Is Amelia Island Worth Visiting? Our Personal Take

Amelia Island holds a special place in our hearts, and not just because we got married here. Morgan has been coming here for more than 20 years for family reunions, and together we’ve made plenty of return trips.

From rooftop wedding views with the ocean in the background to lazy beach strolls and downtown dinners with friends, this island has become one of our favorite places.

It is the kind of destination where you can start the day with a peaceful sunrise walk (well… energy drinks for us) or end it playing pool at a beach bar after fresh seafood and good conversation.

It feels calm without being boring. The sea breeze is constant, the beaches are beautiful, and even the small experiences feel meaningful.

So is Amelia Island worth visiting? In our opinion, yes. One hundred percent.

We are sharing everything that has made this little beach town a go-to destination for us over the years—when we think it shines, what we love to do, and how to make the most of your time there whether it is your first trip or your fifth.

What Makes Amelia Island So Special?

For us, Amelia Island is more than just a beach town. It is a place tied to some of our most meaningful memories.

Bride and groom share an intimate moment on a sunlit wooden boardwalk with sea oats and dunes in the background. The bride holds a bouquet of dried flowers in soft pink and blue tones while the groom, dressed in a casual white shirt and shorts, embraces her under a palm frond.

Morgan has been coming here for family reunions since childhood, and we have returned together many times.

In fact, we love the area so much we even got married here with the waves in the distance and our closest friends and family gathered around.

It feels familiar but never boring. Peaceful but full of little adventures.

The charm of Amelia Island comes from its balance.

It offers the beauty you want in a coastal destination in Florida. You will find wide sandy beaches, palm trees, and ocean breezes, without the heavy crowds or high-rise chaos.

Instead of traffic and tourist traps, you will find bike paths, boardwalks, local seafood joints, and quiet sunrise walks. It is the kind of place where time slows down in the best way.

Whether you are planning a romantic weekend, a getaway with friends, or a family gathering, this is the kind of destination that brings people together and gives you space to relax.

When to Visit Amelia Island

There is truly no bad time to visit Amelia Island. We have spent time here during every season and always found something to love. That said, we do have a few favorite times of year that make the experience even better.

Summer: Busy but Still Worth It

Expect bigger crowds and busier roads
Restaurants and public beaches can fill up fast
Still a great time to go, especially if it’s your only option
We visit almost every summer for family reunions

Group of seagulls standing and preening on the sandy shore of Amelia Island with gentle waves rolling in behind them. A few swimmers are visible in the ocean under an overcast sky.

Shoulder Season: Our Favorite Time to Visit

Late spring (after spring break but before school ends)
Early fall (once summer crowds are gone)
Warm weather without the chaos
Easier parking, shorter waits, and a more relaxed vibe

Late Fall Through Early Spring: Quiet and Mild

Fewer tourists and a slower pace
Weather is usually mild with plenty of sunny days
A light jacket is all you need most of the time
Great for long walks and enjoying the outdoors without the heat

Our Favorite Things to Do While Visiting Amelia Island

Amelia Island is the kind of place where you can be as relaxed or as active as you want and our 3-day Amelia Island Itinerary helps you strike the perfect balance.

Whether you love nature, history, or just a good seafood meal with a view, there is something here for you. These are the things we return to again and again.

Play on the Public Beaches

Early morning and late evening walks are our favorite.

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean on Amelia Island with golden and orange hues reflecting off the wet sand and calm waves. A few birds are flying across the sky, adding to the peaceful, early morning beach scene.

Alan loves sunrise strolls when the island feels calm and quiet. Morgan prefers nighttime walks under the stars.

If you can find a place with boardwalk access from your rental, take it. That kind of direct access is a game changer. If you’re not staying beachfront, Main Beach Park offers a large public lot, and there are a few roadside spots available too… just know they fill up quickly.

Main Beach Park: this location has larger parking lots, covered pavilions, a playground, and restrooms. There are also a few restaurants nearby.

Covered wooden picnic pavilion with built-in benches and tables set on sandy ground near a grassy park area. Palm trees, a playground, and nearby parking are visible in the background under a sunny blue sky.

Seaside Park: this location does not have as much parking as Main Beach Park but more than most of the other access points. It has restrooms, showers, and a covered place to have a snack. There are also restaurants close to this location.
Peters Point Park: this location has a larger parking lot, covered pavilions, and restrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. This is the only location that allows vehicle access onto the beach. Non-residents must get a permit. If you are not accustomed to driving on sand, you may want to think twice about this option.

