The Gateway to Fine Golf in Northeast Florida
Amelia Island is a small (10 mile by 4 mile) barrier island just 40 minutes from downtown
Jacksonville.
It was settled in 1000 B.C. by the Timucuan Indians. From the late 1500s to
the present, the English, French, Spanish, Mexicans, a band of pirates led by a Scot, the
Confederate South, and finally the U.S. all played musical chairs with the island, coveted for
its strategic location and rich natural bounty, typical of this part of
Florida.
Today, anglers, birders, hikers, shoppers and, yes, golfers enjoy the island's attractions
that include historic
Fernandina Beach
with its quaint shops, wharves that serve fishing fleets, and
fine restaurants.
The island was named after Prince Amelia, daughter of the English monarch, George II, by
James Oglethorpe, who renamed it from Santa Maria, the name of the Spanish mission there.
Oglethorpe founded the colony of
Georgia.
The island has received numerous historic preservation and wildlife sanctuary awards and
much of the island has retained its pristine atmosphere which is rich in subtropical vegetation.
The island features salt marshes, fresh water ponds, white sandy beaches, and maritime
forests of scrub pines and live oaks.
The island's freshwater, surf and deep sea fisheries abound in such delicacies as sea bass,
blue crabs, flounder, and shrimp. From May - October, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles lay
their eggs on the sandy shores, and off-shore, where otters and manatees cavort, is the
principal calving ground of the right whale.
Meanwhile, red fox, white tail deer, armadillo, and bobcat prowl the woodlands and marshes
decorated with such flora as sea lavender, prickly pear, and sea oats.
Much of the island's acreage has been set aside for environmental preservation. There are
miles of hiking trails through the oak hammocks and around the marshes and lakes.
Birders enjoy Amelia for its abundant woodland bird species and many migratory birds
including the roseate spoonbill.
For history buffs, Fort Clinch State Park offers a glimpse of early America's martial heritage.
The fort played a small part in three wars including the Civil War and the Spanish-American war.
Owing to the island's tradition of environmental preservation, the island's housing density is
pleasantly low. There are no unsightly high rises, even along the beach. Accommodations
include private condo or villa rentals, rental homes, and two principal resorts:
Amelia Island Plantation and
Summer Beach Golf Resort.
Nearby golf courses include
Royal Amelia GolfLinks,
Golf Club of North Hampton,
and
King & Bear Course at World Golf Village.
Amelia Island Golf
