In 2024, our team at Destination Amelia Vacation Rentals held our 2nd Amelia Island Photo Contest to celebrate another year of incredible guests and their experiences on Amelia Island. The annual contest, which launches in the fall, invites travelers to share their best trip photos from their recent stay with us before the new year arrives. Our team loved receiving so many excellent entries and is now thrilled to announce the winners!
1) Beach Scenes Category
The first photo contest category was Beach Scenes: images of Amelia Island’s pristine coastline. We received entries featuring our guests walking in the sand, their children and grandchildren splashing in the waves, seagulls soaring, and golden sunrises. Without further ado, Maureen Beytagh of Ohio is our Beach Scenes Category Winner with this classic scene of a soft Amelia Island sunset with pink hues. Beytagh shared, “I walk to this location every day, as it is one of our favorites on the island. We were happy to share this photo with all of you!”
2) Landmarks Category
The second photo contest category was Landmarks and guests were welcome to send their photos of recognizable Amelia Island landmarks such as historic homes and sites. We received some stunning entries of the marina in downtown Fernandina Beach and of Walker’s Landing in the Amelia Island Plantation, which is home to an ancient burial mound dating back to the Timucuan Indians. Congratulations to Bess McCall of South Carolina for this submission of Fort Clinch! In her snapshot, you can see the large scope of the fort’s design and its positioning on Cumberland Sound. A row of cannons points across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia and are silent testimony to the strategic importance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War.
3) Enjoying A Destination Amelia Rental Category
The third photo contest category was entitled Enjoying a Destination Amelia rental! Our favorite entry was a peaceful image entered by Steve Dubanoski of his view while “enjoying the sunset from the rear patio of 2129 Beach Wood.”
All three of these category winners receive a $100 gift certificate that’s applicable towards a stay anytime with Destination Amelia.
4) Grand Prize Winner!
Now we are thrilled to announce the Grand Prize Winner of our 2024 Amelia Island Photo Contest …. Crystal Thomas of Connecticut with this sunrise image! Our team loved how her photograph captures that quiet, breathtaking time of day when the first morning light is cresting the horizon. We love the warm orange and yellow glow and how the boardwalk directs your eyes up the path, past the dunes, to the ocean. Crystal will now get to enjoy a 3-night vacation at one of our Destination Amelia vacation rentals for free! Major congratulations to Crystal!
Eager to make your own Amelia Island memories? Are you ready to sink your toes into the appalachian-quartz sand and linger along our 13 miles of pristine beaches? Don’t delay and book one of our Amelia Island vacation rentals today!
This week our team was happy to welcome over 30 of our monthly winter guests to our first Snowbird Social! The local and delicious Meal Ease Market catered breakfast sandwiches, a gluten-free casserole, and huge chocolate chip cookies, which all paired nicely with Starbucks coffee and orange juice as guests and staff mingled.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we not only wanted to “show the love” to our guests, many of whom have returned to enjoy extended stays at our Amelia Island vacation rentals multiple years, but we also wanted to ask what they love about Amelia Island too. They were happy to share the love for Amelia Island and listed the following reasons why our coastal retreat has captured their hearts:
“I love Amelia! The weather, amenities, restaurants in Fernandina, shopping downtown, & bike trails too!” ~ Chris F. from Maryland
“Amelia River Cruises! We take all our family out when they visit!” ~ Tom M. from Michigan
“Amelia Island has great places to walk the dog! Beautiful beaches AND marshes!” ~ Anonymous
“I love the PEOPLE on Amelia Island! They are very friendly and totally inclusive. Feels like home.” ~ Susan M. from Virginia
“The beautiful walking trails and also the beaches of course!” ~ Anonymous
“The people here are just amazing, and there are lots of bike trails that are well maintained.” ~ Anonymous
“We have been coming to Amelia for 16-18 years because we love it so much! We appreciate the dog-friendly policy and all the people! Destination Amelia has been more than kind to us!! We hope to return to these beautiful beaches.” ~ Wendy and George P. from Michigan
Perhaps our guest Cheryl S. from Georgia summed up what many other guests felt: “Everything!”
Amelia Island has been a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike for centuries, receiving countless travel awards. Just last year, Global Traveler Magazine “shared the love” by ranking Amelia Island the #1 Best Island in the U.S. Also, it ranked #2 in The Best Islands in the Continental U.S. in the 2024 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards and #1 of Florida’s Best Small Beach Towns in Travel Curator in 2023.
Come experience it for yourself and book a stay at one of our Amelia Island vacation rentals today!
While the spring and summer months continue to be abuzz with families, couples, and businesspeople visiting, those who come to Amelia Island in the fall and winter know these seasons can be just as wonderful, if not actually better than their popular counterparts.
We’ve looked at the main reasons to visit Amelia Island in the winter before and those reasons have not changed – fewer crowds, the temperate weather, many outdoor recreational options, and Amelia Island Restaurant Week every January. However, there are more reasons than you might first imagine as to why Amelia Island is a coveted location for those temporarily relocating to warmer weather during the cooler months.
First, Amelia Island is unlike any other place in the United States and is rich in history and heritage. For full-on history buffs or those who just love a good backstory, come escape to the only place in the country that has had 8 flags fly over it. The island, which was named for a princess, was once where Native Americans lived, pirates plundered, gilded age millionaires frolicked and dwelled, and African-Americans came as a refuge from segregation. Where better to start than the Amelia Island Museum of History? It exhibits various stages of Amelia Island history in the old Nassau County Jail near historic downtown Fernandina Beach. The super affordable museum offers various tours around the island. Don’t miss Ron Miller’s Coast One Black Historical Tours, guiding you to historic sites like American Beach, Fernandina Beach, and Kingsley Plantation.
Second, some neat Amelia Island events happen during the cooler months, like the Amelia Chamber Music Festival and Amelia Island Book Festival that take place during the winter.
Foodies will want to save the dates for the Omni Amelia Island Resort’s annual Fish to Fork experience and the younger Amelia Island Cookout hosted by the Ritz-Carlton during the shoulder seasons.
Third, these cooler fall and winter months are also the most fair choice for donning those long-sleeve, sun-shielding golf polos to hit the many prestigious golf courses on and near Amelia Island.
Amelia River is known for its incredibly smooth TifEagle greens, the Fernandina Beach Golf Club is known as one of the most popular municipal golf courses in the Southeast, and the Oak Marsh Golf Course is regarded most for its resort setting boasting tight fairways and small greens.
Fourth, the cooler weather and less-busy seasons also mean less competition for reserving tennis lessons, booking fishing charters with professional guides, or getting kayak rentals for a slow paddle through the marsh.
There are so many ways to have fun on Amelia Island waterways and no reservations are needed for these leisurely activities on Amelia Island!
Fifth, Amelia Island is the ultimate home base for explorers looking to plan and enjoy frequent day trips! Just south of the Florida-Georgia border, Amelia Island has convenient access to the coastlines in both states and is only a short drive from central Florida spots like Ginnie Springs, Mount Dora and Micanopy. If traveling north into Georgia, you can be at the Golden Isles within about an hour. St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Jekyll Island are some of Georgia’s most beautiful vacation destinations and they are all a day trip from Amelia Island! The iconic city of Savannah is so close you could easily reach it before lunchtime. Want to head south? The First Coast’s many attractions await, including downtown Jacksonville, Marineland, and St. Augustine, which is probably the top day trip from Amelia Island because this historic town offers so much to do and see. Then there’s Cumberland Island, the beautiful, protected barrier island just north of Amelia Island. There are no mechanized vehicles allowed and nearly 10,000 acres of federally protected wilderness in the park, with great shelling, picturesque ruins, and wild horses.
Book a cooler-weather getaway with us today! Destination Amelia offers a variety of short-term vacation rentals on Amelia Island, perfect for a quick visit or even an extended stay.
Whether you are celebrating your honeymoon or just looking to escape on a date night with your partner on Amelia Island, here are a few romantic things to do that will kindle the right sparks with your loved one! Get ready for a charming atmosphere, delicious meals, sunset walks, and a lot more!
Classic Sunset Beach Walk:
If you are looking for a special, classic Sunset Beach Walk, you are in luck! Amelia Island offers beautiful and serene beaches, where you can spend time with your partner. Take a step back and enjoy the gorgeous sunset colors, peaceful atmosphere, and your loved one. (Extra tip: If you and your loved one are enjoying a full romantic getaway and not just a date night, don’t miss the opportunity to see the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean too! Sleeping in is nice, but watching a new day dawn together is an unforgettable experience with your toes in the sand!)
