Hotels in Amelia Island

More than two dozen of the town’s charming Victorian and Queen Anne houses have been restored and turned into B&Bs. Even if you’re not staying in one, the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour takes you into some of them, as well as curated homes decorated by the owners and straight out of the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movie marathons. Docents in each home give its history, highlight the period architectural elements, and guide visitors through the homes. It’s usually given the first weekend in December. For more information, go to meliamuseum.org/holiday-home-tour. 

For vacation rentals not on Airbnb or Vrbo—and note that there are plenty of rentals on the island of all sorts—ERA Fernandina Beach (tel. 904/261-4011), has been renting properties in the area for over 50 years, with over well-maintained, well-located 150 condos and 50 homes for rent.

Your best camping option here is Fort Clinch State Park, which has 69 campsites, some behind the dunes at the beach (no shade out there), most in a forest along the sound side. They cost $26 per night, plus tax, a $6.70 reservation fee,  and $7 nightly utility fee for RVs. You can reserve a site up to 11 months in advance (a very good idea in summer) .

Note: Rates are subject to an 12% hotel tax (7% sales tax, 5% bed tax).