One of Florida’s most often overlooked holiday spots, Amelia Island sits just thirteen miles from the border with Georgia, brimming with natural beauty, heaps of history and an abundance of Southern charm. There is a great choice of B&Bs and self-catering accommodation on offer, fit for a range of budgets and group sizes, as well as a small selection of gorgeous old hotels. Our pick of the best places to stay on Amelia Island promises laid-back bliss in classic buildings reflecting the region’s fascinating past.
Outdoor enthusiasts will adore the vast array of activities available on Amelia Island. Stroll along splendid quartz-sand beaches, try horse riding on the sand, cycle along the 10-kilometre Amelia Island Trail, or head out to sea in a kayak or fishing boat. Families can unwind at Main Beach, whilst wildlife lovers will spot animals aplenty in Amelia Island State Park or intriguing Little Talbot Island State Park, an off-the-beaten-track haven of unspoilt natural habitats. Golfers, too, will be thrilled with picturesque courses to choose from, many of which boast impressive Atlantic views.
Fernandina Beach, the island’s largest town, offers boutique shopping and a buzzy food and drink scene — including some excellent seafood restaurants. The town has also retained many of its original architectural features. You’ll find converted fishing cottages nestled close to grand historic landmarks, and a fusion of influences reflecting the island’s occupation by the French, English and Spanish, amongst others. Soak up Fernandina Beach’s stories with a guided walking tour, or consider the Amelia Island Museum of History, which charts the region’s complex past, from Timucuan Native Americans to Civil War soldiers. The American Beach Museum, too, is well worth a visit, and provides an insight into the island’s importance to African Americans during the Jim Crow years.
Peer into antique shops and galleries, discover the island’s lush interior and sun-drenched coastline, and squeeze in a game of golf before sipping sundowners at a laid-back bar facing the Atlantic Ocean. Ensconce yourself in the relaxed surroundings of one of the best places to stay on Amelia Island, and take things up a notch by timing your trip to fit with the area’s thriving programme of annual festivals — as if you needed another reason to visit!