Best Places to Stay on Amelia Island Florida, from a local
Planning a trip to Amelia Island and wondering where to stay?
Whether you’re dreaming of oceanfront views, charming historic inns, or a quiet condo tucked away near the beach, we’ve got you covered. As locals who fell in love with this island on our very first visit, we want you to fall in love with it too. In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about where to stay on Amelia Island based on your travel style—from boutique hotels and beachside motels to luxury resorts and cozy B&Bs. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, you’ll find the perfect place to call home while you explore one of Florida’s most charming islands.
Where to Stay on Amelia Island
Rent a house or condo, stay in a bed and breakfast, a local hotel, or a chain hotel.
Amelia Island offers a wide variety of places to stay, each with its charm and perks. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or a solo retreat, you’ll find options that fit your style and budget.
Renting a House or Condo is a popular choice, especially for families or groups traveling together. With plenty of short-term vacation rentals available across the island—from cozy beach cottages to spacious oceanfront homes—you can enjoy the comforts of home, like a full kitchen, living space, and private outdoor areas. This is a great way to experience the island like a local, with the flexibility to cook your own meals or relax after a beach day without the hustle of a hotel lobby.
Bed and Breakfasts are part of what makes Amelia Island feel so special. Many are located in or near the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach and offer historic charm, personalized service, and gourmet breakfasts. Inns like the Addison on Amelia, Blue Heron Inn, or Amelia Island Williams House immerse you in local hospitality and often provide bikes, afternoon wine hours, or even ghost stories, depending on where you stay!
Local Hotels range from charming mom-and-pop-style motels to independently owned boutique properties with thoughtful touches and coastal character. These are often more affordable and laid-back, and many are just steps from the beach. Places like Beachside Motel and Surf & Sand Fernandina offer a nostalgic “Old Florida” vibe that’s hard to replicate.
Chains like the Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, and Residence Inn by Marriott offer familiarity and the ability to use or earn rewards points—a great option if you’re a loyal member of a hotel brand program. They’re well-located near the beach or town and often include amenities like breakfast, pools, and easy parking.
The Ritz‑Carlton Amelia Island
The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island
A true luxury escape, The Ritz‑Carlton Amelia Island sits at the southern tip of Amelia Island. It offers expansive oceanfront grounds, championship golf, four-season pools, spa services, and on-site restaurants. From family-safe splash zones and nature walks to seasonal events like Pirate Gingerbread House displays or festive brunches, it’s the go-to resort for a pampering, activity-rich stay.
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Lobby of the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Situated just north of The Ritz, the Omni Resort & Spa is another upscale beachfront option with resort pools, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and easy access to Amelia Island’s largest golf course. You’ll find a perfect blend of family-friendly amenities and relaxing indulgence, with everything from tennis and paddle sports to evening fire pits and coastal breezes.
No matter what you choose, the best part about staying on Amelia Island is that you’re never far from the beach, great food, or that signature laid-back vibe that makes visitors return year after year.
Staying On the Beach - on the North End of the Island
If you are looking to stay on the beach but also reasonably close to downtown, we would recommend these two properties. There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance, Salt Life and Sandbar, but you'll need transportation to get downtown from here.
Staying Near the Beach, North End of the Island
This is where we stayed when we first visited Amelia Island. Both of these hotels are in the same complex and are connected. Breakfast is not included or available if you book a Courtyard room, but they are both a block inland from the beach, so it is a quick walk. We spent the whole day exploring the island and decided to stay for a second night to meet a realtor at a property the next day. So, we booked a last-minute Springhill Suites room the next night, and breakfast was included the next day. This is a newer property with a few rooms facing the ocean.
A couple of miles down the beach, near Seaside Park, you'll find the following hotels within walking distance to the beach:
Nearby, you'll also find
Staying Near Downtown Fernandina Beach
If you prefer to stay in town with walking distance access to shopping and restaurants (and some nightlife) consider one of these properties.
- Hampton Inn and Suites has a view from one side of the marina, so if you could score one of these rooms, the sunset would be amazing. Here you are in the heart of everything. If you are looking to visit during a festival or holiday, book far in advance.
Staying in Inns and Bed and Breakfasts Near Downtown Fernandina Beach
- The Addison on Amelia
- Amelia Schoolhouse Inn - a converted school that is part of the Southern Living Hotels
- Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast
- The Florida House Inn is a historic and charming place, located next to the popular evening music venue, The Green Turtle, which features live music nightly until 11 pm. It also offers a fantastic weekend brunch at Leddy's porch and a fun cocktail bar, the Mermaid Bar.
- Blue Heron Inn
- Amelia Island Williams House
The Florida House Inn is home to the Mermaid Bar and Leddy's Porch
Staying toward the middle of the Island
Staying on the South End of the Island
If you stay here, you may not need to leave the property as both have restaurants and shopping, but we think you’ll want to explore more of the island. You'll have resort pools here and direct access to the beach.
The Ritz Carton Amelia also offers lots of special events throughout the year, such as a Pirate Gingerbread house, Breakfast with Santa, special brunches, dinners, and more. This is the best place to find their events.
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
See ALL options for places to stay on Amelia Island here.
Camping on Amelia Island
- Camping at Ft. Clinch is on the beach, but it books up 12 months in advance, so plan ahead
Find our Full Amelia Island Travel Guide from a Local here
Amelia Island Podcast Episodes:
Episode 118 - Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Visit Amelia Island
Episode 59 - Visiting Amelia Island: What to Do and See in 2024 & 2025
Episode 14: Discover Amelia Island, Florida – A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide
You can get an updated and downloadable copy of our Amelia Island guide here.
