Christopher Rex
General & Artistic Director

Once you read about our island's colorful past and get a taste of its magical, romantic charm, you will be ready to discover Amelia Island for yourself. Places to stay abound: our downtown historic district has many Victorian bed-and-breakfast inns, while the beach offers a world-class resort and a luxurious hotel. Still hungry for more? Check out these links for other local resources to discover even more.

Step back in time on beautiful Amelia Island! Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Amelia Island has an intriguing history dating back to the 1500s and, to this day, retains the charm and enchantment of the Victorian era. With its downtown historic district, picturesque beaches, and 13 miles of majestic coastline, Amelia Island offers something that will captivate and enchant virtually every visitor.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation designated Fernandina Beach, the Island’s only town, as one of the country’s Top Ten “Distinctive Destinations.” This seaside community is graced with Victorian Cottage architecture, exceptional bed and breakfast inns, fashionable boutiques, unique galleries and extraordinary restaurants.

As the only territory in the United States to have been under eight flags of domination, Amelia Island’s development can be summarized as “the French visited, the Spanish developed, the English named and the Americans tamed.” Early in the 20th century, the Island was the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Today, nearly 80 percent of Florida's Atlantic White Shrimp come from Amelia’s waters and the Burbank Trawl Makers is still one of the world's largest producers of hand-sewn shrimp nets. In the mid 1930's, the founders of Afro-American Life Insurance developed 200 acres on the southern end of Amelia Island. This is American Beach. In its heyday, as an oceanfront haven for African Americans, homes, restaurants and nightclubs attracted celebrities such as Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and James Brown

Recreational activities abound on Amelia Island. Beautiful beaches, parasailing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, sailing and horseback riding, as well as exceptional golf and tennis, beckon visitors throughout the year. You can tie up at the Marina, bike through town, walk the ramparts of the Civil War fort, and watch the setting sun turn the Amelia River into gold.

Amelia Island is the northernmost barrier island on Florida's Atlantic Coast. To reach Amelia Island:

• By air via the Jacksonville International Airport, 35 minutes by car from the Island.
• Private, corporate and charter aircraft may use the facilities at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport.
• By automobile, take Exit 129 (the Fernandina Beach/Callahan exit) off Interstate 95. Follow the signs east to Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, just 15 minutes from I-95.

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