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When those within a short driving distance want a quick escape, many head to the quaint destination that encompasses 13 miles of Atlantic beach, Amelia Island. Many in the know try to keep quiet about the tucked-away island to have it all to themselves. The pace is slow and relaxed— everyone is on island time, and evenings are best spent enjoying the sunset overlooking the water.
The southernmost of the Sea Island chain, Amelia Island mostly draws in visitors because of its wide beaches lined with 40-foot, sea-oat-flecked dunes. But there’s more to do on the sand than just lay out.
The Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve’s Boneyard Beach offers a stunning, stark backdrop for photographers with 30-foot bluffs and huge driftwood trees scattered along the shore. Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida state park to allow horseback riding on the sand. American Beach is a historic haven established by A.L. Lewis, co-founder/president of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era.
For land-based activities, the island offers five golf courses (more off island), tennis, boating, fishing, kayaking, walking tours, bike/walk paths, parks and much more! Running from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park, the scenic Amelia Island Trial is part of the East Coast Greenway network that stretches from Florida to Maine.
Be sure to venture to the Northern part of the island by the downtown marina along the Amelia River, also known as Fernandina Beach. Fernandina Beach provides a 50-block National Historic District. Stroll the charming downtown to see a mix of Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic Revival and Victorian architecture, and locally owned/operated shops and restaurants.
Whatever your desire, Amelia Island has something for the soul wanting a slower pace to kick back and just relax … it’s the island way!
If you want a destination that’s easy to get to (30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport) and a little off the beaten path, then come visit Amelia Island and stay with us at Sand Dollar Vacation Rentals! We hope to see you soon!
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