Top 3 Things About: Amelia Island, Florida

By Shawne Taylor | October 12, 2022

Known for its wide, soft-sand beaches, protected park lands, historic towns, and relaxed beach vibe, Amelia Island is one of the shining gems of north Florida’s barrier islands — a low-key luxury beach destination, perfect for family vacations, a trip with friends, or a romantic couples getaway.

There’s a lot to love about Amelia Island, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to our top three favorite things. Read on to learn more!

The Beaches

With more than 40 warm sand beaches along 13 miles of gorgeous coastline (some with massive sand dunes that rise as high as 40 feet), it’s not hard to find the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and soak up the sun.

Fernandina’s Main Beach is one of the island’s busiest and most popular. Convenient to the town’s shops and restaurants, it also features an attached park with picnic tables, outdoor showers, a playground, and two sand volleyball courts. There’s easy ocean access, lifeguards on duty, and plenty of space to lounge on the sand, stroll along the water’s edge, or get out and play in the surf.

If you’d rather soak up the sun on a quieter beach, you can’t beat the sand and surf at Amelia Island State Park and Fort Clinch State Park. They don’t have lifeguards, but they do offer some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the island and are perfect for shelling, fishing, and long walks.

Grass-covered sand dunes next to a brown wooden boardwalk with railings, leading to a beach on Amelia Island. The water is a light shade of blue with only ripples of waves and the sky overhead is a deep blue with fluffy white clouds.
Photo credit: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock

The History

Amelia Island is steeped in history. From early Timucuans to French and Spanish explorers, famous pirates, wealthy Victorian-era residents, and the island’s involvement in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, it’s an island town that has served under eight flags since its founding and celebrates its rich history and multi-cultural heritage even today.

Stroll the 50+ blocks of Fernandina Beach’s lovely Historic District to check out the Victorian-era architecture and 400+ historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places; visit the Amelia Island Museum of History; and tour iconic landmarks such as Fort Clinch, the Bosque Bello Cemetery, and Historic Nassau County Courthouse.

Historic two story wooden home set on a large green lot with lots of trees and landscaping on Amelia Island. there's brick walkway leading from the front and side up to a covered front porch with red flag and hanging flower baskets. The sky overhead is blue with white clouds.
Photo credit: Bob Pool/Shutterstock

Outdoor Fun

From horseback riding and biking, to fishing, hiking, swimming, sailing, kayaking, and more, Amelia Island is overflowing with fun outdoor activities to suit every interest. And with fantastic weather year-round, you can get out and play here—on land and water—regardless of the season.

POV from a sailing yacht out on the sea at sunset. The water is blue and grey, but reflected the orange of the setting sun. You can see part of the white boat in front of you, including the sail.
Photo credit: De Visu/Shutterstock
Posted in Beach Vacation, Coastal City, Family Vacation, Historic City, Island Vacation, Outdoor Getaway, Small Town Getaway and tagged , , , , , ,