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 kilometres) 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 centre.

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 organised by some resorts in the area. From the centre of Jacksonville it’s a 33-mile (53-kilometre) 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 Amelia Island Lighthouse and Amelia Island Museum of History.

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 ₹9,219 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹9,219
₹10,325 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,032 reviews)
"Very nice staff. Clean place. Very good value. Try to avoid rooms around 118 - 120. Quite noisy there."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

3 out of 5
2707 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is ₹8,586 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹8,586
₹9,616 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,153 reviews)
"Close to the beach!!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
39 Beach Lagoon Road, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is ₹18,634 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹18,634
₹24,726 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Loved this place. The staff was amazing! They were friendly and accommodating. The property was a little dated but still very nice and clean. We were told they are about to undergo a major renovation in a few months. The only thing I did not like was the long lines to get into the property. They ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
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.
The Villas of Amelia Island

The Villas of Amelia Island

4 out of 5
8 Amelia Village Circle, Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star beach holiday home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,032 reviews)
"Clean room, quiet building. Beautiful view of the ocean. Nice selection of restaurants on property, with transportation provided. Recommend booking beach chairs/umbrellas in advance. That was the only surprise- ended up having to rent from local private company."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Villas of Amelia Island
Beach 5 Villas - Immaculate 300 steps from the Ocean

Beach 5 Villas - Immaculate 300 steps from the Ocean

4.5 out of 5
441 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Egan's Creek Greenway ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"Perfect location and room for our 2 day stay."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Beach 5 Villas - Immaculate 300 steps from the Ocean
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernandina Little Theatre and Egan's ...
7.6/10 Good! (47 reviews)
Solid location in the middle of it all
"Our stay at the Vintage Amelia Island Apartments was wonderful...a great location that in the middle of it all. We will go back."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
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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