Bed and Breakfast Amelia Island FL

Weather

Amelia Island is sunny all year with summer highs reaching the 90s and winter temperatures rarely reaching freezing. Summers can be quite balmy,  and uncomfortable at times for some travelers. Late spring and early summer (May-June) as well as the fall months of September and October are the most pleasant with highs in the upper 70s. Plus, if you avoid summer, you’ll have the bonus of fewer crowds. During winter,  you’ll experience drier weather and temperatures can reach the 60s.  So, although the water temperature may be too cold for swimming, it’s a  perfect time to take a relaxing walk on a quiet beach or enjoy a round of golf.

History

Amelia Island has one of the richest histories in all of Florida. The island was originally inhabited by the Timucuan Indians. French colonists led by Frenchman Jean Ribault then settled on the island in 1562. They were later driven out by the Spanish who renamed the Island Isla de Santa Maria. Later, the British established a small settlement there and renamed the island Amelia Island.  They gained control of the island in 1763 as part of the Treaty of  Paris when the Spanish traded it for Havana, Cuba. During the Revolutionary War, the island was used as an embarkation point for loyalists fleeing the more northern colonies to return to England. The island once again switched hands and flew the Spanish flag once after Florida returned to Spain in the Second Treaty of Paris. The town of Fernandina was established in 1811 and named after the Spanish King, King Ferdinand. After a series of insurgencies, the island eventually became part of the United States following the Battle of Amelia Island.

Activities

Many of the best activities in Amelia Beach center around the island’s historic downtown and the oceanfront.  Fishing is a common draw for visitors. The George Crady Bridge Fishing  Pier is popular with anglers. The mile-long pedestrian pier is about 8 miles from Fernandina Beach and juts out over Nassau Sound offering great fishing and beautiful views. For those who prefer surf fishing, Fort Clinch State Park is a good place to start. The visitors center has a great selection of bait. Offshore fishing charters are very popular and numerous companies around town offer deep-sea fishing tours with professional guides who can give you pointers for reeling in a big catch. The oceanfront also offers many other opportunities for water-related activities including SCUBA diving, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, parasailing, canoeing, and ocean kayaking. Amelia Island is known as one of the best golfing islands in the country. There are five golf courses on the island for you to choose from. These championship courses attract top-ranking players from around the world. Once you are ready for something a bit more relaxing, take a stroll through the Historic District of Fernandina Beach. Here, you’ll find art galleries featuring the works of local artists, unique local restaurants serving up the catch of the day, bars serving beach-inspired cocktails, and delightful shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Natural Features

As Amelia Island is home to a rare maritime forest habitat and an interesting range of plant and animal life, the island is a wonderful place to explore nature. Amelia Island State Park protects approximately 200 acres of beaches, salt marsh habitats, and coastal forests. Outdoor activities are abundant here and include fishing, hiking, watching wildlife, horseback riding, and relaxing on a  sunny beach. Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve in nearby Jacksonville offers even more opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty as it is made up of more than 46,000 acres of wetlands, waterways, and various other habitats where you can hike, bike, and look for wildlife.

Food and Drink

For a small island, Amelia Island has a rich culinary scene with several delicious local restaurants and bars, especially in the historic downtown.  From fine dining to casual beach eateries, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Freshly caught seafood is a highlight at many local restaurants. Many of the seafood houses around town, such as The Boat House and Baxter’s also serve steaks and have a bar. International cuisine is also readily available with Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants among the options. For fine dining, the resorts along the island’s southern tip such as the Ritz-Carlton, have some of the best restaurants for special occasions. Salt at The Ritz-Carlton offers upscale seafood dishes with an oceanfront view. It has a refined ambiance and offers a seasonal menu that highlights local ingredients. The Patio Place has a range of dishes, including Mediterranean-inspired fare, sandwiches, and salads. It has a relaxed and casual atmosphere and is popular for its outdoor seating. When it comes to drinks, First Love Brewing is a local Fernandina Beach microbrewery with 20 beers on tap, rotating seasonally. Plenty of bars throughout the town and along the oceanfront serve up beachy cocktails, wine, and beer.

