When it involves Florida, locals say the north aspect of their state feels just like the South, but the additional south you go really feels just like the North.
You know…East Coast accents, flashy vehicles, and high-end the whole lot — the precise reverse of southern attraction intangibles.
Standing true to locals’ sentiment, toeing the Florida-Georgia line simply north of Jacksonville, lies an exquisite white-sand haven with a picturesque downtown with the whole lot from cozy cafes, historic inns, and a hanging clock tower anchoring the island’s most charming townscape — and it was really topped the highest island in America for 2024.
Well, that title might not have carried over to 2025, however Southern Living is hyping it up as one in every of Florida’s finest year-round locations.
Amelia Island: Equal Parts Charm & Serenity
There are two sides to Amelia Island: downtown and 13 miles of gleaming white-sand shores.
While Jacksonville is not recognized precisely as a bustling metropolis you will wish to escape the crowds (regardless of breaking tourism data), Amelia Island is a perfect hideaway from the town grind irrespective of the place you are from, particularly for individuals who simply do not feel Miami is their vibe.
There’s a cause many Floridians declare to not ever step foot in Miami as this vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis would not resinate with the remainder of the Sunshine State’s laid-back attract.
Amelia Island is an ideal instance. Rather than weave out and in of untamed chickens roaming the streets of Little Havana or having to convey soundproof AirPods to drown out the sound of Disney’s screaming toddlers, Amelia Island gives peaceable, paradisal seashores and an inviting city middle to peruse.
One Of Florida’s Most Underrated Beach Vacays
Under an hour from Jacksonville lies 13 miles of pristine seashores from the tip of Amelia Island State Park to Georgia’s border, which additionally beholds a cluster of scenic islands with an analogous old-timey environment.
But, on the Florida aspect, this half-marathon of pristine shores has the whole lot you could possibly probably need from name-brand beachfront stays like Omni Amelia Island Resort, to horseback driving, to quintessential seafood shacks, equivalent to Timoti’s, which simply so occurs to be one of many top-rated eateries on the town.
While 13 miles may be robust to slim down, there is not any denying that American Beach, Peters Point, and the aforementioned Amelia Island State Park are your finest bets.
Amelia Island really gives vacationers a seaside information to assist them choose the proper location, however in truth, given the outpouring of rave evaluations, it would not look like you’ll be able to go flawed.
For what it is price, smack dab in the course of Amelia Island lies Main Beach Park, the place one latest customer simply this week claimed it is ‘a really stunning seaside for an exquisite day of swimming with the household. Clean showers and public restrooms, and loads of house even in excessive season.’
For a serene island that does not get a whole lot of “action” in comparison with Florida’s family names, Seaside Park has develop into a hub for a number of festivals all year long and energetic bars close by.
Take A Step Back In Time: Don’t Skip Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is the highest draw for Amelia Island, but it surely’s not a lot the seaside itself luring in guests; it is extra so downtown’s postcard-worthy gems just like the Amelia Island Lighthouse.
Considered the center of the island, Fernandina Beach boasts a well-preserved historic district brimming with Victorian structure, Mom ‘n Pop boutiques, and acclaimed eating places like Southern Living advice, The Salty Pelican, with a key lime pie to die for.
While different areas of the island provide extra recognizable names with hefty worth tags, Fernandina takes you again in time with historic stays over flashy eyesores, such because the unmissable Fairbanks House, holding a formidable near-perfect 4.9 Google ranking.
Time journey does include a $300 nightly fee for this one, however that is chump change in comparison with the Ritz Carlton throughout the island, going for a staggering $1,215 per evening.
Don’t fear, although. There are definitely extra wallet-friendly choices. Seaside Amelia Inn, within the neighborhood of aforementioned Main Beach Park, is simply $172 this spring.
Lastly, tucked away on the far north aspect of the island simply accessible from downtown Fernandina Beach, lies history-laden Fort Clinch State Park, providing a Nineteenth-century fort, ample mountaineering trails, and hidden coves common for beachcombers on the lookout for shark tooth.
Entry charges vary from $2 to $6.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.