Amelia Island is one of the best places to travel in the US. Located on the northeastern tip of the coast of northern Florida, this island offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or a luxurious vacation, this island offers the perfect combination of deluxe resorts, white sand beaches, and tantalizing dining for your most memorable experience yet!
The island is 13 miles long and sits just over an hour south of two other favorite low-country beaches located to the north in Georgia: Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island.
When we can’t make it to Hilton Head Island, SC, we make it a point to go to Amelia Island and stay at the OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT.
Is Amelia Island Worth Visiting?
Yes! Amelia Island is worth visiting! Located in northeast Florida, this barrier island is a popular destination for travelers looking to relax and unwind.
With an abundance of wildlife, beautiful beaches and lush natural landscape, the island is an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Amelia Island offers a variety of activities to visitors. From kayaking and fishing to biking, horseback riding, golfing, and shopping, there’s something for everyone here.
The island also boasts a number of unique attractions like the Fernandina Beach Historic District and its many antique shops, Fort Clinch State Park, and the Amelia Island Museum of History.
The island also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from seafood and music to art and culture.
A stay on Amelia Island can be as active or relaxed as you like – perfect for a romantic getaway or family vacation.
Things To Do On Amelia Island
We spent a lovely evening strolling the shops and marina and then enjoyed a nice seafood meal atop the Salty Pelican while the sun went down.
There are so many wonderful things to do in historic downtown Amelia Island.
If the beach isn’t your ideal vacation, see the doctor right away.
Just kidding!
In all seriousness, if you are like me, there is a time for lounging and there is a time for exploring.
Amelia Island offers both.
With its quaint shops, numerous restaurants, and lovely marina, the downtown is as enjoyable as the beach.
Speaking of historical places in Florida, check out this guide to St. Augustine, Florida.
If you are a history nerd as I am, you will find much to satisfy your itch on Amelia Island. I found the history of the Lesesne House fascinating.
The house has sat on the corner of Centre Street for over 150 years and now serves as a venue for weddings and events.
On our first visit in September, we stayed in the downtown district at the Hampton Inn.
While there we visited the local visitor’s center and met two very friendly ladies more than eager to share their love for the island.
As a homeschooling family, we were excited to find out about Fort Clinch State Park and enjoyed a nice afternoon exploring the fort.
While we planned to stay three nights, we had to cut our time a bit short in order to avoid some bad weather back home.
On our last afternoon we decided to make one more stop in downtown where we enjoyed lunch at Tasty’s fresh burgers & fries.
It was this experience that sealed the deal for me in terms of my love for this town.
Sitting in the warm sun, enjoying burgers & milk shakes while meeting the friendly people of Amelia Island has created a longing in my heart to not only visit this place, but make it my home.
That may be a post for the future, but I have definitely been exploring the possibilities.
Things To Do On Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Depending upon your vacation style, there are a few distinct ways to enjoy Amelia Island.
A Day At Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is a lovely beach with a wide coastline, plenty of shells for those who like to collect them, and soft sand.
Surprisingly, it seems to be a secret to the world!
In fact, I am almost reticent to write about it for fear the word might get out and my respite might become another busy tourist attraction!
We enjoyed such a relaxing time strolling along the beach, dipping in the ocean, and lounging by Omni’s adult pool!
Perhaps it was merely because the kids weren’t with us, or because it wasn’t a Disney resort (as much as I love them), but I thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
It was a respite on a nearly uninhabited beach!
Within the plantation itself, there are numerous restaurants, shops, and activities.
If golfing is your favorite vacation pass time, the plantation offers three,“Audubon International certified sanctuary golf courses” as well as a golf academy.
If you prefer tennis, Omni’s site states their tennis program is, “managed by Cliff Drysdale Tennis professionals” and offers “23 Har-Tru tennis courts”
Additionally, Omni Resort Plantation offers a “health and fitness center, nature-inspired spa and salon, shopping village, year round youth programs, Nature Center, fishing, Segway tours, bicycle and island hopper rentals” (also known as Golf Carts)
Dining at Amelia Island Plantation Restaurants
Marché Burette
Our stay at the plantation included two visits to Marché Burette. On our first visit we enjoyed a deli style lunch.
My husband was in the mood for a Po Boy, and while it wasn’t on the menu, the waitress replied with, “I am sure we can make it!”
