On the lookout for an inexpensive weekend getaway that’s excellent for singles, {couples}, or households with younger kids? In that case, I’ve obtained a vacation spot it’s essential take a look at! My husband, daughter, and I not too long ago spent three days in Amelia Island, Florida… and I can safely say that it’s a complete vibe.
Not accustomed to Amelia Island, Florida? Similar right here! Honestly, I had by no means even heard of the place till the tourism board reached out to say they’d like to host us. We didn’t hesitate to say sure as a result of, regardless of many visits to the Sunshine State– I even rented a spot in Miami Seaside for a month earlier this 12 months– my Florida travels hardly ever take me farther north than Orlando.
That is seemingly the case for you, too, so let me introduce you to Amelia Island, Florida. Named after Princess Amelia of England, Amelia Island is positioned within the northern a part of the state and is barely a 40 minute drive from Jacksonville (which, enjoyable truth, is known as after former US president Andrew Jackson). Recognized for its nature, wildlife, sand dunes, and 13 miles of gorgeous seashores, the island is for individuals from all walks of life searching for a relaxed, but adventurous getaway.
Fortunately, touring to Amelia Island could be very simple inside the US. It’s a mere 2 hour flight from NYC, which makes it an incredible weekend journey. If planes aren’t your factor, it’s additionally a brief scenic drive from main cities within the South (for instance, it’s a 2.5 hour drive from Savannah, Georgia).
Issues to Do in Amelia Island, Florida
Now that you recognize the place Amelia Island is positioned, you’re seemingly questioning the right way to cross the time as soon as there. So with none additional ado, listed below are my suggestions for issues to do in Amelia Island, Florida:
Horseback experience on the seashore. This was my absolute favourite expertise of my keep! I went to Kelly Seahorse Ranch and did an hour-long guided experience alongside the water. Whereas I’m an enormous fan of animals, views of the turquoise waters breaking towards the nice white sand made the experience all of the extra pleasurable. What an beautiful expertise.
Kayak tour. We stayed on the Omni Amelia Island Resort (extra on that later) they usually supply excursions of the marsh by way of kayak and SUP. The waters have been calm, so the kayaking was far more stress-free that I initially thought it might be. 10/10 suggest.
Benefit from the seashore. As I discussed above, Amelia Island has 13 miles of seashores, so it was a no brainer to spend a while there. The waves are fairly calm and the water is comparatively shallow, which makes it a beautiful possibility for youths to splash round in. The sand can also be nice for constructing castles, or, when you’re my daughter, claw by means of the sand and throw it round. Talking of Kira, she beloved the seashore SO a lot that she cried each time we needed to depart!
Discover downtown Amelia Island. Heart Avenue is tremendous quaint, photogenic, and has wonderful boutique procuring. When you’re there, take a look at the Museum of Historical past— it’s small however has a lot of interactive shows that your youngsters are certain to take pleasure in.
Get a therapy on the Ritz Carlton. As somebody struggling to stability motherhood with a really busy profession, some self-care was much-needed on this journey! I had an Ocean Therapeutic Therapeutic massage therapy on the Ritz Carlton which included a 30-minute therapeutic bathtub, sea salt full physique exfoliation, and a heat salt stone therapeutic massage. All I’ve to say is that this: Oneika examined, Oneika accredited!
Eat at Timoti’s Seafood Shak. It’s no shock that Amelia Island has superb seafood given its location. Nonetheless, I’ve to shout out Timoti’s as it’s the bomb! With a mouth-watering menu that runs the gamut from clam chowder to lobster rolls, there are tasty treats for everybody (in addition to non-seafood choices for many who fancy them). There’s superior patio seating and Kira particularly loved the hooked up playground.
The place to Eat in Amelia Island
Talking of eats, there are not any scarcity of spots to get fabulous fabulous meals in Amelia Island. Along with Timoti’s, listed below are just a few others you need to take a look at throughout your keep:
Kitchen 251. Positioned within the Amelia Island Marina, this informal spot was my husband’s favourite restaurant of the journey! It serves up Cajun fare and the portion sizes are massive– simply the best way we like ‘em.
Lagniappe. The delicacies right here is distinctly Southern with a French Creole twist.
Coquina. This restaurant on the Ritz Carlton is nice for tapas, however you’ll be blown away by the seashore views.
Espana. The restaurant’s identify provides a nod to the nation of Spain but in addition options Portuguese delicacies. The meals is great and the patio is totally beautiful. We beloved it!
The place to Keep in Amelia Island
Our dwelling away from dwelling for our Floridian getaway was none aside from the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Unfold out over 1,350 acres of nature, the resort provided every thing our little hearts desired. Whereas I like reserving lodging that’s proper on the seashore, little Miss Kira was such an enormous fan of the Omni’s splash pad that I’m going to make a acutely aware choice to e-book inns which have one any more! Since she will’t swim but, the pad was the right method for her to chill down and have enjoyable. Even higher was having the ability to control her from our non-public cabana which was proper subsequent to the pad… 😉 As I mentioned, our little trio completely loved our time on the Omni and suggest it in your subsequent journey to Amelia Island.
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The Takeaway
In order our weekend in Amelia Island taught us, Florida is SOOOOO far more than Orlando, Miami, and The Keys! Amelia Island is a superb little vacation spot with a great deal of issues to do, so hopefully now it’s in your radar.
Have you ever ever heard of Amelia Island? In that case, have you ever been earlier than?
