Amelia Island, Florida Travel Itinerary
Amelia Island, Florida Travel Itinerary
Share
Plan your Amelia Island, Florida trip, without starting from scratch.
- Blue Duck's Epic Overview Spreadsheet
- Food and Restaurant Recommendations
- Hotel Recommendations
- Sight and Activity Recommendations
- Blue Duck's Epic Packing List
- Reservation and Budget Tracker
Why plan a trip to Amelia Island?
Hidden gem alert! Nestled on the northern edge of Florida's Atlantic coast, Amelia Island combines history, luxury and natural scenery in a slice of paradise for families, lovebirds, and friend groups alike.
Picture this: palm trees swaying in the breeze, Spanish moss hanging from the trees, and a constant ocean whisper in your ear. Amelia Island gives off that “Old Florida” vibe, where you can kick back, relax, and soak up all the charm without the hustle and bustle of South Florida's crowds and scorching heat.
Quaint Amelia Island has it all - luxury resorts, golf courses, incredible restaurants, abundant native wildlife and outdoor activities, including 13 miles of stunning beaches. Did we mention the pirate history? There's that too. Check out Amelia Island and you won't be disappointed, matey!
10 Facts About Amelia Island
1. The "Isle of Eight Flags" get its name from the eight very different groups that have laid claim to Amelia Island at some point in history by hanging their respective flags over the island. This list includes Mexico, France, Spain, the Confederate States of America, Patriots of Amelia Island, the Green Cross, the United States and Great Britain.
2. Amelia Island has the oldest saloon in all of Florida, and during Prohibition, it was rumored to be the last bar in the whole country to close. The Palace Saloon continued to serve ice cream (wink, wink) during that time. Try the Pirate's Punch, it's a real treasure!
3. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Amelia Island was a safe haven for pirates and scallywags such as Blackbeard, the Laffites, Luis Aury, and Gregor MacGregor. Arrrr!
4. Amelia Island is the birthplace of modern shrimping industry, and that's why they host one of the biggest shrimp festivals in the U.S. every year – the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Big question- do you eat the shrimp tails?
5. The Florida House Inn (1857) is the oldest and longest continually operated hotel in all of Florida.
6. American Beach, founded in 1935, was the only beach in Florida that welcomed black Americans and offered safe, secure overnight accommodations during the dark days of Jim Crow segregation. It's a symbol of resilience and a beautiful spot for some relaxation.
7. There's a trail running through the heart of Amelia Island that's part of the East Coast Greenway, a massive 3,000-mile trail from Maine to Key West. Lace up your sneakers and explore... but watch out for gators!
8. Amelia Island is named after Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II of Great Britain. Fancy!
9. "You're gonna need a bigger boat!" Prehistoric, fossilized shark teeth from around 20 million years old to the Ice Age (10,000 years old) can be found littering the beach.
10. Amelia Island proudly boasts the oldest lighthouse in the entire state of Florida. It's like the wise old guardian of the coast, keeping watch over this incredible island.
Epic Overview Spreadsheet
Keep all of your travel details in one place
Things to See & Do
Daily Itinerary suggestions for each stop on your trip
Hotel Recommendations
For a good night's sleep away from home
Food and Drinks to Try
Recommendations to fill your tank and wet your whistle
Epic Packing Checklist
So nothing gets left behind