AMELIA ISLAND
Located in the northeastern tip of Florida, Amelia Island is an unspoiled setting for relaxing and rewarding getaways. Amelia is 13 miles long and two miles wide, with preserved park lands at its northern and southern tips, making up nearly 10% of the entire island. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound and one of the east’s largest and deepest inlets – Cumberland Sound – Amelia Island is edged with natural Appalachian quartz beaches and framed by sand dunes, some reaching up to 40 feet high.
A Natural Florida Experience
Treasured for her long stretches of quiet beach, natural beauty, unique history and charming seaport character, Amelia Island is consistently ranked among the best of the best, including: No. 3 U.S. Islands (TRAVEL + LEISURE, 2021), No. 9 Top 10 U.S. Island (Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, 2020), Top 10 Most Romantic Destinations in Florida (Coastal Living, 2018) and No. 4 Happiest Seaside Town (Coastal Living, 2017). The island is home to an irresistible mix of spa, golf, dining, shopping and leisure activities, but for those who want pure rest, relaxation and quality time with loved ones, there is no better place than Amelia Island.
sarahhcphotos Instagram
Credit: Sarah HC Photos
Lisa West Owned – Accommodation
Credit: Lisa West
Diverse Accommodations
From upscale resorts and charming bed and breakfast inns to comfortable hotels at value rates, Amelia Island offers accommodations for everyone. With more than 20 places to stay and more than 2,500 rooms, visitors can choose properties located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, within walking distance of the historic district, or anything in between. Those looking for a pet-friendly property will find Amelia Island has several where four-legged family members are welcomed.
Five of the Island’s hotels are Audubon International Green Lodging Certified for those environmentally minded travelers. And the island offers a number of lodging choices that include a complimentary breakfast to start off a great day of exploring. For the adventurous traveler, Amelia Island offers two campgrounds at Fort Clinch State Park – one oceanside and one under a canopy of majestic Live Oaks. There are also numerous vacation home rentals available on island, allowing guests to enjoy the conveniences of home during their Amelia Island vacation.
2020 Amelia – Deremer Studios LLC
Credit: Deremer Studios LLC
Array of Activities
By definition an island is surrounded by water, but visitors to Amelia Island find themselves surrounded by a welcoming sea of activities, too. From pristine waters and long, beautiful beaches, to shady trails and historic settings, Amelia has plenty of ways to fill the days. Visitors can settle in for a cozy, horse-drawn carriage ride through historic downtown Fernandina Beach or cast off on a sunset sail down the Intracoastal Waterway. Part of Florida’s First Coast of Golf, one of the country’s premier golfing regions, Amelia offers five distinct award-winning island courses, making it a golfer’s paradise for players of every skill level. Kids love a trip to Fort Clinch State Park, home to one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country, plus swimming, fishing, full-facility camping and more. A six-mile trail leads hikers and bikers through the park, where you can see the tallest sand dunes in Florida.
Davenna Guthrie Owned – Water Tour
Credit: Davenna Guthrie
sandra-baker-hinton-off-to-the-water
Credit: Sandra Baker Hinton
Nature-lovers will find few better ways to appreciate the island’s scenic wonders than an outing with Kayak Amelia or Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, offering the opportunity to paddle your way to close encounters with Amelia Island’s extraordinary wildlife, including egrets, herons, sea turtles and manatees. Nature Segway tours are also available at Omni Amelia Island Resort, as well as Kayak Amelia, which offers tours through Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Thrill seekers love SkyDive Amelia, offering freefall and parachuting views of St. Mary’s, Cumberland Island, Georgia, and Fort Clinch State Park. Or for high-flying fun without the freefall, try an exhilarating trike flying tour with Hang Glide USA.
Amelia Island is a little island with a big history, which visitors can discover for themselves at the Amelia Island Museum of History, Florida’s first spoken-history museum. Knowledgeable docents can lead you back in time to explore events spanning more than four centuries, and life on the island under the unruly rule of eight different flags. Visitors can also visit the American Beach Museum for a glimpse into the history of American Beach, an oceanfront haven for African Americans during the Jim Crow era of segregation. For visitors interested in maritime and military history, pirates and Spanish treasure fleets, the Maritime Museum is a must. View artifacts rich in local maritime history, along with U.S. Navy memorabilia, and weapons from different time periods, along with unique pieces such as a Soviet era KGB diving suit, an artifact from an expedition to the Titanic, and, of course, Spanish treasure.
2020 Amelia Stock Shoot 2 – Deremer Studios LLC
Credit: Deremer Studios LLC
Paddelboarding
Credit: Amelia Adventures
Guests can enjoy a quiet, leisurely stroll along Fernandina Beach’s historic Centre Street, complete with unique shops and eateries. For a picturesque tour of the island’s liquid assets, visit Amelia River Cruises and Charters or try a Jet Ski tour of the Amelia River with Flying Fish Adventures. Amelia Boat Rentals provides boat rentals, with or without a captain, as well as wave runner rentals. Visitors can enlist the expertise of knowledgeable local fishing guides and charters, too.
Distinctive Dining
Home to more than 90 distinctive restaurants, Amelia Island serves up an enticing array of flavorful options – from the freshest Florida seafood and authentic Italian and Mexican specialties, to fine dining masterpieces and decadent desserts. A growing menu of dining hot spots provides a satisfying selection of dining experiences, ranging from white linen elegance to flip-flop friendly beach shacks. Whether relaxing at Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro, Timoti’s Seafood Shak or dozens other local favorites, visitors will find fresh ingredients, small town charm, and something for every taste.
Amelia Island is home to an irresistible mix of spa, golf, dining, shopping and leisure activities for those who want quality time with loved ones, go to AmeliaIsland.com to plan your next escape.
2016 Shrimp Boats and Snails – Deremer Studios LLC
Credit: Deremer Studios LLC
