Episode 14: Discover Amelia Island, Florida – A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide
Amelia Island Travel Guide
Click here for a downloadable and Google Doc version of our Guide
How to Get Here:
Fly into Jacksonville International Airport or drive if you are within 5-6 hours driving distance
You will probably want to rent a car, not only to get onto the island from the airport but to get to the beach and to downtown and so you can explore the state parks on the island. Sometimes it is difficult to get an uber to drop you off on the island (Scott has had several times that the Uber has picked up his ride and then dropped it).
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Where to Stay:
Rent a house or condo, stay in a bed and breakfast, a local hotel, or a chain hotel. See all options here.
Some options include:
Near the Beach - North End of the Island
Springhill Suites and Courtyard by Mariott
Amelia Seaside Inn
Elizabeth Point
Near Downtown Fernandina Beach
Addison on Ameila
Amelia Schoolhouse Inn - A Southern Living Hotel
The Florida House Inn
Near the Beach - On the South End of the Island
Omni Amelia
Camping at Ft Clinch State Park is on the beach but it books up 12 months in advance so plan ahead
What to do:
Enjoy the Beach- there is public beach access every ¼ mile along A1A and the beach is dog friendly (just bring along poop bags
Golf:
Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Amelia River Club and if you are staying at the Omni or Ritz Carlton you will have access to their courses
Putt-Putt:
McGregors (downtown), Putt Putt Fun Center (at Main Beach), Island- Falls Adventure Golf (on Sadler)
State Parks:
Ft Clinch State Park - Famous for Shark tooth hunting, the fort, hiking trails, the beach, and biking
Amelia Island State Park
Festivals- see the events calendar here
Dickens on Centre and the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival are favorites!
Market Day - Every Saturday Year Round from 9am-1pm
Other Activities:
Rent Bikes or E bikes
Enjoy the Egan's Crekk Greenway
Playgrounds - Pirate Playground, Playground at Main Beach, Playground at Central Park
Shopping:
Local Surf Shops - Driftwood Surf Shop & Amelia Surf Co
Downtown Shopping includes your tacky touristy kitsch souvenir shops, tee shirt shops, ladies wear, homegoods, menswear, and more!
Where to Eat and Drink - (For Brunch and Dinner we would recommend trying to make a reservation) - be sure to check online for hours
Breweries & Distillery
Marlin & Barrel Distillery - Free Tastings - Tell Shannon Scott & Melissa sent you
First Love Brewing
Amelia Island Brewers
Live Music & Night Life
Green Turtle
The Palace Saloon - The Oldest Bar in Florida- Stop by and have your picture made with the pirate and grab a famous pirate punch.
Wine and Cocktail Bar - The Decantery
Beach Bars (these are also Restaurants)
The Sandbar - right at Main Beach
Sliders - at Sadler Road
Coffee
Downtown - Amelia Island Coffee
*1928 Cuban Cafe - Great coffee, breakfast, sandwiches - open for breakfast and lunch
Starbucks
Breakfast & Brunch
Aloha Bagel
Garden Street Bistro - small cafe so make a reservation
The Patio at 5th and Ash
Tortuga Jacks at Sliders - opens early with a sunrise view
Leddy’s Porch - weekends only - call for reservations
Go Juice - Smoothies, Frozen Coffee Beverages, Acai and Dragon Bowls
Lunch
Salt Life - we love the Sear Ahi Tuna Salad and their specialty cocktails
La Serena - authentic mexican cuisine
4th Street Deli - Sandwiches and Authentic Deli Salads (only open for lunch)
Tasty’s Burgers
T-Ray’s (known for their burgers, breakfast) - there’s usually a line
The Salty Pelican
The Sandbar
Sliders
Pepper’s Mexican
Pablos - moving to a new location on Centre Street
Grab a Deli Sandwich at Publix
Dinner - check for reservations, open days and times as they can get busy
The Patio at 5th & Ash - this is one of our favorite spots for outdoor dining and live music - I personally love their mussels
Ciao - Italian but they have great seafood options
Espana - Spanish Tapas - definitely make reservations
The Boathouse
The Wicked Bao
Sushi Akari - be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before closing or they will make you do carry out
Cafe Karibo
Pablos - upscale Mexican and Mezcal Drinks
Pizza
V’s Pizza - on Sadler
Arte - Downtown
First Love Brewing
Townies - they have a pizza garden outside the restaurant - New York Style Pizza - they serve slices for lunch
Seafood
Cedar River Seafood
Down Under
Shucker’s
If you have a kitchen go to Atlantic Seafood Market and pick up seafood to cook
Publix also carries the Mayport Shrimp
Off the island South on A1A
Safe Harbor Seafood (there's a market and a restaurant) - you’ll need to take the ferry across the river and it is closed on Monday
Palm’s Fish Camp
The Sand Dollar
Dessert & Ice Cream
In Downtown Fernandina:
Whatanut - handmade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches - choose your cookie and ice cream flavor
Fantastic Fudge - Handmade Fudge & Yoder’s Ice Cream
Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop
DeNucci’s on Sadler - try the Hot Brownie Sundae but they also have Dole Whip
Groceries:
On the North End:
Walmart
Winn-Dixie
Publix
Nassau Health Foods - like a small whole foods or Sprouts
On the South End:
Harris-Teeter
Other shopping:
Don’t miss our local Ace Hardware - beach essentials, clothing, a huge Yeti selection, flip flops and sunglasses
Packing List:
Bathing Suit & Cover Up/Rash Guard
Lightweight Tropical clothing - shorts, tank top, flip flops
Sundresses and Chino Shorts/Polo or Button up for Dinner
Beach Chairs, coolers, beach shade, sand toys, shell bags (we have lots of shells in addition to the shark teeth)
Books and kindles
Golf clubs
Tennis Racket for Pickleball
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Music Credit
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