Amelia Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Visit this scenic island that offers sandy beaches, ports, seaside resorts and two state parks just off the coast of mainland Florida.

Amelia Island is a small section of land with beaches, ports and picturesque natural scenery off the east coast of mainland Florida. The area is known as a barrier island because it runs parallel to the coast and is separated by only a narrow stretch of water. On the island you can visit some of the state’s most recognizable attractions, including Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch State Park. There’s also 13 miles (21 kilometers) of sandy beaches.

Stay at one of the luxury resorts along Amelia Island’s coasts. Enjoy the panoramic views of the sparkling blue ocean. With luck, you may catch sight of dolphins and a white whale.

Visit the port town of Fernandina Beach on the northern part of the island. Learn about some of the area’s early Native American inhabitants and Spanish settlers that arrived in the 1800s. Get around on foot to experience the relaxed atmosphere of this laid-back town. Visit galleries and charming cafés in Fernandina Beach center.

Go camping in Fort Clinch State Park. The nature reserve consists of 1,400 acres (570 hectares) of scenic parkland surrounding Fort Clinch. The brick fort dates back to the mid-1800s and now features reenactments of life during the Civil War.

Relax on the sandy shore of Main Beach Park, one of the most popular spots on the island for sun, sand and sea. Join in volleyball or other public activities on the beach and let the kids play on a playground. Make your way to Burney Park to explore the sand dunes. Cross the dune walkover path for picturesque views of the dunes and the ocean.

Find Amelia Island northeast of the city of Jacksonville. Take a 30-minute taxi ride from Jacksonville International Airport or rent a car. Shuttle services to and from the airport are organized by some resorts in the area. From the center of Jacksonville it’s a 33-mile (53-kilometer) drive to Amelia Island.

Where to stay in Amelia Island

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American Beach

If you're spending some time in American Beach, American Beach and Spanish Quarter Village are top sights worth seeing.

American Beach
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Ocean Cay

While Ocean Cay may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park and Amelia Island Lighthouse.

Ocean Cay
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Fernandina Beach Historic District

The stunning beaches and island views are just a few highlights of Fernandina Beach Historic District. Make a stop by Blue Door Artists or Island Art Association Gallery while you're exploring the area.

Fernandina Beach Historic District
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Heron Oaks

When in Heron Oaks, you can plan a visit to Omni Amelia Island Resort Golf and American Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Heron Oaks
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American Beach Historic District

Though American Beach Historic District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like American Beach and Omni Amelia Island Resort Golf.

American Beach Historic District
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
2.5 out of 5
1997 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is NZ$144 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
NZ$144
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,802 reviews)
"Courteous, efficient and concerned staff"

Reviewed on 22 Nov. 2024

Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Omni Amelia Island Resort
4 out of 5
39 Beach Lagoon Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is NZ$382 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$382
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"What a beautiful view from the rooms!!! The pool/beach area was spectacular. Room was clean, Staff was AMAZING, great choices for food/drinks right on property. Only thing I would suggest (and its the smallest of things) is having 2 suitcase stands so we dont need to open one on the floor"

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Omni Amelia Island Resort
The Villas of Amelia Island
The Villas of Amelia Island
4 out of 5
8 Amelia Village Circle, Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is NZ$382 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
NZ$382
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"What a wonderful place! It’s like staying at a Five star hotel in the jungle on the beach we just loved it! Our room was clean and fresh with a nice partial view of the ocean. The staff, and particularly Deidra at the front desk was phenomenal. We will absolutely be back!"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

The Villas of Amelia Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
3.5 out of 5
111 Vintage Wy, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernandina Little Theatre and Egan's ...
7.4/10 Good! (23 reviews)
"Great property at a great location for a reasonable rate."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Studio Unit
Studio Unit
Fernandina Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (272 reviews)
Getaway
"Loved it! So cute."

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

Studio Unit
The Terraces #305-Ocean View! | 1 Bed, 1 Bath
The Terraces #305-Ocean View! | 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Fernandina Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Fernandina Beach Main Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
Shkthhunt
"Everything was great in the room, just the right size for a couple. Only problem was the elevator was not working."

Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2024

The Terraces #305-Ocean View! | 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Amelia Island