Considered the pearl of the barrier islands flanking Florida, Amelia Island is a popular vacation destination for travelers seeking championship-caliber golf, low-key beaches, and excellent seafood.
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During your trip to Amelia Island, take a tour of historic Fernandina Beach.
Visitors can explore 50 blocks of lovingly preserved architecture, including the state’s oldest operating accommodations, the Florida House Inn.
For Fernandina tour info, including a mobile phone guided walking tour of the town’s historic sites, pop by the Amelia Island Museum of History.
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Amelia Island also happens to be home to Florida’s oldest continually operating drinking establishment, the Palace Saloon. Opened in 1903, this bar was once known as the “Shipcaptain’s Bar.”
For something more serene, travelers can go shelling — a popular thing to do in the region. Amelia Island’s 13 miles of pristine beaches, flanked by rustling sea oats are an excellent place to collect seashells and even shark teeth. Head out just as the tide begins to recede, or just after a storm, for the best finds.
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What to do for a day trip? Georgia’s nearby Cumberland Island has more than 50 miles of hiking trails, as well as the Dungeness ruins (a former Carnegie family home). Get here by taking the ferry from St. Marys, Georgia — just a short drive from Amelia Island.
Travelers can also fill their days by playing golf at one of the island’s six golf courses (a mix of resort, municipal, and links-style courses).
Before you depart, make sure to have at least one shrimp dish. After all, the Fernandina Beach harbor is home to many commercial shrimp boats, and is often hailed as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. For serious enthusiasts, time your trip to the annual shrimp festival, held each May.
