Amelia Island has been a sought-after tourist destination dating back to the 1800s. In 1896, the American Resorts magazine named Amelia Island “The Queen of Summer Resorts.” Prominent families such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Carnegies were known to spend time on these sunny shores. Thankfully, the historic Victorian charm of the island has remained almost untouched making Amelia Island the perfect getaway vacation spot. The team here at Amelia Island Adventures is excited to introduce you to the natural beauty of these scenic waterways and tributaries. We hope these 5 tips will help you in planning your dream vacation to Amelia Island.
#1 Best Time to Visit
Amelia Island is nestled in the north of Florida, so we benefit from having beautiful weather almost year-round. The summer months of July and August are quite hot and humid, but the months surrounding that are lovely. Visit Amelia Island in the spring (May-June) when the wildflowers are blooming and wildlife is more active. Autumn on Amelia Island (September-October) is also very pleasant with cool evenings and fewer crowds.
#2 Airport Tips
As you are planning your vacation, be aware that there are multiple major airports in Florida. The closest airport to Amelia Island is the Jacksonville International Airport, which is only 29 minutes away. You can find easily find convenient, cheap, and secure Jacksonville Airport parking by booking online. Other airports in Florida include the Orlando International Airport (2.5-hour drive) and the Tampa International Airport (4-hour drive). Plan on booking airline tickets around 90 days in advance to get the best deals.
#3 Getting Around
There is no public transportation on Amelia Island, so the best way to get around is by car. Amelia Island is 13-miles long, so it only takes around 15 minutes to drive across the island. There are a number of transportation services as well as Uber for getting around the island.
#4 Where to Stay
Amelia Island has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, parks, and of course 13-miles of pristine beach. The historic district, Fernandina Beach, is the only city on the island. This charming area is very walkable and has excellent options for shopping and dining. If you want to stay on the beach, there are a couple of luxury beach resorts that offer dozens of amenities and tours. For a more intimate experience, check out the historic bed and breakfast options or rent a VRBO beach condo right on the beach.
#5 What to Do
Amelia Island is home to 7 state parks, which means visitors get to enjoy untouched, natural wilderness and wildlife. Experience the history of the island while hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, and so much more. The surrounding tributaries are teeming with abundant wildlife and beautiful landscape. Our guided or self-guided eco-tour kayak excursions will bring you up close and personal with dolphins, manatees, pelicans, alligators, turtles, blue heron, and a variety of coastal birds. Get a taste of the ‘real Florida’ on the waters of this beautiful Florida treasure!