Amelia Island is a well-kept secret that is perfect for Canadian snowbirds. 

Located on the northeast coast of Florida just outside Jacksonville on the Atlantic, Amelia Island is easily accessed when driving off I-95 or by flights to Jacksonville Airport, and is an ideal alternative destination for snowbirds looking for Florida as it used to be. 

Part of the Sea Islands chain of barrier islands, it has fallen under Spanish, French, British and American rule at different times, and there is evidence of its rich and varied history throughout the island today.

Americans have been coming to Amelia Island for decades - enjoying its wonderful beaches, sunshine, and abundance of wildlife - all of which are still there today. Now Canadian snowbirds are discovering Amelia Island too.

Amelia Island is home to Florida's oldest bar, the Palace Saloon, located in a large area of homes and historic buildings that are all on the National Register of Historic Places – in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Downtown Fernandina Beach offers 50 blocks of downtown charm.

Old Town is the last Spanish Town in the Western Hemisphere, formerly known as Spanish Fort San Carlos. 

Around the island, history buffs will want to check out the Amelia Island Lighthouse, Fort Clinch State Park, and the Museum of History.

A popular vacation and golf destination year-round, Amelia Island becomes more affordable in the winter months when slightly cooler temperatures prevail but there’s always plenty of sunshine.

Special events

There are many special events and festivals throughout the winter and spring months that will appeal to snowbirds, including:

• The Amelia Island Wellness Festival is held each November at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island featuring yoga, meditation, and fitness.
• The Right Whale Festival is also in November celebrating the return of the endangered Right Whales to the coast of Northeast Florida.
• Dickens on Centre is held each December in the Historic District of Fernandina Beach. This seasonal event is themed on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and a replica of an old English village is created. 
• In January snowbirds can enjoy Amelia Island Restaurant Week with special meals at great prices around the island.
• In February, there’s the Amelia Island Book Festival held in Fernandina Beach. Snowbirds can mingle with authors and poets and book lovers. Amelia Island is revered as the creative inspiration and home of John Grisham, David Baldacci, Kevin Powers, Jacques Pepin and other NY Times Best Seller authors.
• March hosts several events for automotive and vintage car enthusiasts.
• In April, the Katie Ride for Life is an annual cycling and walking event to raise awareness for organ donation. There are different levels so that everyone can take part. 
• In May, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival takes place to celebrate the island's rich history and cultural traditions. Seafood lovers will enjoy learning about the history of Amelia Island while they sample the shrimp dishes.

Things to do

Amelia Island has a variety of activities for snowbirds during their stay. Fishing is extremely popular, as is beach combing and beach walking - and just spending time at the beach with friends and a picnic.

There are 5 championship golf courses on the island - plenty to keep golfers busy without ever having to go to the mainland.   

Watersports abound whether you want to do fishing charters, kayaking the marshes and waterways, or swimming at the beaches.

Hiking and cycling are also popular pastimes for snowbirds during the winter months and are a great way to explore the island and discover the wildlife. Snowbirds will find numerous nature trails to enjoy.

There are public tennis courts as well as pickleball courts - and several tennis and racquet clubs.

Vacation rentals

There are a variety of vacation rentals that are perfect for snowbirds - beachside condos are very popular for long stays. You can also rent a cottage in the historic district of Fernandina Beach.

Or you can splurge on an oceanfront villa.

Rates are much more affordable during the off-season, winter months which makes Amelia Island ideal for snowbirds.

You can find vacation rentals here on the Amelia Island website - or check other vacation rental sites.

RVing & camping

Amelia Island also offers RV and camping sites at Fort Clinch State Park on the north end of the island, ideal for snowbirds who travel by RV over the winter or want to camp for a bit while they’re visiting. 

Shopping

There are several shopping areas throughout the island as well as some great boutiques in Fernandina Beach.

You’ll find surf shops and beachwear, as well as men’s and women’s clothing shops, children’s wear, gift shops, bookstores and so much more.

Dining

Amelia Island offers a diverse restaurant scene with over 90 independently owned restaurants. You will find plentiful fresh seafood, fine dining, and Southern specialties. 

Downtown Fernandina Beach has a great variety of restaurants and bars. Local shrimp features prominently on menus and you can enjoy exploring the many different ways they are served by local chefs. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and the Omni Amelia Island Resort also have great restaurants for special occasions.

Beachside spots can also be found that are perfect for lunch or casual eats.

The Bottom Line

Amelia Island is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets when it comes to snowbirds - it has great infrastructure, beautiful beaches, wetlands, wildlife, and historic sites.

Best of all, snowbirds can find rentals that are affordable during the winter months.

For more detailed information about Amelia Island as a snowbird destination, check out Snowbird Advisor's Amelia Island Snowbird Destination Guide.