courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com American Beach was founded on Amelia Island in 1935 – 90 years ago as of 2025 – by millionaire Abraham Lincoln (A.L.) Lewis as Florida’s first Black Beach Resort. An oasis for Black beach-goers in a time when segregation and Jim Crow laws prevented them from sharing beaches, American Beach was home to a number of restaurants, hotels, night clubs, shops and more. On the weekends, beachgoers in the thousands would visit, among them celebrities such as Zora Neale Hurston, Ray Charles, Hank Aaron and James Brown. Rumor has it that the Godfather of Soul was actually turned away from Evans Rendezvous, one of the town’s popular nightclubs. The resort town thrived until 1964, when Hurricane Dora devastated the area. Shortly after, the passing of the Civil Rights Act and desegregation meant that people were able to visit beaches closer to home. Today, visitors can enjoy the beach and visit the A.L. Lewis Museum at American Beach to learn more about the African Americans who found triumph over segregation. Coast One Tours is another option for a personal, up-close tour of the historical area, including each of the Historical Markers. Visit Amelia Island year-round (not just in February for Black History Month) to explore this rich past and a pristine beach with decades of history. Here’s an itinerary itinerary: https://www.ameliaisland.com/itineraries/african-american-heritage/. Here’s a fun fact: A.L. Lewis is the great grandfather to MaVynee Betsch AKA “The Beach Lady,” known for her conservation efforts.

In 2025, Amelia Island is inviting travelers to indulge in its most delectable lineup of culinary experiences yet. An emerging culinary destination, Amelia Island has hosted several food-focused events in recent years. From fine dining, foodie festivals and interactive culinary adventures, there is something to suit every palate. The complete schedule of events can be found at AmeliaIsland.com/events.   Amelia Island Restaurant Week | Jan 17-26, 2025 A 10-day celebration of award-winning dining across the island. Travelers can try signature dishes and tasty deals at many of the island’s most popular culinary hotspots. AmeliaIsland.com/yummy   Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival | May 2-4, 2025 A tradition for more than 50 years, this iconic festival is a feast for the senses with fresh seafood, a colorful parade, live entertainment, fireworks, artisan vendors, and much more. ShrimpFestival.com   Fish to Fork | May 15-18, 2025 Fresh-caught seafood awaits at this acclaimed event at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. Watch top chefs compete in a unique culinary showdown and cast your vote for the champion. FishToForkWeekend.com   Amelia Island Dining Month | Sep 1-30, 2025 A month-long culinary event featuring specially crafted prix-fixe menus across the island’s best eateries. With $1 from every meal benefiting a local charity, Dining Month is about great food for a great cause. AmeliaIsland.com/DiningMonth   Island Hop Craft Beer Festival | Oct 4, 2025 Enjoy tastings from local microbreweries, live music, food trucks, shopping, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Fernandina Beach. Children under 12 can attend for free. IslandHopCraftBeerFest.com   Worth Tasting Amelia Island | Oct 10-13, 2025 For a more intimate experience, try an all-inclusive culinary weekend at Addison Bed & Breakfast, with cooking classes, farmers market tours, and indulgent meals. Enjoy a three-course breakfast each morning, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and evening social hours with complimentary beverages. AddisonOnAmelia.com/worth-tasting-weekend   Amelia Island Cookout | Oct17-19, 2025 The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island invites foodies to experience haute cuisine under the stars with top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists. This event promises a luxurious ambiance in a striking oceanfront setting. AmeliaIslandCookout.com   Chef’s Theatre at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | Monthly During this interactive culinary adventure, a renowned chef creates two entrees and desserts artfully paired with wines. Guests are invited to learn about recipes, techniques, ingredients, and the history of various cuisines: RitzCarlton.com/en/hotels/jaxam-the-ritz-carlton-amelia-island/dining/   Sprouting Project at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa | Monthly Each month, the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa hosts a southern-inspired farm-to-table dinner at The Sprouting Project, the answer to hyper-local sustainability. The themed five-course dinner begins with a tour of the resort’s aquaponic greenhouse, organic gardens, the barrel room, and collection of beehives. OmniHotels.com/hotels/amelia-island/dining/monthly-dinners   Amelia Island is a haven for food lovers, with an inspiring menu of options for travelers who seek enriching culinary experienced. Visit AmeliaIsland.com/events to check out the event calendar and visit AmeliaIsland.com to start planning a trip.

