Planning A Trip To Amelia Island, Florida | The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Planning Your Trip

Florida’s Atlantic coastline offers warm weather and warm water; both ideal for spending time outdoors and in the sea. When packing for a weekend getaway, it’s best to come with a few essentials in your bag.

Planning Your Trip

What to Pack

The beaches of Amelia Island are a great place to go shelling. Bring a lightweight tote bag with you on your beach strolls to collect your finds.

Beach Vacation

Just steps from the resort, the Atlantic is surprisingly warm — it’s regularly in the 80s in the summer, so most visitors will want to spend as much time as possible near the water. Be sure to bring the basics:
Whether you’re swimming or just dipping your toes in the oceanfront pool, a bathing suit is a necessity. Bring two so you always have a dry suit ready to go.
The miles of uninterrupted beachfront make for an ideal spot to take long ocean-side strolls. Pack a comfortable pair of sandals, a hat and sunglasses.
Temperatures peak in summer around 90 degrees and in winter can dip into the 60s during the day and 40s at night. If you’re planning to visit between November and March, bring a couple of warmer layers.

Weekend Getaway

This skinny strip of land offers myriad activities for visitors, from relaxing ocean-side to horseback riding to exploring the sparsely populated island on long bike adventures. Pack accordingly:
Be sure to bring your swimming gear, including a hat and sunglasses. The sun gets quite strong, particularly in summer.
The island has more than 40 miles of bike trails, so exploring on two wheels is a great way to spend an afternoon. Helmets are provided, but bring a sturdy pair of shoes.
If you’re interested in a horseback ride — sunset is a particularly beautiful time to go — pack a pair of pants both for comfort in the saddle and to ward off evening chill.

Resort Essentials

There is so much to do at the resort that it would be easy to spend an entire holiday on the property and not get bored. If this kind of low-key visit appeals, here’s what to bring:
The Golf Club of Amelia offers a lush 18-hole championship golf course, so be sure to pack your golf essentials and a light layer for the ocean breezes. Don’t want to bring your own clubs? Guests can take advantage of demonstration clubs.
Plan an evening at the hotel’s AAA 5-Diamond restaurant, Salt, for a memorable meal based on the wealth of food found in the ocean and marshes surrounding the hotel. Shorts are not permitted.
Whether you just want to play a round or two or are looking to brush up on your skills with a private lesson, take advantage of the four on-site tennis courts during your visit. Pack your tennis gear, but no need to bring your own racket — rentals are available.

Planning Your Trip

What To Reserve

Florida’s Amelia Island is perfect for a romantic getaway or family weekend, with an array of experiences to fill the time including spa treatments, locally inspired dining, poolside cabanas, golf and outdoor adventure. To ensure you don’t miss anything on your must-do list, it’s recommended you reserve select activities in advance.

Dining Reservations

For a special evening, make a reservation for the Chef’s Adventure Tasting Menu at the hotel’s AAA 5-Diamond restaurant, Salt. You’ll experience an exquisite presentation of the freshest local ingredients. Coast is a more casual on-site option offering a seasonal menu with local seafood, steaks, fresh pasta, salads and more; guests can opt to dine indoors or on the terrace.

Spa Appointments

The spa takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering a variety of treatments designed not only to refresh and rejuvenate the body but also the mind. Book one of the signature treatments like Heaven in a Hammock — the guest is suspended in a hammock while a combination of touch therapy encourages deep relaxation. Or schedule oceanfront yoga, meditation or Reiki sessions.

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Cabanas

While chairs and umbrellas are available first come, first serve, if you’re planning on enjoying an entire day at the pool, consider arranging for a private cabana. In addition to a private oasis to escape from the sun, the cabana also features an LCD television, butler service and sunscreen.

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Outdoor Excursions

There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting the island. Set a tee time at The Golf Club of Amelia for a round of 18 holes; arrange for a kayak tour of the salt marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway; take a bike tour through American Beach (one of Amelia Island’s oldest neighborhoods); or reserve a space on a private charter boat tour.

Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Amelia Island’s beaches have been recognized as some of the best in Florida, but the destination offers other experiences to fill your weekend getaway. The hotel’s experts have crafted custom itineraries to assist in planning your couple’s retreat or island adventure.

2-Day Romantic Getaway

Amelia Island’s uncrowded beaches and charming neighborhoods make it the ideal destination for couples looking to relax, recharge and reconnect. You’ll be delighted to discover history, romance, refined restaurants and exciting outdoor adventures. Together, you’ll discover surprises that delight both body and spirit. It’s easy to make memories on this enchanting island.

Couple enjoying dinner at Salt restaurant.

Woman walking through dunes to the beach.

Day 1

Morning

Pedal Pushers. Wind your way from the resort and go north along the Amelia Island Trail. It’s a great way to see miles of the Atlantic coast, crystal white beach dunes and coastal oak forests.

Picture This. Whether you love nature or history, a stop at Fort Clinch is a must. The striking backdrop of the 1,400-acre park will have you reaching for your camera. Look across the St. Marys River to catch a glimpse of Cumberland Island’s famous wild horses.

Midday

Travel Back in Time. Fernandina Beach, Florida’s second oldest city is home to a quaint Victorian district with an eclectic mix of historic homes, galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Pedal through the Silk Stocking District where the town’s most prominent citizens built Victorian gingerbread houses. Stop at Kate’s Tree, a towering monument to one homeowner’s insistence that her tree was more important than a straight city street.

Plan a Picnic. Grab some provisions for a picnic or just order some authentic local cuisine to go at La Sureña, a grocery and taquería. Pick up a growler of craft beer at one of our local microbreweries, Mocama, AIBC or First Love Brewing and enjoy the view of Tiger Island while you enjoy a cool, coastal breeze.

Afternoon

Shopping in the Centre. Wander Fernandina’s downtown and pop into one of the many antique stores. Browse locally-owned galleries, jewelers, confectioners, surf shops, fishing outfitters, booksellers and men’s and women’s specialty boutiques in this historic seaport.

Lounge Act. Sink your toes in the sand and lounge on the the beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Enjoy the tranquility of miles of dune-lined beachfront or relax in the privacy of your room or suite; each guestroom boasts a private balcony with coastal or direct ocean views.

Ride Off Into the Sunset. Return to Peters Point in time to meet your steed for a sunset horseback ride on the beach with Amelia Island Horseback Riding.

Evening

Salt Chef's Kitchen Table. The ultimate romantic culinary occasion is yours when you reserve the Chef’s Kitchen Table at Salt Restaurant. The intimate private dining experience includes a customized menu to your specifications, custom wine selections and the opportunity to interact with the chef.

Day 2

Morning

The Coast Is Clear. Fuel up with a hearty, Southern-style breakfast at Coast or visit First Drop, an authentic artisanal coffee experience with fresh juices, smoothies, pastries and more.

Hook, Line and Supper. Fish with our Chef and Boat Captain and enjoy your catch at Salt's Kitchen Table.

Midday

Spa Table for Two. Immerse yourself in a chromotherapy bath- the first component of the exquisite Wrap to Remember spa treatment in your own private spa suite. Designed to leave bodies glowing and minds blissful, this 2½ hour treatment made for two includes exfoliating sugar scrub, hydrating body mask, moisturizing, and warm paraffin for hands and feet, culminating in a soothing scalp and full-body massage.

Afternoon

Cruise Control. Charter a romantic, private sunset cruise on a private boat piloted by Riptide Watersports. Glide down the smooth waters of the Intracoastal Waterway or explore the many inlets and estuaries.

Evening

Shared Plates and Sea Breezes. Inspired by the island’s Eight Flags culinary heritage, Coquina at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island delights the senses with small plates and drinks served from candlelit palapas overlooking the beach. Sip a sangria and share a bite of tapas as you enjoy the scenery.

Where There’s Smoke...The Lobby Bar is the perfect place for a nightcap. Enjoy a flight of small-batch bourbons or the signature Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail, with hickory-smoked bourbon, St. Germain elderflower and Luxardo cherry liqueurs and orange bitters.

