Discover A Pristine Paradise When You Visit Florida's Amelia Island
By Celina Colby|Published April 28, 2022
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Celina Colby
Author
Celina Colby is a Boston-based writer and native New Englander who has been covering travel, arts, food, and culture nationally for ten years. When she's not on deadline you can often find her reading, sewing, and searching for the perfect empanada.
Bypass the long lines at Disney World and the packed streets of Miami this year. Florida’s Amelia Island offers a pristine paradise away from the hustle and bustle of urban centers and vacation standbys. This history rich island blends the arts and culture of Saint Petersburg, the legacy of Saint Augustine and the culinary scene of Miami into one island.
Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is 13 miles of uncrowded vacation bliss.
More than 10% of the island's area is made up of natural park preserves. Whether you're interested in lounging on the beach, boating in clear waters or biking through wetlands, Amelia Island has the natural venue for any activity.
Downtown you'll find shopping, entertainment and history. The Centre Street historic district boasts 400 historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of them can be toured and learned about during your stay.
Fine dining and casual eateries abound on Amelia Island. The lineup features a spectrum of global cuisines as well as several breweries that operate on the island. The diverse culinary scene highlights small but innovative restaurants run by island locals.
Military buffs will love visiting Fort Clinch, a base that was used by both Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. In addition to the important legacy, the base has a fantastic view of the water. Alternatively, you can sail by the fort on an Amelia Island River Cruise.
There's even variety in the accommodations on island. From the Omni Amelia Island Resort to the Fort Clinch State Park Camp Site, Amelia Island caters to every taste. Many of the accommodations are small independently run historic bed and breakfasts like The Fairbanks House. These accommodations provide a very personal island experience.
If you’re tired of the typical Florida vacation milieu, cross the bridge to Amelia Island. Though it’s just a drive from mainland Florida, it feels like a completely new world, primed for relaxation and family fun.
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