Learn from Amy what it means to be a sustainable tourism-focused destination. How and why do they target certain types of visits who would "appreciate and contribute to the overall quality of their community life"

The Amelia Island Conventions and Visitors Bureau is reaching out to the UK and Irish travel sector to boost exposure among travellers across the pond. The Island launched a new training programme on the Online Travel Training site with a full programme of marketing incentives. The programme, which is free to travel professionals and takes around 13 minutes to complete is aimed at the industry, travel agents and students of travel, who will be able to learn about the Islands attractions and its history within a short and highly informative course. It will enable them to inform their customers about options for a planned US visit. The CEO of the Amelia Island Conventions and Visitors Bureau, Gil Langley said: "We are delighted to support our colleagues in the UK and Irish travel sector by providing them with the tools to learn about our amazing destination and to assist them in their role when helping customers choose the perfect Florida holiday". The course was launched with an incentive prize offering. The first 50 who complete this short course will be placed into a draw with a chance to win a beach kit packed with branded items and essentials, ideal for long summer days on the sands of the Island. Amelia Island is part of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands, on Florida's Atlantic coast. It has a history of Spanish, French, British and American rule. Today it's a popular holiday destination known for its luxury resorts, golf courses and numerous sandy beaches. It is only three hours from Orlando Airport and measures 13 miles long and 2 miles wide.

Looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone? How about a trip to a peaceful barrier island where all the key amenities - fun activities, perfect places to dine or picnic, spa treatments, and strollable streets and shorelines – are right at your fingertips. Welcome to Amelia Island.  

DAY ONE

STAY

  Check in to the HOYT HOUSE in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, your home away from home for the next three days and the place where romance and history go hand in hand. Looking for a hotel on the beach? Book the ROMANCE PACKAGE at The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge and treat your loved one to a romantic getaway to be remembered.   INSIDER TIP: If you were thinking of popping the question, this would be the time to do it. The Hoyt House is the best place for your engagement or elopement plans. It's not their first rodeo.   

AL FRESCO LUNCH

  Kick off your weekend with lunch at THE BOAT HOUSE located downtown on S 2nd Street. The Boat House is a relaxed and playful dining environment with live entertainment outside on the patio, which is where you should sit. Share a dozen raw or baked oysters to start and sip on a glass of wine or one of their signature cocktails. Just about everything on the menu is delicious but the BBQ Salmon is a personal favorite along with the Hillbilly Fried Chicken sandwich. Polish all of that off just in time for dessert... A Warm Banana Pecan Roll made with bourbon, bananas, caramel and banana cream. Oh man.  

PEDAL POWER OR NOT

    Get to know Amelia Island a bit better by renting an electric bike for a day of island adventure. PEDEGO is located on the south end of the island and they will hook you up with a bike sure to make sure you feel like a kid again. The island provides a number of biking options from rugged trails winding past centuries-old live oaks and natural waterways to smooth scenic coastal paths, or even the beach. Hit the trails and pedal a while, then coast a while. What happens if you run out of juice, you ask? Well the short answer is, you can pedal. But the truth is your fanny will give out long before your electric bike does!  

DOWNTOWN DATE NIGHT

  The recently re-opened BEECH STREET GRILL has been a beloved favorite with visitors and locals alike for over 30 years! Located just behind The Hoyt House on Beech Street, the restaurant is as enchanting as the old Victorian home it sits in. To quote a recent diner, "Beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff and a number of delicious selections on the menu to choose from. Their charcuterie board is amazing as well as their desserts! Great place for date night, a friends and family outing, or you can even reserve a portion of the restaurant for celebrations." I couldn't have said it better myself. Whatever you do, try the drunken pineapple salad and the crab cakes.  

DAY TWO

GOOD MORNING FROM THE HOYT HOUSE

  Start day two off the right way - with the most important meal of the day coming right from the dining room of the HOYT HOUSE. There's nothing better than waking up to the awesome smells of breakfast cooking. Bacon, coffee and all the culinary early morning delights that the kitchen can bring. Guests of the Hoyt House are always well taken care of and breakfast is no exception. Load up. You've got a busy day ahead.  

CANDLE MAKING

  Hey, you know what pairs well with wine. Candle making. Yep, at PERFECT WICK CANDLE MAKERY & BAR you not only get to learn the art of candle making by making your very own candle, but you can also drink wine while you do it. Now that sounds like the perfect date. In addition to a full retail line of candles, Perfect Wick also sells melts and soaps all made from scratch in their store. This place smells seriously amazing. Make a candle and take home to always remind you of your romantic getaway on Amelia Island.  

