What to see and do on Amelia Island

Travel

What to see and do on Amelia Island

Hit the open road and find out why Amelia Island off the coast of Florida has been named one of North America's top islands.

It's that time of the year, time to hit the open road with the family for a trip to the beach.

Today on wsbtv.com, we're uncovering a gem on the Florida coast, one you might want to visit if a laid-back vacation with ample activities to keep the kids entertained is on the agenda.

Amelia Island is a northeast Florida barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean. It features 13 miles of beaches, wildlife and has been ranked as one of the top 10 islands in North America in the Conde Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards.

"(I've) been here since the middle-'80s, coming on vacation in the beginning and loved it so much that we call it paradise, and moved over here permanently and not going any place else," resident Sharon Martin told wsbtv.com's Nelson Hicks. "I've been around the world and I can't find any place any finer."

The area is known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry.

With that title comes a certain expectation when it comes to restaurants. And if great food, seafood in particular, is a necessity on any beach trip, there are plenty of locales that fit the bill.

"We've got a lot of fresh seafood here, stuff that's swimming in the ocean today will be on our plates tomorrow," Al Waldis from the Salty Pelican said.

"(I've eaten) a lot of raw oysters, crabs, we went to a place over there on the the St. Mary's River, Brett's Waterway (Cafe), that was really good," visitor Will Binion said.

There are plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family happy on Amelia Island.

Stay N' Country Ranch offers horseback riding on the beach in Amelia Island.

For history lovers, the island is a place the French visited, the Spanish developed, the English named and the Americans tamed. Don't miss a visit to Fort Clinch State Park. It was utilized during the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Since no battles were fought there, it's one of the most well preserved forts in the United States.

There are cruises to explore the area and learn about its history.

There are fantastic resorts like the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort to enjoy.

Spend the day in and around Amelia fishing...

golfing...

paddleboarding...

enjoying some fudge...

searching for wildlife...

or just enjoying a cold beverage.

The 50-square-block historic district on the waterfront is on the National Register

Here are some more photos from Amelia Island.

Here are some more photos from Amelia Island.

Here are some more photos from Amelia Island.

Here are some more photos from Amelia Island.

Here are some more photos from Amelia Island.

1/25

It's that time of the year, time to hit the open road with the family for a trip to the beach.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort