Amelia Island is one of Florida’s least visited islands
Outside of the Southern States, not too many people recognize Amelia Island, its history, and miles of white sand. However, beach-savvy, island seekers have long flocked to the barrier island located on Florida’s Atlantic coast with easy access from Jacksonville.
A petite 13 miles long and about 4 miles wide at its heftiest point, the less than 40,000-person oasis on the southernmost island of the Sea Island chain is just a short Nassau River Bridge crossing from mainland Florida. Visitors and locals immediately recognize the charm and allure of Amelia’s slower rhythm. In an 1896 edition of American Resorts magazine, it was quoted that vacationers referenced the island as “The Queen of Summer Resorts” because such names as the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, DuPonts and other prominent U.S. families frequented the island. Today, it offers a much more laid-back, diversified landscape with influences from around the globe.
The historical enclave holds all sorts of odd and unique accolades. The tiny island has been under the leadership of eight different countries in 400 years. And, during a 200-year period in this time stretch, Amelia Island attracted the largest concentration of seafaring thieves in America including Jean Lafitte, Blackbeard, and Red Legs Greaves. The barrier island hosts Florida’s oldest saloon, oldest and longest continually operated hotel and the State’s oldest lighthouse. Stroll Centre Street in the historic downtown district to view more than 400 structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
Amelia Island also provides a surf escape without much threat of a hurricane; there have only been three hurricane-strength storms to pass near Amelia Island in the last 155 years. The beach culture has remained intact, golf carts are driven throughout the island, beach volleyball pick-up games are abundant and multiple harbors provide for sea-faring adventure.
Beach Scene
Amelia Island has 13 miles of beaches and over 40 public beach access points. The island is surrounded by various water systems: the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, and Cumberland Sound.
Seaside Beach, the island’s most popular beach along the Fernandina Beach stretch, is family and fido friendly. There is designated parking, although it fills easily on spring through fall weekends and summer weekdays, restrooms and outdoor showers. North Beach Park is a more laid back and quieter option with covered pavilions, picnic tables, parking, and a boardwalk to the beach.
Peter’s Point Beachfront Park has it all—wide beach for play, sport, sunbathing and a stroll, surf fishing, swimming and public bathrooms. Beach driving is allowed in a 4-wheel drive vehicle and a valid driver’s license showing residency in Nassau County; tip, get a local guide to take you!
Fort Clinch State Park has a crazy story. The 1,400-acre park not only has miles of beaches to explore, but Fort Clinch is the oldest masonry fort in the nation. For $6 or under, visit the park which is either a short drive or accessible via bicycle or to walkers. Explore the fort, numerous rooms, and touch a row of cannons pointing across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia.
Beach Bites
Amelia Island is the birthplace of America’s modern shrimp industry; therefore, expect shrimp to be on many menus for every meal, and even in the Bloody Mary’s. There’s an eclectic mix of fine dining, beach shacks, taco stands and grab and go options. With over 40 restaurants on the island, there’s more than just burgers and dogs.
Salt Life Beach Shack
A Jacksonville legend, the eatery opened up a location in Fernandina Beach with their popular tuna poke bowl, fresh sushi and shrimp, street tacos, class American burgers and more. Try local favorites including Bahamian Fish Chowder, avocado fries and crab-baked oysters. (saltlifefoodshack.com)
Espana Restaurant & Tapas
Open nightly for dinner, this is a must for a charming evening al fresco. The expansive patio is the prime location for a stunning showcase of Mediterranean bites with a burst of Florida seafood. Classic dishes from Spain and Portugal include calamari, shrimp, papas bravas, chorizo and dozens more options. (espanaamelia.com)
The Surf
Locals and visitors have been dining al fresco, seaside at this eatery since 1957. Get your seafood fill along with delicious sides and fresh cocktails. Everyone’s happy with the menu diversity from burgers and flatbreads to local chowder and produce. The scene is stellar and the attached Surf Beach Motel is a choice spot to bed down for the evening. Check their website for local entertainment and note the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. (thesurfonline.com)
Beachy Beverages
Mocama Coffee (and brew)
Whether it’s an iced coffee on the go during a bicycle ride, or a Sunday meet-up, this coffee shop, wide-open and industrial is also the home of Mocama Beer Company. Grab a morning pastry and latte, or an afternoon brew from the taproom, the dual-purpose beverage hub is in a great central spot. (mocama.com)
Amelia Island Brewing Co.
