Purely America

Northeast Florida’s Coastal Gem

 Imagine an enchanting island that is rich in history, naturally lush and beautiful, and authentically old Floridian. 

Situated just off the Atlantic coast, what this quirky little barrier island lacks in size, it makes up for in character; Amelia Island is a beauty that will steal your heart. 

Enjoy 20km of pristine, white quartz beaches, explore the maritime forest canopy, or take to the water on a boat tour, kayak, paddleboard or fishing charter. On land, the 50 block National Historic District of Fernandina Beach beckons with independent shops, restaurants, and inns that were formerly Victorian mansions. 

The island was Florida's first luxury tourist destination and it's the only spot in America to have been under the dominion of eight different flags (including the British!) Jacksonville International Airport, regarded as one of America's most customer-friendly, is just 40 minutes away. 

More than 90 distinctive restaurants feature locally-grown food and seafood caught just off the shores of Amelia, which is the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. World-class golf and top-shelf spa experiences are available year-round. Accommodation options include resorts, hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Events happen all year, from the prestigious Concours d'Elegance to Jazz and Wellness festivals to the Pétanque Amelia Island Open. 

Though not exactly a secret – it was named one of the top islands in the world by Condé Nast readers – Amelia Island is certainly one of Florida’s lesser-mentioned holiday destinations. Surprising, because this island getaway checks off just about everything on a traveller’s wish list: beaches, history, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and accommodations fit for families and celebrities alike. And as far as numbers go, Amelia Island racks up 21 kilometers of shoreline, 99 scenic holes of golf, a 50-block historic district, more than 100 outstanding restaurants and a calendar full of festivals.

Beaches for Families, History and Nature
The island’s quartz-sand beaches are picture-perfect; meticulously enforced regulations keep them that way. Families tend to congregate at Main Beach, which also offers handicap access and beach wheelchairs; or Fernandina Beach, just steps away from the historic district. Peter’s Point is popular with cyclists looking to access the 10-kilometer Amelia Island Trail. Collect shark’s teeth and shells at Fort Clinch or see the protected dunes on historic American Beach. At the southern end of the island, you can go horseback riding on the beach at Amelia Island State Park. Looking to escape from it all? Try Little Talbot Island State Park. It remains blissfully undeveloped and teems with wildlife and undisturbed natural habitats. 

History Quest
Amelia Island is one of the state’s most historic locations, claiming many of Florida’s “oldest”: oldest bar, oldest inn, oldest lighthouse and oldest newspaper. The cultural influences of the eight different flags that have flown here since 1562 have seeped into every brick and grain of sand. The Amelia Island Museum of History, housed in the old county jail, offers a comprehensive historical overview, from Timucuan Native Americans to pirates, European settlers, Civil War soldiers and the Victorian elites. From here, take a horse-drawn carriage or walking tour of Fernandina Beach’s 50-block historic district. Watch a living-history demonstration and explore barracks at Fort Clinch State Park. American Beach is the first stop on the Florida Black Heritage Trail; visit the American Beach Museum to learn about this seaside haven for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Amelia Island
With more than 100 independent restaurants, Amelia Island has your appetite covered. Notable favourites include Southern comfort food at 29 South, wild-caught seafood at Timoti’s Seafood Shak, Spanish and Portuguese specialties at España Restaurant and ultra-high-end dining at Salt, winner of the AAA Five-Diamond Award. You can sample these and many others at discounted rates during Restaurant Week in January. No trip to Amelia Island would be complete without a drink at The Palace Saloon, the oldest bar in Florida. Afterward, browse the historic streets lined with antique shops, boutiques, galleries and pubs.

Experience Amelia Island with Purely America
competitive packages including flights, hotels, attractions and car hire
to suit everyone’s budget, let us plan your holiday of a lifetime to this stunning region.

Call us on 0844 80 444 80  *  Email reservation@purelyamerica.co.uk 

There are beach vacations. And then there are beach escapes!

When you’re on Amelia Island time, it’s easy to notice the difference.

The warm welcomes and Southern hospitality.

The natural beauty at every turn.

The small-town charm that beckons you to stay even longer than you had planned.

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s only found on Amelia Island.

So let’s explore Amelia Island and find your Island thing...

Hotels

Beaches

Downtown

Packages

Things to do

A YEAR ROUND DESTINATION

Spring brings plentiful blue skies and breezy days with average high temperatures in the 70s, allowing excellent biking or hiking along the island’s numerous trails. Summer offers warmer daytime temperatures with nice sea breezes for that much-needed beach day, complete with a refreshing swim in the Atlantic. The island experiences nice changes in Autumn as rainfall decreases and average temperatures decline, perfect for an afternoon kayak outing along the Intracoastal Waterway. Winter on Amelia Island is usually characterized by drier, crisp air and comfortable weather that is just right for walks on the beach, a round or two of golf, or spotting wildlife.

Amelia Island - Easy to get to, hard to forget !


Whether you arriving by air or driving, there are several convenient options that make getting to this island paradise a breeze.


By Air...

The closest major airport to Amelia Island is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located approximately 30 miles southwest of the island. JAX is supported by all major airlines with nonstop services to several U.S. cities, and the list continues to grow. Upon landing, you have several transportation options to reach Amelia Island. Rental car services are readily available at the airport, along with private car services, taxis and rideshare.


Looking for something a little smaller and more private? Bent Wing Flight Services at FBMA offers corporate and private airplanes and jets the luxury of easy landings and carefree departures. Conveniently located on Amelia Island, the recently updated municipal airport delivers a truly unforgettable travel experience.


By Car...

Amelia Island is easily accessible by car via Interstate 95 (I-95), which runs along the eastern coast of the United States connecting major cities from Miami to Boston. Travelers coming from the north or south can take I-95 and then exit onto State Road A1A, which leads directly to Amelia Island. The drive to the island is a scenic journey, offering picturesque views of Florida’s coastal landscapes and charming towns along the way.

Once you arrive stop by the Amelia Island Welcome Centre

During the last year of the 19th century, the train depot at the foot of Centre Street opened to travellers whose paths crossed the Gilded Age glory of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Today, the little brick building provides a unique blend of period detail and modern technology and spotlights the activities and experiences Amelia Island has to offer.

History literally surrounds you as you step inside and explore underneath the eight flags that have flown over Amelia Island and when you take a look at the story of David Yulee, whose statue in front of the Welcome Center is fast becoming one of Amelia Island’s most popular places for a photo op. Interactive map tables and displays provide the latest information and bring in feeds from Amelia Island’s popular Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels.

Kick off your Amelia Island vacation at the Welcome Center. Let the experienced and friendly staff provide you with up-to-date information on attractions, events, dining, and everything Amelia. The Welcome Centre is open 364 days a year.


Sustainability on Amelia Island

Sustainability on Amelia Island

From tree and wildlife conservation to coastal restoration and green businesses, Amelia Island embraces a harmonious coexistence with nature.

Through tree planting initiatives and land management practices, Amelia Island ensures the preservation of its lush maritime forests, canopy roads and parks. The island also takes great strides in wildlife conservation, actively working to protect and restore habitats for sea turtles nesting along the shore, migratory birds and endangered right whales, and indigenous wildlife that thrive in the island’s salt marsh estuaries. Additionally, many businesses, accommodations and restaurants implement eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient infrastructures, water conservation efforts and the use of locally sourced cuisine. With the entire island community committed to sustainability and responsible tourism, going green is a way of life on Amelia Island.