Amelia Island - Wikitravel

Amelia Island

Contents

• 1 Understand
  • 1.1 History
  • 1.2 Climate
• 2 Get in
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By boat
  • 2.3 By car
• 3 Get around
• 4 See
• 5 Do
  • 5.1 Golf
• 6 Buy
• 7 Eat
• 8 Drink
• 9 Sleep
• 10 Contact
• 11 Get out

Amelia Island is a barrier island off the coast of Northeast Florida. It includes beautiful beaches, native wildlife, and the city of Fernandina Beach. It is frequently considered one of the top island destinations in the United States.

Understand[edit]

History[edit]

Amelia Island is one of the most historic places in the state of Florida, having flown under eight flags. First settled by Timucuan Indians, it was "discovered" by Frenchman Jean Ribault in 1562. In 1565, Spanish forces drove out the French and took control of Northeast Florida, establishing a mission on the island and renaming it Isla de Santa Maria. In the early 18th century, the British named the island "Amelia Island", established a small settlement, and attempted to buy it, but the Spanish refused until the Treaty of Paris in 1763, when the Spanish traded Florida for control of Havana, Cuba. During the Revolutionary War, loyalists from South Carolina and Georgia fled to the island, and many used it as an embarkation point to return to England. The Second Treaty of Paris, in 1783, returned Florida to the Spanish. In 1811, the town of Fernandina was established, named for King Ferdinand of Spain.

In 1812, a group of Americans calling themselves the "Patriots of Amelia Island" attempted to seize control of Amelia Island. President Madison sent in troops, who raised the American flag at Fernandina, but fears of sparking a war with Spain led the president to withdraw the troops early the next year, returning the island to Spanish control. However, this was not the last insurgency on the island. In 1817, Gregor MacGregor led a small army in an attack on Fort San Carlos, the Spanish fort at Fernandina, and raised his own flag, the Green Cross of Florida. MacGregor hoped to conquer Florida, and his troops fought the Spanish in the Battle of Amelia Island. The Americans joined forces with a pirate, who claimed the island on behalf of the Republic of Mexico, before finally surrendering to the United States.

Climate[edit]

Amelia Island is sunny year-round, with summer highs topping 90º and winter temperatures rarely dipping below the freezing point. Fall (October and November) and spring (March and April) see mild temperatures, with highs in the upper 70s.

Get in[edit]

By plane[edit]

The island is only a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) [1] in nearby Jacksonville. There is also a small airport on the island, Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, which serves only private jets.

By boat[edit]

Fernandina Harbor Marina [2] offers a convenient home base for those who wish to travel to the island by boat. There is no publicly available boat service to the island; you must have your own private boat, or drive to the island.

By car[edit]

Amelia Island can be accessed by two bridges, both of which are part of Florida A1A, a scenic drive that runs right along the ocean for nearly the entire Florida coast. The island is approximately 15 miles east of Interstate 95 Exit 373.

Get around[edit]

A1A is the island's main route; it starts out as South 8th Street on the northern half of the island, then makes a hard right in the heart of Fernandina Beach, becoming Atlantic Avenue. It makes another hard right at Fort Clinch State Park, then runs along the Atlantic Coast for the remainder of the island as South Fletcher Avenue and then the 1st Coast Highway.

See[edit]

• Amelia Island Museum of History, 233 South Third Street, Fernandina Beach, ☎ 904-261-7378, [x]. M-Sa. 10am-4pm Su. 1pm-4pm. This museum showcases Amelia Island's history, with temporary and permanent exhibits on such topics as the Timucuan Indians, the Spanish Missions, and the island's role in the Civil War. The museum also operates walking history tours around the island. Adult $7.00, student or military $4.00.

Do[edit]

• Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar Street, Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-261-6749, [x]. Now in its 31st season, the Amelia Community Theatre is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization that opens auditions to all members of the community. $20 adult, $10 student, $100 season pass.
• Boating and fishing, [x]. Several local boating and fishing charter companies operate on Amelia Island.

Golf[edit]

Amelia Island's golf courses, including a PGA tournament course, are known throughout Florida.

• Amelia River Golf Club, 4477 Buccaneer Trail Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-491-8500, [x].
• Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2800 Bill Melton Road Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-277-7370, [x].
• Golf Club at North Hampton, 22680 North Hampton Club Way Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-548-0008, [x].
• Golf Club of Amelia Island, 4700 Amelia Island Parkway, ☎ +1 904-277-8015, [x].
• Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Highway, ☎ +1 904-261-6161, [x].

Buy[edit]

Eat[edit]

• Arte Pizza, 109 North 3rd Street Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-277-1515, [x]. Great Pizza made in a wood fire stove. Wonderful Italian specialties.
• Barberitos, 1519 Sadler Road Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-277-2505, [x]. Serving made-to-order, quick serve, Southwestern-style food, Barberitos cannot be mistaken for fast food. In addition to serving only the best-tasting burritos, it also offers delicious tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads.
• Coast, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, ☎ +1 9042771087. Experience the coastal charm and Southern hospitality of Café 4750. With the warmth and liveliness of an intimate seaside bistro, enjoy the picture postcard views of the Oceanside pool, rolling sand dunes, and the Atlantic Ocean. Reservations recommended.
• Gourmet Caterer Delivery, 29 S 3rd St 2nd Floor, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, ☎ +1 9043358495, [x].
• Karibo Cafe, 27 North 3rd Street, ☎ +1 904-277-5269, [x]. Home of the Turkey Cuban and "World Famous" Veggie Burger. Cafe Karibo also features seasonal, homemade soups and the always popular Shrimp Salad on croissants, made with fresh local shrimp! Salads are an explosion of flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Desserts are worth the trip alone. Dine under the oaks on the beautiful patio or have a seat in the cafe with an eclectic palette of colors and furnishings. Experience one-of-a-kind dining in the private banquet hall, suitable for parties large and small.
• Marché Burette - Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, 6800 First Coast Highway Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-432-2212, [x]. Step back in time at this deli/grocery/wine shop. From breakfast to lunch to a late afternoon snack, Marché Burette offers something for everyone. Dine inside or out on deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, and sweet iced tea. Follow it up with a scoop of homemade ice cream!
• Parkway Grille, 1411 Gerbing Road, ☎ +1 904-277-6614, [x]. Fresh baked goods and a complete breakfast menu. Lunch offers deli sandwiches, burgers, and homemade salads and soups.
• T-Rays Burger Station, 202 South 8th Street Fernandina Beach, ☎ +1 904-261-6310, [x]. A local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Southern breakfast, delicious burgers, and daily specials. Located in a former gas station, T-Ray's was named one of USA Today's 51 Best Burger Joints in the US.

Drink[edit]

• Green Turtle Tavern, 14 South 3rd Street, ☎ 904-321-2324, [x]. A small bar with terrace just off Centre Street with a laid back crowd. Live music until 11pm some nights. Bar open until 1am approximately. Good selection of drafts beers.

Sleep[edit]

