10 Reasons To Travel To Amelia Island In The New Year

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022 0

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

pirate, bootlegger, amelia island, downtown fernandina beach

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

Salt Life, Oceanfront restaurant, ocean view, food, seafood

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

kayak, kayaking, leisure, water,

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

biking, leisure, Egans Creek Greenway, nature,

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 TRAIL S 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!

amelia schoolhouse inn, inn, historic, historic inn, downtown fernandina beach

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.