Welcome to
Amelia Island
Thirteen miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, a storied Victorian historic district, world-class dining and resorts, outstanding RV parks and campgrounds, and endless adventure — all waiting for you on Florida’s northernmost barrier island, just 30 miles from Jacksonville.
A Place Like No Other in Florida
Amelia Island sits at the northernmost tip of Florida’s Atlantic coast, just 30 miles north of Jacksonville — yet it feels worlds away from the hustle of modern life. This 13-mile barrier island has flown eight different flags over the centuries, from French explorers and Spanish colonizers to British loyalists and American pioneers, and that rich layered history gives Fernandina Beach, its main town, an authentic character rarely found in Florida’s coastal communities.
The island’s crown jewel is its historic downtown district along Centre Street — a walkable stretch of Victorian-era buildings filled with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, craft breweries, and some of the finest restaurants in the entire Southeast. Whether you’re savoring a craft cocktail at the Palace Saloon — Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar — or browsing the waterfront market at the harbour, Fernandina Beach rewards those who explore slowly and linger long. Fort Clinch State Park at the island’s northern tip, meanwhile, draws history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its remarkable Civil War-era fortress and miles of pristine beachside trails.
The surrounding region amplifies every experience. Just 30 miles south, Jacksonville delivers the energy of a major coastal city — with a thriving downtown arts scene, the vibrant Jacksonville Beach boardwalk, and Ponte Vedra’s legendary golf corridor anchored by TPC Sawgrass and the home of the PGA Tour. Whether you’re island-hopping for a day or settling in for a week at an oceanfront resort, a cozy historic inn, or a well-appointed RV site inside the state park, this corner of Northeast Florida offers everything.
Eight Flags Over Amelia
No other city in the United States has flown eight different flags — French, Spanish, British, Patriot, Green Cross of Florida, Mexican, Confederate, and American — making Amelia Island one of the most historically layered destinations in North America. Explore the full story at the Amelia Island Museum of History, through guided walking tours of the 50-block historic district, or simply by wandering the streets where five centuries of history are still standing, still inhabited, and still very much alive.
- Named one of the “Top Islands in the Continental US” multiple times by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler — consistently ranked among America’s finest barrier island destinations
- Fort Clinch State Park preserves one of the best-maintained Civil War-era fortifications in the Southeast, with costumed living-history rangers and miles of Atlantic beachfront trails
- The annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival — held every May — draws over 100,000 visitors to Fernandina Beach’s waterfront for seafood, arts, and celebration
- Ponte Vedra Beach is the global headquarters of the PGA Tour and home to TPC Sawgrass, host of the Players Championship — one of the most iconic golf courses in the world
- Cumberland Island National Seashore — a pristine wilderness of wild horses, live oak forests, and undeveloped Atlantic beach — is accessible by ferry from nearby St. Marys, Georgia
Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
From celebrated restaurants to welcoming accommodations and unforgettable activities — it’s all here.
Dining Guide
From fresh Gulf shrimp platters and wood-fired fare to elegant tasting menus and lively waterfront bars — Amelia Island and the greater Jacksonville area’s restaurant scene punches well above its weight. Over 100 dining options await.
Browse RestaurantsPlaces to Stay
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront resort with full spa services, a charming Victorian bed & breakfast in the historic district, a Ponte Vedra golf resort, a full-service RV resort, or a campground steps from the Atlantic — we have you covered.
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Kayak through tidal marshes, catch a sunset on horseback, cast a line for redfish, tour Fort Clinch, cruise to wild-horse country on Cumberland Island, or explore Jacksonville’s vibrant arts and sports scene. Adventure is always within reach.
See All ActivitiesOutstanding Dining, Warm Hospitality & Endless Adventure
Amelia Island’s dining scene is one of its best-kept secrets. The island supports a remarkable concentration of independent restaurants — classically trained chefs sourcing from local shrimpers and farmers, cozy bistros with wine lists that would impress in New York, and waterfront bars where the shrimp tacos and cold craft beer arrive with a salt-tinged Atlantic breeze. Local institutions like the Crab Trap, Timoti’s Surf Shack, and Cucina restaurant have developed fierce followings, while the more formal dining rooms at the Omni Amelia Island Resort and Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island offer polished tasting menus worthy of any major city. Jacksonville’s dining scene adds a whole additional dimension — a thriving food corridor along San Marco Boulevard and Avondale, an emerging Riverside arts district with acclaimed chefs, and the beaches communities of Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra anchoring the coast with everything from casual fish houses to celebrated fine dining.
Accommodations here run the full spectrum. The Omni Amelia Island Resort offers championship golf, a full-service spa, and expansive beachfront event facilities. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island delivers its signature oceanfront luxury. For something more personal, the Hoyt House B&B or the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge — a shingle-style oceanfront inn that recalls New England in the best possible way — provide warmth that big resorts can never replicate. For RV travelers and campers, Fort Clinch State Park campground is one of the most atmospheric in Florida, with sites beneath ancient live oaks steps from the Civil War fortress and the Atlantic beach. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and a string of well-appointed RV resorts near Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville complete the picture.
On the water, Amelia Island and the greater Jacksonville area are extraordinary. The island sits at the confluence of the Amelia River, Nassau Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a paradise for kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers, and boaters. You can spend the morning paddling through Egan’s Creek Greenway spotting roseate spoonbills and river otters, board a BYOB tiki boat sunset cruise across the Amelia River in the afternoon, and end the evening with a ghost tour through the gas-lit historic district. Fishing charter captains here are some of the most knowledgeable on the East Coast, pursuing redfish, trout, tarpon, and flounder through the tidal creeks and nearshore waters.
On land, the adventures extend in every direction. Rent electric bikes and cruise the island’s scenic coastal trails, saddle up for a horseback ride along the shoreline at sunset, or explore Fort Clinch where costumed rangers bring Civil War history to vivid life. Fernandina Beach’s 50-block historic district is a destination in itself — ghost tours wind through gaslit streets after dark, the Saturday Farmers Market draws locals and visitors for fresh produce and artisan goods, and the Palace Saloon pours cold beer in Florida’s oldest operating bar. Down the coast, Jacksonville’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cummer Museum and Gardens, the TIAA Bank Field on gameday, and the world-class surf breaks of Jacksonville Beach give the entire region a vitality and depth that makes every stay feel far too short.