Travel Guide: Amelia Island
Tunic Top (also) || Jeans || Flats ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Bracelet
Get ready to read a novel! After only four days, David and I both fell in love with Fernandina Beach. This small town at the northeastern-most point of Florida had so much to offer. If you consider yourself a history buff, beach bum, shopaholic, foodie, or anything in between, there is something for you on Amelia Island.
How to Get There:
- By Car: No matter what corner of Florida you’re from, getting to Amelia Island couldn’t be easier! Just north of Jacksonville, you can pop off at Exit 373 on I-95. In just 20 minutes, you’ll reach the Atlantic Ocean and the sweet little town of Fernandina Beach. Driving from St. Pete, the trip only took 4 hours.
- By Plane: Even if you don’t live within driving distance, Amelia Island is still an easy destination for you. Jacksonville is by far the closest major airport. Since they are both north of the city, you can get from the airport to historic downtown in under 40 minutes.
Where to Stay:
- Elizabeth Pointe Lodge: This perfect little hotel was our home base on this first trip to Amelia Island. Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, you greet the new day with the sunrise and breakfast on their patio. At night, we would come home and end our evening with the sound of the waves crashing. Pure bliss!
Instagram: @elizabethpointe
- The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island: The Ritz Carlton really needs no introduction. Although it’s the farthest from the quaint downtown area, you have everything right at your fingertips on the resort grounds. This is the perfect option if you’re wanting to get away and simply relax. A spa treatment is always a good idea!
Instagram: @ritzcarltonameliaisland
- Amelia Schoolhouse Inn: Nestled right next to the historic downtown district, we were able to visit this spot for happy hour. Originally built in 1886, it serves as the island’s first school. Since then, it has worn many hats and is currently a cherished 17 room boutique hotel. The next time we come into town, I can’t wait to stay here!
Instagram: @ameliaschoolhouseinn
Where to Eat:
- Timoti’s: This low-key local joint instant became a favorite for David and me… So much so, we ate there twice during our four-day stay. They offer high quality, wild-caught seafood in all forms. Always partial to fried shrimp, I highly recommend either the shrimp basket or po-boy. For a lighter meal, they also have phenomenal looking poke bowls.
Instagram: @timotisseafoodshak
- Le Clos: Every time David and I visit a new city, we always like to have at least one really special dinner out. For Fernandina Beach, that was Le Clos. This French restaurant is located in a colorful cottage right in downtown. From start to finish, our entire meal was incredible. I will be thinking of our dinner for weeks to come!
- The Boat House: On our last night, we popped into one of the newest spots in town. It has only been open since September but is already the place to be. We grabbed a seat at the bar and we got a little taste of the local life. Since seafood is the regional fare, it was a no-brainer to order the scallops. *chef’s kiss* They were as soft as butter and perfectly seasoned.
Instagram: @theboathouse_ai
- Amelia Tavern: I always love visiting the local tavern. Amelia Tavern is definitely the local watering hole. With a great food menu, it also houses Amelia Island Brewing Company. David absolutely loved their menu and was able to order a flight, sampling a good number of what they offer.
Instagram: @ameliatavern
- Leddy’s Porch: This was such a fun spot for a Saturday morning. Leddy’s Porch is at the Florida House Inn. Built in 1857, it has hosted presidents, diplomats, and historic families. Today this bed and breakfast offers delicious comfort food in a historic backyard setting.
Where to Drink:
- Amelia Island Coffee: What’s a trip to a new city without visiting the local coffee shop? Since this cafe is right in the middle of the historic district, it’s perfect to take to-go and wander. Nothing fuels my exploring better than a cup of cold brew.
- Palace Saloon: This corner spot is the oldest continuously run bar in the state of Florida. Established in 1903, it has deep historical roots in the town and even prohibition. Grab a cocktail and cheers with locals and vacationers alike.
- The Decantery: Who doesn’t love a craft cocktail bar? Right next to the oldest bar in the state, this may have been my favorite spot of the weekend. While they have a great menu outright, Austin, our bartenders offered to get creative a make some unscripted drinks. Since my go-to cocktail is a daiquiri, I was given a “Halle Berry”. It was a twist on the classic with strawberry and a touch of jalapeño. Delicious!
- Principal’s Office: Consider this one of the few times where you actually want to be sent to the Principal’s Office. Back at the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, is this fun cocktail bar. This is a place where I would definitely frequent if I lived nearby.
- First Love Brewing: This final pick was a hit with David and several locals. Their beer list was extensive and very diverse. Although I’m not the biggest beer drinker, I absolutely loved their Raspberry Sour, aka Pink Ranger. While we didn’t eat here, I heard that their food is top-notch!
What to Do:
- Relax at the Beach: Since we wanted to really focus on exploring the town, we didn’t get to do this as much as I would have liked. That being said, the beaches were stunning and a great place to plant yourself for the day. As we drove along A1A, I noticed countless beach access points and what seemed like generous parking. Always nice to keep in mind.
- Shop Local: This is always my recommendation when visiting a new town and their selection of local boutiques did not disappoint! No matter what kind of memento you’re looking for, you can find it in Amelia Island. Some names to know are Hudson & Perry, Pearl, Eight Flags Antique Market, and The Cape House.
- Play Bocce: A fun fact I learned about Amelia Island is that there is a cherished lawn game in the heart of the city. Since I’m a card-carrying shuffleboard member, I get it! Pétanque is a cousin of bocce ball. You can find courts right next to the Amelia River harbor and they host the Pétanque American Open each year.
Is there something I glaringly missed? We just began to scratch the surface of this sweet town. We already planning a return trip, sooner rather than later. I can’t wait to uncover more to see, eat, and drink on Amelia Island.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.