That is the kind’ve WOW service that VeraVise loves to tell others about.
Make it they did! It was delicious.
I enjoyed the Southwest Turkey Panini and our companions shared the Turkey Apple Brie Panini.
We then shared a GIANT Peanut butter cookie! We were found a time or two back at the Marché Burette in line at the gelato counter!!
While eating lunch, the manager came around to tell us about their Shrimp Boil and Steak Out dinners.
Saturday night’s Steak Out menu sounded appealing so we returned to enjoy this fabulous meal.
The manager informed us to arrive by 5 pm if we wanted to avoid an hour-long wait.
Other Amelia Island Restaurants
Falcon’s Nest
Dining at Falcon’s Nest is a unique experience for the whole family. Not only does the restaurant offer up delicious burgers, but it also pays homage to civil and military aviation with its 7,000 square feet of space and fascinating aviation memorabilia.
Salty Pelican
Located in the heart of downtown waterfront, Salty Pelican offers a truly unique culinary experience. With fresh local seafood, buffalo wings, house-made loaded potato spring rolls, and Salty Pelican stuffed burgers, you’re sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds.
Tasty’s Fresh Burgers & Fries
Tasty’s Fresh Burgers & Fries is a local restaurant that specializes in serving up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes. Their menu options are all made with fresh ingredients, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients when possible.
Don’t Forget To Pack These Beach Essentials!
- High SPF Sunscreen: I admit, I am not the best at this, but with kids and lots of allergies, we found that Badger Brand sunscreen is the only sunscreen the entire family can use and we love it.
- Adorable sun hats for the kids: We love these cute hats for kids by Bienvenu
- Mom needs a new hat too: I do love to get a new hat for the beach and bike riding.
- Sunglasses: Being married to an eye doctor, I can’t forget this one. Contact us and mention this article for a discount on a new pair of suns for your trip.
- Swimsuits: Never leave home without this important item!!
- Reading material- Before kids, I enjoyed reading on the beach. This pass time is harder to come by, but you never know. Why not enjoy a mystery set on the island!!
- Your favorite camera– Here’s the one we love for our travels.
Amelia Island Luxury Hotels
Resorts on The Island
Hotels & Inns
Amelia Island Gift Ideas on Etsy!
Are you looking for the perfect gift to commemorate a special trip or show your love for Amelia Island? Here are a few of our favorite items we found on Etsy.
More USA Travel Destinations
More Related Resources
Looking for affordable beach destinations? Head on to our post on Cheap Family Beach Vacations in the US.
And, if you are planning a trip to Amelia in the Winter, check out these 11 Winter Activities on Amelia Island.
Kana Imamura
Thursday 27th of July 2017
Just the name “Amelia Island” makes me want to go – so charming! Can’t believe it’s in Florida of all places; wouldn’t have guessed! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday – hope to see you again in a few days! xo
Janine
Wednesday 26th of July 2017
Florida never ceases to amaze me! Wow this island looks like it belongs on my list. I am going to check out Amelia Island for my next Florida vacation! I hope to see you at Fly Away Friday this week ? x
malaysianmeanders
Sunday 16th of July 2017
I haven’t heard much about Amelia Island and will confess that Disney is our usual destination whenever we visit Florida. Still, this looks like a very relaxing vacation. I like that the beaches aren’t too crowded. The rest of the island looks interesting, too.
veravise
Sunday 16th of July 2017
Funny, we discovered Amelia on an overnight back from Disney. So you speak my language.
fifi + hop
Saturday 15th of July 2017
We love Florida and I’ve been going every year since I was a kid, but know nothing of this area so it was fun reading this post. Looks like there’s so much to see and do. I was chuckling at the Po Boy sandwich part because it seems every guy in my life is obsessed with Po Boys! #theweeklypostcard
veravise
Saturday 15th of July 2017
That's funny. We were introduced to them while in college. Our neighbor and fellow student of my husband was from Southern Louisiana.
Wherejogoes
Saturday 15th of July 2017
You arrived in style! How fantastic that it means you are only 2 hours away from such a fabulous place. I’d love to visit here, it all looks so charming and so perfect with a touch of history thrown in. Wonderful. #WeeklyPostcard