Amelia Island: Northeastern Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Many families take advantage of cheap flights to Florida for the big attractions like Nickelodeon Studios or Walt Disney World Resort, but often the fun is cut short after spending most of the day fighting crowds and waiting it what seem like endless lines. So where can a family go in Florida to enjoy themselves?  Most families draw a blank at that question, but what they don’t know is the best family getaway is just northeast of Orlando, known as Amelia Island.

Amelia Island is a 20 minute drive from Jacksonville, Florida. Families stepping off flights can rent a car or even take a bus up to the island. The island has two beach resorts - both of which are family friendly. This historic beach offers boat tours, nature walks and of course, beach fun.

A Little History
Amelia Island was named after the daughter of British King George II. What many travelers coming in on air flights do not know is Amelia Island is one of the only areas in the United States that was ruled by eight different flags: French, Spanish, British, Patriots, Green Cross of Florida, Confederate, Mexican and now the United States.

Fernandina Beach is the main location for travelers coming to Amelia Island on cheap airfares. This cozy little town is the perfect place to take a walk and see restored Victorian-style buildings that are over 100 years old. Travelers can find instant access to Amelia Island’s history by visiting the Museum of History or even book tours while purchasing plane tickets online.

Best Time to Visit
Amelia Island is located in northern Florida, which means travelers coming in on flights will experience cooler temperatures than down south by the Keys. Amelia Island is a long, narrow island; therefore, it experiences cool sea breezes year round. The best months to visit are April through June; however visitors looking for temperatures in the mid-60’s can visit during the winter months instead. One thing travelers will never have to worry about at Amelia Island is hurricanes. Some thunderstorms are experienced in late autumn, but Amelia Island avoids the heavier tropical storms and hurricanes that tend to affect Florida during the spring and summer months.

What to See
Amelia Island offers two different types of experiences: nature walks and seaside adventures. Families staying at the Amelia Island Plantation Resort will find nature walks, trails and hikes just about everywhere they turn. Some of these walks extend into the marshes of Florida, which means you might even see an alligator or two. Travelers can book boat tours while purchasing plane tickets online that will take travelers around the marshy grasses and beaches surrounding the island. If you are lucky, you just might see a few dolphins too.