Your complete spring road trip guide to Amelia Island, FL

2020 Amelia Stock Shoot 336A - Deremer Studios LLC-medium

Amelia Island has been voted No. 3 among the “Best Islands in the Continental United States” by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine | Photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Table of Contents

Picture this: Your favorite road trip playlist is on, and you’re about to stop + stock up on your favorite gas station snacks. Oh — and you’re on your way to Amelia Island, FL for a spring getaway weekend.

To help you plan, we’ve rounded up a local’s guide to Amelia Island. Enjoy, NOOGA.

GC Amelia B-medium

Golfers can pick from oceanfront and oak-lined fairways to links in the Intracoastal marsh preserves | Photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Location

Located just off the northeastern coast of Florida (and a ~7-hour drive from NOOGA), Amelia Island recently made Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Awards” list for the third year in a row.

AA AMI WALKERS 0038 - DS Edit-medium

Guided kayak + stand-up paddleboard tours give visitors the chance to see birds, fish, and other wild animals that call Amelia Island home | Photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Activities

Home to 99 holes of world-class golf, Amelia Island is a golfer’s dream.

And there’s tons to see + do, including:

  • Exploring Fort Clinch State Park
  • Renting a boat, kayak, or SUP (read: stand-up paddleboard) + take in the backwaters of Amelia Island
  • Taking an aerial tour of the island via trike-flying tours
  • Going for a beachfront horseback ride
  • Exploring the charming, historic district of Fernandina Beach

Explore accommodations and dining recs below to help you dine, play + stay like a local.

courtyard-small

There are over 20 different places to stay on Amelia Island, including family-friendly and pet-friendly options | Photo of Addison on Amelia courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Stays

Whether you’re looking for the luxury of an oceanfront stay, the charm of a historic B&B, the familiar comforts of your favorite hotel chain, or your own private vacation rental to call “home”, Amelia Island has something to suit the style + budget of every traveler.

Pick from historic local treasures like The Amelia Schoolhouse, offering 17 guest rooms, a pool, a courtyard with a putting green + an upscale bar named “The Principal’s Office”, or spring for world-class luxury at:

  • Omni Amelia Island Resort
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island; or
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front
2018 Amelia AR Miles Stills 406A - Deremer Studios LLCDeremer Studios Amelia Island Commercial Photography - www-medium

Feast your eyes (and your belly) on a blackened shrimp basket, poke bowl, or fish tacos from Timoti’s Seafood Shak | Photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Dining

Visitors to Amelia Island have an ocean of dining experiences to choose from. With more than 90 restaurants, you won’t have to choose between fresh seafood or authentic Italian and Spanish cuisine.

And you can soak in the seaside sun with a sip at Mocama Beer Company, First Love Brewing, Amelia Island Brewing Co., or Marlin & Barrel Distillery.*

2020 Amelia Stock Shoot 249A - Deremer Studios LLC-medium

Amelia Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, and the Cumberland Sound | Photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

More from NOOGAtoday
What to know before heading downtown for the free Friday night concert series.
The Hamill Road rail crossing sees frequent blockages, causing delays for drivers and emergency vehicles.
Blood Assurance and the American Red Cross are offering perks for donations to help boost supply.
The beloved Sunday market is gearing up for its opening weekend this spring — here are the biggest events you don’t want to miss this season.
Beat the heat by taking a refreshing dip in one of these spots in and around the city.
Here’s how you can join fellow Chattanoogans in celebrating Earth Week through Saturday, April 25.
It’s time to hit play because we’re spinning some tracks on where to get the best deals on Record Store Day around the Scenic City.
This Southside spot combines a makers market, classroom, and cafe — all in one creative space.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
The Chattanooga Lookouts’ brand-new stadium opens Tuesday, April 14. Here’s everything you need to know before you head to the park.