Amazing Amelia Island

by Caitlin Moore

Amelia Island, located in the upper eastern corner of Florida, has a little taste of everything for those travelers looking for the complete vacation experience. Exploring nature, hiking, seashell hunting, and improving your historical knowledge are just a few of the engaging activities youll discover here, so take a look at what could be your next fabulous vacation destination.

Beginning with the great outdoors, Amelia Island is a hotspot for heart-pumping and wildlife-watching diversions. Hiking and biking are popular pursuits for those looking to burn a few calories while seeing the sights of Fort Clinchs six mile stretch of trails. Rental shops will give you the equipment and direction that you need to cycle, Segway, or horseback ride near and on the beach, so before you know it youll be on your way to seeing all there is to see up close and personal.

If you look carefully, youll see an intriguing sight along the beach, as the Florida coastline is known as a hotspot for sea turtles. From May to October, every night mother turtles lay their eggs in the sand before returning back to the ocean, where their newly hatched babies will join them in a couple of months. When the sun is shining, spend some time searching for seashells or, exotically, prehistoric sharks teeth. Thats right, these 50 million year old fossils are rare but real findings along the coastline, so scour the beaches for the ultimate souvenir if you have the chance.

The skies are packed with unique sights as well, and birdwatchers will find Amelia Island to be a most fascinating place. Thanks to the fish-filled waters, feathery hunters make their way to the shore in the early mornings and late afternoons to feed on whatever they can catch. The best way to see the great blue herons, snowy egrets, wood ducks and others is to grab a canoe, a pair of binoculars, and make your way to the waters edge. Dont forget to keep your voice down.

Of course, this may inspire you to try your luck fishing as well, so look up one of the local marinas to get all the supplies youll need to catch your own dinner. Or, if the water alone is what floats your boat, rent a kayak or some other vessel and set out for a mini-journey around the island. Golfing is another attractive option, so if you live and breathe for tee time be sure to bring your clubs along to Amelia Island.

To get in touch with the human side of this location, then be sure to save some time for a visit to Fernandina Beach, a charming, Victorian-style village with personality and history to spare. Considered to be the birthplace of the shrimping industry, the jewel of Amelia Island prides itself for avoiding the pitfalls of modern industrialization. Instead of finding dingy streets and heavy, dirty, air, a walk through this seaport will only bring you pleasure.

An eclectic array of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants will demand your attention, and the architecture and layout will make you feel like youve stepped back in time. The local museum will tell you everything you need to know, and the towns favorite annual event, the Shrimp Festival, will show you the spirit and style that makes this one of Floridas most distinctive towns. Wander the blocks and take it all in, because theres nowhere else quite like this.

So if live oaks, treasure-filled beaches, and warm hospitality appeal to you, then add Amelia Island to your list of places to visit. Lots of lodging options are available, including a number of unique and accommodating vacation rentals that will house you in comfort right on the beach, so start planning today in order to ensure a wonderful, blemish-free holiday.

Life is more enjoyable when youre by the ocean, so kick off your shoes and start practicing your beach bumming skills. Because your Amelia Island getaway wont wait around forever, go online soon to get the ball rolling. Peruse the Amelia Island Vacation Rental options and start packing your bags for a trip that will surely become a standout amongst all your traveling memories.

Visit HomeAway.com to explore the vacation rentals here and all over the world.