Things to Do

Amelia Island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, world-class golfing, and vibrant historic downtown with eclectic shops, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Visit the Amelia Island Museum of History: This museum offers exhibits and artifacts about the island's history, including Native American artifacts, the Spanish occupation, and the island's role during the Civil War. At the island’s northernmost point lies Fort Clinch State Park.  Centered around a historic fort, the park has dunes, hiking, and biking trails, campgrounds, and opportunities to enjoy wildlife. Amelia Island hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. If you want to relax on the beach, Amelia Island has plenty of opportunities. Main Beach Park is the closest to the historic downtown and features a playground for kids, a lifeguard station, and plentiful parking. Peter’s Point is another great beachfront park with facilities and parking. It tends to be a bit less busy than Main Beach. Little Talbot and Fort Clinch state parks also have stunning beach fronts whereas Burney Park is home to Florida’s tallest dune.

Bed and Breakfast Amelia Island FL FAQ

What type of amenities can I expect when booking an Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast?

When you book a bed and breakfast on Amelia Island, you’ll gain a unique experience and all of the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Most of the guest rooms will have private baths and WiFi is considered standard. Each morning you’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast, typically prepared with local ingredients. Many properties will have a dedicated dining room, although some may serve breakfast in the room. Some BnBs offer 24 hour check-in and free cancellation. Accessibility varies by property, but with the range of bed and breakfasts on Amelia Island, most people will find a property that meets their needs.

How can I get around Amelia Island FL?

Amelia Island is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport.  Additionally, the island has its own small airport, Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport which is served by private jets. There is no public boat service available, but the Fernandina Harbor Marina accommodates travelers who wish to travel to the island by private boat. Those who arrive by car can reach Amelia Island by one of two bridges, both of which makeup part of the famous Florida A1A highway which travels along nearly the entire coast of the state. A1A also provides the main route through Amelia Island. There is no public transportation on Amelia Island but there are several cab companies available. The island is approximately 13 miles long and up to 2 miles wide in places. If you are staying in the historic district in Fernandina Beach, it is possible to get around on foot, but if you are staying along the beach or further down the southern tip of the island, then a rental car is recommended. Rental cars are easily available at Jacksonville International Airport.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Amelia Island?

Many of the best bed and breakfasts in Amelia Island, FL will be found in the historic district of Fernandina Beach. The Florida House Inn is located inside a beautiful antebellum home in the historic district, just a short walk away from the Amelia Island Museum of History. The inn is the oldest surviving hotel in Florida, so visitors can truly experience history when they book a stay here. Blue Heron Inn is another bed and breakfast located in the historic district. This historic bed and breakfast includes a private pool and 6 elegant guest rooms. The Hoyt HouseBed and Breakfast is an elegant, intimate and luxurious adults-only bed and breakfast located in a 1905 Victorian mansion in the historic district. It’s one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts on Amelia Island, FL. Other Bed and Breakfasts are located along the Amelia Islandoceanfront. For example, the Elizabeth Pointe LodgeBed and Breakfast features 25 nicely appointed guest rooms and a stunning wrap-around porch from which to enjoy the ocean views.

Why Stay at a Bed and Breakfast on Amelia Island?

Staying at a bed and breakfast in Amelia Island, FL has many benefits. As most of them are located in the historic downtown historic district, you’ll be perfectly situated for exploring the sights and sounds that make Amelia Island special. From art galleries to shops and restaurants, the historic district of Fernandina Beach has something for everyone.  Staying at a bed and breakfast allows you to experience the island’s history firsthand as many of the properties are registered historic sites in their own right. For instance, the Fairbanks House B&B occupies an 1885 Italianate villa while the Florida House Inn is the oldest surviving hotel in all of Florida.