Vacation Rentals in Amelia Island

Split into three distinct areas with the Fernandina Beach neighborhood at its heart, Amelia Island is definitely somewhere to create vacation memories. Vacationers have been coming here since the late 19th century, leaving a rich heritage of historic buildings and traditional holiday fun. Separated from the mainland by the Amelia River, the island is long and thin, putting most vacation rentals within sight and sound of the sea.

Countryside parks and mile after mile of uncrowded beaches turn Amelia Island into a dream spot for vacation rentals. Look for family sized beachside properties or enjoy the buzz of staying in the Fernandina Beach Historic District where you'll have shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions on your doorstep. Watch changing ocean views from your balcony, or gather the family together for seafood barbecues in your private garden. Many Amelia Island vacation rentals even have pools for the kids to splash around in.

Tucked into the northeast corner of Florida, Amelia Island delivers a peaceful vacation world. Spend the day at the beach or exploring a country park then get an evening dose of culture at the Amelia Community Theater or the Musical Playhouse. Get your day going with a tasty Baja Mexican-style breakfast at Tortuga Jack's then in the evening watch the sunset as you dine on fresh seafood at Sliders Seaside Grill.

Pirates, shrimpers, and Victorian-era millionaires all left their mark on Amelia Island creating the colorful downtown district of Fernandina Beach. Shop from dawn to dusk in its eclectic collection of shops and antique markets, taking time out to pop into the Palace Saloon for a refreshing drink. It's said to be Florida's oldest bar. Take the kids to Amelia Island Lighthouse which has been beaming its light miles out to sea since 1838. Then, catch up on the region's seafaring history in the Maritime Museum of Amelia Island.

With so many beaches and waterways, it's no surprise that Amelia Island is a real draw for water lovers. Soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of salt marshes from a paddleboard while bird watching for herons, ibis, and egrets. Rent a kayak at Fernandino Beach and drift gently along the coastline or through the island's inland waters. Go solo or book a tour with a knowledgeable guide. If you want to be even more relaxed, join a boat tour that takes in the history of Jekyll and Fort George islands while keeping an eye out for playful dolphins.

With over a dozen miles of Atlantic coastline, there is always a different beach such as Main and Fernandina beaches for lazing around, family fun, and sharks' teeth hunting. If you want to keep on the move, cycle up to Peter's Point and join the Amelia Island Trail. Or, pack a picnic and head into Amelia Island State Recreation Area. Immerse yourself in its photogenic salt marsh and maritime forest, and then take a sunset horseback ride along the beach. You may be lucky enough to spot a sea turtle, bobcat, alligator, or rare piping plover.

Today it's a serenely beautiful spot but from the Civil War until after World War II, Fort Clinch saw active service. Enjoy miles of hiking and cycling trails as well as exploring the fort. Small re-enactments take place once a month or visit in spring or fall to catch a full-on re-enactment weekend.

Housed in the atmospheric surroundings of an old jail, this oral-history museum whisks you through the stories of Timucuan Native Americans, pirates, settlers, soldiers, and the elite of 19th-century Florida. It's definitely family friendly, with a Discovery Ship and recreations of a Timucuan village and jail cell.

Pinball machines lost out to video gaming, but this museum aims to preserve their legacy. Spend a few hours here sharpening your pinball wizardry on its 20 classic machines. They date from the 1950s onwards. The museum may be small, but it's packed full of color, noise, and nostalgia.

Florida sugar cane, grapefruit, and oranges have always been important to the distillery industry. At Marlin and Barrel Distillery, see how Venture Vodka, Smoked Pepper Vodka, and Bearing Light Rum are made. Enjoy a tasting tour and then take home a souvenir of vodka, liqueur, rum, or American whiskey.

Held every May, this is Amelia Island's biggest annual event attracting an enthusiastic crowd to downtown Fernandino. Modern shrimping is said to have originated in Amelia Island and the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival celebrates this. It kicks off with a huge Pirate Parade while food booths serve up deliciously tasty shrimp gumbo, Cajun shrimp, and more.