A trip to the beach is the perfect way to wrap up the summer, and what better destination than Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island? Only 45 minutes from Jacksonville and filled with delicious restaurants, cute shops and Instagram-worthy photo destinations, Amelia Island is the perfect place for your next day trip. 

Grab your pals, hop in the car and keep reading for your #FrayLife getaway guide to Amelia Island!

Along the Beach

The Sandbar & Kitchen

Dinner and drinks while relaxing on the sand? Sign us up! With a menu ranging from salads and fish to sandwiches and everything in between, there’s something for everyone (and it’s all tasty)! The Sandbar also serves various beers on tap, and of course, your favorite signature cocktails taste even better with an ocean view. 

#FrayLifeTip: Happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and there’s often live music that somehow makes the drinks taste even better. After all, it’s about the experience!

Salt Life Food Shack

Though the name might suggest otherwise, Salt Life is definitely a spot for a good meal. With a rooftop terrace that can’t be beaten and a ‘surfs up’-themed dining area, Salt Life is a great place to grab an evening meal. The menu has a tropical vibe, but the variety of options makes it a great place to go if you’re dining with a group that has ranging preferences. 

Driftwood Surfshop

A little shopping never killed nobody… At least, not that we know of. It’s not on everyone’s to-do list when they’re vacationing, but if you find yourself needing a break from the sun, why not update your beach wardrobe? Driftwood Surfshop carries the surfer brands you know and love, and there are plenty of places on the island for you to rock your new look!

#FrayLife Tip: If you’re feeling really adventurous, they also offer surf lessons. Sign yourself up!

Downtown

Cafe Karibo

Whether you’re craving a romantic meal outside or a relaxing dinner conversation indoors, Cafe Karibo has the scenery you’re looking for. The outdoor dining area glistening with beautiful hanging lights makes Cafe Karibo the perfect date night destination for you and your lover, and it’s the insta-worthy photo opp you’ve been searching for. The menu is filled with both lighter fare and traditional menu items, so if you’re someone who never knows what they’re in the mood for (let’s face it…we’ve all been there), then this is the spot for you!

#FrayLife Tip: Cafe Karibo is located just steps from Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop, the ultimate dessert destination, so make sure you save room! More on that below.

Amelia Tavern

We know you love to kick off vacation with a nice brew, and Amelia Tavern is just the place for that. This joint has various in-house brews on tap, so you have a chance to drink like a local. They also feature food to pair with their drinks and categorize their menu as “American brewpub styled southern twisted comfort food.” Count us in!  

Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere… and always at Pepper’s. Home to delicious Mexican food and tasty margaritas, Pepper’s is the perfect spot after a long day on the beach. You’ll probably–no, definitely– want to make sure you have a ride home since we know our #FrayFam can’t say no to a good margarita. Make sure to get a table on the outdoor patio for the perfect setting to enjoy a little escape!

Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop

Ah, the perfect ending to every meal… dessert! Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop has just about every sweet treat you could possibly imagine. From homemade extra chocolatey cookies to fresh-baked macaroons and milkshakes, there’s something for everyone that never disappointments. All the pastries are baked in house, and the staff is super friendly and inviting. Treat yo self!

#FrayLife Tip: Inside Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop is also the perfect spot for cute cafe photos! The milkshake and coffee bar has an aesthetic you’ll definitely want to add to your feed. 

No matter what you’re looking to get into, you’ll love a little taste of life on Amelia Island. Once you visit, you’ll realize you’ve been craving the sunshine state more than you thought.

If you’re craving an adventure but don’t feel up to a day trip, check out our suggestions for bike trails in JAX! Wherever your travels end up taking you, tag us at #FrayLife #JAXFray to keep us in the loop!