Where to Stay on Amelia Island (Best Areas & Places)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay on Amelia Island

Amelia Island is mostly split into North and South, with several neighborhoods in between. On the North end of Amelia Island are Fernandina Beach and Old Town, while the South is home to Franklintown and American Beach. 

Amelia Island is generally easy to navigate and there are many great options for where to stay. Whether it’s a hotel or a rental, options are rarely far apart.

Fernandina Beach

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Fernandina Beach Hotels: Amelia Island Williams House • Sea Cottages of Amelia • Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Fernandina Beach is the heart of Amelia Island and has one of the best beaches in Florida. Found in the north end, it has Victorian-era architecture and a friendly, quiet atmosphere.

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Go horseback riding, take a guided boat tour with Amelia Adventures, or enjoy one of the outstanding golf options. From River Cruises to Windward Sailing, outdoor activities are varied and easy to find.

History lovers should visit Fort Clinch State Park and the Amelia Island Museum of History. I also recommend taking a tour with Amelia Island Historic Tours.

A variety of historic buildings have been turned into places to stay. I recommend the Amelia Island Williams House. It’s a beautiful, high-rated property in a great location. For those looking for a more affordable option, Sea Cottages of Amelia is only a five-minute walk to the beach.

Pros of Staying in Fernandina Beach:

• Easy to walk downtown
• Pristine beaches
• Great local food
• Lots of outdoor activities

Cons of Staying in Fernandina Beach:

• Hotels can be pricey
• You’ll want to bring or rent a vehicle

American Beach

👉 Best Area For History Lovers | ✨ Best American Beach Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island • Beachside Motel – Amelia Island 

American Beach is a historic area found on the south end of Amelia Island. Along with its beautiful dunes and local food, there’s a rich history here. American Beach was founded by Florida’s first black millionaire in 1935 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

American Beach has plenty of rental options, but the hotels are a little limited. For a stellar place to stay, I recommend the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. It’s a five-minute drive north and is very well-rated. 

For a more budget-friendly option and only ten minutes from American Beach, the Beachside Motel – Amelia Island has excellent reviews and is extremely close by.

American Beach is also home to Nana Dune, the largest dune in Florida. Other attractions and landmarks include Ervin’s Rest and Evans Rendezvous.

Pros of Staying in American Beach:

• Rich history to explore
• Beautiful beach
• Proximity to the rest of Amelia Island

Cons of Staying in American Beach:

• Fewer hotel options
• Fewer food options

Franklintown

👉 Best Area For Food | ✨ Best Franklintown Hotels: Omni Amelia Island Resort • The Villas of Amelia Island

Found on the south end of the Island, Franklintown is a friendly community with multiple nearby attractions and high-end restaurants. It’s near the Amelia Island Club and local villas and hotels.

Franklintown is towards the bottom of Amelia Island but is still only a short drive from the majority of attractions. If you’re visiting for the first time, explore Racquet Park and Drummond Point Park. Also, Amelia Island State Park can be found south of Franklintown, at the bottom of the island.

The food in the area is some of the best on the island. I recommend the restaurant and gourmet shop Marché Burette and the aviation-themed Falcon’s Nest. But between steakhouses and seafood restaurants, Franklintown has something for everyone.

If you’re staying in Franklintown, I recommend the Omni Amelia Island Resort. It has beachfront views and a private beach area. Amelia Island State Park and the Golf Club of Amelia Island are short drives from the hotel.

Pros of Staying in Franklintown:

• Great nearby restaurants
• Quiet
• Good hotels

Cons of Staying in Franklintown:

• Can be pricey
• Further south than other popular areas on the island

Tips for Staying on Amelia Island

Make Reservations

Amelia Island is home to tons of great restaurants. However, these great restaurants can get extremely busy, especially near the Fernandina Beach area or the high-end restaurants near Franklintown.

Know the Rules of the Beaches

The beaches have rulesets and guidelines to follow. Before driving a vehicle or bringing pets, look into the rules the beaches in the area may have.

Have an Itinerary

Amelia Island isn’t a huge place, but it does have a long and varied history, and there are tons of beautiful activities to do outdoors. Whether you’re a beach-goer or a history buff, having an itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.

Watch the Weather

Depending on when you visit Florida, the weather can be erratic. Whether it’s a heat warning or heavy rainfall, you’ll want to be prepared.

Plan Transportation

The area  has no public transport, so a rental car or a third party has to be used when traveling the island.

Explore Nearby Areas

Amelia Island is beautiful and has plenty to offer, but while you’re in the area, I recommend visiting historic St. Augustine or Jacksonville. Or maybe you want to take a short drive from Fernandina to St. Mary, Georgia. Whatever it may be, it’s worth seeing if there’s anything nearby that interests you.

Check Out the Local Businesses

Amelia Island has several great local businesses. Bookstores, bakeries, antiques, and much more can be found, especially in the downtown Fernandina area.

Pack for the Beaches

It can’t be overstated how bright hot Florida gets. Pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks if you’re spending the day outdoors.

FAQs About Where to Stay on Amelia Island

What are the best areas to stay in Amelia Island for first-timers?

Fernandina Beach is historic, relatively walkable, and a quiet and beautiful vacation destination. For first-time visitors, it’s a fantastic area to stay on Amelia Island.

What are safe areas to stay on Amelia Island?

Amelia Island as a whole is generally safe, with the areas near Old Town Fernandina considered the safest. Follow the regular safety guidelines you would when traveling anywhere.

What are the best parts of Amelia Island to stay in for a long stay?

Both Fernandina Beach and Franklintown have good hotel and villa options to accommodate a lengthy stay. If you’d rather rent for a more homey feel, American Beach has plenty of good options when it comes to rentals.

What are the best parts of Amelia Island to stay with kids?

Families will enjoy Fernandina Beach the most. With its proximity to the beach, variety of places to stay, friendly and quiet atmosphere, and outdoor activities and local tours, it’s easy to find something to keep young ones happy and occupied.

What are the best parts of Amelia Island to stay on a budget?

Amelia Island can be pricey. Looking for a rental south of Fernandina Beach or leaning more towards American Beach could prove a better option than even the more budget-friendly hotels.

What are the best parts of Amelia Island to stay for a weekend?

Fernandina Beach has the best places to stay overall, but I recommend The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, near American Beach, to stay for a weekend.

***

Thank you for reading my guide on where to stay on Amelia Island! I hope I was able to help you narrow down your choices in this beautiful and underrated destination. If you’re looking for other nearby areas to stay or explore, check out my guide on where to stay in Jacksonville!