• Hoyt House Inn, 804 Atlantic Avenue, ☎ 800-432-2085 ([email protected]), [x]. A magnificently restored 1905 Queen Anne Historic Mansion with 10 luxurious rooms, heated pool and spa, near fine dining, the beaches, and everything historic. its quite comfortable, mate.
• The Amelia Island Williams House, 103 S. 9th St. Amelia Island, FL (take the Amelis Island exit off I-95), ☎ (800) 414-9258, [x]. checkin: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.; checkout: 11 a.m.. The Williams House Bed & Breakfast is one of Amelia Island’s grandest historic homes. Romance, relaxation and history combine at this southern Victorian inn, a classic antebellum mansion built in 1856. The Inn is surrounded by fine dining, shopping and the historic district of Fernandina Beach which is bordered by the intercoastal waterway on the left and just steps away from the grand Atlantic Ocean on the right. $195-$275.
• Amelia Hotel at the Beach, 1997 S. Fletcher Ave. (I-95 to exit 373. Go east about 12 miles then right on Sadler. Dead end at hotel on left.), ☎ 877-263-5428, [x]. checkin: 4:00 PM; checkout: 11:00 AM. Amelia Hotel at the Beach is a locally owned and operated boutique-style hotel centrally located on beautiful Amelia Island, FL. Come experience a fantastic beach getaway in one of our newly renovated spacious guest rooms. We even offer some with balconies and ocean views. All of our guest room stays include free hot continental breakfast, free WiFi, free local phone calls and free parking. Hotel amenities include outdoor pool, beach access, interior corridors, fitness room, in-room microwave & mini-fridge, in-room coffee, and in-room hairdryer. Enjoy our area's true southern hospitality with a stay at Amelia Hotel at the Beach. Email us at [email protected]
• Ameilia Island Ocean View Condo, [x]. Great summer or winter rental; clean, convenient, and affordable. Second floor nicely furnished condo, with 2 bedrooms and 1 recently remodeled bath with walk in shower. The condo is located on S. Fletcher Ave across the street from the beautiful beach. Well-equipped kitchen, living room/dining room that is clean and comfortable. Condo is centrally located and is convenient to historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and other Island attractions. Shopping, dining, and outdoor activities nearby. Large furnished deck allows for outdoor dining. Outdoor shower available for after-beach clean up. 80$/night.
• Residence Inn Marriott Amelia Island, 2301 Sadler Road (Fernandina Beach, Florida , 32034), ☎ 904-277-2440, [x]. checkin: 4:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. Thrive on long stays at the Residence Inn Amelia Island. Our Amelia Island hotel offers a welcoming, comfortable environment, with spacious accommodations and everything you need for a great stay in Florida. Settle in to your studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom suite, and enjoy perks like free wireless Internet and a 55-inch flat-screen TV. A full kitchen allows you to prepare a meal or a snack any time you want it. Take advantage of the hotel's complimentary island shuttle that is on call to pick you up and drop you off anywhere on Amelia Island from 9AM-9PM daily. Start your morning with a free hot breakfast, or spend some time at our resort-style outdoor pool and soak up the Florida sun. Additional hotel amenities include a fire pit, putting green, outdoor gas grills, over-sized yard games, and fitness center. And let's not forget our location - just two blocks from the beach, and a short distance from the attractions of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Whether you're in Florida for business or pleasure, the Residence Inn Amelia Island will make your visit memorable.
• Elizabeth Pointe Lodge ([email protected]), 98 South Fletcher Dr. (Exit 373, Amelia Island), ☎ 1-800-772-3359, [x]. checkin: 3:00 PM; checkout: 11:00 AM. At the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, an Amelia Island resort and Amelia Island Boutique Hotel, you will experience a luxurious and relaxing beach vacation. Wide, comfortable porches surround the Main House and offer an ideal spot to curl up with a favorite book and enjoy the ocean views, the Florida sun. Experience a truly unique seaside retreat. Take time to enjoy complimentary all day coffee, lemonade and fresh baked cookies. From 5:50pm to 7:00pm complimentary wine and hot & cold hors d'oeuvres are served.
• Biggest Loser Resort Amelia Island, 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, ☎ (855) 881-6717, [x]. The Biggest Loser Resort Amelia Island boasts luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with multiple baths, full kitchens, spacious living rooms, and dining areas. This inviting destination off the Northeast Florida coast also delivers swimming pools, fitness center, world-class spa, championship golf course, tennis courts, and 3.5 miles of private beach. (30.554542,-81.44426)

Contact[edit]

Get out[edit]

Routes through Amelia Island

Ends at ← Jct ←

W  S

→ Jacksonville → Daytona Beach

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Wikipedia:Amelia Island