Amelia Island located in the northeastern coast of Florida is one of the state’s best kept secrets. It is part of Fernandina Beach and considered a vacation paradise from just everyone I know that has been there. It offers miles of white sand beaches, spectacular golf, world class resorts, historic landmarks, great shopping and lots more activities for you and your family to enjoy. Amelia Island is tiny, just thirteen miles long and about two miles wide, but full of surprises. (Photo credit: m.travelpn.com.)

Fernandina Beach is rich in history that goes back to ancient Indian tribes and Pirates but all of those structures have been well preserved through the years. Now you will find that the downtown area is full of gorgeous Victorian style homes, great restaurants and even some unusual shops all along oceanfront for a breathtaking view. Because Fernandina Beach is at the border of Georgia, some visitors say that it has that “old south” feel and look. In the 1970′s, Amelia Island was developed at the southern end of Fernandina Beach adding first class hotels to the area such as a Ritz-Carlton and luxury condos. (Photo credit: slapshots.com.)

Voted #6 among the Top Ten North American Islands by Conde Nast Travelers 2008 Readers Choice Awards, Amelia Island has become a preferred destination for visitors from all over the world. The choice is yours at Amelia Island. You can take your family fishing, kayaking, camping, bird watching, sailing horseback riding or even shell collecting if this is what you enjoy. Or you can enjoy Amelia Island’s upscale resorts which include championship golf, tennis, world class spas and great dining facilities.

Amelia Island is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is a place that combines intriguing history with charming southern hospitality. When you do plan your Florida travel to Amelia Island, be sure to include the following attractions. (Photo credit: goforadventures.com.)

Carriage Tours – board a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy all the landmarks and gorgeous 19th century homes of Amelia Island. You will even hear tales of pirates and ghosts.

Sightseeing River Cruises – enjoy a narrated scenic cruise along the waterways of Amelia Island and get a view of one of the mansions built by the Carnegie family at the turn of the 20th century and other historic sites along the way. You will also get a chance to see lots of manatees, dolphins and sea turtles.

Amelia Island Plantation – here you will see a magnificent privately owned resort and residential community. It has winding roads and paths, gorgeous live oaks, lush landscaping and miles of beautiful white sand beaches.

Amelia Island Museum of History – enjoy 4,000 years of Florida history including exhibits of archaeological finds, educational lectures, walking tours and ghost tours.

Fort Clinch State Park – here is a Civil War era fort and a tour will take you back to 1864. You can also go biking and hiking.