AMELIA ISLAND GETAWAY: TRAVEL GUIDE -

amelia island palm trees — Amelia Island sky. #nofilter

omni amelia island resort — Omni Amelia Island Resort

BEFORE YOU GO & GENERAL ADVICE:

Amelia Island’s mix of beaches, outdoor activities, cute shops, and excellent restaurants makes it my favorite place in the whole world. It’s not as hot as South Florida and can be chilly in the spring, but it’s always beautiful. Decide how you want to spend your time, and then you can choose to stay at one of the resorts, on the beach, or in downtown Fernandina.

SLEEP

omni AIP — My mom at the Amelia Island Resort. Because she looks so cute wearing my glasses.

The new par-three course at the Amelia Island Resort.

We have been staying at a villa in the Omni Amelia Island Resort for years, back before it was acquired by Omni. So I’m no expert. Nestled between live oaks and the ocean, this is our family’s go-to spot for a beach vacation.
I love the bike and walking trails, swimming pools, and white sandy beaches.

The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island. Elegant and timeless, with stunning views of the ocean. I also like to stop in for a special cocktail and a gorgeous view.
Amelia Schoolhouse Inn. This boutique hotel was originally built as the first school on the island. It’s a great location within walking distance of shops and restaurants too.
Elizabeth Point Lodge. This oceanfront hotel is a tranquil respite and oozes Southern charm with its wrap-around porches.

LIVE

kayaks at AI — Kayaks at Walker’s Landing.

Island Art Association. Showcases the works of over 50 local artists. Every time I’m in town, I go there to see what’s new. When my kids were little, I had them pick their favorite piece, and it kept them busy while I viewed the artwork and hopefully encouraged an appreciation for art and their own aesthetic.
Plantation Artists Guild and Gallery. A coop of local artists in a beautiful setting. They offer workshops, demonstrations, and rotating exhibits.
Art on Centre. A spacious light-filled gallery right in downtown Fernandina Beach, look for a rotating collection of large-scale art in various styles.
Blue Door Artists. Walk up the quirky painted stairs to see the galleries and working studios. You’ll be welcomed warmly by this collective of local artists, and often you can catch them painting there as well.

Amelia River Cruises and Charters. Whether a family sunset cruise or an adults-only cruise with live music, a boat ride on the Amelia River is always scenic and fun.
Fort Clinch State Park. If you are a history buff or a nature lover, this is the park to explore. This historic fort features living history programs, hiking, biking, camping, and beach access. Great picnic spots too.
Amelia Adventures.Take a guided kayak tour, Cumberland Island boat tour, or just rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the area.
Amelia Island Boat Club. Rent a boat for the day or a few hours. Because everything is better on a boat.
Visit the Spa at the Omni Amelia Island Resort for a massage, facial, or pedicure. The treatments are fabulous, but I love the peaceful outdoor garden that is in the center courtyard.

timotis seafood — Timoti’s has the best fried shrimp!

EAT

Amelia Island is known for its shrimp, but you can’t go wrong with it’s options for fresh seafood, pasta, or Asian cuisine.

Wicked Bao. Asian street food at its best. Owner Natalie Wu will often stop by your table to ensure you have everything you need. We love the pork belly bao buns and the roti canai.
Ciao. Traditional Italian food in a modern casual setting. A warm and welcoming atmosphere for a family dinner or a romantic night for two, you’ll be welcomed with a smile and a basket of warm, crusty bread. You can’t go wrong with any of their homemade pasta.
The Boat House Restaurant. Steak and seafood, but always the seafood for us. Great outdoor patio with live music.
Timoti’s Seafood Shack. We love to sit on their patio and enjoy the lightly fried shrimp basket, but they have lobster rolls and poke bowls too. Always wild caught and freshly prepared.
Espana. Specializing in ‘flavors from Spain and Portugal,’ our favorites are the tapas items, fresh fish and paella. A cozy inside dining room and a lush outdoor patio filled with twinkly lights.
The Patio Place Bistro. Our go-to spot for breakfast crepes on a cozy patio.
Oceanside at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Views of the Atlantic and Florida-style seafood. We like to go for lunch and love the fruit cup side because it has mango in it, and good sweet potato fries too.
T-Rays Burger Station. Fried shrimp in an old gas station. Yep. Don’t miss it.Friday is fried shrimp and crab cake day. Oh yeah, there burgers are good too.

SIP

I love live music and a great cocktail, and Amelia Island doesn’t disappoint. My favorite small town offers sophisticated big-city choices and down-to-earth options, depending on my mood.

Bar Zin. An excellent selection of wines, a tapas menu, a cozy bar, and a front porch. An outside patio with twinkly lights. What more do you need?
Seaglass at the Omni. Our favorite spot for a dirty martini, a fruity drink, and a game of gin rummy. Live music on the weekends too.
Palace Saloon. The oldest bar in Florida and the last one to close during Prohibition. Be sure and take your picture with the Pirate outside.
The Decantery. Wine, beer, and cocktail lounge. We like the selection of wine and desserts.
Green Turtle Tavern. Live music, an outdoor bar, and plenty of cornhole games.
The Lobby Bar at The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island. Sweeping views of the ocean and fancy cocktails make us feel like we are on a permanent vacation.

SHOPS

fernandina beach — Downtown Fernandina Beach

Many beach towns don’t have great shopping, but Amelia Island is the exception, with a nice selection of shops and plenty of my favorite home decor stores.

The Plantation Shop. English and French antiques, and fabulous lamps and gift items. I love their selection of blue and white ginger jars and platters.
Mine Hill Trading Co. Furniture, home décor, and gift items. Soothing neutrals and a small but super-cute collection of gift items for kids.
JJ Cooper. Refined but relaxed men’s store in downtown Fernandina. Think leather, copper, bourbon, and men’s luxury products.
Cape House. Home and hospitality boutique. We love the story about how they give back to the community too!
Pearl Boutique. Luxury resort boutique featuring Lily Pulitzer and a selection of other designers. Look for the cute pink shop in downtown Fernandina.
The Book Loft. An old-fashioned bookstore with a longstanding history in Amelia Island.