossils, a must-stop if you've got a fan of natural science in your traveling crew. The information center provides resources to help visitors identify and safely store precious finds like shark teeth and fossils, which are abundant on local sands. The gift shop offers fossils and locally crafted creations that make one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Fantastic Fudge serves up hand-dipped chocolates, marble-slab fudge and ice cream in fresh-baked waffle cones—their tantalzing smell will lead you straight to the storefront. At Twisted Sisters, find a colorful collection of giftable items, from home decor to apparel.

Year-round outdoor dining Alfresco dining is always in season on Amelia Island, where the average highs even in winter hang in the upper 60s. Sample elevated coastal cuisine at Indigo, where favorites include locally caught redfish served on a bed of Carolina gold rice and bok choy. Oceanfront Coquina at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island focuses on innovative Latin fare—citrusy ceviches, for example, and braised pork street tacos. At Burlingame Restaurant, enjoy a home-like atmosphere while savoring foodie-pleasing farm-to-table cuisine that changes with the seasons. The outdoor patio offers a lovely backdrop for meals that often inspire the phrase "the best I've ever had." Save room for the Madagascar vanilla bean crème brûlée, if you can. Down Under Restaurant is a top spot for seafood dishes like blackened grouper sandwiches and pico de gallo-topped shrimp tacos, served on a spacious deck perched over the Amelia River. Sunset brings memorable vistas and live music, best enjoyed with a tropical cocktail, like the coconut rum-infused Wave Runner.

Quaint inns and B&Bs For those wishing to immerse in Downtown Fernandina Beach's Victorian charm, a number of one-of-a-kind boutique inns stand ready to accommodate that goal. Amelia Schoolhouse Inn is one such spot. Built in 1886, when it became the island's first school, the eye-catching building has been restored and outfitted with a pool, putting green and a bar cheekily named The Principal's Office. There's also the historic Florida House Inn, which once served as lodging for Civil War officers, and now boasts one of the island's best weekend brunch spots, Leddy's Porch. Stays at the elegant Fairbanks House include an evening social hour with complimentary drinks and snacks. You won't soon forget the "breakfast" part of your Blue Heron Inn bed and breakfast experience; it's home-cooked and served in a charming dining room with antique furnishings and periwinkle-hued walls.

An ideal place to connect Amelia Island's unhurried pace makes it wonderfully suited to time spent connecting with family. And there's a plethora of activities and events that will draw in visitors of all ages. The guided nature tours put on by the Amelia Island Nature Center—covering a range of topics, from shark tooth hunting to sea turtle discovery—make the center a favored stop for family travelers. (Tip: Make sure to pre-register for all tours.) There's a can't-miss pirate-themed playground set right behind the Atlantic Recreation Center on the northeast side of the island, with bonus access to the Egans Creek Greenway a short walk away. The family fun extends indoors, too, at the Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum. It's a hit among fans of the old-school arcade game and those who have barely heard of it (aka your kids) alike. The collection of 20+ machines is wide open for play with one reasonably priced admission ticket.

Family-friendly events The festive season is a most delightful time to be on the island, with the Dickens on Centre Holiday Festival (Dec. 11-14) shining especially brightly on the local events calendar. The heart of town transforms into a cheer-filled Christmas market. There's also a kids' zone, a St. Nick photo stop and walk-in snow globe displays. The over-the-top extravaganza also entails an Illuminated Procession—a parade in which everyone's welcome to take part, so long as they're holding an object that glows—plus the 21+ Dickens After Dark masquerade ball for a next-level date night. If you're traveling in spring, the island invites you to indulge in one of its most beloved annual events, the all-ages Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival (May 1-3). The free-to-enter fete includes a lineup of live entertainment, a colorful parade, a decorated shrimp boat contest and a fun zone for kids. There will, of course, also be plenty of shrimp and seafood dishes to nosh on.

Room to spread out In addition to the aforementioned Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island hotels, ample space and plentiful amenities await at Springhill Suites Amelia Island, Courtyard Amelia Island and Residence Inn Amelia Island. There are hundreds of vacation rentals to choose from, too, whether for a party of two or a multi-generational crew.

Upcoming events A packed events calendar supplies even more reasons to plot a sunny break in early 2026. Amelia Island Restaurant Week (Jan. 16-25) is an ideal time for a trip that folds in culinary exploration at some of the area's top restaurants over the course of ten flavor-filled days. Over 20 participating restaurants will feature specials spotlighting their signature dishes or cocktails. The week will also open and close with curated prix fixe dinners at the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa and the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island hotels respectively (advance reservations required). Meanwhile, fans of storytelling in its many forms should head in for The Amelia Island Festival of Stories & Songs (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) at Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture. The event will bring talented storytellers, workshops, music, children's folktales and even a one-man show to converge for a celebration of tales and songs that connect us. Meanwhile, Amelia Island Concours Week (March 5-8) is a premier event for automobile enthusiasts, bringing in hundreds of historically significant cars for viewing, awards and auctions, complemented by special events, live entertainment, food and drinks.

Amelia Island Concours Week

Fairbanks House

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13 miles of beaches | outdoor adventures | downtown charm | family time

Lively beach parks You're never far from the beach on Amelia Island; sandy shores reach from the northeast to the southeast coast of the long, lean isle. There are more than 40 public beach access points along the way, and a stretch of sand for beachgoers of all kinds. Main Beach Park toward the north side of the island is a hub of activity, offering convenient amenities (restrooms, outdoor showers and picnic tables) plus a skate park, two sand volleyball courts, mini golf and a playground. Lifeguards watch over the typically calm, cerulean-blue waters from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. That's true at Seaside Park at the center of the island as well, a locale that exudes quintessential beach town vibes. Ice cream shops, seafood restaurants and a movie theater beckon from just the other side of the dunes. The park frequently hosts festive events, too.

