Whether you’re considering a permanent move to Amelia Island and want to get a resident’s perspective before you make the leap, or you just want an extended getaway in this corner of paradise, there are plenty of reasons to take advantage of our Amelia Island long-term rental properties. Here are just a few.

1. Miles of Beautiful Beaches

Comb the sands for shark’s teeth and shells on 13 miles of unspoiled shoreline, which is perhaps the main attraction for those who come to vacation on Amelia Island. The island is the southernmost in the chain known as the Sea Islands, which reach into South Carolina. Just four miles wide at its widest point, the island’s beaches feel like a world away from the crowded beaches of coastal cities farther south.

Because the temperatures are mild in winter and there’s always a seabreeze in summer, the beaches of Amelia Island are enjoyable year-round. Plus, wherever you stay for your long-term rental on Amelia Island, there are more than 40 public beach access points.

2. Unspoiled Nature

Amelia Island is known for its tranquil landscapes and conservation areas. Hiking is popular here for good reason—trails are tucked throughout the area, leading hikers through oceanside dunes, maritime forests and along salt marshes and waterways. Nature takes center stage at several nearby destinations, including:

• Amelia Island State Park, where you can ride horses on the beach and explore more than 200 acres of wilderness.
• Little Talbot Island State Park, an undeveloped barrier island with five miles of beaches and an unusually diverse ecosystem.
• Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, with 15 miles of multi-use trails that bring visitors close to the abundant wildlife.
• Amelia Island Nature Center, located right here on Amelia Island Plantation, which offers a retail shop, access to naturalists, guided tours and more.

3. Fun on The Water

With the ocean, rivers, and inland waterways here, Northeast Florida offers every type of recreation on the water. Docks, marinas, kayak launches are located throughout the island, making it easy to get on the water right away.

These are just a few things for water enthusiasts to do:

• Fish from the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park at Nassau Sound.
• Go sailing, boating or fishing with expert guides out in deep waters, closer to shore, or at Cumberland Island.
• Rent a pole at Amelia Island Plantation’s Nature Center and fish for bass or brim at the resort’s freshwater Red Maple Lake or Aury Island.
• Take surfing lessons at Amelia Island Plantation from trained professionals.
• Sit back and relax on a sunset cruise.

4. World-class Golf

If you’re renting at Amelia Island Plantation, you’re always just steps away from a first-class—and year-round!—golf experience. The resort has two championship courses: the Oak Marsh course designed by Pete Dye and the Long Point course designed by Tom Fazio.

A short drive takes you to one of many renowned Northeast Florida golf courses, such as the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, The Slammer & Squire at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, and the Palencia Club in St. Augustine.

5. Heaven for History Buffs

Northeast Florida has a rich history, and it’s not hard to find a place nearby where it’s on display. Don’t-miss destinations include the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, Fort Clinch State Park, the Amelia Island Museum of History, the Maritime Museum and Welcome Center, the Amelia Island Lighthouse, and Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach.

6. Great Dining

For a relatively small place, Amelia Island has a surprising number of dining choices. More than 70 restaurants bring you just-caught seafood on nearly every menu, plus steakhouses, fine dining, organic restaurants, pizza places and much more. On the resort, dining options include Bob’s Steak & Chop House, the Verandah, and the Marsh View Bar and Grill.

7. Unique Shopping Destinations

Whether you’re looking for unique, locally made accessories or antiques during your stay on Amelia Island, you’re sure to find these and more. Choices include The Shops of Amelia Island Plantation, the weekend’s Fernandina Beach Market Place Farmer’s Market and Fernandina Beach Arts Market, and Historic Downtown Fernandina beach, where you can spend the day strolling among independent shops.

8. Festivals, Events and Entertainment

If you time your long-term rental stay right, you may luck into some of the best events in all of the South. One of the best and biggest is the Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival, a weekend of food, entertainment, art, a parade and more. Another major event that draws people from all over the world is the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, an automotive event with a collection of more than 300 rare vehicles.

Other popular events include the Right Whale Festival, Taste of Amelia, and the Fernandina Beach Pride Festival.

9. Easy Day Trips

You may never need to leave the island, but if you do, you’ll have some great choices in day trips from your Amelia Island home base. Take a day to head to St. Augustine, just about 90 minutes away, for stops at historic landmarks, shopping and dining. Forty-five minutes away is Cumberland Island National Seashore, another beautiful barrier island that can only be reached via the water. Looking for a place in the wilderness? You can’t do much better than the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, just an hour north into Georgia.

10. Family-friendly Activities

Kids of all ages (including you!) will enjoy all types of family fun. In addition to the pristine beaches, there’s plenty to choose from, including mini-golf, trips to one of several state parks, historic reenactments at Fort Clinch, a skate park, and escape rooms.

There’s also the Kelly Seahorse Ranch, a very popular destination for horseback riding. Located at the island’s southernmost point, the ranch is just a brief trail ride to the beach, where riders can enjoy miles of shoreline.

Don’t miss the Pirate Playground at North Beach Park, which has nature, art, history, and exercise activities for children of all physical and mental abilities and was selected by Trip Advisor as the island’s best playground.

11. Access to Transportation

Amelia Island is popular for visitors seeking long-term rentals thanks to it’s easy access to transportation. Interstate 95 is nearby, making it convenient if you’re traveling from up or down the East Coast, while Jacksonville International Airport is only 16 miles from Amelia Island, making it convenient from anywhere!

12. The Island Lifestyle

While Amelia Island is home to an influx of out-of-town and out-of-state visitors during the height of tourist season, the smaller year-round population provides a small-town experience where you can get to know your neighbors. The pace is slower and traffic is light, so plan your extended stay during the off-season if you want to feel like you have the island all to yourself.

Reserve Your Amelia Island Long-term Rental Today.

We have monthly rentals available at Amelia Island Plantation, including homes and villas with ocean and resort views. Our agents will be happy to help you find the long-term rental that’s right for you!