MORE THAN JUST PRETTY BEACHES...
Refined coastal charm, rich history, and an epic dining scene put Jekyll & Amelia Islands in a class of their own.
Download your free local Dining Guide NOW
With over 150 restaurants to choose from, "Where should we eat?" can be a difficult question. We've made it a little more easier with our Amelia Island/Jekyll Island Foodies' Guide, a list of our personal favorites & local recommendations.
Culinary Excellence
Despite their relatively small size, both islands punch above their weight culinarily. Amelia Island has over 100 restaurants, many focusing on fresh, local seafood and farm-to-table concepts.
The magic is in what these islands represent - a chance to experience coastal beauty and Southern charm at a more thoughtful pace, where history and nature take center stage over commercial attractions.
A Tale of Two Islands
What makes a trip to Amelia and Jekyll Islands truly special is the unique combination of preserved natural beauty, fascinating history, and refined coastal charm that you won't find in more commercialized beach destinations.
The "Old Florida/Georgia" Experience
Both islands offer an authentic glimpse of what coastal life was like before mass development. Jekyll Island, as a Georgia state park, has maintained strict development controls that preserve its natural character. Amelia Island, while more developed, still retains much of its historic charm through Fernandina Beach's Victorian downtown.
Extraordinary History
These aren't just pretty beaches - they're living history lessons. Jekyll Island was the secret winter playground of America's wealthiest families (Rockefellers, Morgans, Vanderbilts) from the 1880s-1940s. You can literally walk through their preserved "cottages" (which were actually mansions) and the Jekyll Island Club. Amelia Island has the distinction of being under eight different flags throughout history, creating a unique cultural tapestry.
Pristine Natural Environment
The beaches are wide, uncrowded, and backed by maritime forests and salt marshes. Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island offers hiking trails through coastal hammocks, while Jekyll's beaches are famous for their intact dune systems and wildlife viewing opportunities.
These barrier islands are on the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds, and you might spot dolphins, sea turtles, wild horses (on nearby Cumberland Island), and countless bird species. The maritime forests are home to live oaks draped in Spanish moss - quintessentially Southern scenery.
BRAG'S Winter Ride Lux
Don't freeze this Winter! Join us on the sunny Southern Coast for an island-hopping cycling tour of Amelia Island, the Cumberland National Seashore, Jekyll Island, and everywhere in between. February and March dates now booking and filling up fast!