Omni Amelia Island Resort and Spa

Strictly speaking, Amelia Island is its own destination, but it sits just north of Jacksonville and many travelers flying into the city's airport head straight there. The Omni Amelia Island Resort and Spa is the largest resort on the island, a sprawling oceanfront property with hundreds of rooms and villas, golf courses, tennis, a major spa, several pools and a beach that stretches for miles. It is a full-scale resort destination where you can spend an entire week without leaving the property, which suits families, couples and golfers. We include it because Jacksonville visitors often combine a city stay with a few days of resort time, and because lodging in the city itself is largely downtown or at the beaches. The drive from downtown is roughly forty minutes, and from the airport a little less, so it makes a good first or last night.

The resort's appeal lies in its range. Beachfront rooms and suites offer ocean views and direct sand access, while villa and condo-style accommodations suit families and groups. Golf courses, tennis facilities and the spa provide plenty to do, and dining ranges from casual poolside bites to refined restaurants. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding and nature programs, drawing on the island's marshes, dunes and maritime forests. Children's programming runs in busy seasons, and the property has a calm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Because the island has its own identity, we cover it in detail in the Amelia Island section of the site, including the historic town of Fernandina Beach, the beaches and the state parks. For Jacksonville visitors, the key point is access. The airport is close, the drive to the city is straightforward, and the island provides a quieter, more resort-style alternative to the city hotels. Consider combining three nights in Jacksonville with three on the island for a varied trip.

Expect resort-style rates, especially in peak spring and summer weeks, and check resort fees and parking costs when you book. Winter brings lower prices and a quieter beach. Guests who prefer a smaller, more intimate stay can look at boutique inns in Fernandina Beach, while those who want to be close to Jacksonville's urban attractions should stay in the city. Either way, a trip that links the city, the beaches and the island gives a complete picture of Northeast Florida.

If you fly into Jacksonville, pre-arrange a rental car or a transfer, since public transit does not reach the island. Visitors planning a combined trip can leave heavy luggage at the resort and take day trips to St. Augustine or downtown Jacksonville, or reverse the order and begin with the city. Booking midweek in the shoulder seasons often brings the best rates and the most relaxed beaches.