With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Nassau Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Cumberland Island on others, Amelia Island has plenty of water views to delight visitors. From pristine beaches to upscale dining and accommodations, there’s something for everyone here!
Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, or take in the sights. You can even learn about pirate lore or spot alligators and wild horses on a marsh cruise. Here are some of the best insights on Amelia island summer beach for a nice vacation.
The Beach
Amelia Island tops Florida’s northeast coast like a crown jewel. The barrier island stretches 13 miles with beaches made of quartz beach sand, protected marshlands for kayaking and paddle-boarding, Intracoastal and Atlantic boating, and historic sites to explore. Guests can learn pirate lore, search for alligators on an eco-tour, or simply lounge along the sand.
A golfer’s paradise, Amelia Island is home to several professionally-designed courses that showcase the area’s stunning natural landscape. Oceanfront fairways and dunes, pines and oaks, and blustery ocean breezes challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels.
Guests can see Florida’s first sunrise from North Beach or Fort Clinch State Park and watch the sun disappear over the Atlantic in the evening. Or, they can take a sunset or fireworks cruise to see the sights from the water and enjoy a cocktail and appetizers.
Dining
Amelia Island is known for its pristine and uncrowded beaches, historic tours (on foot, trolley or horse-drawn carriage), outdoor adventures (including kayaking through the backwaters of northeast Florida’s salt marshes) and great family fun. There is also a wide variety of dining options from casual to gourmet.
Dining on Amelia Island is easy – especially with picnic spots dotted throughout the town. Local favorites like Aloha Bagel & Deli in downtown Fernandina offer salads, sandwiches, and baked goods perfect for packing in your beach bag. Marche Burette, located inside the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, serves up fresh, ready-to-go meals that are sure to please your entire group.
The gated community of Ocean Village features a private pool and easy access to the beach. Ideally located within minutes of the resort-style amenities of The Ritz Carlton (including the spa and restaurants), this neighborhood is the ideal location for primary residence or vacation rental.
Shopping
Pristine beaches, natural beauty, a rich history and a mix of world-class resort hotels, spas, golf, dining, and shopping make Amelia Island the ideal vacation spot. This is the “Isle of Eight Flags,” a vacation destination where many famous families, including the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, have spent time over the years.
The island offers a variety of shopping options to help visitors find the perfect souvenirs of their Amelia Island trip. The Fernandina Beach Historical District is a great place to find boutiques, antiques, and more. In addition, the Amelia Island Trolleys offers tours of downtown Fernandina Beach and other historic sites on the island.
PEARL is a women’s luxury resort boutique in the heart of Fernandina Beach that sells apparel and accessories from top designers, such as Julie Brown NYC, Camilla, Gretchen Scott, Spartina 449, Lilla P, and PJ Harlow. The store also carries shoes, swimwear, and loungewear from Lilly Pulitzer. Local surf shop Driftwood is a one-stop-shop for all of your surfing and beach day needs. The store carries surfboards, skateboards, beach gear and clothing from brands such as Billabong, Roxy, Volcom, Reef, Vissla, and Katin.
Events
Besides golf, beaching and dining, Amelia Island offers a world of things to do. Experience beach horseback riding, scenic nature parks and miles of trails, fishing, waterskiing, boating, historic sites and community events throughout the summer.
The island’s 13 miles of pristine beach are perfect for walking, biking and jogging. Beachcombers can find natural treasures like shark’s teeth, seashells and sand dollars or simply relax at one of Amelia Island’s posh resort spas.
For those who love to read, the Amelia Island Book Festival showcases best-selling authors and independent publishers with a variety of workshops. The Island also has its own library and bookstore that carries fiction, nonfiction, classics, cooking and inspirational books, plus autographed first editions. In the evening, enjoy a drink at The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar, once frequented by pirates and other colorful characters from Amelia Island’s rich history.
Things to Do
There are lots of things to do at Amelia Island beaches, especially during the summer. There are historic tours (on foot, on board a trolley or in a carriage), biking, kayaking, fishing, golf, scenic nature parks and more.
Amelia Island is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including salt marshes, fresh water creeks and the Amelia River/intracoastal waterway. Explore them by kayak or paddleboard with Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, Amelia Island Adventures or Adventures Up the Creek. You may even spot dolphins, manatees or five different species of sea turtles!
One of the most unique and memorable activities at Amelia Island is beach horseback riding. The wide stretches of hard-packed sand make it possible to ride horses directly on the beach. You can book a private adventure with Amelia Island Horseback Riding or visit Happy Trails Walking Horses or Kelly Seahorse Ranch.
Taking a guided tour of the Old Section of Fernandina Beach is another fun thing to do at Amelia Island during the summer. This historical neighborhood offers a beautiful, serene setting filled with ancient trees covered in Spanish moss and eerie tombstones.
