Trip at a Glance
7 Days / 6 Nights
Full week vacation
$1,500-$4,000
For 2 people (mid-range)
JAX Airport
30 minutes away
Car Recommended
For flexibility
Your Week at a Glance
✈️ Arrival Day: Get Settled & First Impressions
Arrive at JAX
30-min drive to Amelia Island. Pick up rental car and head to your accommodation.
Main Beach Intro
Dip your toes in! Quick beach session to shake off travel fatigue.
Beach Guide →Downtown Stroll & Dinner
Walk Centre Street. Dinner at Salty Pelican or Espana.
Restaurants →💡 Day 1 Tip
Keep it low-key. You have a whole week ahead—don't try to do too much on arrival day.
🏰 History Day: Fort Clinch & Downtown Deep Dive
Fort Clinch State Park
Explore the remarkably preserved Civil War fort. Rangers in period costumes bring history alive.
Fort Clinch Guide →Fort Clinch Beach & Trails
The park's pristine beach is less crowded. Hike the nature trails or try pier fishing.
Fernandina Historic District
Deeper downtown exploration. Browse galleries, antique shops. Dinner at Joe's 2nd Street Bistro.
💡 Day 2 Tip
Arrive at Fort Clinch early (opens 8am). Cooler temps and fewer crowds make morning ideal.
🏖️ Beach Day: Sun, Sand & Seafood
Beach-Hopping
Try different beaches! Peters Point for quiet, American Beach for history, or stay at Main Beach for convenience.
Beach Guide →Sliders Seaside Grill
Beachside lunch without leaving the sand. Great fish tacos and ocean views.
Sunset & Seafood
Watch sunset from the beach, then splurge at Salt (Ritz) or The Crab Trap for waterfront dining.
💡 Day 3 Tip
This is your lazy beach day—embrace it! No schedule, no rush. Read, swim, repeat.
🐴 Adventure Day: Horseback & Wildlife
Beach Horseback Riding
The island's signature experience! Only beach horseback riding in Florida's state parks. Book 2+ weeks ahead.
Horseback Riding →Dolphin & Eco Tour
2-hour boat tour spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees in the coastal marshes.
Tours →Casual Dinner
Keep it relaxed after an active day. T-Ray's burgers or Timoti's fish tacos hit the spot.
💡 Day 4 Tip
Horseback riding is the most popular activity—it books up fast. Reserve immediately after booking your trip.
💆 Spa & Relaxation Day: Recharge
Spa Treatment
Book a massage or facial at Ritz-Carlton Spa or Omni Spa. You've earned it!
Pool Day or Golf
Lounge by the pool if you're at a resort. Golfers: hit Omni's Oak Marsh course.
Nice Dinner Out
Dress up a bit for Verandah at the Omni or David's for upscale dining.
💡 Day 5 Tip
Mid-trip rest day is strategic! You'll have energy for the final days instead of burning out.
🚴 Explore Day: Bikes, Kayaks & Discovery
Bike the Island
Rent bikes and ride the Amelia Island Trail. Connects beaches, parks, and downtown.
Kayak or Paddleboard
Explore tidal creeks and coastal marshes. Guided eco-kayak tours available.
Final Downtown Night
Last chance for Centre Street! Catch live music, grab cocktails at Marlin & Barrel.
💡 Day 6 Tip
Don't leave shopping for the last day! Hit the boutiques today so Day 7 stays relaxed.
🌅 Departure Day: Sunrise & Farewell
Sunrise Beach Walk
Set an alarm for one last magical moment. Sunrise on an empty beach is unforgettable.
Breakfast & Pack
Final breakfast at Café Karibo or T-Ray's. Check out and load the car.
Head to JAX
30-minute drive gives plenty of buffer. Grab Timoti's fish tacos to-go if you have time!
💡 Day 7 Tip
Book a later flight if possible. Leaving by noon means you can squeeze in one more beach session!
Budget Breakdown
Estimated costs for a 7-day trip for two people.
💰 Week Vacation Costs (2 People)
🏨 Accommodations
6 nights: $100-350/night
🍽️ Dining
Mix of casual & upscale
🎯 Activities
Horseback, tours, spa, etc.
🚗 Transportation
Car rental + gas
🛍️ Shopping & Misc
Souvenirs, beach gear
Total Trip Estimate
Budget to luxury range for 2 people
Tips for a Week-Long Stay
Consider a Vacation Rental
For a full week, a rental with a kitchen saves money on meals and gives more space than a hotel room.
Stock Up on Arrival
Hit Publix or Winn-Dixie for breakfast items, snacks, and beach drinks. Saves time and money.
Schedule Rest Days
Don't pack every day with activities. Build in lazy beach days or you'll need a vacation from your vacation.
Have Rainy Day Backups
Florida gets afternoon storms. Plan indoor activities: Maritime Museum, movies, bowling, spa.
Book Ahead
Reserve horseback riding, fishing charters, and nice dinner reservations before you arrive.
Catch Both Sunrise & Sunset
You have 7 days—make time for both. The east-facing beach means epic sunrises!
Week Vacation FAQs
Is a week too long for Amelia Island?
Not at all! A week is actually ideal if you want to truly relax. You'll have time to explore without rushing, enjoy multiple beach days, try various restaurants, and return home actually rested. Many visitors say they'd extend to 10 days if they could.
Hotel or vacation rental for a week?
For a week, vacation rentals often make more sense. You get a kitchen (breakfast savings add up!), more space, washer/dryer, and often better rates per night. That said, resorts like Omni and Ritz offer kids' programs and on-site amenities that some families prefer.
Can I survive without a car?
For a week, you really want a car. The island is 13 miles long, and you'll want to beach-hop, visit Fort Clinch, explore different restaurants, and maybe take a day trip. Rideshare exists but gets expensive over 7 days.
What if I run out of things to do?
You won't! Between beaches, Fort Clinch, horseback riding, kayaking, biking, downtown shopping, fishing, dolphin tours, golf, spa time, and simply relaxing—a week fills up fast. Plus, doing "nothing" on the beach is kind of the point.
Are day trips from Amelia Island worth it?
With only a week, we'd suggest staying on the island. You have plenty to do locally. But if you've been before, Jacksonville (30 min) and St. Augustine (90 min) make easy day trips.
Ready to Plan Your Week?
Find the perfect accommodation, browse activities, and start planning your Amelia Island getaway.