Amelia Island Family Vacations

Tucked away into the northeastern most corner of Florida, so close to Georgia you can see the horses running wild on Cumberland Island, awaits Amelia Island. Here, 13 miles of white-sand beaches align an endless Atlantic Ocean view, while moss-draped trees, palmetto palms and hidden resorts make you feel as if you landed on a Carolina coast and not a Florida beach. The barrier island is home to the state's endangered bobcats, panthers, manatees and migrating sea turtles. Outdoor pursuits are the main attraction, with families enjoying the unspoiled trails, marshes and beaches for horseback riding, kayaking, biking and hiking.

The heart of the island is Fernandina Beach, a 200-year-old, well-preserved Victorian town that provides a glimpse into the island's past. Many of the homes dotting the streets of Fernandina Beach are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you'll find most of the area's restaurants, as well as trolley tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, boat tours and shopping.