Located on a tree-lined, cobblestone street is the island’s namesake brewery with indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, there is an open air space with a bar, rotating and standard taps, appetizers, pub menu and communal seating. Outside, the alley provides for more niche and cozy spots and a large patio has larger table options. There’s also local music and entertainment. (ameliaislandbrewing.com)
Palace Saloon
Smack dab in the middle of Fernandina Beach is Florida’s oldest bar. The Palace Saloon was the very last tavern to close during Prohibition and was transformed into an ice cream parlor to survive the dry days. Famous American families such as the Rockefellers and the Carnegies visited the establishment. Today, it’s always a welcome spot, with colorful locals and visitors wanting in on a piece of history. The bar has brews, wine and cocktails, and there is often a food truck in the back, outdoor area. (theaihg.com/the-palace-saloon)
Hola! Cuban Café
A local favorite for morning caffeine, the café has been open since 2013 and will often have a line out the door for Cuban coffee. Open Thursday – Sunday, the menu is cultural and extensive and the atmosphere tropical with the indoor and outdoor seating. Go for the buzz and stay for the breakfast pastries. (holacubancafe.com)
Beach Sport
Fishing
On and around Amelia Island, you can find three completely different kinds of fishing. Surf fishing, done from the shore, is most popular (in what season) where anglers can snag (what kind of fish). Fly-fishing, a burgeoning Amelia Island sport, is prime almost year-round in the flats and shallows where redfish and tarpon can be snagged. Book Amelia on the Fly with Captain William D. Cochran, an Orvis-endorsed fishing extraordinaire, but also a local historian with loads of stories about the waters. (ameliaonfly.com)Looking for a little off-shore fishing? Amelia Angler Outfitters (ameliaangler.com) takes anglers 8 to 20 miles offshore for opportunities at sailfish, cobia, kingfish, wahoo, amberjack, barracuda, cobia and more. Visit
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for license information.
(myfwc.com/license)
Kayak, SUP, Boat Tours
For a small island, the kayak options are plentiful. The Bullington Family, owners of Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, more than six locations and options for paddlers. Egan’s Creek explores an estuary, Lofton Creek is a mellow, two-hour paddle on a black water river, Loften Creek, mesmerizing for the reflective nature of the water and deep sediment trails. Take a longer, more rigorous kayak tour to neighboring Cumberland Island, home of wild horses. Other adventures include the Amelia River and a sunset tour, St. Mary’s River, the Suwannee River, and the Okefenokee Swamp, which is massive at over 400,000 acres, is loaded with aquatic and land creatures. (ameliaislandkayak.com)
Bike Rentals
There’s nothing more laid back and relaxing than a beach cruise. Amelia Island has over a half-dozen bicycle rental shops. There are e-bike options, scooters, beach cruisers and more. From Fernandina Beach, ride to Fort Cinch along the bike trail for a nice workout and stop along the way for coffee and a bite before exploring the historic fort. Some parts of the fort are accessible with the proper bike, others are better viewed by foot. Cruise through Egan’s Creek Greenway or the new three-mile River to Sea Trail from Crane Island to the beach. (ameliaislandtrail.org/bikerentals) Want to try pedaling on the water, that’s an option as well. Amelia River Cycle takes guests along the Amelia River to try their wheels on water. (ameliarivercycle.com)
BEACH STAYS
There are two large resorts on the island, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort. Both are more isolated from other parts of the island. The Ritz’s property has an incredible spa, outdoor activity offerings and views. The Omni, Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island—Historic Harbor Front is a great value and location.
Amelia Island Williams House
This is the epitome of the historic, tropical South. Built in 1856 and continuously renovated, the stunning retreat has modern bathrooms and elegant guest rooms. There are ten rooms spread across three buildings, with plenty of niche spaces. Breakfast is included and the mansion and garden are located in the heart of Fernandina Beach. Don’t miss the B&B’s massive 500-year-old live oak in the center of their courtyard. (williamshouse.com)
The Florida House
One of the closest options to the beach is the Florida House, and has been for some time. It has the designation of Florida’s oldest continuously operated hotel. The 1857 structure was originally a railroad boarding house. The modern version houses 17 guest rooms nestled around a courtyard with fountain. There is onsite parking and continental breakfast included. The Southern rooms reflect original construction with wooden floors, fireplaces and giant windows. Onsite, there is also a southern restaurant, and an old English style pub. (floridahouse.com)
Learn to play Pétanque
There’s plenty of off-shore activity to keep island-seekers entertained. Amelia Island has six 18-hole golf courses and a 9-hole course open to the public. There is a local trolley tour, popular for the multi-generational crowd. Tennis and pickleball courts are located throughout the island. Stroll historic Ferdinand Beach with dozens of retail boutiques, sweet treats, restaurants and bars. Learn to play Pétanque, similar to Bocce ball at Fernandina Harbor, where the largest Pétanque event in America is held in November. Also in November is the free Right Whale Festival on Main Beach honoring the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (less than 350 remain in the world) to the warm coastal water off Northeast Florida and Georgia, where they give birth to, and nurse, their young.
The charm and allure of Amelia’s slower rhythm is calling and for those looking for a luxurious retreat one should answer and let the slower side of the south sink in.
Beach Town Magazine 