LUXURY PICNIC BY THE SEA

    Who doesn't love a picnic and what it stands for. It's all about slowing down and taking time to pay attention to the food and to each other. Pair that with the natural beauty of Amelia Island and you've got yourself a scene right out of the movies. For a special occasion picnic, LUXE PICNICS BY LES has you covered with lavishly decorated, yet relaxed Bohemian picnics for small intimate gatherings while ELEVE EVENTS offers a variety of picnics for every budget and aesthetic. They take care of everything. You just show up and enjoy!  

LUCKY STRIKE

  You've heard of miniature golf but have you ever heard of miniature bowling? The latest craze to hit downtown Fernandina Beach is DUCK PINZ. It's like regular bowling but mini. The duck pinz balls are smaller and there are no finger holes in them and the pins are shorter and lighter than traditional bowling. Since it's pretty hard to get a strike, you are allowed 3 tries each turn. Other than that, it's the same as regular bowling and it's way too much fun. Also, did I mention that there's a craft cocktail and bourbon bar upstairs overlooking the "alley's"?  

CAFE KARIBO FOR THE WIN

    After hanging up your bowling shoes, walk next door to CAFE KARIBO for a unique, casual and affordable gourmet experience. Dine under the oaks on the beautiful patio or have a seat in the cafe with an fun palette of colors and furnishings. Cafe Karibo offers an eclectic menu of steak, seafood, pasta, and salads. INSIDER TIP: The Blackened Mahi topped with a Crab Cake is crazy good.   

DAY THREE

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

  One of the most popular places to enjoy an ice cold beer is Mocama Beer Company. But, we're talking breakfast, not happy hour. Enter MOCAMA COFFEE. Housed under the same cool roof as the brewery, the coffee side utilizes state-of-the-art coffee making equipment to deliver premium espressos, drips, pour overs and other signature items. Wake up! Wake up!  

BEACH HIKING AND CREEK KAYAKING

    One of the most romantic things to do on Amelia Island is to stroll on the BEACH with the one you love. You'd be surprised at how many plans and decisions have been made simply by breathing in the sea salty air and listening to the rhythmic sounds of the waves lapping against the shoreline. On this, your last full day, let's get in touch with mother nature. After your stroll, set up a tour with AMELIA ISLAND KAYAK EXCURSIONS. This award-winning family business offers guided kayak tours and rentals, and private motorboat tours. Experience Amelia Island’s waterways and Cumberland Island with fun and personable guides.  

FRENCH CONNECTION

    Have you been dreaming of Paris and all the wonderful foods you can get there? We have the next best thing right in downtown Fernandina Beach! Bon vivants will delight in the flavors of Provençal France at LECLOS. Chef/Owner Katherine Ewing received full degrees in both cuisine and pastry from Le Cordon Bleu and L’Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise Ritz-Escoffier, Paris, and trained at the Ritz Hotel, Paris, France. It's your last night. Let's make it memorable! INSIDER TIP: Enjoy the perfect vichyssoise, a cool, creamy delight on a sultry night.  

THE AFTER PARTY

  After dinner, wrap up your night at the THE FLORIDA HOUSE INN, the oldest active Inn in the state of Florida. The MERMAID BAR located inside The Florida House is a small, intimate bar featuring local beers, boutique wines, and handcrafted cocktails… like their signature Mermaid Slap made with some juices, various rums, and a couple of other things thrown in. Be careful, it will sneak up on ya.   These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Romantic Getaway. Discover more and plan your perfect trip on WWW.AMELIAISLAND.COM for a complete list of places to stay, eat and play. We’re looking forward to seeing you back here for years to come.

  If a trip to the beach is on your bucket list for the new year, we hope that you'll choose Amelia Island for that "fix". We have so much to see and do - with lots of sand to sink your toes in. In honor of National Plan For Vacation Day on January 25, here are 10 reasons to come to Amelia Island in 2022!  

1. Uncrowded Beaches

  Can’t wait to take a dip in the ocean? Amelia Island has thirteen miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches that are wide and accessible from many vantage points. There are so many places to unfold your chair, get a book out and soak up some much-needed vitamin D… all with the sound of the surf just steps away. Whether north, south, or central island, enjoy this flyover and find your favorite spot of sand. Ahhh.  

