Amelia Island

Amelia Island: Northeast Florida's Coastal Gem

Amelia Island is a barrier island located in Nassau County, in northeast Florida, about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville. It is presented as the northernmost barrier island on Florida's Atlantic coast and the southernmost of the Sea Islands chain that stretches along the eastern coast of the United States from South Carolina to Florida. The island is located 127 miles south of Savannah, Georgia, and 197 miles east of Tallahassee.

The website serves as the official portal for tourism information and travel planning, with sections dedicated to lodging, dining, activities, shopping, culture, and events. The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) and the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) are among the entities responsible for the destination.

Beaches and Natural Environment

The island has 13 miles of Appalachian quartz sand beaches. The environment includes a rare maritime forest ecosystem, nature trails, and waterways, with unique flora and fauna. Kayaking through salt marshes and nature watching are among the standout activities.

Lodging

Lodging options range from oceanfront resorts and well-known hotel chains to bed and breakfasts set in historic homes and Victorian mansions, as well as spacious vacation rentals. The site allows searching for lodging by date, distinguishing between vacation rentals and hotels. Among the properties mentioned are Home2 Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fernandina Beach Amelia Island, and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

Dining and Nightlife

The island offers a diverse selection of restaurants and bars. The material mentions examples such as Cucina South, an Italian bistro featuring pasta, pizza, seafood, and wine, and The Lobby Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a bar with a selection of small-batch spirits and custom infusions inspired by bourbon legends, which also serves light bites.

Activities and Attractions

Available activities include golf, with 99 holes of championship golf for all skill levels; tennis and pickleball, with programs such as Cliff Drysdale Tennis and Pickleball at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa; spa treatments; museums; and live performances. Family-friendly pirate ship tours are also offered, such as Amelia Island Pirate Voyages, with sunset sails and dolphin sightings, as well as fishing and sightseeing charters, such as Heavy Hitter Fishing And Sightseeing Charters and Crawfish Charters, which operate from the island. Cultural heritage includes Fort George Island Cultural State Park, home to Kingsley Plantation and located about 9 miles south of Amelia Island on S.R. A1A.

Historic Downtown and Culture

Downtown Fernandina Beach retains a small-town atmosphere and historic homes. The island has theater, art walks, concerts, and acclaimed music festivals. The cultural offering is complemented by museums and events throughout the year.

Access and Transportation

The island can be reached by car via Interstate 95, taking exit 373 toward State Road A1A and driving 15 miles to cross the Intracoastal Waterway. The nearest airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), about 25-30 minutes away, which connects northeast Florida with destinations in North America and around the world, with numerous direct routes within the United States. The island also has Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, for private, corporate, and charter aircraft.

Planning Your Visit

The portal offers planning tools such as a trip planner, maps, itineraries, information on getting here, accessibility, island weather, a welcome center, and a downloadable inspiration guide. Weddings and meetings are also organized, and a calendar of festivals and events is published. The information is aimed at both visitors and tourism industry professionals, meeting planners, and business partners.

Location and Contact

Phone: 904-277-0717 · Email: info@ameliaisland.com