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When it comes to Florida, locals say the north side of their state feels like the South, yet the further south you go actually feels like the North.
You know…East Coast accents, flashy cars, and high-end everything — the exact opposite of southern charm intangibles.
Standing true to locals’ sentiment, toeing the Florida-Georgia line just north of Jacksonville, lies a beautiful white-sand haven with a picturesque downtown with everything from cozy cafes, historic inns, and a striking clock tower anchoring the island’s most charming townscape — and it was actually crowned the top island in America for 2024.
Well, that title may not have carried over to 2025, but Southern Living is hyping it up as one of Florida’s best year-round destinations.
Amelia Island: Equal Parts Charm & Serenity
There are two sides to Amelia Island: downtown and 13 miles of gleaming white-sand shores.
While Jacksonville isn’t known exactly as a bustling city you’ll want to escape the crowds (despite breaking tourism records), Amelia Island is an ideal hideaway from the city grind no matter where you’re from, especially for those who just don’t feel Miami is their vibe.
There’s a reason many Floridians claim not to ever step foot in Miami as this vibrant, cosmopolitan city doesn’t resinate with the rest of the Sunshine State’s laid-back allure.
Amelia Island is a perfect example. Rather than weave in and out of wild chickens roaming the streets of Little Havana or having to bring soundproof AirPods to drown out the sound of Disney’s screaming toddlers, Amelia Island offers peaceful, paradisal beaches and an inviting town center to peruse.
One Of Florida’s Most Underrated Beach Vacays
Under an hour from Jacksonville lies 13 miles of pristine beaches from the tip of Amelia Island State Park to Georgia’s border, which also beholds a cluster of scenic islands with a similar old-timey atmosphere.
But, on the Florida side, this half-marathon of pristine shores has everything you could possibly want from name-brand beachfront stays like Omni Amelia Island Resort, to horseback riding, to quintessential seafood shacks, such as Timoti’s, which just so happens to be one of the top-rated eateries in town.
While 13 miles can be tough to narrow down, there’s no denying that American Beach, Peters Point, and the aforementioned Amelia Island State Park are your best bets.
Amelia Island actually offers tourists a beach guide to help them pick the right location, but truthfully, given the outpouring of rave reviews, it doesn’t seem like you can go wrong.
For what it’s worth, smack dab in the middle of Amelia Island lies Main Beach Park, where one recent visitor just this week claimed it’s ‘a very beautiful beach for a wonderful day of swimming with the family. Clean showers and public restrooms, and plenty of space even in high season.’
For a serene island that doesn’t get a lot of “action” compared to Florida’s household names, Seaside Park has become a hub for multiple festivals throughout the year and lively bars nearby.
Take A Step Back In Time: Don’t Skip Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is the top draw for Amelia Island, but it’s not so much the beach itself luring in visitors; it’s more so downtown’s postcard-worthy gems like the Amelia Island Lighthouse.
Considered the heart of the island, Fernandina Beach boasts a well-preserved historic district brimming with Victorian architecture, Mom ‘n Pop boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants like Southern Living recommendation, The Salty Pelican, with a key lime pie to die for.
While other areas of the island offer more recognizable names with hefty price tags, Fernandina takes you back in time with historic stays over flashy eyesores, such as the unmissable Fairbanks House, holding an impressive near-perfect 4.9 Google rating.
Time travel does come with a $300 nightly rate for this one, but that’s chump change compared to the Ritz Carlton across the island, going for a staggering $1,215 per night.
Don’t worry, though. There are certainly more wallet-friendly options. Seaside Amelia Inn, in the vicinity of aforementioned Main Beach Park, is just $172 this spring.
Lastly, tucked away on the far north side of the island easily accessible from downtown Fernandina Beach, lies history-laden Fort Clinch State Park, offering a 19th-century fort, ample hiking trails, and hidden coves popular for beachcombers looking for shark teeth.
Entry fees range from $2 to $6.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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