One of the country’s best islands might not be what you expect

Discover the island’s magic.

A charming seaside escape rests just off the eastern coast of Florida. Amelia Island, part of the Sea Islands, has been a beloved destination for hundreds of years. Throughout history, the region’s beauty has even driven several different countries to battle over it. Today, let’s discover what makes this spot so beloved.

Like most islands, Amelia Island offers beaches galore. While these sandy shores are noticeably pristine, they alone aren’t what makes the island so special. Instead, the beauty comes from the beaches, marshes, animals, plants, and landmarks working together to build a landscape like none other. Explore each of these elements in this list of seven things that keep people coming back to Amelia Island.