Valentine's Day Getaways on Amelia Island, Florida

Voted No. 5 in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards in the Top 10 North American Islands list, Florida's Amelia Island is a romantic destination for many couples. There are many things to explore on Amelia Island, including a rich history and sandy Florida beaches. With a number of hotels and bed and breakfasts, Amelia Island, a barrier Island on the northeastern tip of the Sunshine State, might be a good option if you're considering a Valentine's Day getaway.

Hotels

Amelia Island has many hotels that will be an appropriate setting for your romantic Valentine's Day trip. In addition to several national hotel brands, there are several local hotels that have unique offerings. Amelia Hotel at the Beach (ameliahotel.com), for example, is located across from the beach, and with balconies and hot tubs offered in some rooms, it could be a romantic option for your Valentine's Day. Or check out Seaside Amelia Inn (seasideameliainn.com), a new boutique hotel featuring a rooftop terrace and complimentary breakfasts.

Bed and Breakfasts

In addition to hotels, there are many bed and breakfasts that will offer a charming backdrop to your getaway. If you're looking for history, which Amelia Island is known for, check out Fairbanks House (fairbankshouse.com), which was built in 1885 and listed in the National Register of Historical Places. Featuring Victorian soaking tubs, three separate cottages and a butterfly garden, this Italian-style villa in Fernandina Beach is a must for architecture and nature enthusiasts. Several bed and breakfasts on Amelia Island offer Valentine's Day packages. For example, Hoyt House (hoythouse.com) features the Love Package, which includes strawberries and champagne, a river cruise, a certificate at a local restaurant, breakfast the next morning and choice of horse drawn carriage ride or horseback riding on the beach.

Restaurants

There are many fine-dining establishments on Amelia Island that will set the mood for Valentine's Day romance. Jade's Bistro (jadesbistro.com) features modern Thai and Chinese fusion and clean Asian design, with specialties ranging from Teriyaki chicken to curries. For sophisticated romantic fare, Beech Street Grill (beechstreetgrill.com), located in Fernandina Beach, has an award-winning wine list, weekend entertainment and fresh seafood with homemade chutneys and sauces. Or, for a taste of Provencal, France, infused with organic ingredients, visit Le Clos (leclos.com), which is located in a cozy cottage built in 1906.

What To Do

On Amelia Island, there are many romantic activities from which to choose. First, take a private carriage ride through the 50-block Fernandina Beach, which is the main town on Amelia Island, with Amelia Island Carriages (ameliahorsecarriages.com). On your ride, you will learn more about the history of this quaint Victorian town, including some of the local lore of ghosts and pirates. Or, take a sunset cruise with Amelia River Cruises & Charters (ameliarivercruises.com) through the waterways surrounding Amelia Island, including the Intracoastal Waterway, the St. Marys River and the St. Marys Inlet, to the Atlantic Ocean. On a standard or private charter, you'll be able to unwind and check out the local wildlife, such as manatees, dolphins, alligators and even wild horses.