Quick Comparison
| Category | Amelia Island, FL | Hilton Head, SC | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Length | 13 miles of beaches | 12 miles of beaches | Amelia |
| Size | 13 square miles | 69 square miles | HHI |
| Golf Courses | 5 championship courses | 24+ world-class courses | HHI |
| Dining | 100+ restaurants | 250+ restaurants | HHI |
| Crowd Level | Quiet, uncrowded beaches | Busier, more commercial | Amelia |
| Shopping | Charming downtown boutiques | Massive outlet malls, Harbour Town | HHI |
| Authentic Vibe | Historic Victorian downtown | Planned resort communities | Amelia |
| Biking | Trails and beach paths | 60+ miles of paved paths | HHI |
🏖️ The Beach Experience
Amelia Island Beaches
- 13 miles of wide, pristine beaches
- Rare sparkling quartz sand from the Appalachians
- Beach horseback riding at state park
- No beach driving—peaceful atmosphere
- Never overcrowded, even in summer
- Sea turtle nesting season (May-October)
- Free public beach access everywhere
Hilton Head Beaches
- 12 miles of hard-packed beaches
- Great for biking and walking on sand
- Can get crowded during peak season
- Multiple beach parks with amenities
- Coligny Beach Plaza—shops and restaurants
- Beach chair and umbrella rentals abundant
- Some private resort beach access
Bottom line: Amelia Island wins for uncrowded, natural beach experiences and the unique horseback riding opportunity. Hilton Head's beaches are more developed with more amenities but can feel commercial.
⛳ Golf
Amelia Island Golf
- 5 championship courses
- Omni Amelia Island — 36 holes of coastal golf
- Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
- Golf Digest rated courses
- Never crowded tee times
- Green fees: $100-250+
- Intimate, unhurried rounds
Hilton Head Golf
- 24+ world-renowned courses
- Harbour Town Golf Links (PGA Tour stop)
- Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye designs
- Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard
- Golf packages everywhere
- Green fees: $80-400+
- Golf mecca of the Southeast
Bottom line: Hilton Head is the clear winner for serious golfers with nearly 5x more courses and legendary layouts like Harbour Town. Amelia Island offers quality over quantity with less crowded play.
🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Amelia Island
- 100+ restaurants, many locally-owned
- Fresh seafood and Southern cuisine
- Historic Centre Street with unique boutiques
- Palace Saloon—Florida's oldest bar
- Intimate, walkable downtown
- Local art galleries and antique shops
- No chain restaurant dominance
Hilton Head
- 250+ restaurants for all tastes
- Harbour Town fine dining
- Tanger Outlets—massive outlet shopping
- Coligny Plaza shops
- More chain and franchise options
- Sea Pines Center shopping
- More variety, more commercial
Bottom line: Hilton Head wins for shopping variety and sheer number of dining options. Amelia Island wins for authenticity, local character, and a more intimate dining scene.
✨ Atmosphere & Character
Amelia Island Vibe
- "Isle of Eight Flags"—rich authentic history
- 50-block Victorian historic district
- Small-town Florida charm
- Working shrimp boats in the harbor
- Fort Clinch State Park adventures
- Feels like a hidden gem
- Fewer tourists, more locals
Hilton Head Vibe
- Master-planned resort communities
- Gated plantations (Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes)
- Iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse
- More commercialized, polished feel
- Strong HOA-controlled aesthetics
- 2.5 million visitors annually
- Resort-style island experience
Bottom line: Amelia Island feels like discovering a secret—authentic, historic, and unhurried. Hilton Head is a well-oiled vacation machine with more amenities but less character.
🏆 The Verdict
Choose Amelia Island If You Want:
- Uncrowded, pristine beaches
- Authentic Southern coastal charm
- Walkable Victorian downtown
- Horseback riding on the beach
- A quieter, more intimate vacation
- To feel like you discovered something special
- Better value luxury resorts (Ritz, Omni)
Choose Hilton Head If You Want:
- World-class golf with 24+ courses
- Outlet mall shopping sprees
- Maximum dining variety (250+ options)
- 60+ miles of bike paths
- The iconic Harbour Town experience
- A proven, polished resort destination
- More nightlife and entertainment
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are Amelia Island and Hilton Head?
About 150 miles apart—roughly a 2.5-hour drive via I-95. Some visitors do both in one trip, spending a few days at each destination.
Which island is more affordable?
Generally similar pricing, though Amelia Island can offer better value at the luxury level. Hilton Head has more budget options but also more tourist markup. Both have vacation rentals that can save money for families.
Which has better golf?
Hilton Head, hands down—with 24+ courses including the famous Harbour Town Golf Links (home to the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage). Amelia Island has quality courses but can't match the variety.
Which is better for families?
Both are excellent for families. Hilton Head has more organized activities, bike paths, and family-oriented resorts. Amelia Island offers a more laid-back, nature-focused experience with Fort Clinch and beach horseback riding that kids love.
Do I need a car at either destination?
Yes, you'll want a car at both islands. Hilton Head has better bike infrastructure but is large (69 sq mi). Amelia Island is smaller but still requires a car to explore beyond downtown Fernandina Beach.
Which has better beaches?
Amelia Island edges out for beach quality—wider beaches, unique sparkling quartz sand, and far fewer crowds. Hilton Head beaches are nice but can get packed, especially near Coligny Beach in summer.
Ready to Experience Amelia Island?
Escape the crowds and discover why Amelia Island's pristine beaches, authentic charm, and world-class resorts make it the Southeast's best-kept secret.