Visit the Local State Parks

Fort Clinch State Park

This historic park is one of the highlights of the island. You can walk through a well-preserved Civil War fort, explore scenic trails, watch for wildlife, and take in coastal views.

View of Fort Clinch on Amelia Island featuring historic brick fortifications, grassy embankments, and black cannons facing the shoreline. The scene extends to a sandy beach with scattered beachgoers and umbrellas under a cloudy sky.

While the park does have RV sites, it is not ideal for large rigs due to low-hanging branches and narrow roads. Day visits are a better option if you are in a bigger RV like ours.

Want the full scoop? We put together a dedicated guide that covers what to expect, tips for RV travelers, and what makes Fort Clinch worth a visit.

Explore Downtown Amelia Island

Wanting to spend some time in Downtown Amelia Island? Check out this Amelia Island Downtown Travel Guide.

This area of the island is also known as Fernandina Beach Downtown and it is charming and walkable. You will find local shops, historic buildings, and plenty of restaurants.

Massive live oak tree draped in Spanish moss growing from the center of an intersection in downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The tree's wide canopy shades the road, with historic buildings and a red brick church visible in the background.

Parking can be tricky, so we recommend finding a spot and exploring on foot. Be sure to walk down to the marina. One time, we were told Shaquille O’Neal’s yacht was docked there. We didn’t see him, but the boat was still worth checking out.

Go Horseback Riding (On the Beach!)

Not many places let you do this, but Amelia Island does. Horseback riding along the beach is a unique and peaceful experience.

Check out Amelia Island Horseback Riding to see all of your options: sunrise, mid-day, sunset, and special occasion rides. There are some restrictions on their morning start time during turtle nesting season which occurs annually from May 1st to October 1st.

Silhouettes of four people horseback riding along the shoreline of Amelia Island at sunrise. The sky glows with soft pink, orange, and purple hues as gentle waves roll in and sea oats frame the foreground. — Sunset ride along the beach in Amelia Island

Play Golf or Putt Putt

Whether you are serious about your swing or just want to have fun with the family, Amelia Island has you covered.

This page lists the Amelia Island golf courses including The Golf Club of Amelia Island, Amelia River Golf Club, and the Fernandina Beach Golf Club.

Outdoor mini golf course near the beach on Amelia Island, featuring green turf lanes with orange borders, palm trees, and a bright blue sky overhead. Picnic tables and a small blue building are visible in the background, with the ocean just beyond the fence. — Putt Putt at Main Beach Park

If traditional golf isn’t your speed, you can play a round of mini golf at Gregor McGregor’s Mini Links and Drinks, the Island Falls Adventure Golf, or Putt-Putt of Amelia Island.

Check Out the Sea Turtle Hatchings

Hatchings typically occur from May through October each year. The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch website has a ton of helpful information including things you can do to help.

During the months of May-October, to help the turtles please do not use flashlights on the beach at night unless they have red LED lights. Additionally, if you are staying beachfront, please turn off porch lights and close your blinds/shades at night.

Walk Egan’s Creek Greenway

If you are looking for a quiet place to walk or bike, this is it. The path winds through shaded areas and open spaces with the chance to see local birds and wildlife.

Entrance to Egan's Creek Greenway on Amelia Island, with a dirt trail leading into dense trees draped in Spanish moss. Informational signs and a large trail map are posted near the shaded path under a clear blue sky.

It is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors without needing to be on the beach.

Visit Cumberland Island

Are you willing to take an adventure off the island? If so, consider taking a day trip Cumberland Island!

Several wild horses graze on a green lawn in front of weathered stone ruins and palm trees at Cumberland Island, visible from nearby Amelia Island. The scene is peaceful and natural, with lush greenery and a backdrop of historic architecture.

There is a 45-minute ferry ride from St Mary’s to Cumberland Island or you can charter a private boat. There are many attractions including wild horses, trails for hiking and biking, and the ruins of Dungeness.

The Best Places to Eat (And Drink) in Amelia Island

We have tried a lot of restaurants on Amelia Island over the years, and a few favorites always bring us back. Whether you are looking for a casual family spot or a relaxed meal with live music, here are the places we recommend.

Sliders Seaside Grill

You cannot go wrong with this choice especially if you have kids. It is located next to the Seaside Park, it has beach access, and it has a playground to keep the little ones entertained.

