3-day, 2-night itinerary
Amelia Island, Florida: An Island Weekend is Closer Than You Think
Authentic Southern charm awaits in Northeast Florida on Amelia Island. Enjoy a relaxing getaway with 13 miles of pristine beaches, more than 90 independent restaurants and abundant outdoor adventure for all ages.
Amelia Island is easy to reach, whether you’re flying or driving. You can arrive via direct flights into Jacksonville International Airport, just a short 30-minute drive away, or by car from I-95.
When it comes to accommodations, the island offers a range of places to stay for every style and budget. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort are the island’s two oceanfront luxury resorts with signature spas and restaurants, stunning poolscapes, and endless outdoor pursuits. Brand hotels that put you just steps from the beach or in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach include Courtyard and Springhill Suites by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites and Residence Inn. Seaside vacation rental options offer you all the comforts of home. Or, for a more intimate stay, explore the many bed & breakfasts in the historic district that feature old-world elegance and modern amenities.
No matter where you stay, you’re never more than 15 minutes away from everything Amelia Island has to offer.
Itinerary
Day 1: Make it a beach day and soak up the sun, followed by dinner under the stars and drinks at Florida’s oldest bar.
Day 2: Start with a round or two of golf, then continue your day outdoors with an afternoon on the water.
Day 3: Enjoy an adventurous morning at Fort Clinch State Park and an afternoon exploring downtown Fernandina Beach.
Highlights of the trip
- Horseback riding on the beach
- Kayaking through serene salt-marsh estuaries
- 50 blocks of downtown charm
Day 1
From horseback riding on the beach to shelling and hunting for fossilized shark teeth, the island’s pristine beaches provide so many ways to unwind. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Atlantic. Later, continue the alfresco dining trend with dinner under the stars downtown with live music and a laid-back, island vibe. Cap off the night at Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar that serves handcrafted cocktails and infamous ghost stories.
Day 2
Perfectly manicured greens await with 99 holes and five championship golf courses, plus a 10-hole short course to perfect your game. After you play through, paddle through serene waterways on a kayak tour. When the day is done, treat yourself to an “après-tee” with local craft beers and fresh seafood downtown.
Day 3
Enjoy a morning walk or bike ride among the canopied nature trails of Fort Clinch State Park, then tour the on-site Civil War-era fort. Afterward, head to the cobblestone streets of downtown Fernandina Beach where hidden gems await around every corner. Continue your walk through time at Amelia Island Museum of History. Round out your afternoon shopping, mini-bowling or with a game of putt-putt golf. For dinner, head to the island’s south end for upscale dishes served with a side of Southern hospitality and elegant resort dining.