10 Reasons To Go On An Amelia Island Beach Getaway

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

Amelia Island beaches in Florida may not be as well-known as those in Miami, Fort Myers, or Daytona, but that’s a good thing. An Amelia Island beach getaway is more appealing because of its under-the-radar location.

Amelia Island sits off Florida’s Atlantic coast 40 minutes northeast of Jacksonville just south of the Florida-Georgia line.

This beautiful barrier island is 13 miles long and 4 miles wide at its widest point.

If you’re unfamiliar with all that Amelia Island has to offer, read on for 10 reasons why you should make Amelia Island your next beach getaway.

1. Wide, uncrowded Amelia Island beaches

Thirteen miles of wide sandy shoreline welcome you as you arrive on Amelia Island. Low-key and enough room to spread out, Amelia Island beaches are less crowded than others in Florida.

The tranquil coast is perfect for relaxing, reading a book, and dipping your toes in the ocean. Or if you’re feeling a bit more active, jog along the sandy seascape, splash in the waves, even horseback ride on the shore.

2. Delicious dining at Amelia Island restaurants

Amelia Island has a variety of locally owned restaurants – from casual to upscale. Dig into dishes from countless cuisines, including American, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai, and Mexican, to name a few.

From the Ritz-Carlton’s AAA Five Diamond restaurant, Salt, to The Salty Pelican – downtown’s casual bar & grill offering up burgers and wings overlooking great sunsets, you’ll enjoy the diverse dining options at Amelia Island restaurants.

Then, top off your night with an ice cream treat at any one of several ice cream shops on the island.

3. Sunrises and sunsets over Amelia Island beaches

Early risers can stroll through the sand and experience a pastel sunrise over the rippling sea. A perfect way to start the day! Public access to the shoreline is available up and down the stretch of the island, so you’ll have your choice of places to watch the beautiful scene.

Not a morning person? You’re still in luck. You can catch the sunset over water, too. Just head over to the Amelia River on the other side of the island. Stake out a spot across the street from The Salty Pelican by the marina in downtown Fernandina or farther north near the 14^th street bridge over Egans Creek. Enjoy!

4. Biking on Amelia Island

Amelia Island is the ideal setting for a bike ride. You can pedal beside scenic waterways, through state parks, along quiet residential areas, next to dreamy island homes, and under dense oak tree canopies dripping with Spanish moss. You’ll have your choice of wide paved bike paths, unpaved trails, and low traffic streets to safely ride among the island’s picturesque backdrop.

Bike rentals are offered throughout Amelia Island with several maintained bicycle trails to choose from. For a list of Amelia Island bike trails click here.

(Another epic Florida biking adventure takes place in the Everglades. Check out our article about biking with alligators.)

5. World-class golf courses

Links magazine ranks Amelia Island as one of the top golf islands in the world. It’s easy to see why. Championship golf courses designed by PGA greats Arnold Palmer, Mark McCumber, and Gene Littler, as well as famous designers Pete Dye and Tom Fazio, span the island.

Five courses totaling 99 holes sit along the ocean, Amelia River, and among palm, pine, and majestic live oak trees. There are public and private courses for all skill levels in this golfer’s paradise.

6. Historic downtown Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach is the name of the town located on Amelia Island. You’ll be impressed as you explore the historic downtown with 52 blocks on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walking down Centre Street you’ll find beautiful architecture and eclectic shops. Visit the oldest bar in Florida – the Palace Saloon. See the historic post office, customs house and courthouse building to view Italian Renaissance Revival-style architecture. Then head to the shrimping museum, which honors Fernandina Beach as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry.

Take an evening stroll after the sun goes down to see the tree-lined street twinkling at night. This charming downtown will beckon you back night after night.

(Interested in more Florida destinations? Check out our related article, “Best Places to Visit in Florida For All Types of Travelers”)

7. Variety of accommodations

Whether you’re looking for a waterfront rental, bed & breakfast, hotel, or resort, you’ll find a variety of options on Amelia Island.

There are several places centrally located on the island – close to the beach and near the historic downtown. Or if you don’t mind a short drive and want to splurge, the southern end of the island is home to two luxury resorts: The Ritz-Carlton and Omni Amelia Island Resort.

The Omni has accommodations available for larger families, offering guest rooms, suites and privately rented condos and villas.

8. Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park sits on the southern tip of the island bordering the Nassau Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Spanning 200 acres of protected forest, wilderness, marshes, and shoreline, the park is a premier spot on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Bird watching, fishing, and shelling are favorite activities here, but a unique draw is that it’s the only Florida state park where you can go horseback riding on the beach. You’ll want to book your Amelia Island beach ride in advance (they sell out in peak times) so you don’t miss out on this unique experience.

9. Fort Clinch State Park

On Amelia Island’s north end is Fort Clinch State Park. This is where history and nature come together creating a beautiful and interesting setting. Among the park’s 1400-acres sits a Civil War-era fort. Take a tour and see the cannons, galleries, and rooms chock-full of history. Then head to the 6-mile trail through the park and hike, bike, and sightsee along the sandy Amelia Island beach. You may even find shark teeth on the shore. A visit to Fort Clinch is a fun way to explore and learn more about Amelia Island.

10. Convenient location

A great thing about Amelia Island is its proximity to a large city with an international airport and beautiful historic towns to explore. After flying into Jacksonville, you’ll have a short 40-minute drive to Amelia Island. Then, when you want a fun break from the Amelia Island beaches, you have many options for interesting day trips.

Spend the day in Jacksonville visiting their many museums, tasting local craft beer, viewing their public art scene, or catching a game at the Jaguars NFL stadium.

The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, is only 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Amelia Island. Here you’ll find brick-lined streets, historic sites, and centuries-old buildings.

Savannah, Georgia is a mere 2 hours from Amelia Island. Steeped in history, Savannah is known for its walkable historic district, well-preserved architecture, and beautiful, natural scenery. Southern hospitality abounds making Savannah a great day trip from Amelia Island.