2. History and Mysteries

  It's no secret that our beautiful little speck of paradise was once a haven for some historical miscreants. Pirates, bootleggers, prostitutes and more roamed our island wreaking havoc over land and sea. Buried treasure, hidden rooms, and ghosts are just a few stories you'll hear on one of the many HISTORIC ISLAND TOURS and in one of FIVE MUSEUMS. Of course we also had some very upstanding folks that made our island home, they're just not quite as colorful. But, you'll learn about them too!  

3. Uncommon Goodies 

  Every town has a specialty foodie shop that locals and visitors flock to. Amelia Island has many. A few standouts: WATANUT makes delicious gourmet nut mixes and shortbread cookies by hand, from scratch, every. single. day. So delicious and, well, nutty. THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE of Fernandina Beach offers a great selection of spices, teas, salts and sugars all with recipies to boot, while AMELIA ISLAND TOFFEE took an old family recipe and turned it into a most delicious sweet treat, per their yummy attached video!  

4. Dining with a View

  The weather on Amelia Island is pretty awesome all year-round making it especially great for al fresco dining. And, lucky for you there is no shortage of OUTSTANDING EATERIES with al fresco dining. But, what about EPIC DINING VIEWS? Great views will take the food, beverage, company and experience up a notch or two. From a AAA, 5 Diamond ocean front dinner at SALT restaurant to casual rooftop oysters on the half shell at SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, the choice and the view is yours.  

5. Creative Juices

  For such a small island, the ARTS & CULTURE scene here is bursting with creativity. Take selfies next to the butterfly wall at the Visitor's Center, create your own wall-worthy masterpiece at PAISLEY GRACE MAKERY, or check out several studios on the monthly ARTRAGEOUS ARTWALK where participating island art galleries host monthly art events.  Guests can peruse photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, and more.  

6. Nature Nurture

  If you're always full speed ahead, slow it down and enjoy all the beauty and serenity Amelia Island has to offer from the deck of a paddleboard, kayak, canoe or surf board. WATER SPORTS on Amelia Island are available all year round but in the winter months when things move just a little bit slower, you can really experience all the beauty around you.  

7. Cool Local Watering Holes

  Amelia Island is loaded (no pun intended) with eclectic places to partake in adult beverages. Everything from craft breweries and taverns to a distillery and a funky beer & wine garden named after a guy that wears pajamas all day. Nope, I'm not making that up. Pub crawling on Amelia Island has never been more fun or more entertaining. Read all about it HERE.  

8. Hit the trails

  There's something about BIKING under a tree-lined canopy that brings out the kid in everyone. Check into Fort Clinch where bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. These nature trails not only allow you to pedal through civil war history but also observe native plants and wildlife. Pedal through EGAN'S CREEK GREENWAY to see nature up close and personal or jump on the AMELIA ISLAND TRAILS that run from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park or the newest Amelia River to Sea Trail that runs from Crane Island to the beach.  

9. Hit the Links

  Amelia Island is a true golfer's paradise for players of every skill level so gather your friends together and "fore"get about going anywhere else. With 99 holes challenging yet picturesque golf holes, the CHOICE OF COURSE is yours. Some of the world’s best golf architects – Dye, Fazio, Palmer, and Weed – have partnered with Mother Nature herself, creating some of the region’s best golf out of the island’s beautiful natural landscape. From undulating greens, marsh front holes and oak-lined fairways, the links of Amelia Island offer irresistible play for golfers of every skill level.  

10. Go All Inn!

  Take advantage of National Plan For Vacation Day with these special offers from a trio of top-rated Amelia Island inns: The AMELIA SCHOOLHOUSE INN is a boutique hotel blending the original luster of the past with the modern amenities of today. Enjoy 15% off nightly rates in a classic room for a single night stay (Sunday-Thursday) between Jan. 25 and June 1. The offer must be booked on Jan. 25. Book online or call 904-310-6264. The BLUE HERON INN is a 19th-century home transformed into a beautiful bed & breakfast in Amelia Island’s historic district offering a fourth night free for guests who book a three-night stay. Includes breakfast for two, afternoon social hour, and use of gardens and pool. Book by calling 904-445-9044. Known for having something for everyone, the RESIDENCE INN AMELIA ISLAND is treating guests to a one-bedroom suite with complimentary hot breakfast buffet for just $139 per night. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary shuttle around the island. Book online or call 904-277-2440. *All promotions are limited to availability and subject to blackout dates and cannot be combined with other offers.

