Welcome to
Amelia Island
Thirteen miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, a storied historic district, world-class dining, and endless adventure — all waiting for you on Florida’s northernmost barrier island.
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 been home to 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.
Beyond downtown, Amelia Island unfolds into miles of wide, uncrowded beaches, maritime forests threaded with hiking and biking trails, and tidal marshes alive with herons, dolphins, and wild horses. It’s a destination that manages to be both deeply relaxing and endlessly engaging — a rare combination that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
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 story at the Amelia Island Museum of History and through guided walking tours of the historic district.
- Named one of the “Top Islands in the Continental US” by Travel + Leisure
- Home to Fort Clinch, one of the best-preserved Civil War-era forts in the Southeast
- The annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival draws over 100,000 visitors each spring
- World-class resort amenities at the Omni and Ritz-Carlton alongside charming boutique inns
- Easy access to Cumberland Island National Seashore — a true wilderness gem just across the sound
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 pizzas to elegant tasting menus and lively waterfront bars — Amelia Island’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, or a budget-friendly suite near the island’s best trails, we have you covered.
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Kayak through tidal marshes, catch a sunset on horseback, cast a line for redfish, tour the historic lighthouse, or cruise to wild-horse country on Cumberland Island. 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 — you’ll find classically trained chefs sourcing from local shrimpers and farmers, Cuban cafés serving pressed sandwiches and strong espresso, Italian trattorias with house-made pasta, and beachside bars where the grouper tacos and cold beer arrive with an Atlantic breeze. Local favorites like La Sureña, Mini Drunken Noodle, and Twisted Table have developed cult followings, while fine dining establishments at the Omni Resort and Ritz-Carlton offer polished tasting menus worthy of any major city.
The accommodations here range from two of the world’s most celebrated resort brands to intimate bed-and-breakfasts that have been welcoming guests for over a century. The Omni Amelia Island Resort offers championship golf, a full-service spa, multiple pools, and expansive event facilities set among Spanish moss-draped live oaks. The Ritz-Carlton delivers its signature luxury with oceanfront rooms and impeccable service. For something more personal, the Hoyt House B&B in a restored Victorian home or the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge — an oceanfront shingle-style inn — provide the kind of warmth and character that big resorts can never quite replicate.
On the water, Amelia Island is nothing short of spectacular. 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 egrets and otters, share a BYOB sunset cruise aboard a tiki boat in the afternoon, and end the day aboard a sailing charter watching the stars emerge over the Atlantic. Fishing charter captains here are some of the most knowledgeable on the East Coast, pursuing redfish, trout, tarpon, and flounder through the tidal marshes and nearshore waters.
On land, the adventures are equally compelling. 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 — a remarkably intact antebellum fortress where costumed guides bring Civil War history to vivid life. Downtown Fernandina Beach’s historic district is a destination in itself: ghost tours wind through gaslit streets after dark, while the Saturday Farmers Market draws locals and visitors alike for fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music. However you choose to spend your time here, Amelia Island has a way of exceeding every expectation.