Island Adventure

Amelia Island is known for its beaches, which Condé Nast Traveler has lauded as among Florida’s best, but sunbathing may be the least exciting of the region’s myriad activities. More adventurous visitors will thrill at the chance to soar alongside seabirds, traipse through history at a Civil War fort and paddle past sandy dunes and salt marshes, just to name three possible pursuits on this beautiful barrier island. In this barrier island paradise, even the moments you spend recharging can be refreshing.

Day 1

Morning

True Local Treasures. Point your beach cruisers south and down the Amelia Island Trail, under a scenic and shaded oak canopy towards historic American Beach to see local ecological treasure NaNa- Florida’s tallest dune.

Sea Horses and Sands. Saddle up on one of the impressive horses from Amelia Island Horseback Riding to experience a meandering journey on the beautiful Amelia Island beach.

Midday

Boneyards, Birds and Blackrocks. Join the resort Naturalist to discover a hidden gem of America’s southernmost Sea Islands. The tour commences with a short walk through a coastal hammock forest, arriving at a seemingly boundless, dramatic black rock beach dotted with the bleached bones of Live Oaks turned into towering driftwood. You can also take a birding tour with our Naturalist to the Talbot Islands to see what is considered one of the richest bird habitats in the world.

Afternoon

Lounge Act. Sink your toes in the sand and lounge in Adirondack chairs outside The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Enjoy the tranquility of miles of dune-lined beachfront or relax in the privacy of your room or suite; each guestroom boasts a private balcony with coastal or direct ocean views.

First Call. Come to The Lobby Bar and join locals and guests for the traditional First Call, the decanting of the day’s small-batch house-infused spirit, steeped in a slow-drip infuser. The recipe is created daily by our mixologists and is inspired by seasonal elements and ingredients.

Evening

Wicked Good. Located in a charmingly converted dive bar and helmed by the friendly and gracious owner using her mother’s recipes Wicked Bao’s Asian comfort food will have you jumping for joy. Adventurous but accessible, there’s something for everyone to love including Taiwanese buns, kimchi, ramen and vegetarian options.

Day 2

Morning

On the Water, off the Beaten Path. Paddle the scenic salt marshes on a professionally guided kayak tour or take and exciting Eco-Cat two-person powered boat tour from Riptide Watersports.

Midday

Instant Instagram. Whether you love nature or history, a stop at Fort Clinch is a must. The striking backdrop of the 1,400-acre park will have you reaching for your camera. Look across the St. Marys River to catch a glimpse of Cumberland Island’s famous wild horses.

Afternoon

Get Your Bearings. Sample the local spirits during a tour and tasting at Marlin & Barrel, a home-grown distillery. The Bearing Light Rum and Venture Craft Vodka are created from Florida molasses, while the Blossom Orangecello and Grapefruitcello are both made with hand-zested Florida citrus.

Evening

Tempting Tidewaters. Taste the bounty and beauty of the coast at Tidewater Grill, the resort’s newest restaurant. Dishes of local shrimp and wild-caught fish are served alongside grilled classics and new favorites, all with a Lowcountry flair. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy dinner or just relax with a local beer and watch a game.

Day 3

Morning

Fly Like an Eagle. The best time for a hang-gliding flight is first thing in the morning. Just one mile away, staff at Hang Glide USA will have you soaring over the Intracoastal Waterway and Fernandina Beach’s historic sites including Amelia Island State Park, the St. Marys River and Cumberland Island.

Midday

Heaven in a Hammock. The Heaven in a Hammock experience at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island balances the spirit and calms the mind through touch therapy as you rock gently in a hammock.

Afternoon

Flight of Fancy. Savor a flight of craft beers from local favorite, Mocama Beer Company near downtown Fernandina Beach. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming in this converted historic building

Evening

Savor a Culinary Adventure. Chef Okan’s signature tasting menu at Salt artfully showcases seafood that is truly a feast for the senses. To enhance the meal further, each course can be paired with sommelier-selected wines.

Where There’s Smoke…The Lobby Bar is the perfect place for a nightcap. Enjoy a flight of small-batch bourbons or the signature Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail, with hickory-smoked bourbon, St. Germain elderflower and Luxardo cherry liqueurs and orange bitters.

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