The Allure of Amelia Island

Written by Nina Greenplate

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Looking to get away? Indulge your wanderlust with a trip to beautiful Amelia Island.

Southernmost of the Sea Islands  and the northernmost barrier island, Amelia is a culmination of 13 gorgeous miles of shoreline hugging the coast. It’s a two-and-half-hour journey to leisure and adventure.

In 2022, Conde Nast Traveler ranked Amelia Island No. 3 among the country’s Top Islands, and U.S. News & World Report said it’s the No. 5 Best Family Beach Vacation.  
Year-round mild and sun-drenched, this coastal paradise averages 75 perfect degrees in springtime.

Stay
Southern hospitality awaits. Choose accommodations from modern and luxurious resorts like the Omni and Ritz Carlton, to cozy inns, villas and historic hotels. The Florida House, located in the heart of historic Fernandina, is vintage 1857. Formerly a boarding house, now a charming 17-room bed and breakfast and English Pub, the hotel is home to where Ulysses S Grant, Henry Ford, Laurel and Hardy and Mary Pickford once slept. It is registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Hanging flowers wrap around a large porch, overlooking a picture-perfect landscaped garden and courtyard. It’s just steps away from the bustle of downtown.

Taste
More than 90 restaurants have made their home on Amelia Island. With many chef-owned and operated, pride and expertise are evident. Choices range from farm-to-table favorites, American fare, bistros, coffee shops, distilleries, a German beer garden, Italian, Mexican, and of course, the freshest seafood. An endless selection.
Don’t want to leave the sand? Grab a barstool at Hammerhead Beach Bar on Fernandina Beach. A popular island favorite, they’re ready to serve you where you’re at, pouring a favorite drink and offering light menu options.

Getting Around
So many exciting ways to explore Amelia Island are right at your fingertips.

On the water, check out endless charter options. Local adventure companies offer kayak/canoe rentals, chartered sailing and fishing expeditions, river cycling, jet skis and boat rentals.

Land-lovers can cruise the island’s immeasurable bike and hiking trails. Go on a self-guided nature hike or hire a guide. Try sight-seeing from an electric bicycle, Segway, FUV (fun utility vehicle), skateboard, carriage-ride, trolley, or horseback.

Beaches and Parks
Highway A1A runs the coastal length of Amelia Island, along which are several amenity-rich beachfront parks and more than 30 public beach-access points.  Each unique, it’s best to verify facility specifics before your outing. Running north to south, the below list of parks will highlight the island’s seven main beaches.

Fort Clinch State Park: Spanning 1,400 acres and holding some of the island’s most private and unrefined beaches, the park has plenty of wildlife, hiking trails, picnic/playgrounds, a historic fort and fishing pier.  Fort Clinch connects to the popular Fernandina Beach and historic downtown area. It was once a pirate’s playground, but now is an exciting Victorian seaport village that’s family-friendly and brimming with eclectic shops, restaurants and museums.

North Beach Park: Enjoy a quiet stretch of beach and a private boardwalk to the soft sand. Basic amenities available.

Main Beach Park: The island’s most popular and lively beach has plenty of amenities and is centrally located to Fernandina. Sand volleyball, a skate park and playground are all here, as well as on-duty summer beach lifeguards. It’s close to water-sport rentals, mini-golf, and fun cuisine.

Seaside Park: Amenities are plentiful, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. A beautiful boardwalk reaches to the beach and holds a reputation as a popular wedding venue.

Peters Point Beachfront Park: Soft sand, fewer crowds and great ocean fishing await. Four-wheel-drive vehicles can ride and park on this beach via Peters Point Road.

Burney Park: Near the historic American Beach, and named in the National Register of Historic Places, Burney Park Beach allows onshore fishing, and boasts ample amenities.

Amelia State Park: Wide sand and horseback riding grace this lovely southernmost beach. An access point for 4-by-4 vehicles is available. Though fewer amenities, it encourages wildlife explorers and sun-loving loungers. $2 per person is the park fee.

Downtown
Shopping: The Fernandina district is a great place to start, with more than 50 blocks of unique merchants and food establishments. This is a charming nautical village with countless establishments:  Independent boutiques, apparel, jewelry, surf shops, vintage finds and so much more.

Art and Music: Art is on display throughout Amelia Island. The Island Art Association is a non-profit and artist-owned organization whose mission is to support the arts and artists in Nassau County. Contemporary, fine art, glass work, jewelry and a variety of other formats are displayed. Music festivals and concert series add to the creative culture of the island. Theater and nightlife are part of the entertainment. Check the local visitor guide’s calendar for more performances, times and locations. Visit ameliaisland.com.

Amelia Island Museum of History: Their mission is to preserve, protect and promote the island’s unique history. There’s a fascinating story-telling tour on the island’s 4,000-year history with the local Timucuan Native American Indians, as well as her thriving shrimping trade. Open every day. Visit ameliamuseum.org.
A.L. Lewis Museum: Formerly known as the American Beach Museum, it explores the legacy and heritage of Florida’s African American beach. It represents the triumphs over former segregation and racial discrimination. Open Friday-Sunday. Visit allewismuseum.org.

Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum: See and play more than 20 new and vintage-restored machines, some that are more than 50 years old. An original 1932 Ballyhoo Pinball Machine from Bally Hotel Casino is waiting. Open Friday-Sunday. Visit its Facebook page.

Coastal Wildlife
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission preserves and protects the area’s precious birds and animals. Amelia Island has 470 fowl species. The American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer and Wilson’s Plover are imperiled. Experts help point visitors to seven smart viewing spots: Egan’s Creek Greenway, The Omni, Amelia Rivers Club, Amelia Island State Park, Fort Clinch State Park, Spoonbill Pond on Big Talbot Island State Park, and the beach itself.

fishing
Inshore, offshore, surf or pier, all anglers are welcome. Spring finds redfish, trout and Black Drum. Summer weather brings Bull redfish, trout, Ladyfish, Jacks, tarpon, cobia and sharks.

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