  Amelia Island's charming bed & breakfast inns are picture perfect in every way with secret gardens, shady courtyards, porch swings and rockers, fountains, stately architecture, and distinctive decor. Each award-winning property offers daily breakfasts, afternoon happy hours, lodging packages, and loads of history. All are just steps away from bustling downtown Fernandina Beach with restaurants, shops, sightseeing tours, activities and nightlife. Take a look at each inn below and then schedule your romantic getaway to one of these renowned historic beauties.  

ADDISON ON AMELIA

  Welcome to The Addison on Amelia Island where the elegance of a bygone era is blended with the amenties, services, and conveniences that today's traveler expects. Three antebellum-style buildings surround the courtyard with a fountain, lush gardens, and brick pathways. The veranda, overlooking the courtyard is the social center of the inn where guests enjoy gourmet breakfasts and evening social hours, with complimentary beverages and appetizers. The inn also features complimentary bicycles, and beach gear! The Addison on Amelia Island was awarded Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for 2020 based on the high number of extremely positive guest reviews. 614 Ash Street - (904) 277-1604  

AMELIA ISLAND WILLIAMS HOUSE

  Escape to Amelia Island Williams House, circa 1856, for rest, relaxation, and plenty of pampering. Beautifully appointed guestrooms combine old-world attention to details with all the modern amenities. Sweeping verandas, lush gardens, fireplaces, fresh baked cookies, and whirlpool tubs are some of the extras you can expect here. Gourmet breakfast is served every morning in the dining room, and guests can also enjoy a social hour with wine and appetizers each evening. Grab a complimentary bike and pedal downtown for shopping or right across the street to FIRST LOVE BREWING, a microbrewery offering 20 rotating taps and super yummy pizza. 103 South 9th Street - (904) 277-2328  

BLUE HERON INN

  Immerse yourself in elegant comfort as you unwind at this beautifully restored, three-story 1904 home. Imagine sipping a cup of morning coffee on the wrap-around porch as your enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast, or relax poolside with your favorite beverage during a nightly social hour. The Inn boasts six exquisitely decorated, spacious guest rooms, all with private baths, and some featuring Jacuzzi or claw-foot tubs. Enjoy the tranquility of the private gardens and pool. Fresh-baked cookies and extra amenities await you. 102 South 7th Street - (904) 445-9034  

FAIRBANKS HOUSE

  Fairbanks House is an adult-focused, upscale inn offering attentive hospitality to romantics, ladies groups, vacationers and weary travellers. Spacious rooms, suites and cottages are thoughtfully outfitted with a combination of modern amenities and tranquil decor to let guests unwind in their choice of styles. The mansion, cottages and pool rest on an environmentally-friendly landscaped acre dotted with organic produce, butterfly gardens, old oaks and a gazebo. The Fairbanks House was featured in The Best Romantic Escapes in Florida and awarded membership in Select Registry for fourteen consecutive years. 227 South 7th Street - (904) 277-0500  

FLORIDA HOUSE INN

  Located in the very heart of downtown Fernandina Beach sits the oldest surviving hotel in the state of Florida and the matriarch of the historic district. Built in 1857, The Florida House Inn is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed as a railroad boarding house, the inn has since been restored into an eclectic mix of vintage charm and southern hospitality making it a very unique bed and breakfast. Guests can dine in the attached restaurant, Leddy's Porch or enjoy a cocktail in the charming Mermaid Bar. Large wrap around porches, private and a beautifully landscaped garden and courtyard make it a great spot for weddings, conferences, and other special events. 22 South 3rd Street - (904) 491-3322

HOYT HOUSE

  The Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast is your home away from home! The beautiful historic 1905 Victorian mansion is rich in historic architecture, surrounded by lush gardens, a wraparound porch and 250-year old oak trees. The Hoyt House boasts ten luxuriously-appointed guestrooms, each with private bath. Start your day with our made-to-order three course breakfast and end your day with our afternoon social hour of complimentary wine and appetizers while making new friends.  Hoyt House's southern hospitality is sure to have your coming back time and time again. 804 Atlantic Avenue - (904) 277-4300 Are one of these gorgeous inn's calling your name? Learn more about all the places you can STAY on Amelia Island.