Located in the far northeastern corner of the state at the Georgia border, Amelia Island was one of Florida's first resorts, drawing visitors back in the 1800s. Today, it retains some of that Victorian atmosphere—one of its best assets. The city of
Fernandina Beach has some appealing old homes in the historic district, and you can stop in for a drink at what's said to be the oldest bar in Florida, the Palace Saloon. The island's other selling points are its quiet stretches of forests and dunes that have been preserved, in part, because earlier residents built around—rather than on top of—the dunes, salt marshes, savannas and lagoons.
At the northern end of the island is Fort Clinch State Park, where a popular activity is bicycling. It was built for the Civil War, and today re-enactors dressed in period costume provide entertaining tours for visitors. The fort also provides a good vantage point to view Georgia's Cumberland Island. Other options include riding a horse along the beach or spending a couple of days relaxing at the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton, the Amelia Island Plantation resort (a popular golfing destination), the family-run, 27-room Elizabeth Pointe Lodge or one of the dozen restored bed-and-breakfasts on the island. The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival takes place in Fernandina Beach each May; it features the blessing of the shrimp-boat fleet and a salute to the region's eight-flag history.
Amelia Island is 155 mi/250 km north of Orlando.