Florida's 'Best Island': 5 things to do in Amelia Island this summer

AI-assisted summary
• Travel + Leisure ranked Amelia Island No. 2 in the "Best Islands in the Continental U.S." for 2024.
• Activities on the island include relaxing on the beach, exploring the shops and restaurants of historic Fernandina Beach, and visiting Fort Clinch State Park.
• The island also hosts the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and is home to Florida's oldest lighthouse.

Planning a weekend escape without venturing far from home? Just 45 minutes from Jacksonville, Amelia Island offers the perfect island getaway on Florida’s northeast coast. Ranked No. 2 in Travel + Leisure’s “Best Islands in the Continental U.S. for the 2024 World’s Best Awards, the destination has been a fixture on the list for seven straight years.

Amelia Island is "a barrier island rich in colorful history and breathtaking natural beauty," according to Travel + Leisure. The publication also highlights the island's "abundant wildlife and pristine waters" as key features that continue to attract visitors throughout the year.

What are the top five things to do during your visit to Amelia Island?

1. Relax at the Beach

Amelia Island offers 13 miles of coastline and over 40 public beach access points, with options ranging from the lively atmosphere at Main Beach to the quieter shores of Fort Clinch State Park. For those looking to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a day by the ocean, Main Beach Park is a popular choice. This oceanfront spot features wide sandy shores, picnic areas, playgrounds, and pet-friendly beach access, making it ideal for relaxing or taking in coastal views.

Other beaches nearby include American Beach, a historic beach in African American history; Peters Point Beachfront Park; and Seaside Park Beach.

2. Stroll down Centre Street for Shopping in Fernandina Beach

Centre Street in Fernandina Beach is a 50-block historic district, known as "the heart of the island." It offers a variety of local shops and boutiques within the city’s historic district.

Fernandina was recently named one of the 40 most charming small-town downtowns in America, earning unique recognition from HGTV. Visitors can find a range of retail options, from books and jewelry to antiques and specialty foods. Some local favorites include:

• The Book Loft: Features a collection of fiction, nonfiction, and local history books.
• Twisted Sisters: Offers women’s apparel, accessories, and home decor.
• Fantastic Fudge: Specializes in handmade fudge, chocolates, and ice cream.
• Lindy’s Jewelry: Provides a selection of fine jewelry from various designers.
• Color It Green: Sells sustainable fashion, artisan jewelry, and natural skincare products.
• The Lavender Store: Offers products infused with lavender, including bath items and snacks.
• Eight Flags Antique Market: Displays a variety of vintage and antique item

3. Discover the culinary scene on Amelia Island. Here are some top spots to check out.

• Craving an oyster sandwich? Salty Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill is known for serving up fresh seafood, meat, and even vegetarian/vegan dishes. It's open daily for lunch and dinner.
• Looking to do a French rendezvous? Lagniappe, where the chef puts a French spin on Southern cuisine.
• Looking for a sunset view while dining? Down Under is known for its oversized deck that offers views of the sunset and opportunities to spot manatees and dolphins.
• Want a taste of Spain? España Restaurant & Tapas is a traditional Spanish restaurant dishing out Paella Valenciana and a wide variety of tapas (small, Spanish appetizers). Open daily for dinner only.
• The Palace Saloon, established in 1903, holds the title of Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar. Visitors can enjoy signature cocktails, play darts or pool, and catch live music. The bar is open daily until 2 a.m.

4. Visit Fort Clinch State Park

If you enjoy history and outdoor adventures, Fort Clinch State Park offers visitors a look at local history alongside opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park features a well-preserved Civil War-era fort dating back to 1864, overlooking the Amelia River. Visitors can explore the historic barracks, join guided tours, and attend Civil War reenactments held on the first weekend of each month. The park also includes multiple nature trails suitable for hiking and biking. A trail map is available on AllTrails, and additional details can be found on the official Florida State Parks website.

Location: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.Price: $6 per vehicle

 5. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

Amelia Island is known for its annual The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. The family-friendly event held each spring takes place in the historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. This free-admission event highlights the local shrimping industry with a variety of seafood and shrimp dishes prepared by non-profit and civic organizations. The festival includes a Fine Arts and Crafts show featuring over 300 artists presenting work such as jewelry, pottery, and photography. Visitors can also explore 75 booths offering antiques and collectibles. The event includes a Kids Fun Zone, live music on two stages, and themed entertainment including contests and pirate performers. A decorated shrimp boat parade along the Amelia River is one of the scheduled attractions. Attendees can also visit the local shops, restaurants, and pubs located throughout Amelia Island during the festival weekend. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for May 1-3.

Visit Amelia Island Lighthouse, Florida's oldest lighthouse. What to know

Although it is temporarily closed for renovations, the Amelia Island Lighthouse stands as a key historic landmark. Built in 1838, it holds the distinction of being Florida’s oldest lighthouse. In October 2024, crews restored the structure and replaced its halogen bulbs with an energy-efficient LED array, allowing the beacon to shine brighter than ever. Once ruled by eight different nations, Amelia Island showcases its layered history through sites like the lighthouse, along with diverse architecture and local museums.

Where is Amelia Island?

Where to stay in Amelia Island? Here's a top resort

If you are wondering where to stay in Amelia Island, you might be in for a treat. Among one of the most-liked resorts is The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, one of the island’s top-rated resorts, also recognized by the readers of Travel + Leisure, being voted No. 10 among the “Best Resorts in Florida.”

Contributing: Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida