Amelia Island is just off the coast of Florida in Nassau County. It’s part of the Sea Islands chain on the East Coast of the United States and is only around 13 miles long. Amelia Island is a secret. Unlike the more famous beaches in the US, where there are often more people than grains of sand, Amelia Island is quiet, often ignored, and endlessly tranquil.

This is the kind of destination where you travel when you want to enjoy the outdoors and escape from the rat race. It’s all about nature in this destination, in a way that beach holidays haven’t been for a long time. And we’re going to help you capture and retain that tranquil vibe for as long as possible.

To help you have a relaxed and relaxing holiday in this part of the world, we’ve created this guide to where to stay in Amelia Island for families, couples, and every other kind of traveler too.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Amelia Island?

• Where to stay in Amelia Island first time – Fernandina Beach
• Where to stay in Amelia Island on a budget – Franklintown
• Best neighborhood in Amelia Island for families – Amelia City

Where to Stay in Amelia Island

If you’re ready to book and go, here are some great accommodation options that will almost every type of traveler.

Amelia Island Neighborhood Guide

Amelia Island is fairly small but there are several small communities on the island including the main ones known as Amelia City, Fernandina Beach, and American Beach. Each of them has its own attractions, but Fernandina Beach is the best neighborhood in Amelia Island for your first time because it’s the largest area, filled with shops and restaurants, and has easy access to the beach.

The next area on this list is Franklintown, which is further south on Amelia Island. It offers fewer choices when it comes to shops, restaurants, and accommodation, which is why it’s a cheaper place to stay.

And the final area on this list is Amelia City. Located halfway between Franklintown and Fernandina Beach, it’s the best neighborhood in Amelia Island for families as it offers city amenities close to the beach!

Amelia Island’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Are you still struggling with your choice? Well, here’s what each area on Amelia Island offers travelers.

Neighborhoosd#1 – Fernandina Beach

Where to stay in Amelia Island first time

• COOLEST thing to do in Fernandina Beach – Learn about local Timucuan Indian history at the Amelia Island Museum of History
• BEST place to visit in Fernandina Beach – Fort Clinch State Park for hiking, nature tours, trails, and camping

Fernandina Beach occupies a large area in the north of Amelia Island. It’s the most popular area for travelers and visitors of all kinds and was once occupied by the Timucuan Indian people, which is why it offers so many historical attractions.

No guide to where to stay in Amelia Island for your first time would be complete without Fernandina Beach. It’s filled with bars and restaurants as well as accommodation options of every type and price point, making it the simplest choice for your first trip there and for an easy visit to the island.

• Explore the 1800s intact fort and museum at Fort Clinch
• Take the kids to Main Beach Park for play structures, volleyball, and picnics
• Make a reservation for a tour at Amelia Island Lighthouse
• Go birdwatching and hiking on Egan’s Creek Greenway Trail
• Relax and enjoy your meal at Wicked Bao or the Salty Pelican Bar & Grill
• Experience the history at the Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park

Best Apartment in Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach Townhouse

This apartment offers the perfect combination of comfort and beach living. It’s just a short walk from the beach and offers 2 bedrooms, a balcony, and a living room as well as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. It’s great for two travelers and for up to 4 guests.

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Best High-End Apartment in Fernandina Beach

Amelia Island Condo

Just 600m from the beach, this 2 bedroom apartment has an onsite pool and a patio as well as beach access. The furnishings are bright, modern, and comfortable and there’s a balcony where you can enjoy the scenery as well as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Fernandina Beach

Hampton Inn & Suites

Located just 7 minutes drive from the beach, this is a Victorian-style hotel in the historic part of  Fernandina Beach. This makes it the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Amelia Island close to everything. It has modern rooms with microwaves and private bathrooms, as well as lots of amenities like a swimming pool, fitness center, and a breakfast buffet. 

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Neighborhood#2 – Franklintown

Where to stay in Amelia Island on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Franklintown – Play a round at the Amelia Island Club and have a meal afterward
• BEST place to visit in Franklintown – Drummond Point Park, to give the kids a break from the beach at one of the best parks on the island

Franklintown is the best neighborhood in Amelia Island if you are on a budget. It’s located in the south end of Amelia Island near the river and near the coast. You won’t have as many amenities when you stay in this area, but the island is so small that it really won’t matter. You can still get to the most popular areas with a short drive or by taking public transport.

Franklintown also doesn’t have the variety of accommodation and restaurant options that other areas have. But it does have a few choices, many of them priced for locals rather than tourists, so you can save a few more dollars during your stay.

• Have a meal at Marché Burette or Oceanside restaurants
• Head down to the beach at Amelia Island Lugar Lindo
• Go beach horse riding, canoeing, or kayaking at Amelia Island State Park
• Throw a line off the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park bridge, said to be the best spot for fishing on the island
• Enjoy the beach without the crowds at Burney Park

Best Villa in Franklintown

Villas of Summer Beach Condo

If you’re traveling with a family or a group of kids, then this villa should be on your list of where to stay in Amelia Island on a budget. It has 2 bedrooms, a patio so you can enjoy the outdoors, and is just 600m from the beach. You can cook meals in the fully equipped kitchen and then relax in the swimming pool to finish off the perfect beach holiday.

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Best High-End Villa in Franklintown

Amelia Island Oceanfront Condo

This condo is close to the beach, but the real value is in the views. You can sit in your comfortable living area and watch the sun go down, and isn’t that what staying on the beach is all about? The condo is in a nice building that has a swimming pool, garden, and BBQ area, just in case you get bored sitting on the beach. And the apartment itself has a private bathroom, patio, and pool views. 

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Best Luxury Hotel in Franklintown

Omni Amelia Island Resort

With gorgeous indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and golf courses, this hotel is a must on any guide to where to stay in Amelia Island for couples. It offers 8 onsite dining options and air-conditioned rooms with Egyptian linen and furnished balconies or patios. It’s also located just off the beach so you can get the most from your island stay.

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Neighborhood#3 – Amelia City

Best neighborhood in Amelia Island for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Amelia City – Go hang gliding with Florida Adventure Sports
• BEST place to visit in Amelia City – Peters Point Beachfront Park for fishing, picnics, horseback riding, and swimming

Amelia City is in the southern part of the island between Franklintown and Fernandina Beach. This makes it the perfect compromise if you want to be closer to everything without staying in the busiest area.

Amelia City is ideal for families as it offers city amenities and beach access at the same time. It’s also a little quieter and more local than the main tourist area, which will suit families with young children who need their sleep!

• Have a drink with friends at Bar Zin
• Enjoy a meal at Parkway Grille or Baxter’s Restaurant
• Test your swing at the Amelia River Golf Club or the Fernandina Beach Golf Club
• Have a beauty or relaxation treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa
• Spend the day on Amelia Beach

Best Apartment in Amelia City

4434 South Fletcher

This is the ideal choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Amelia Island for families. It has 5 bedrooms, enough room for everyone, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio so you can spend most of your time outside. It’s also just steps from Amelia Island Beach and a short drive from the historic district, so you’re close to everything!

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Best High End Apartment in Amelia City

Amelia Island Plantation

Just 200m from the beach and a short drive from the historic district, this lovely home has 3 bedrooms with private balconies and laundry facilities. It also has a good kitchen for cooking and storing snacks or drinks as well as entertainment options like a TV and DVD player.

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Best Budget hotel in Amelia City

The Surf Beach Hotel

With simple but comfortable rooms, this hotel is a welcome addition to any guide to where to stay in Amelia Island on a budget. The hotel has free parking and its own restaurant and bar as well as air-conditioned rooms with slightly dated but clean furnishings and private bathrooms.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Amelia Island

Want to spend some time on the beach but not in the mood for crowds and lots of people parading around to be seen? Then you’ll love the relaxed, laidback beach vibe of Amelia Island. And whether you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Amelia Island for nightlife, or families, or for beach access, you’ll find that same relaxed atmosphere everywhere you’ll go.

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