Last week I ventured off to Amelia Island with my pal Rhiana. We had the absolute best time soaking up some sunshine (right before Rhi got engaged too!)! I received a few questions about our favorites on the island so I thought I’d share it all in one easy place for you!
First things first, make sure to rent a car! The island really doesn’t have any ride shares and the airport is about 40 minutes away, you’ll definitely need a car to get around to some of my favorite spots.
Where to stay? We stayed at Springhill Suites by Marriot and highly recommend! They just opened in May so everything is brand spanking new and clean. Their staff (literally all of them from check-in to breakfast waitstaff to bartenders by the pool) was so friendly, welcoming and helpful! The pool is spacious and so nice, we spent hours outside soaking up the sun and it’s just across the street from the beach. I have also stayed at the Omni a few years back and loved that as well. The Omni isn’t downtown but they have everything you need there from multiple shops, restaurants and spas.
Where to eat? The Ritz, this place is picture perfect! We ate lunch at Coquina and it is such a vibe! Beautiful but also delicious Spanish inspired food. I went with the chips and guacamole and tuna bowl. Our first night we had dinner at Salt Life Food Shack which is walkable from our hotel. It’s a causal vibe with two floors and views of the ocean. The food was delicious and the staff fun and welcoming. We shared the loaded nachos and I ate the tuna poke bowl. The cocktails were so good! Get the pain killers (always a vacation favorite). Lastly, checkout The Boat House, it’s downtown and often has live music. It’s fun to shop around town, visit the marina then dine there.
What to do? You know I’m a Lilly Pulitzer fan so shopping at the Lilly store at The Ritz is a must, it’s small but has a great selection! Visit The Omni and their many shops to do some shopping for everything from men’s and women’s clothing to decor and more. Downtown Fernandina is full of so many cute boutiques you can’t miss!
Feeling adventurous? Amelia Island Adventures is who we booked our kayak tour with! As novice kayakers we felt comfortable, capable and had a great time paddling our way downstream and taking in the natural beauty of Amelia Island.
Any questions? Feel free to email me!
