Updated August 2022 by Brianna Goebel
Amelia Island is approximately the size and shape of Manhattan, but the look and feel of this northern Florida town couldn’t be more different. The coastal getaway excels at relaxation and rejuvenation, with miles of unspoiled beaches, award-winning restaurants and spas, and shady live oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.
Getting there is easy. Amelia Island is situated off of I-95, about two hours south of Savannah and only a three-hour drive from Orlando. It’s located only 30 minutes north of the Jacksonville Airport, so many people fly in, then rent a car or take a shuttle. Once you’re on the island, you’re met with a nice mix of outdoor activities and places to discover in their quaint downtown — as much or as little as you’d like to do.
DAY ONE
Morning
Stash your bags at your hotel of choice and hit the beach. Two big resorts draw visitors with their variety of options. You can’t go wrong with the Omni Amelia Island Resort, a staple for families, with its 400+ oceanfront rooms and private villas to rent. Another popular option is The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, which is appealing because it’s a luxury resort with a relaxed vibe. As you explore the vast beaches along the Atlantic, be on the lookout for shark’s teeth and unusual seashells, but be mindful of turtle nests.
Afternoon
Escape the sun with a body-pampering spa treatment at one of the two resorts. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Spa has tranquil facilities, including a eucalyptus steam room, an outdoor pool, and wellness-oriented treatments. Have you ever heard of “Heaven in a Hammock?” If not, now you have! It’s touch therapy in a zero-gravity space, rocking in a hammock to mimic the ocean’s tide. At the Omni Amelia Island Resort’s spa, enjoy custom facials amidst the lush greenery of a courtyard garden.
If you’d rather get your body moving, Amelia Island is also home to plenty of family-friendly activities and hotspots. All ages can enjoy duckpin bowling at Duck Pinz Fernandina, and those over 21 can indulge in a craft cocktail and bourbon bar after 8 p.m. Golfers can also take advantage of some of the best golf courses in Florida; the state is home to over 100 challenging holes. New to the scene is “Little Sandy” at Omni Amelia Island Resort, a 10-hole, par-three course that offers an accompanying 18-hole putting course.
Evening
Head to the award-winning Salt restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for dinner, but go a few minutes early so you can shop its specialty store, which is devoted to 40 unique salts from around the world. The fine-dining restaurant also uses these unique salts at every meal, which may be one reason why it was bestowed a AAA Five Diamond award — not easy to acquire and maintain.
Omni Amelia Island Resort is also home to a delicious on-site restaurant: Verandah. While the hotspot is known for its handmade pasta and Mediterranean-inspired seafood, its steak and chicken offerings are also standout items. Be sure to accompany your meal with a selection from the restaurant’s extensive wine list!
DAY TWO
Morning
Get moving with one of several ways to explore the island. Horseback riding on the beach is one romantic idea. Another option is a Segway tour on the Omni Amelia Island Resort’s property, where the 1.5-hour guided outings weave in and out of canopied trails and along the marsh.
Afternoon
It’s time to explore charming downtown Fernandina Beach, a 50-block area recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Here you’ll find turn-of-the-century Victorian houses, charming stores, Florida’s oldest saloon, and plenty of great restaurants. Grab lunch at the popular Timoti’s Seafood Shak, where you can order at the counter, then snag a picnic table. It’s not fancy, but the offerings are fresh. Think Baja bowls with wild-caught seafood, lobster rolls, or shrimp tacos.
After lunch, wander the downtown stores and consider taking a bike tour of the historic district. For more family-friendly fun, Fernandina Beach is also home to Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links & Drinks, which offers mini golf, refreshing beverages, and beautiful views of the Florida scenery. After playing a round of putt-putt golf, cool off with one of the hotspot’s delicious frozen drinks or fuel up at the snack bar.
Evening
Don’t miss a sunset cruise with Amelia River Cruises (either family-friendly or adults-only versions), where local captains tell stories about the island while cruising the waterway. They’ll take your group to see wild horses on nearby Cumberland Island, and then — with any luck — you’ll spot a few dolphins and take in a stunning sunset. Grab a bite afterward at Salt Life Food Shack and enjoy the breezy al fresco seating while trying all sorts of delicious choices on the menu. Or, for a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience head back to Omni Amelia Island Resort to have dinner at The Sprouting Project. Taking place in a state-of-the-art aquaponic greenhouse, guests can enjoy a Southern-inspired farm-to-table meal.
DAY THREE
There’s so much more to see! History lovers may enjoy wandering Fort Clinch, one of the most well-kept forts in the U.S. (spoiler alert: it was built for the Civil War but never actually used in combat), in a picturesque setting along St. Mary’s River. Travelers can also tour Florida’s oldest lighthouse. Built in 1838, it is the only lighthouse from Florida’s Territorial Period to survive without significant rebuilding. Travelers can explore the structure via public tours, golf cart rides, or catch one-of-a-kind views from a kayak tour along Egans Creek. Elsewhere on the island, there are kayaking trips, sky-diving, golf courses, and cooking classes at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island … truly something for everyone!
Check out the calendar for Amelia Island to find special events, such as their Charles Dickens’-themed holiday activities, a jazz festival, and culinary-inspired weekends.
All photography by Lisa Mowry unless otherwise noted.
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