View of the beach on Amelia Island during golden hour with the sun low in the sky reflecting off the ocean. A beachside bar with umbrellas and string lights sits in the foreground, while palm trees and a sandy path lead to the shoreline.

We love their swinging chairs at the Tiki bar. They often have live music and we have never ordered anything that was not good. Seriously… check this place out when you visit!

Salty Pelican Bar & Grill

This is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike with a great location near the Intracoastal in Downtown Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach.

The food is consistently good, and the open-air setup gives it a laid-back feel. It is a solid choice for lunch or dinner after exploring downtown.

As far as the food goes, Morgan’s personal favorites include the Crab Dip (and she does not really like seafood) and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese.

Tortuga Jacks

Upstairs from Sliders, Tortuga Jacks serves breakfast in a casual setting. We had breakfast here with friends the day after our wedding, and Morgan celebrated with a mimosa. It is a great way to start a slow, sunny morning on the island.

Breakfast menu from Tortuga Jack’s in Amelia Island featuring categories like Omelettville, Traditional Favorites, Sweet Treats, Signature Items, and Eggstravaganza. Dishes include shrimp and grits, huevos rancheros, crab Florentine, sweet cream pancakes, and a variety of omelets, with pricing and sides listed.

Breakfast plate from Tortuga Jack’s in Amelia Island featuring two golden pancakes topped with crispy bacon strips, served with a side of savory sausage links. The meal is presented on a white square plate with a soft, warm lighting ambiance.

Down Under Restaurant

If you are staying on the island, this is a little further away than the other suggestions but worth the ‘short’ drive. Down Under is aptly named for its location under the bridge onto the island.

It is located on the Intracoastal Waterway; in fact, you can come to the restaurant by boat!

We have noticed that there is often a wait to get a table but do not let that turn you away. They have have cold drinks that you can order at the bar while you wait. And the food is worth it!

Morgan loves the Down Under Tacos and her best friend raves about the Shrimp and Grits.

Salt Life Food Shack

This is a great option for food if you are already at the Main Beach for the day. They have a variety of options that should give everyone, even the pickiest of eaters, something they will enjoy.

On our last visit to Salt Life Food Shack, Morgan had the Big Wave Burger – YUM! It was way too much food but absolutely delicious.

Hammerhead Beach Bar

This is not a place we go for the food… but we had to include it because it is part of our story. The night before our wedding, we wound up here with friends playing pool and unwinding. It is definitely a dive bar, but it is fun in its own way.

Where to Stay in Amelia Island

When it comes to finding a place to stay on Amelia Island, our biggest tip is to stay somewhere with beach access. If you can walk out your door and be on the sand in a few minutes, your trip will be so much more enjoyable.

We have always stayed in places with boardwalks or short paths that lead straight to the beach. It saves you the hassle of parking, lets you enjoy quick sunrise walks, and makes beach days feel effortless. If you are browsing rentals or hotels, we highly recommend filtering by location.

We are partial to anything on S Fletcher Ave because it provides easy access to the beach and several local restaurants. We especially love the Sandpiper community as they have two private boardwalks as well as a pool.

Panoramic view of a wide, empty beach on Amelia Island at dusk, with soft golden light breaking through a cloudy sky over the ocean. Wooden dune stairs lead down to smooth, white sand, with sea oats framing the foreground. — View from the Sandpiper Community Boardwalk

If you are looking to sleep a lot of people, there are multiple houses for rent. If you are interested in something a little cozier, here is a great 2-bedroom unit on the beach!

These types of places do book up quickly, especially during peak season, so plan ahead.

Still Wondering If Amelia Island Is Worth It?

We might be biased, but Amelia Island is one of those rare places that really does live up to the hype. Whether you are coming for the beaches, the local food, the history, or just some time to slow down, this island delivers.

It is laid-back without being boring, charming without being overdone, and easy to enjoy whether you are here for a weekend or a week.

We have walked these beaches at sunrise, played pool with friends after our wedding, and soaked up every season this island has to offer. Each trip reminds us why it is still one of our favorite places in Florida.

So yes, Amelia Island is worth visiting. And if you are ready to plan your own trip, we have more to help you get started.

👉Check out our Weekend Trip to Amelia Island guide
👉 Looking for more activities? See our full list of Things to Do on Amelia Island