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Photo, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council
By JoAnne Young
Leave the traffic and hurly burly of Jacksonville by taking the back road to Amelia Island. Cross the St. John's River on the Mayport ferry and head north on A1A. As you drive past marshes, quaint fish camps, isolated woods, and ocean inlets, you realize your escape has begun.
Amelia Island has been an escape for hundreds of years for many different groups of people during its long and eventful history. It is a barrier island off the northeastern-most tip of Florida separated from the mainland by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Amelia River (part of the Intracoastal Waterway) to the west, the St. Marys River estuary to the north, and by Nassau Sound to the south. Historically, this isolation made it the destination of Timucuan Indians, pirates, smugglers, explorers, and fishermen. Presently, it is an upscale resort and golfing area and a retreat for nature lovers.
Fernandina, once an active port because of its natural harbor, is the only town on the island. Its leading business is the manufacture of pulp paper, but the port remnants can still be seen in the old red brick buildings that once were occupied by sellers of ship provisions. More than 440 houses built before 1927 grace the tree lined streets. Many refurbished Victorian homes are now popular bed and breakfasts.
Amelia Island was named in 1735 by General James Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia, to honor Princess Amelia, sister of England's King George II. Oglethorpe had established a post manned by 50 soldiers on the island. Amelia Island has the distinction of being the only territory in the United States to have been dominated by eight flags: French, Spanish (twice), English (twice), Mexican, confederate, United States.
Amelia Online
Historical and Natural Attractions,Things to Do
Information about Amelia, accomodations, activities, promotions/events, maps/directions, getting around the island, and travel discounts from the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council.
Beaches, salt marshes, coastal forests on over 200 acres of undeveloped sea island; fishing, hiking, bird watching.
Beach dunes, marshes, nature trails, observation area, camping, hiking, fishing, museum, tours of the fort.
Descriptions of Amelia Island/Fernandina attractions: Inns, museums, homes, parks, more.
Touring Amelia
Kayaking excursions and houseboat charters.
Guided horse rides along the beach. 904-491-5166
Food and Lodging
Map, links to lodging, restaurants.
Fine dining, French restaurant, pub and hotel restaurants.
Golf, tennis, shopping, dining at AAA-Four Diamond resort.
Links to bed/breakfasts in Amelia Island and Fernandina.
Oceanfront hotel on Amelia Island with entertainment/recreation, conference facilities, great amenities, dining. Make online reservations.