Visit the Fernandina Beach Historic District:
Be sure to put the Fernandina Beach Historic District on your list when planning a date night. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, and it is a great place to spend an afternoon or even two. The sunset views from the marina are hard to beat. History buffs will enjoy strolling the side streets and finding all the historic markers that summarize the days long past. Art aficionados should plan to visit for the second Saturday of each month, when participating galleries host free art events and open houses during the Artrageous Artwalk. Then everyone can appreciate the district’s architectural gems. Did you know the National Register of Historic Places recognizes and protects 50 blocks and 400 structures in downtown Fernandina Beach? Clearly Amelia Island’s historic downtown has much to showcase for those who love to explore and experience new places! This is why Coastal Living‘s readers voted Fernandina Beach as the Best Historic Downtown and #4 Happiest Seaside Town. Perfect for a date night!
Book an Amelia Island Trolley Tour:
One fantastic way to see the historic district, learn some interesting facts about the island, and enjoy some leisurely time with your special loved one is to hop onboard with Anchor Trolley and Transport, formerly Amelia Island Trolleys. Their experienced driver will take passengers around the city, plus up to Olde Town and parts of Fernandina Beach’s north end. Book your trolley ride today! For those adventure seekers wanting a faster, more thrilling way to explore, Amelia Island Board Rentals offers electric skateboard tours on the seashore with guides, at American Beach, or around the historic district. Or couples can rent a 2-passenger, fully-electric FUV (fun utility vehicle) to go sightseeing through them. Check it out here!
Amelia Island Horseback Riding:
Horseback riding on the beach is a wonderful experience and very different from riding on a mountain trail. You will enjoy the sea breeze in your hair and dramatic views of the ocean from atop your steed. This is a truly unique opportunity through Amelia Island Horseback Riding, which offers daily rides from Peters Point Beachfront Park!
Dinner Date on Amelia Island:
If sunset walks, trolley tours, and horseback riding are not your kind of romance, Amelia Island offers a dizzying range of fantastic restaurants, where you can take your date and enjoy an exquisite atmosphere and delicious food. For the really special occasions, Salt (one of the restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island) is one of only two AAA 5 diamond restaurants in the entire state of Florida — there are only 49 AAA 5 diamond restaurants in the entire U.S. for 2022!
If you love and crave fresh fish and shrimp, be sure to explore all the fantastic Amelia Island Seafood Restaurants during your visit! You will not only enjoy delicious meals, but also fun and relaxing atmospheres! Take a look at some of our recommendations below and get ready to Indulge Your Seafood Craving on Amelia Island!
On The Beach:
Sliders Seaside Grill
Enjoy this absolutely awesome, oceanfront tiki bar and restaurant. You will find a fantastic view, delicious food, and fun entertainment. Food Menu in the link.
The Sandbar & Kitchen
Don’t miss the Happy Hour seven days a week! Every day between 3 and 6 pm, The Sandbar & Kitchen offers great deals on wine, beer, and drinks! Check out the outstanding Food Menu!
Salt Life Food Shack
Welcome to Salt Life Food Shack (pictured above)! You will find a laidback atmosphere, delicious meals, passionate staff, and a lot more! Check out the Menu.
The Surf Restaurant & Bar
Absolutely tasty food combined with live entertainment and an enviable location right on the beach. Click for Menu information.
Fernandina Beach Historic District:
The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
Think about a rich variety of delicious food combined with a top location in the Historic District and you got The Salty Pelican Bar & Grill! You will discover flavorful food and breathtaking sunsets! Menu in the link and picture of oysters below.
The Crab Trap
Get ready for this newly-renovated seafood mainstay, which serves peel-and-eat shellfish and fried fare. Come enjoy its bustling, wharf-like atmosphere and 1876 building. Check out this fantastic Menu!
Kitchen 251
Kitchen 251 specializes in down-home comfort food. You will not only enjoy delicious eats, but you will also have fantastic views of the marina while dining. Check out the Menu!
Timoti’s Seafood Shack
Experience Timoti’s Seafood Shack! You will find a combination of fresh, local seafood and a fun, casual atmosphere. Picture fish tacos, lobster rolls and other fin fare served on an outdoor patio with a kids play area. Be sure to check out the Menu!
Brett’s Waterway Cafe
Located right on the Fernandina Harbor and Marina on the Amelia River, this restaurant brings awesome vibes and fantastic eats. It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset!
Mid-or Off-Island:
Down Under Restaurant
You can’t go wrong with the Down Under Restaurant if you are looking for a fishing camp vibe. This relaxed option is tucked under the main bridge coming onto the island and serves customers on a dock with indoor-outdoor seating! Take a peek at the Menu.
Shucker’s Oyster Bar
Did you say fresh oysters? This upbeat eatery has with beautiful marshside views and is family friendly with a kids playground. The Menu is stacked!