Historic sands & beach stays American Beach in the center of the island is as historically significant as it is picturesque. Its rolling dunes are reported to be the tallest in Florida, and the sands on the other side were a haven for Black families who were barred from accessing other beaches and recreational areas during segregation and the Jim Crow era. Don't miss a visit to the nearby A.L. Lewis Museum for more on the beach community's rich history. If you can't get enough of Amelia Island's beaches (and who could blame you), you can soak them up 24/7 with a stay in one of the island's coastal resorts. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island boasts a recently renovated spa and wellness center, plus updated guest rooms. Omni Amelia Island Resort features a multilevel pool deck, spa, 10 food outlets, plus 36 holes of golf and family programming to keep the whole gang engaged.

Tee time Not to be overlooked is Amelia Island's status as a golfer's dream destination. Despite its modest size, the island boasts 99 holes of championship golf across five courses, plus a picturesque 10-hole short course. The Amelia River Club's 18 holes wind past serene waterfront and lush native trees. The Oak Marsh Golf Course at Omni Amelia Island Resort will be reopening after a $7.4-million renovation. The Pete Dye-designed layout is just 6,500 yards, but tight fairways and small greens make it a great test of shotmaking and a regular on best-of lists.

Outdoor events A packed events calendar supplies even more reasons to revel in Amelia Island's sunshine. Amelia Island Concours Week returns March 6-9, marking the automobile show's 30th year. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival will bring crustacean-themed merriment—including a parade, fun run, pageant and, of course, abundant shrimp dishes—to Fernandina Beach May 2-4. (Fun fact: the "Isle of Eight Flags" moniker stems from Amelia Island's tumultuous past. Eight nations, privateers and factions—including France, Spain, England, Mexican rebels and the Confederacy—have raised their flags over its shores, claiming it as their own for however fleeting a time.) Foodie fans will also want to get advance tickets to the Amelia Island Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, which treats guests to a long, flavor-filled weekend courtesy of award-winning chefs, sommeliers and mixologists. (October 2025 dates pending.)

Leafy streets & red-brick shops For all its windswept nature, Amelia Island also has an adorable downtown where all the creature comforts one might crave are readily available. Fernandina Beach boasts no fewer than 50 blocks teeming with independent shops, restaurants, micro-breweries and striking Victorian architecture. Centre Street is, as the name implies, at the heart of the action, with postcard-perfect Fernandina Harbor Marina on its west end. Supporting small businesses can be sheer sensory joy here—as one step inside Pelindaba Lavender Amelia Island will tell you. Every item in the store is infused with the in-house distilled, aromatic essential oil—be it soap, moisturizer, culinary treats or pet care products. At Color It Green, partial proceeds from each exceedingly giftable ware goes to a good cause. Amelia Linen & Wood, meanwhile, features a thoughtfully curated selection of treasures, ranging from home decor to unique clothing finds.

Dive into a buzzy dining scene Southern comfort is alive and well at local restaurants—but Amelia Island's culinary scene shows incredible variety, too. Just try to resist a stop at Nana Teresa's Bake Shop, where powdered-sugar-topped treats, home-made pies and cream-filled croissants stare out from the display case. You might find the pita-wrapped hunks of feta, roasted lamb, chicken or falafel at Baba's Mediterranean equally tempting. The Patio at 5th and Ash is a top choice for outdoor dining, complete with fire pits, live music and mouthwatering shareable plates—think marinara-drenched meatballs, jumbo lump crab cakes and butter-slathered Bavarian pretzels—plus entrees like pecan salmon and pork chops. Order the day's catch at The Salty Pelican, plus a rum punch to match the setting sun over the harbor. Tip: If you visit in September, Amelia Island's Dining Month, you'll get to try a host of specially priced prix-fixe menus at restaurants all over the island.

Quaint inns and B&Bs For those wishing to immerse in Downtown Fernandina Beach's Victorian charm, a number of one-of-a-kind boutique inns stand ready to accommodate that goal. Amelia Schoolhouse Inn is one such spot. Built in 1886, when it became the island's first school, the eye-catching building has been restored and outfitted with a pool, putting green and a bar cheekily named The Principal's Office. There's also the historic Florida House Inn, which once served as lodging for Civil War officers, and now boasts one of the island's best weekend brunch spots, Leddy's Porch. Get ready to be pampered at The Addison on Amelia, where the personalized concierge service can not only take care of restaurant and activity reservations for you, but many of these can then be billed directly to your room.

Family-friendly events The festive season is a most delightful time to be on the island, with the Dickens on Centre Holiday Festival (Dec. 12-15) shining especially brightly on the local events calendar. The heart of town transforms into a cheer-filled Christmas market. There's also a kids' zone, a St. Nick photo stop and walk-in snow globe displays. The over-the-top extravaganza also entails an Illuminated Procession—a parade in which everyone's welcome to take part, so long as they're holding an object that glows—plus the 21+ Dickens After Dark masquerade ball for a next-level date night. November's Right Whale Festival, celebrating the return of the endangered North Altantic right whales to northeast Florida's warm coastal waters, is another hit with families. Live music, a river cruise and a beach cleanup are all part of the awareness-raising festivities.

Room to spread out In addition to the aforementioned Omni Amelia Island Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island hotels, ample space awaits at budget-friendly finds like Springhill Suites Amelia Island, Courtyard Amelia Island and Residence Inn Amelia Island. There are hundreds of vacation rentals to choose from, too, whether for a party of two or a multi-generational crew.

Springhill Suites Amelia Island

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Springhill Suites Amelia Island

Fernandina Fossils

Down Under Restaurant

Burlingame

Indigo

Coquina at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island