Amelia Island, Florida has long been known as a tropical paradise on the East Coast of the United States. But if you haven’t visited yet, you might be in for a surprise! Here are some things that make this vacation spot amazing and why you should visit next time you want to get away from it all.
Amelia Island Beaches
When it comes to beaches, you can’t top Florida’s panhandle. The sugar-white sands of Big Talbot and Little Talbot Islands—accessed only by boat—are home to endangered wood storks and great blue herons, all set against a backdrop of lovely marshlands. Nearby are four other Florida state parks with some of America’s finest beaches. These include Sunset Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, St. Andrews State Park, and Fort Pickens State Park.
Sightseeing
In Fernandina Beach you can see many of North Florida’s most famous attractions, including Fort Clinch, Fort Barrancas and Fort Gadsden. It is also home to historic downtown Fernandina Beach, which is a well-preserved architectural gem.
Gourmet Cuisine
More than just a stretch of sand and a few beach chairs, downtown Fernandina Beach offers dining and nightlife options that are as varied as they are delicious. From casual bites to upscale dining, you should never pass up an opportunity to eat in downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Scenic Roads
There are many scenic roads in Florida, and as is true of any state, each has its own appeal. But what makes Florida’s best highways so special? Perhaps it’s their rich history or their pristine natural beauty. Other times, they’re just fun to drive! While deciding which of these routes you should take on your next road trip isn’t always easy (you might want to take them all), we have a few suggestions that might help.
Amelia Island Shopping
Florida is a great place for shoppers who are looking for a deal on everything from clothes and jewelry to home decor and even cars. Over 160 outlet centers exist throughout Florida, providing great deals on both new and previously-owned merchandise. In fact, some outlets offer brand names as much as 70% off!
Wildlife Watching
At Pigeon Point Wildlife Drive, you can spot such animal species as wood storks, ospreys and white-tailed deer. If you venture out at sunset or dawn, keep an eye out for a red-shouldered hawk and some armadillos. There’s even a chance of seeing North America’s largest owl—the great horned owl—if you’re lucky. Although they don’t reside here year-round, several sightings have been reported in September.
Amelia Island Golf Courses
The best golf courses are in Florida for sure, and there’s a wide variety of options. The PGA TOUR is played here every year with events like The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, and other local courses like Jay Dix or Hammock Beach also have some PGA tournament play. For those that prefer to hit from within a smaller area, Naples National Golf Club features one of America’s top-rated public courses which offers a unique layout on hilly terrain.
Live Entertainment and Festivals
Live music and local festivals are always going on in Florida. From quaint seaside towns to booming cities, there’s an event for everyone. If you’re looking for a lively evening out, there’s bound to be something happening near you. And if not, there are dozens of clubs around town. Whatever kind of music you like, from jazz and blues to rock and country—or even Latin dance clubs and salsa joints—you can find it all in Florida.
